The Somerset Reporter

Up River Notes.

The fires on the timberlands above the Forks, although of short duration, were very destructive and but for the rain would have done immense damage. Mr. Snow, junior partner of the firm of W. B. Snow & Son, and Mr. T. S. Whitney, foreman, have explored the burned territory and report about 10,000 acres burned over on Enchanted Stream, Stony Brook, Bald Mountain and Salmon Stream towns. Seven camps and four dams were also destroyed. The damage is estimated from $12,000 to $15,000. The rebuilding of the dams will cost, at least, $5,000. The loss falls largely on A. W. Wildes & Co., W. B. Snow & Son and J. Manchester Haines.

There was also a fire on Spencer Stream.

The amount of logs that will be left behind in the stream and brooks is, by parties well qualified to judge, estimated to be on Dead River waters not far from one-half of the entire cut and on the Moose River waters, including the Lake, about one-fourth, making not far from one-third of the entire cut on the Kennebec that will not reach the market this year.

Pleasure seekers are starting in early this year and the prospect of business for hotel keepers and guides on the upper Kennebec is very good.

Mr. M. M. Thompson, of The Forks Hotel, is one of the busiest of men at this season of the year particularly, and his large house is full of men engaged in lumber driving and those who are seeking health and recreation in the Maine forests.

He is making many improvements in his house, among which is a large refrigerator for meats and fish.

C. S. Durgin & Son, of The Forks, manufacture 2000 river-drivers cant dogs each year and sell them for the small sum of $1.25 each in small or large quantities.

If one wants to see a neat, cozy dry and fancy goods, millinery and notion store, it is only necessary to step into that kept by Miss Myra French at The Forks. The only store in the place beside that of Miss French, is a grocery and confectionery store kept by Mrs. S. Adams. Thus the Forks presents the anomaly of having its entire mercantile business transacted by ladies.

The telephone line is completed to The Forks and the company are talking of extending it to Pat Murphy's, five miles further.