beautiful Merrimac River, with its populous valley, and the
graceful, busy Shawshin, where it was said, the Devil baptized the
witches,--contemptible when thought of as the object of great Boston's
covetous desire, but important in its relation to the several mills upon
its course, and for its contribution to the general beauty.

"Indian Ridge" is one of the series of lenticular hills, which continues
to the north-east as far as Portsmouth, N.H., and in an irregular course
may be traced westward to the Connecticut River.

[Illustration: LIEUT.-GOV. PHILLIPS.]

This ridge is supposed to have been the spot of Indian encampments, and
is within a tract of land now owned by the town, and intended as a park.
Near it is the "Red Spring," and a mile or two north-east is "Den Rock,"
all of which are frequently visited by holiday bands of children, and by
students in hours of recreation.

The Andover records date from 1639, and the town was incorporated May 6,
1646. The story of Andover's progress from its foundation until the
present, is full of interest. The town's part in all the early movements
was most creditable, and full of intelligence. At the close of a
century of its life we find vigilance as to the character of its growing
population.

The authorities believed that whatsoever a town soweth, that shall it
also reap. It was therefore in vain that the "pauper immigrant" or
"criminal classes" knocked for admittance. It is said that the town was
"made up at the beginning of 'choice men,' 'very desirable' and 'good
Christians.'"[D]

[D] Historical Sketches, p. 145.

[Illustration: CHAPEL, THEO. SEMINARY.]

[Illustration: PUNCHARD FREE SCHOOL.]

"The selectmen were empowered to examine into the character and habits
of all persons seeking residence, and to admit none who were idle or
immoral.

ANDOVER, the 30th of January, 1719-20.

_To_ MR. EBENEZER LOVEJOY, _constable_.

GREETING:--Whereas there are severall Persons com to Reside in
our Towne and we feare a futer charge and as the Law directs to prevent
such charge, you are Requested in his Majesty's name forthwith to
warn the severall persons under wrighten: to depart out of our Town
as the law directs to, least they prove a futer charge to the
Towne.

[Signed by the Selectmen.]

"The town also encouraged desirable persons to settle by making them
grants of land, etc. Ministers and mast