years
previously, the possibilities of untold wealth had never before dazzled
the vision. Rude storehouses began to rise on every hand, which have
since given place to extensive and even handsome structures. A perfect
furor was created along the river by the brilliant prospect of a
gigantic bonanza. Hundreds of storehouses of immense proportions were
erected during the summer months, and for several successive winters the
river and adjacent streams were the scene of a feverish excitement.
Every dollar that could be obtained was invested in a claim, and some
farmers upon the shores mortgaged their possessions in the desire to
embark in the enterprise. The ice-crop had sustained such a total
failure upon the Hudson, for one or two seasons, that the Kennebec
furnished the only extensive field for this product. In many cases later
on, however, the greed for gain overbalanced prudence in holding the
harvest for fancy prices; and as other sections again furnished their
share of the article, many small fortunes dwindled away as rapidly as
they came. The business has since fallen into the control of large
companies, who own their fleets of vessels and tugboats, but reap only a
moderate profit on their investment. The scenes are yet lively and
picturesque, and add much to the charms of the locality.

Sufficient capital, combined with the highest skill and the widest
experience, and the Kennebec would soon become a worthy rival of the
famous Clyde. Ship-building has not been altogether abandoned, but it is
only a shadow of its former greatness. The river at this point attains
its greatest width. The opposite shore is the western boundary of the
town of Woolwich, which has always remained under the quiet rule of
agriculture, and made no attempts to enter the field of commerce.
Capital has been sparingly invested in manufactures; and although her
people have the prestige of wealth and brains, Bath will undoubtedly
continue for years to come as she is to-day. She is the natural head of
the lower Kennebec, which embraces so many charming nooks and corners
in its winding way to the sea. The remaining beauties and spots of
interest of the river will be treated in a future article, on "The Upper
Kennebec."

From the western extremity of Fiddler's Reach the city of Bath stretches
northward for several miles, fringing the waterfront with its scores of
docks and ship-yards. Years ago nearly the entire city was hidden from
view by the lof