"The PIONEERS, or The Sources of the Susquehanna," by Mr. Cooper, the American novelist, has made its appearance; and from the eagerness of the reading public to possess the work, a large edition was mostly disposed of in a few days. The work is very interesting, and will contribute much to raise the literary reputation of our country.— We have had enough of "fustian romances from beyond the sea. Let our scholars and poets follow the example of the author of the "Spy," and glean their native fields. Every quarter of the country is rich in materials, and af fords a great variety of natural and moral landscape. harvest is plenteous-the laborers are indeed few.

The

The N. Y. Commercial Advertiser states, that the author of the Spy has another work nearly ready for the press, to be called "The Pilot-a tale of the Sea."-It is said to be in such a state of forwardness, that it will be published in March or April. .

WELLS & LILLY, Boston, have just published the "Life of James Otis, by William Tudor,"-and have in press "Isabella," a novel, and "Don Carlos," a tragedy, by Lord John Russel.

CUSHING & APPLETON, Salem, have just published the "Ruins of Pæstum, and other compositions in verse."

In late London papers are advertised "The Loves of the Angels," by T. Moore; "Travels to Chili, over the Andes," by Peter Schmidtmeyer; "The Three Perils of Man, or War, Women, and Witchcraft, a border romance," by James Hogg; and the Poetical Works of Robert Southey, in fourteen volumes, octavo!

Rev. Mr. BENEDICT, of Pawtucket, who is preparing a history of all religions, requests special information respecting Conventions, Associations, Ministers, Communicants, &c. of the Congregational order, that it may have its due importance in the proposed publication.

Rev. Dr. BURTON, Thetford, Vt. proposes to publish a volume of Essays on some of the first principles of Metaphysics, Ethics and Theology. They will be published at Portland, Me.

COLLECTIONS,
Historical and Miscellaneous.

APRIL, 1823.

Topography.

FOR THE LITERARY JOURNAL.

SKETCHES OF THE WHITE MOUNTAINS. THE White Mountains are situated in the northerly part of the state of New-Hampshire, and nearly in the centre of the county of Coos. The latitude of the highest peak is 44 deg. 30 m. north, or very near it. Every geographical writer in this country, and some beyond the Atlantic, have noticed these mountains; and all agree in assigning to them a greater altitude than to any in New-England, if not in the United States. Notwithstanding this acknowledged fact, no two authors agree in assigning to the White Mountains the same height. Had the variation between them been trifling, the public might have rested satisfied, or at least, have taken the accounts given by them as correct. But when they differ in the single circumstance of their altitude, more than three thousand feet, the public curiosity, instead of being gratified, is perplexed, and seeks for something approaching to certainty.

As to the causes of this difference, it is unnecessary to inquire. But it is believed to be out of the power of any person, to take the height of mountains correctly, especially such as the White Hills, without using a spirit or water level. This mode is so long, and generally so laborious, that but few persons have had the courage to undertake it. These difficulties notwithstanding, the heights of the White Mountains were so taken in August 1820, by John W. Weeks, Charles J. Stuart, Richard Eastman and Adino N. Brackett. To accomplish this undertaking, they spent seven days; and during five of them were attended by Amos Lyro, Joseph W. Brackett and Edward B. Moore. The whole party were from Lancaster.

The altitude of these mountains above low water mark in Connecticut river near the court house in Lancaster, with the names of the principal peaks will first be given, and then some sketches of the mountains themselves as they were presented to the eye, while taking their elevation.

Mount Washington rises above the river at the place before mentioned,

ft. 5850

5450

Above Austin's in Jefferson, Above Crawford's, the house nearest to the summit, 4781 This mountain is easily distinguished from the others, by its superior elevation, its being the southern of the three highest peaks, and other marks too apparent to need recital. Mount Adams rises above the river at the same place to the height of

5383

It is known by its sharp terminating peak, and being the second north of Mount Washington.

Mount Jefferson, situated between the two first, risés 5281 Mount Madison, known by its being the eastern peak of the range, rises to the height of

5039

Mount Monroe, the first to the south of Mount Washington, rises

4932

Mount Franklin, known by its level surface, and being
the second south of Mount Washington,
Mount Pleasant, or Dome Mountain, known by its con-
ical shape, and being the third south of Mount
Washington,

4470

4339

Blue pond, hereafter to be mentioned, situated at the southern base of Mount Washington, lies above the river

4578

The party before mentioned continued on and about the mountains five days; and encamped on them four nights; two of which were passed by them, without any other cov ering than the blankets which were borne along by their attendants; and the jutting rocks with which the mountains abound. The rocks and damp moss also furnished their resting place, and the heavens their canopy. They passed the night following the 31st day of August 1820, within ten feet of the summit of Mt. Washington, an elevation above the plain of Lancaster of nearly six thousand feet. It is believed that no human being ever before passed a night there. Nor should we, had two of our party, who left the others to explore the northern peaks of the range, returned in season to enable us, before the commencement of darkness, to

descend the mountain. This, under the existing circumstances, could not be attempted without extreme hazard. The wind blew hard from the southward, and clouds, res sembling the densest fogs of the plain, continually rolled over and surrounded us; which together with the rapid approach of night, rendered distinct vision even at a short distance impossible. During this cold, damp and dreary night, the wind shifted to the north-west, attended with rain, which forced a majority of the party from their resting places, to seek out new shelters from the inclemency of the weather, on the southern side of the precipice. Two of the party however remained stationary during the night, being protected, by a small cavern, formed by two jutting rocks, not from the wind only, but from the rain. This cavern is situated a little below, and northward of the highest eastern rock on the mountain; but it is too small to merit a more particular description. It may, however, hercafter afford shelter to persons, who here may be overtaken with storms; which are no less frequent than violent in these elevated regions. No fire can be had here for want of fuel, none existing short of 1200, or 1500 feet below.

The White Mountains are an unbroken chain, extending in a northern direction, from the Notch, a distance of more than eight miles, and presenting to the eye from the summit of Mt. Washington five principal peaks; and when viewed from many other places, four. They are surrounded on all sides by an immense forest, of course they cannot be accurately seen,except at a considerable distance from their base. To this remark an exception may be made, as from Durand, which lies directly under the northern termination of the mountains, a distinct view of Mt. Adams, in clear weather, may be had. But a view of the mountains themselves, and the country around, is by far the most interesting and sublime when the individual is seated on their highest pinnacle.

To attain this height,at the time we visited the mountains, the most eligible route was to turn to the eastward, from the tenth New-Hampshire turnpike, at a point four and a half miles to the south-eastward of Mr. Ethan A. Crawford's, and within about 50 rods from the northern entrance to the notch of the White Mountains. This point is eight and a half miles north-westward of Mr. Abel Crawford's, and two and a half from the Notch house, which last is the nearest building to the place of departure. Since that time, Mr. Ethan A. Crawford has cut out a path from near his house directly to the summit of Mt. Washington, which shortens

the distance several miles. This is also said to be the easier route. The last mentioned Mr. Crawford now resides where Capt. Rosebrook formerly lived, and where he died, who will long be remembered as the hardy and enterprizing adventurer, sufficiently daring to establish himself on a frozen and unproductive soil, and in a rigorous climate, for the accommodation of the public. This place is 18 miles from Lancaster meeting house, and elevated 1000 feet above it. Immediately on leaving the turnpike, you commence the ascent of the mountain, following a foot path cut out by the Messrs. Crawfords. At the beginning of the ascent, the forest is thick and heavy, composed of birch, beech, spruce, fir and mountain ash, intermixed with other timber. After travelling a mile and a half, and ascending 1600 feet, you reach a camp which will shelter six or seven persons. Here the trees, which are principally spruce and fir, are of diminutive height, though at the root, the spruce grows to the size of a foot and a half in diameter. A good spring of water runs within six rods to the northward of the camp, which, to the traveller, weary and worn by the fatigue of the ascent, is very refreshing. The night is usually passed here; and at every season, a considerable fire is not only comfortable, but absolutely necessary to guard against the cold and moisture, both of the earth and atmosphere.

At early dawn the ascent is recommenced, and after travelling about three fourths of a mile, less steep,to be sure, than below the camp,the trees at every step diminishing in size and height; the path turns to the north of its former course and directly before you, a steep bald ridge is discovered, of about 20 feet elevation. This being ascended, you find yourself on nearly the summit of a mountain having no other vegetable covering than moss, a few cranberries and whortleberries, with here and there a spruce, fir, or white birch, which instead of rising above, spread their branches out along the moss and literally cling down to the surface, like purslain in a garden. Here a single step will carry you over an entire living tree, which has perhaps been growing, without increasing much in size, for ages.

The path from the camp upwards, passes along the edge of the mountain where it breaks off to the southward. Several interesting views are presented, by turning the eye in that direction, through the openings in the forest. The traveller should not be in too great haste; but should make frequent halts as well to recruit his exhausted spirits, as to enjoy the fine prospects, which every where surround him