Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1847-01-28
From The N. II. Democrat.
A RIDE ALONG THE SHORES oF
TIE EJnrTss TNONJrfS
THE HOUSATONIC.

Il :
| THE HOUSATONIC.
AS was riding the other day along
the banks Of the Housa;onic. through a
country pleasantly diversified with hills
and villages, I could not help admiriug
the picturesque scenery which presented
i:selfto my view. The country presents
an agreeable variety of hills and dales,
overlooking the pleasant river as it flows
majestically along towards the waters OF
the Atlantic. Situated along the banks
OF the river might be seen fourishing vii
Lagos, with rich and extensive cotton fac
tories, fed by the waters Of the noble
Housatonic. The bills are close and ex-
tensiye, piercing up one above the other,
as though they were trying to reach the
skies. They are covered with foliage,
luxuriant and varied in character, such
as enchants the eye unaccustomed to the
beauties of New England forests. Here
in winter, when the snowy flowers have
ceased to diffuss their fragrance through
the balmy air, the tall cedar which deco
rates the uncultivated hills bow to the
mandates Of the morning breeze, clothed
with the same foliage as in summer
The gazer's eye will often light upon a
mountainous rock, which stood a wonder
to ages past, and re.echoed the whoop of
the warrior as he guided his bark canoe
over the surface of tho river below
There they stand. proud monarchs, as
memorable relics Of bygone days, whose
end 10 with the world.
The road along the river is rough and
uneven, but the inequalities of the road
are no obstacles compared 10 the beauti-
full scenery around. Occasionally might
be seen a wild duck skimming over the
waters of the river, as though in search
of some treasure buried in its depths
The scene is often changed by log Or
frame house, the land having been clear
ed around them, with scarcely tree left
TO break off the cold winds Of winter, or
to afford a place where the zephyrs could
rustic their wings and whisper Of the
cool woodland haunts Of summer. Now
and then tall oak or maple were per-
mit.ed to wave over their peaceful dwell
lings, whose appearance spoke that of
peace and comfort to the Connecticut
farmer. The solemn appearance of the
few scattered oaks that overhang the riv-
or, with the dense hills and forests in the
distance, with an air Of seclusion and
solitude, give unique effect TO the scene.
The land along the river has the appear
ancc ola mighty cathedral rooted by the
blue sky, and walled in by the woodland
hills. II was here in this romantic region
where naught was to be heard but the
ringing Of the woodlands axe from the
distant hills. that escaped the busy stir
Of city life, and found spot to mediate
upon the woudrous works Of nature. -
What adds interest to the traveller 10 the
many manufactures that are situated up.
on that beautiful river-it reflects no lit
tie credit upon its industrious Inhabitants
How changed the scene. A short tim
since and those woodland haunts wer
known only by race now nearly extinct
Tho waters Of the Housatonic were the
traversed by another people. Wher
now stands the peaceful dwelling Of tn
industrious farmer, but short time sine.
was the wigwam Of the red man;where ar
they now! Its not a pestilence that ha
done all this-no, nor war--but it is a
poison, which the hand of the white maj
has Communicated. Filled with hear
Of romance, returned home, wondering
how It was that man could help ad mirinl
the wondrous works Of God. J. A..