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 AND ITS TRIBUTARIES.
with a resort to temporary shifts and expedients, the other builds on
a solid foundation, which is not only a warrant for current profit, but
a bond for future premiums and dividends on such judicious investments. The great hydraulic power of this fall was well known, but
the expenditures necessary to its productiveness, for mills, machinery,
appliances, and stock, before the dollar could return to their pockets
was too appalling for some gentlemen, who decided to cling to their
bonds and greenbacks, and it was not until Gen. Butler, on a brief
visit from the "tented field," learned it was in the market, when he
purchased it, and initiated measures which must not only advance
the growth and character of the city, but "put money in his purse"
for many years to come. Hie being the principal owner exercises a
controlling influence over the operations of the company, and, having
selected a gentleman of peculiar fitness for acting manager, in the
person of MIr. Field, this company is now on the road to prosperity,
and bids fair to become one of the most prosperous and noted companies along the Merrimack. In the brief history of this company"
here given, Gen. Butler is seen as a practical manufacturer, and,
however opinions may differ on other points, there will be a unanimity
in the recognition of the great credit which attaches to him for his
energy, comprehensive views, for his wise and liberal use of an ample
fortune, for his active public spirit, exhibited in building up the industrial interests of his adopted city, and his generous liberality in
the promotion of her general welfare.
The' United States Bunting Company, one of the enterprises
originated since the Butler purchase, is deserving of special notice.
Previous to the establishment of its works the manufacture of Amercan flags from an American fabric did not exist in the United States,
all bunting having been previously imported. No American ship or
American soldier had ever fought a battle under a flag of American
manufacture. Many attempts had been made to produce it, but
without success. At the solicitation of several of the government
departments, and encouraged by the act of Congress of 1865, empowering heads of the several bureaus to purchase bunting of American manufacture at the same price as the imported article, several
gentlemen in Lowell associated for its manufrtcture. After many
experiments they succeeded in making an article of American bunting,, wljict, after being put to the severest test, was certified by the
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