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 TRIBUTABIES.
place of safety, not hugging it after the manner of embracing a
friendly lamp-post, but standing erect, and, if the lbgs are rolled by
the undertow, they retain their position upon the highest exposed
Convexity by moving their feet, and thus, while they easily maintain
a, position on the exposed surface, offer no objection to its revolution.
The view of the men in active duty upon any of the great falls on
the river is picturesque and interesting. Moving actively about in a
uniform of gray and red, jumping from log to log, or boldly floating
through the turbulent waters on this narrow craft, the river everywhere filled with moving timber, running the falls is a picture worth
looking upon.
In 1845, Mr. Norcross built a large lumber-mill at Lowell, where,
with "' gangs " of saws, upright and circular, hlie wrought out much
of the lumber for the mills and the dwellings of the city. This mill
was twice destroyed by fire, but was soon rebuilt. He also built a
large mill at Lawrence, which was managed by his brother, J. W.
Norcross. Mr. Norcross died in 1860, since which time the business has been conducted by I. W. Norcross, Charles W. Saunders,
and N. W. Norcross. WhVile engaged in the lumber business a financial crisis, such as business men often experience, overtook Mr. Norcross, and, with a view to the continued prosecution of the trade, a
company was formed, consisting of N. G. and I. W. Norcross, John
Nesmith, Abner Buttrick, H. Pillsbury, William Fiske, and others,
called the MIerrimack River Lumber Company; but the management
of the'lumber trade seems to have again reverted to the original
hands, and is now conducted by Norcross & Saunders.
Mr. Norcross was a remarkably energetic business man. Quick
to see, and prompt to decide and act, his years were crowded with
stirring events. In the prosecution of great enterprises like this on
the Merrimack, he had the sagacity to comprehend the situation,
and by a liberal investment of labor and capital laid a substantial
foundation for ultimate success, which is its surest guaranty.
With frequent high water, a strong and rapid current, the strong
force of pressure and displacement occasioned by the plying of river
craft, the conveyance of the inmmense lumber drives, and many
other causes, it would seem very clear that the Pentucket Company,
with the proper legislative encouragenment, would be an untold advantage to the business of the Merrimackl River.
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