Mars Hill is seen, bearing north 24° west, and a range of high lands stretching to the south-west, with other higher but more distant objects in the rear. From hence the land rises considerably, but on approaching Mars Hill it descends into a valley, until it again ascends at the river Goosequick immediately north of Mars Hill-then a most conspicuous ascent presents itself between the river and that of river des Chutes, which seems to connect with Mars Hill highlands. At this point highlands are seen at the distance of eight or nine miles in the direction of north-north-west and south-south-east; from hence the land ascends by gradual slopes towards the river Aristook, and where the line traverses the river there are two beautiful small islands, called Commissioners Islands; between this river and the St. John's, in the direction of the line, the land is extremely high, and more conspicuously so between the sixty-ninth and seventy-fourth miles, and like the other ridges of high land directs its course towards the south-south-west. The generality of land throughout this large extent of country is of a good quality, fit for cultivation, and the timber is by no means inferior. From the river St. John northward for a distance of about fourteen miles, the ascents and descents are not materially conspicuous, nor is the land of so good a quality as that south of the St. John, presenting however large tracts of pine ridges, also large swamps; the land again rises beyond the ninety-first mile on proceeding north, and is high in the vicinity of the Ristigouche or Wagansis, between which river and the head of the Grande River lies the Ristigouche portage, about seven miles in length, passing over fine elevated land, and strikes the head waters of the Grande River, which falls into the St. John below the Madawaska settlement. This extensive line forms the base of a double row of American townships, laid out by the government of the province of Maine, seemingly granted for the support of agricultural societies, academies, colleges, &c.; these townships are named Westford, Groton, Houlton, Plantation, Williams, Framingham, Belfast, Limerick, besides one for the agricultural society. These eight townships are well situated, cover a fine tract of country, most abundantly watered by numerous branches of the river Maduxnekeag and several small lakes: farther north along the exploring line are situated the townships of Portland, Bridgewater, Mars Hill, Durfield, and Westfield, composed of good land, and although uneven and mountainous, is fit for cultivation, and well watered by several branches of the river Presq' Isle. There are at present some settlements in several of these townships, besides the chief one already mentioned, Houlton-town Plantation, and a road of communication is now opened from the Penobscot near Sunkaze stream, traversing diagonally a range of townships to the head of the St. Croix, and thence to Houlton-town, and is either continued or will be carried on to Mars Hill, opened as a military road; and as Mars Hill is a commanding position, it is probable the American government will avail itself of its advantages and position, and will occupy it accordingly. Table of Barometrical and Thermometrical Observations, taken by the Author whilst running the Exploring Line northward from the Source of the St. Croix in 1817. |