Morning journal and courier., 1880-08-30
Price Four Cents.

snow we deserted the Mountain House of the Catskills. "Rip Van Winkles'' dream land we looked out in the distance, using lively imagination. We next came to Hud. son, six miles distant from Catskill.-the mounts of which are Ito memory dear, to vision not yet lost. Hudson is located upon sloplng promontory, and its park was seen as we made the landing. Athens is opposite Hudson. Departing from Hudson, we passed Stockport, Coxsackie, Stuyvesant and other places of note; and on we sailed, for Albany. Nearing the city, and looking both north and south, the convent of the Sacred Heart the cathedral, the beautiful Capitol the State House and the City Hall were all visible. Greenbush lay opposite and, six miles on ward, Troy was seen on the east bank of the river and West Troy opposite We passed several fine steamers on our way, and also passed several canal boats, which afforded an amusing sight There were loads of hay on board, whole families pursuing their respec- tive avocations, children in play; and these curious structures were fastened one to the other and drawn along the river by two large steamers ahead
 We reached at last the Albany landing and, the steamer being behind it's usual hour we had the pleasure of witnessing a glorious sunset on the river, which sweetly illumined the romantic scenes on either hand Now the passengers hasten below Land Forward!'' was cried, and everybody was eager to get the first footing. We ran with the rest for we were still bound onward toSaratoga county, and were to take the train for that point There It was 1n waiting, great gilt letters sig nifying it's destination-''Round Lake and Saratoga"-and we jumped aboard, most of our baggage having been checked throuoh from New York. The train stopped at yapi- ous places, and in the waning light we could distinguish pleasant scenes along our route. At last Ballston Spa was sung out, the last station before Saratoga. and we gathered up m hcF nd o1r,.o IL. we were met by our host (formerly of New Haven), who owns one of the very pleasantest locations in Ballston Spa, and who, after seating us in the waiting stage, secured our baggage and then escorted us to his home By this time we had the light of the 'EsiIvery moon" the radiance of which lent charm to the lively and beautiful town as we rode through its pleasant streets At the gateway oS her home, to greet us with a hearty well come, was our agreeable friend and hostess, who ushered us within, assisting us in laying aside our wrappings, and ere long taking us out to the dining room, where was a tempt ing supper laid. We did full justice to the meal, and then, after necessary chatting. we were In readiness for a nights refreshing sleep. -
 We had had a perfect day for our river travel. We arose next morning to as fine a day. Whatever may be said of our dear ssElm City, " the air of Ballston Spa is far superior. Here we have the good old hill and noun tain breezes, and feel new life at ev- cry respiration. We can see the Green Noun ta1ns, the Adirondacks peak after peak and the mounts called Green Hills,'' far away We are situated high and dry, commanding view of hill, vale and wooded land and over looking lovely creek, called Kayaderosseras. which extends in length far as Saratoga Lake. Its name is a practice for spoilers, and, once learned, will not easily be forgot ten. One of riding party to Saratoga Springs, in admiration of this beautiful creek, and endeavoring to master the ortho- graphical completeness of it's name, had. at the time, 8 great deal of trouble with her hat Ca new one), and finally, after contriving va rious modes of fastening 1t securely to her head, rolled it up, slowed it away, and fol- lowed the Saratoga custom of carrying par asol over an uncovered head Her hat she has ever since dubbed ''Kayaderosseras
 Ballston Spa is 25 miles from Troy It is a lovely watering place, and is only 7 miles distant from Saratoga Springs. There are many fine springs in the town, also various hotels, the Sans Souci being the largest and pleasantest. Then there are the Ballston House, Medbury Hotel, American Eagle and others. Board here can be had for half of Saratoga's price, and the pleasures of the latter place are within easy reach Saratoga, of course, is the leader, in life, splendor and gayety, but before it's excellence was known, this place was the favored resort, and the
 
 Leads visiEed here in years past. Trains leave often during the day and evening for Saratoga. We have taken advantage of their accommodations and also have driven over to the Springs. We have visited High Rock, Congress, Kissengen, Vichy, Columbian and the Spouting Geyser Springs and drank of nearly all. We roamed in the Geyser ravine and ramble, haunts-where gathered some pretty floral speci- mems, not noticing, until afterwards, that Visitors are requested not to pluck the wild flowers. Let them grow for others to see'' We knew it was sacrilege to gather from the cultured walks but, we could not very nicely fasten our flowers again to their foot stalks, we pinned them on in plain sight, that we might be held responsible and none other. Still, we departed with our trophies without detection.
 Saratoga is, at present. in the height of its season. The hotels are immense and mag nificent. built around whole square. The Grand Union Hotel and grounds cover a space of seven acres in extent, and the hotel frontage is 1864 feet. The United States Hotel (erected on the old site) is a mammoth affair also, as are others. The new Windsor is imposing, in dark red and brown painting, and has grand appearance when illuminat- ed. The private boarding places and villas are elegant The streets are thronged with busy life and gay ladies and children. Fashion is dominant and diamonds abound. Broadway, Saratoga, is sufficiently remindful of Broadway, New York city.
 The ride to and from Ballston Spa and Saratoga, either by rail or in carriage, is exceedingly p easant, and one has constant mountain scene in view the while
 This letter is sufficiently long, and of Sara toga hotels and styles you may expect more detailed description in a few days. Also moro of Ballston Spa and surrounding coun- try. Schenectady and Albany are put upon our programme, but there is so much that is delightful hereabout that we may reserve some future pleasures HAZEL WILDE.