The Merrimack River: its source and its tributaries. Embracing a history of manufactures, and of the towns along its course; their geography, topography, and products, with a description of the magnificent natural scenery about its upper waters./ By J. W. Meader.

ITS SOURCE AV'D ITS TRIBUTARIES.
crease in the production of textiles at Amoskeag Falls. Their suc cess suggested and encouraged an extension of the business, and
through the sagacity and enterprise of Dr. Dean the firm promptly
but quietly took measures for securing control of the water privilege
and adjacent lands. This was accomplished, the plan of a large
manufacturing city was matured, capitalists were induced to sub scribe liberally, and in 1831 the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company
was incorporated. The property of the firm was owned by the part ners in eighths, and was transferred, or merged in the new company
at a stipulated valuation, being exchanged for the new stock. The
Amoskeag, Company also secured the privilege and the property at
Hooksett, which had a capital of two hundred thousand dollars; the
fall at that place is sixteen feet in perpendicular height, and is rated
at a capacity of one hundred thousand spindles. This concern was
operated by them until 1865, when the franchise and all the property was sold and transferred by consent of the Legislature to a separate company, and legislative permission was obtained by them to
increase the capital stock to one million dollars.
Too much credit cannot be awarded the founders of the Amoskeag
Company and of Manchester. Launching, as they did, on this voyage
over an almost unexplored and trackless region of enterprise, filled
with unseen and treacherous rocks and reefs and counter-currents,
and swept by adverse winds, the result has exhibited their
courage and sagacity, demonstrated their wisdom and ability, and
rew,,ded their faith and perseverance. Embarking their fortunes,
their best efforts, and their hopes in the scheme, they permitted no
obstacle to impede their progress, indulged neither fear nor doubt,
relaxed no effort, and were crowned with abundant success. Few
corporations, if' any, stand higlher, either in the celebrity of its products or financial soundness, than the Amoskeag Company, which is
of itself a proud monument to the wisdom of its founders, and the
integrity, liberality, and ability of those who have had the manag,ement of its affairs. It was the good fortune of Manchester to be the
natural centre of a populous district, whose agricultural, and other
interests it has enhanced, and In turn derived great benefit therefrom. By this reciprocity, which has added largely to her individual interests and enterprise, Manchester has a valuable auxiliary
to prosperity and growth independent of manufacturing, which has
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