Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-09-01
A WOman's Letter from the MaSS8.
chuSetts Highlands.


Editor Star:-Though born In eastern Massa-
chusetts, did not know how charming was the
old Bay state till came here to Berkshire
her htll-crowned western border. Many famous
towns has this county, but to my thinking quite
as delightful as Pittsdeld, Lenox Stockbridge
ana GU: harrington, at least for summers So
Journ, are certain OtherS, as yet unnOted in the
guide books and usually overlooked by travel
erS.
The particular nook OF which I write. dis.
covered year or two since when seeking relief
from Washington malaria. was called Partridge
field when first reclaimed from the Wilderness
generous gentleman, by the gift Of hundred
dollars, induced it accept his own. It is not
Smith nor does 1t end In vile, but being equally
commonplace prefer its maiden name as more
suggestive Of the time when the log cabin OF my
hosts great grandfather stood on the very spot
now occupied by the modern dwelling from
which / write, and bears were reckoned as
neighbors within calling distance.
Though twelve or fourteen hundred feet
above tide water, hills rise on all sides OF us
mripg one me, to their breezy tops A. small party
where perched on the bare rock Is the little
village Of Peru, place by no means suggestive
OF the wealthy ''Land OF the IncaS" except in
name. Remote from railroads and OF barren
rocky soil, was 1t settled by colol Of artists,
to whom the magnificent prospect furnished
meat and drink as well as proving a joy for
ever.
They told us this was
THE WATER SHED BETWEEN THE CONNECTICUT
AND HOUSATOEIC
little brooks stealing down opposite sides SO, OF
the mountain, and, though but few feet
apart, flowing due east and west toward the
its rise. The philosopher OF our party remarked
that he never before saw the beginning of any
thing; feeling on that account alone amply re-
vide vide ST stretch a Of shaS"wed valley and s snnIt Si
hills as we turned our steps homeWard! Grey
lock, some ten miles to the west, had thrown
his head to the setting sun. Surely II Ply
mouth rock Is the foundation stone, Greylock is
THE CUPoLA OF OLD MASSACHUSETTS,
being the M highest point % IN the state by several
sight as we return by different path. The
nearest one, called by the people here the ''big
reservoir was named Ashmere Lake by VIM.
fame, being the subject Of controversy In the
court Of the village below. Mr.. White, farmer
there, claimed from the Reservoir association
from its overflow. The case was ably argued
by Messrs. Dawes and Hoar and excited great
interest, for this is Lard OF reservoirs, and If
this poetical one should be decided damaging,
what OF the others, less famous but equally
wicked, which dot these Berkshire hills? Every
owner OF meadow land bordering the Housa-
soch feea veTe W Of any
after long consultation, the jury, failing to
agree, were released and the case Indefinitely
postponed.
visit Bry ants old home, which is kindly shown
to visitors every day before six O'Clock. South
OF US, tco, in Egremont. live the GOodall sisters.
whose charming Apple Blossoms excite our
curiosity to see the Child poets. "Sky Farm
seems a very appropriate name for their home
on the high hilltop which is apparently, only
the lower story Of cloud land.
AWAY FROM NEWSPAPERS, CROQUET AND THE
NAME OF SARA BEREHARDT.
tn Though noted places are e. on every side, our
will be, for then would vanish quiet and seclu-
sion, its chief charms. Then the children play
ing under these grand old naples would wear
embroidertes instead of gingham aprons such
as Bluebell and Polly FIJI with buttercups; then
would come croQuet and general commotion,
and the man who could not exist without his
daily paper. CThe philosopher declares it
noteworthy luxury not to have read the name
OF Sara Bernhardt for weekly
The season being so late here, 1t seems now In
the full flush OF midsummer, and the air is a
perfect delight to breathe, it is so pure. Never
too warm for comfort, frequent shows but no
dismal storms; plenty of shade, and what is
better yet, plenty OF sunshine, reStful and salts
| tying Is aye ancient towne" OF Partrfgdedeld
K. G. P.