they are as useful as ornamental, and serve a momentous necessity in
mundane affairs. They are grand landmarks of the Almighty's power and
mercy and goodness, and historically occupy a _high_ position in
the lives of nations.

The seers and saints of the old time speak of the strength of the hills
as if they were the special gifts of the Creator to his favored people
for their defence. The history of later nations has shown us that they
have found more in the strength of the hills than defences against the
attacks of outside enemies; that they have drawn from them a moral vigor
of character, a keenness and activity of intellect, and a love of
country, which has produced the most enduring and elevated patriotism.
And, indeed, we must bless God for mountains; those who live near them
are larger, better, nobler than the denizens of the plains. "Flee to the
mountains," cried the angel to Lot. Ah! there was meaning in the
command. Men stagnate upon the plain; they grow indolent, sensual,
mediocre there, and are only vivified as they seek the great alphabet of
nature, as they pulsate with her in her wondrous heart-beats. It has
been the mountain men who have ruled the world.

New Hampshire is a land of mountains. She is indeed throned among the
hills, and well deserves the title of the "Switzerland of America." Her
cloud-capped peaks, even in mid-summer, glisten with frosts and snows
of winter, and they stand watchful sentinels over the liberties of her
children. Our Alps are the White Mountains, and they hold no mean place
beside their rivals in the old world. Their lofty elevation, their
geological formation, the wild and romantic scenery in their vicinity,
and their legends of white and red men, all concur to render them
peculiarly interesting.