Piscataqua River, New Hampshire
The only large river whose entire course is in New Hampshire, is formed by the junction of several small streams in a wide and deep bed; hollowed out partly by them, and partly by the tide. The names of these streams, beginning at the northeast, are Salmon Fall, Cocheco, Bellamy bank, Oyster, Lamprey, Squamscot, and Winnicut rivers. The five last unite their waters in a large and irregular bay between Durham and Greenland, more resembling a lake than a river. The waters of this bay meet those of Salmon Fall and Cocheco rivers, coming from the northwest at Hilton's point, a few miles below Dover. After this junction, they proceed in a direct line to the southeast, and join the ocean 2 or 3 miles below Portsmouth, embosoming several islands, and forming one of the best harbors on the continent. Few rivers make a more magnificent appearance than this; yet the streams by which it is supplied are small. Salmon Fall furnishes more than all the rest. This stream is called Newichawannock from the falls in Berwick till it receives the waters of the Cocheco; but the name of Piscataqua ought to be applied to the whole of Salmon Fall river.
