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.

PR.EF, CE.
pacity of the MIerrimack is only fully known to the most experienced
practical engineers, and though its source is theoretically known to
many, very few, through the great wild valley of the upper waters,
have penetrated to it and inspected it personally. Indeed, the number is so limited as to be, probably, more than told on the digits.
The great aorta and its branches have been traversed, and all its seetions of especial interest received personal inspection; still it is to
l)e regretted that many letters have failed to produce a response,
which militates, to some extent, against individuals and interests as
well as the completeness of the work.
Historical and geographical sketches have been made (the latter
principally from personal observation) of towns on the river and its
tributaries, not, however, as complete as could be cldesiredl. Biographly has been only incidentally andcl briefly essayed; in all cases without prejudice, in the light of facts and the spilrit of truth.
The design and object of this work have been to give a more )particular account and description of the Merrimack River and its branches,
together with the territory drained, of its capacity for manufacturing
and mechanical uses, the history, geography and topography, with
something of its matchless and unequalled natural scenery. It is
true the sketch of the route from Lake Winnipesauklee to Mount
Washington is not strictly a legitimate portion of the section under
consideration, but it is uniformly traversed by all tourists through
the valley of the Merrimaek, - therefore ignoring( it, would be like
omittingi the principal character of a play.
The different kinds of game vwhlich abound in the great forests
bordering the upper waters of the Merrimack and its northern affluents, the varieties of fish worthy the angler's consideration, the
various as well as best methods of taking them, have received considerable attention. This feature, it is thought, may be of marked and
especial interest to a multitude of gentlemen, experts, amateurs, and
tyros, who yearly resort to this region to enjoy the scenery and
indulge in field sports.
To those at home or abroad whlo retain a natural and creditable
State pride; to those who have a present and prospective pecuniary
interest; to that numerous and valuable class who have contributed
most to the immense business upon the Merrimack, mechanics, artisans, and operatives; to'all who would know the beauties and the
resources of the territory of this marvellous and most resplendent
stream, this volume is offered, with the earnest desire that it may be
of some value andcl aid to them in the effort to obtain such information.
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