The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-09-01

range stands Black Mountain, whose summit is
200 feet above the Lake; next We pass Halfway
Island, and now enter the narrows and pass some
twenty or thirty islands bearing various names-one
group of one large and five smaller ones, called
the Hen and Chickens. As we emerge from these,
Dome Island, situated in the centre Of the lake,
and one OF the largest, becomes conspicuous;
near this point we encountered severe rain storm,
accompanied by heavy gale of wind which Great
ed regular stampede amongst those OF US who
were on the upper deck. We had scarcely vacated
forward and swept them aft, where they were
caught by the stern rail, saving them from going
overheard; they came rafting over the saloon,
much to the terror OF the ladies' and children. The
blow did not last but few minutes, and after fine
shower the sky became clear and the sunset scene
was magnificent. Captain James Gale, the COM
mander Of our beautiful little steamer informed me
that this was the worst blow he had ever witnessed
during fifteen years residence on or about the
lake-but don't well see how that could be- when
they have 'gale" every trip. However, We
won't dispute with Captain Jim-hc is jolly
good fellow, and may his shadow never grow less
But to resume. we now have fine sail past Long
Island, the Sisters, Diamond Old Dick and Tea
Islands, and finally glide maesticay up to the dock
in front of the Fort William Henry Hotel where our
arrival IL announced 10y eannonade and brass
band playing on the lawn. A few steps brings US 10
the Fort William Henry, one of the finest hotels in
the country, being $40 feet in length the lake, and
AZ feet deep, with wing $50 by AZ feet in the rear,
lighted throughout with gas, and furnished with
be desired We are received by the attentive host,
Daniel Gale, ESQ., and shown our comfortable quar-
ters and after partakng Of a superb evening meal
fresh fish from the lake, together with all the deca
cies of the season-you may light your segar, take
promenade on the piazza, a hop in the paror, game
Of billiards, tenpins, or moonlight row or SAN
on the lake. for which good boats are at hand
Our days are put in by visiting the ruins of Fort
George, Diamond Island where we gather fine crys
tails, resembling brilliant diamonds, fishing pic MICS
to Tea Island. &C.; but am trespassing.
will mention one little fairy scene and close
Standing on the piazza OF Fort William Henry saw
cluster Of boats gay decked with flags and stream
ers; presently they shoot out the lake in the
vicinity Of the United States Hotel; in few minutes
they have all reached that point; now they come
this way in procession, band of music playing in
the leading boat; they are all attached by bow and
stern lines to each other, some twenty-five
thirty boats, each containing ladies' and gentlemen
in gay attire; they pass in review before us; our
brass gun flanders forth salute that sends its
echoes over hill and valley; after passing slowly
down the lake short distance, by signal they cast
Off their lines and form in column, and now they
come slowly this way and at another sigma, Ne en-
tire party give three cheers the band struck up
Yankee Doodle and each boat on its own hook
starts for the point first left fast it can-this
aquatic excursion ending in trial Of speed. The
scene was beautiful in the extreme