The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-08-24
YONKERS.


YONKERS.
YoNKERs, August 10, 1856.
a Visit to CatskiH--T ieto from the Mountai,--
Scene Painting by Louer Of Nature-1He Cas-
cade at the Sacmll-d Storm in the Cloud Re-
gions-A Reluctant Departure, &C., &c.
The other day we left the Hudson river at the
town Of Catskill, and proceeded in q stage coach
westward twelve miles, to the range OF m ,untains
which stands the hotel. The country is lovely with
alternate gentle and abrupt elevations during the
last eight miles. We passed over the famed hill
where Rip Van Wrinkle took a protracted slunber,
and saw correc. portrait Of himself just awaking.
On near approach to the Mountain House, the at
mosphere being humid, we found ourselves enve-
loped in cloud at an elevation Of half mile above
the river. Fancy the residence to stand on an i'm
mense solid fat rock, few feet back from perpen
dicular 'front.' which descends abruptly two hundred
Ieet into wooded valley Of many miles in extent,
and from thence sloping gently of into highly
cultiv ated plain two thousand two hundred feet be
low the house; then comes the Hudson river, beyond
which could discern naught but vapor the first
three days Of my stay the sun not having made It's
should be deprived Of one half the charming pic
ture-the extensive view 80 celebrated in this cloud
region and SO attractive to travellers added to which
ing patient, and gives elasticity to those who come
here oppressed by the scorching heat of August.
But let look into this valley twenty four hours
before storm, where, even without the suns aid,
sea Of clouds far below u.s., extending
10 the right and left as far as the
eye can reach over varying--presenting the
sppearance Of dissolving lights; now leaving the
Wholly oSscurins the entire country. eIcep. the
rock on which we stand and adjacent hills. While
viewing this moving mass from above, We fancyita
sea Of foam, swept BY the angry blast, as billov
twrling themselves into fantastic shapes-hen pass
irg away TO the spirit air Then, as II by magic,
new feature 10 added 10 this beautiful panorama:
the sun bursts forth moment at setting illuminating
some quiet little home peeping out from the mist
% pearl in the sea fosu), and tinging the entire
feesy vspor with various hues- II is fairy scene
indeed; and then TO watch the returning view Of the
landscape ~ cloud after cloud rolls back, all gided
a. they co. unfolding the lovely valley In which the
calm Hudson, like bright mirror, Ia conspicuous;
oil OF which lies Grades In margin Of heecy gded
clou6s.
THIS particular feature Of scenery is only visible
at the approach Of q storm, and must be seen -
appreciate its ma2nifcence. Many strangers, on
dseir arrival ct the period descrioe, are deceived
by the mass Of floating clouds below and inquire
shere are bathing houses on the beach, and where
the steps are which lead TO the water.
This N net the only attraction the place Affords
cascade ut the saw mill two miles from the hote,
strangers. The water falls $50 feet into gorge
between two mountains, which lacks nothing bu
quantity 10 make Of the grandest views in the
United states. We descended to the bottom OF the
gorge, and were amply compensated for the great
trouble II cost 10 reach the top again. Nothing
exceed the wildness Of this place-nothing, ex.
cept the mighty Andes of South America, could fas-
cinate and awe With its sublmity as does this spot
We feel sense Of our snsignhcancc while confined
immense distance ssose u.s. Us. We feel our
/ selves 20 he a mere atom compared with the
stupendous scenery around US, and shudder as we
reflect that the same Hand which formed the mighty
/ chasm 10 able 70 close II upon US Although the
quantity Of water falling fIom the cascade Is INSULT
still, when II n let on (which II invariably done for
| the pleasure of those who descend) The spray
minges with the Clouds and passes of In effect like
At length the threatened storm appeared and we
found the mercury AZ A6 deg. during the entire day
u continued 90 rage with the fury OF winter storm
with snow, hail and rain contending for N asiery;
and while the lofty oaks bosed 10 the earth by the
tempest those within doors were seated by comfort
able nres. Ice formed on the roadsdein fac< there
was nothing except the green foliage 70 remind "a
| Of August. No person took ccld-coughs and colds
are strangers hefe-the fresh and chill atnos-
phere h purity t.clf The mercury is never above
20 deg. When the shrill cry 81 Rainbow" was
heard from many mouths, each one turned his
e. 20. W. ssse 6 ,sSi
- Ne, 10 broken and detached parf. though II
bad fallen frUm IL sphere.
The Clouds having dispersed. We we're gratifsi on
the last day ~ visit with perfect yiew OF cir
conference 81 twelve thousand square miles. The
Berkshire hills o. Massachusetts, are conspicuous.
We beheld the vast amphithestre without realizing
lie extent, though felt ID inhuence. One Of the
chief attractions Of this Eal position II the spirit
q oonsentment which pervsdes and the absence o.
that excess Of fashion which too often mars
happire-~. and In short prevents many IRON indulg
VEG In sumner recreation.
We len the Mountain House on the sih % August
with deep regret that We could not pass the
there. The beautiful lines a sathor occurred
10 me o. the coach rolled down the hrst hill
ca eve me . home 90 the mo1ntAin htgh.
where the Wind s.eeg~ snd and free
Where the zoe taf@ save 'gslEss Q crinsou sky,
GO q me4nt.n hone &c me.
DELAWARE WATER GAP.
DrLswan wAru Car, Aug. N, isSs,
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