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 SO UP CE AND ITS TRIBUTARIES.
obtained seemed to possess a peculiar flavor, or possibly the sport was
so attractive to many that legal restraint was impossible. On one
occasion, as the disciples of Walton were plying an unlawful business
on Long, Island (opposite the Lawrence corporation), an obnoxious
and officious official from Haverhill (named Vincent), with his posse,
pounced upon them, and the scene that ensued may be imagined.
Donneybrook was outdone, the official and his party were repeatedly
fished out of the river, after unceremonious baptisms by the faithful,
and soon as possible beat a precipitate retreat without making any
arrests, but with a wholesome lesson in prudence to guide them in
the future enforcement of obnoxious laws. It may be thought that
these exciting and turbulent scenes were not exactly calculated to
cultivate the pi'llars of a future community; but it must be remembered that the actors were more than half a century behind this enlightened era; that fishing, as practised then, is now unknown; and
above all, that every man knew his rilghts, " and knowing dared maintain " them against all comers, standing more on this point than any
particular method or delicacy in the manner of their security.
Many of the oldest of the native population of Lowell, not only retain a vivid recollection of these scenes, but were prominent actors
in them, and those who would bewail what they choose to term the
demoralizing tendency of these disorderly gatherings may see, in the
character of the old citizens of Lowell, men of mark and stern
virtue, strict integrity, great business capacity, position and influence, a very clear and conclusive refutation of their erroneous conclusions. The family of Tylers, as a sample of the men of Pawtucket anterior to the origin of Lowell, exhibit the quality of
humanity indigenous to the soil. For three generations the Tylers
of Lowell have been intimately connected with the Merrimack and
its canals; in their younger days, in the lively times of Earl Chelmsford, as fishermnen, lumbermen, and boatmen; and in maturer years
in many hi,ghl positions of responsibility and trust; and for moral
worth, they have had no superiors, and no native or adopted citizens
of Lowell have made a fairer record than they, in all the attributes
of an honorable and manly'character.
The first canal constructed around Pawtucket Falls was to facilitate the navigation of' the Merrimack. This was in the year 1792.
In 1793 the Middlesex Canal, connecting this river with Boston,
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