Till 1762, Saco and Biddeford, which are separated by the river Saco, were one town. The town, now called Saco, by an act of the Legislature, 1803, was then incorporated by the name of Pepperellborough, in honour of Sir William Pepperell, one of the principal proprietors of the town.

Saco river, as it runs, is in length about one hundred and sixty miles, and in width (ten miles from the sea) about one hundred yards. Its general course is S. S. E. The western branch, which is called the main branch, has its source just beyond the notch of the White Moun tains. What is worthy of notice, the source of the Connecticut river is so near, that a spectator may see one running one way and the other another, at the same time. The sources are less than two rods from each other.

The eastern branch, called Ellis' river, which is eigh teen miles long, has its source in the easterly part of the White Mountains, not far from the source of the Androscoggin. Only a beaver dam separates them. There is another branch, called the middle branch, which joins the main stream at Bartlett.

Saco river runs thirty-three miles in the town of Frye. burgh, without making but four miles progress, forming the rich intervals of that town. There are several falls in the river, the principal of which are at Hiram seventy two feet, called Great Falls, at Lymington twenty feet, called Steep Falls, at Buxton thirty feet, called Salmon Falls, and at Saco forty-two feet, called Saco Falls. A great number of small streams fall into this river; which make it one of the most important rivers in Maine. Immense quantities of logs, which are sawed into boards and timber, come down the river at the time of the freshets.

All kinds of wood and timber are found in Saco, and upon the banks of the river in different towns. In addition to the evergreens, which are found in every part of Maine, the maple, beech and birch prevail considerably. Oak, elm, walnut and cherry-tree are also found on particular spots.

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VOL. IV.

Fruit trees of almost every kind flourish very well in this town. The peach tree is seldom cultivated with much success. The climate is too cold for this tender tree. Melons flourish very well and are very fine. Indeed, with proper attention, almost every thing will grow here, that is found in the neighbourhood of Boston. Vegetables, on account of the shortness of the season and their rapid growth, are better than in places farther south.

The quantity of cider, made in this town annually, is from 300 to 400 barrels.

There is no town in Maine where the roads are better, if so good, as here.

At the falls, called Saco Falls, are saw-mills, which contain eighteen saws, which cut about 36000 feet of boards every twenty-four hours. There are also three grist mills, one fulling mill and one iron factory. The iron factory is on a large scale, and has the best accommodations of any one in the country. The machinery is in a very perfect state. One machine will, with the help of a boy of twelve or fifteen years of age, make 150 shingle nails in one minute; and another of stronger powers, 100 of the largest kind of nails in a minute. There are now five machines. There is also a rolling mill under the same roof. It is no exaggeration to say, there is probably not a better place in the world for all kinds of mills and factories. Vessels of 100 tons can come up within a few rods of all these mill seats, where there is through the year water enough for 2000 mills and factories. This town will, at some future day, be celebrated for its manufactories.

The markets in Saco are very good for so small a place. Wood seldom exceeds two dollars per cord, brought to the door, and of the best quality.

The price of land is, according to its situation and quality, from five hundred dollars to two dollars per acre. About one third of the land is very good, about one third extremely light, and the remaining third indifferent.

Every kind of fish which is brought into Boston market is caught near our shores, or in the river. Salmon

is scarce, owing, it is said, to the saw mills on the river. The same kind of quadrupeds and birds are found here and in this vicinity, as in the towns about Boston. It is however a remarkable fact, that birds of no kind abound in Maine. There are in this town mechanicks of every kind, according to the necessities of the town and vicinity. There are 3 taverns, 20 stores, and about 3000 or 4000 tons of shipping. Ship-building has been carried on to considerable extent in this town. No distillery has as yet been established here.

There are 10 district schools in the town, and one grammar school. The salary of the grammar school master is from 300 to 400 dollars. There is also a very handsome and flourishing academy, under the direction of an excellent board of trustees. The number of scholars is uniformly fifty, and the salary of the preceptor from six to eight hundred dollars. In the choice of instructers, Harvard College has the preference, as the place of their education. Very few have been sent from this town to any college. Three have been sent to Cambridge and one to Brunswick. In future the number will be increased, probably very much. None of those, already educated, have become eminent. There are now established here, four lawyers, four physicians, and one minister, all liberally educated, except two of the phy

sicians.

There is a social library, which contains about 200 volumes of well selected books. There are four companies of infantry and one of artillery in the town.

The employments of the people are various; some are farmers, some merchants, some mechanicks and some

seamen.

The products of the soil are various according to its quality. From 20 to 40 bushels of corn may be raised upon an acre, from 200 to 300 bushels of potatoes, and from one to three tons of hay; other things are in proportion.

There were some settlements made in Saco as early as 1636. The first settlers were Richard Benython, Rich. ard Vines, and Thomas Lewis, with several others.

The church was gathered in 1762, about which time Rev. John Fairfield was ordained as their pastor. Sermon by the Rev. Moses Morrill, of Biddeford. The number of male members was ten. The covenant is expressed in general terms, and seems to favour the sentiments contained in the Assembly's Catechism.

Mr. Fairfield continued in the ministry about 38 years, at which time he was dismissed.

In about a year from his dismission, Rev. Elihu Whitcomb was ordained, (sermon by the Rev. Mr. Thayer of Hampton) and in 1810 was dismissed. The same year was ordained Rev. J. Cogswell, who, with the other gentlemen, is still living.

The church edifice is the most elegant, as well as one of the largest in Maine; 74 by 54 feet, built 1806. The former house of worship, 54 by 40 feet, built 1758, still remains, and is used for a town house.

There is a small free-will baptist society in one corner of the town; also, a few other baptists, and some methodists, besides many nothingarians.

The number of baptisms, during Mr. Fairfield's ministry, was 739; 63 during the ministry of Mr. Whitcomb; 72 since the ordination of the present pastor of the church. The admissions to full communion during Mr. Fairfield's ministry, and after the church was first gathered, were 9; during Mr. Whitcomb's, including 8 or 10 who were chosen from the people at the time of his ordination, 19; since the ordination of the present pastor, 64; in all 92. The admissions to the covenant during Mr. F.'s ministry 177, during Mr. W.'s 17, in

all 194.

The number of deaths has usually been about 30 annually, though no disease has prevailed; and the num ber of marriages about 25. The number of inhabitants is 2500; families 300, and houses 250.

The principal curiosity is the great falls, which, when there is a freshet, is an object truly sublime. The banks upon the opposite sides of the river are lofty, and an immense body of foaming water tumbles over a ledge of cragged rocks with great noise and violence.

The whole scenery about the falls during the summer months is truly delightful. The beach is remarkably fine, extending about four miles on a perfect level, and about four miles from the centre of the town. The road from Boston to Portland formerly was near the beach.

There are three wooden bridges, which connect Saco and Biddeford, one of which is free.

This town, except a small part, is remarkably level. On the high lands the White Mountains may be distinctly seen. There are two islands in the river at the falls; one of which, Indian Island, containing 28 acres, is valuable for the fertility of its soil and its numerous millseats. There are no creeks nor harbours. The river affords all the harbour necessary for small vessels. Winter harbour, near the mouth of the river, is upon the Biddeford side. This is safe during the violent storms. Though the water upon the bar is only 14 feet, ships of 5 or 600 tons are built four miles from the sea just be low the falls, and are easily carried below to the outer harbour. On the whole, the local situation of Saco is remarkably pleasant, the atmosphere salubrious, and the state of society rapidly improving. The votes at the last election were, for Dexter, 280; for Strong, 47.

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF NORTH HAMPTON, N. H. BY REV. MR. JONATHAN FRENCH. JUNE, 26, 1815, NORTH HAMPTON is a town in Rockingham county, New Hampshire, incorporated in 1742. The number of inhabitants has varied but little from 650 for many years. This state of population is not to be attributed to barrenness either of soil or inhabitants, but to the fre quent emigrations of the branches of many families to places where they can obtain larger farms for less money.

The people are probably as nearly on an equality respecting property as in any place. None are very rich and very few are poor. Three persons only at present are maintained at the town charge. There have been