Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1842-11-23
!. MONROE COUNTY, PA, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3D. 1912

some solitary dwelling cast Its ray across The
bIackened waters. Immediately behind me,
lay the fishermen in grotesque posture around
huge FIRE, the warm light Of which illunina-
ling he leafy canopy over my head, enhanced
The wild sublimity Of this Alpine scene.
The enexlmornng, in company with the land
-Iady's son, and small dog as a protection
against snakes, crossed the river and com
.nenced The toilsome ascent Of the Jersey
Mountain. Al first, / experienced slight irepi-
daiion, momcnarily expecting TO hear the low,
terrific warning Of ratiesnake, or feel the
sting OF some malicious pilot, as he darted from
juiiing rock into my face; but our lnlle cur
going ahead, snuiiHg and smelling among the
stones, in search OF these reptiles, set an exam.
pie of feaTlessness that his superiors were glad
10 copy We at length arrived al the summit,
when was presented a scene Of glory. To the
south it was,
"a gailv chequered, heart expanding view,
Far as the circlng eve could shoot around. .
A vast expanse was spread out in the luxuri-
ance of vegeia,ion; diversified with hills, val
lies. woodlands, cultivated fields, and here and
there dwelling. Through this lovely land
scape, gently wound the Delaware, the gurglng
of It's passing waters in the vale, in soft mur-
murs, reached The heights above. To the north,
up the gorge the scene was wild. On The left,
the Pennsylvania Mountain came abruptly down
10 the waters edge, To the right and front,
the eminence we were on, curved around and
enclosing the river in basin impaired 10 II the
simllilude of a lake, as il lay below deep and
sombre in the shadow of encircling hills. Sill
further on, the whole back ground was filed
with long ranges Of irregularly peaked noun
tains: those near, fresh in their livery oi green;
those beyond, assuming deep blue color, and
then becoming fainter, until mellowing away
like indislncl clouds afar of in the horizon.
Descending, re-crossed the river 10 the ia
vern, where had stayed the preceding night
Bucklng on my knapsack, | walked through
the gap. At The distance Of half mile, the
river turns suddenly TO The left, and then soon
again resumes It's former course. In mile oil
more, the mountains grow less bold, although
still lofty; and the stream wider, until 1t ex-
pands 10 its full breadth. Numerous verdani
isles now appear, graced with massy trees,
whose branches wave as if to kiss The passing
waters. The hills recede from the river; GU
ftivated farms and dwellings present themselves
and the scene changes its wildness, 10 one oi
enchanting beauty l walked on for several
miles, and was finally rowed in boat across
the river 10 neighboring farm house, where
was TO pass the night. The rays of the depart
ing sun gliding the SUBMITS of the mountains
and the lenglhening shadows in the valleys and
across the waters told that night was near
While enjoying the prospect, my mind was fill
ed with pleasing retrospections OF the few pas
hours; and as sal in that lirle skiff gliding
over The placid surface of the Delaware, ieI
that this had been one Of the happiest days O
my life.
! Truly yours. H. HOWE.