The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1883-08-01

the genial Captain Rockwell of the Reindeer,
and the presence Of the obliging superinten-
dent, A. +. Conant. The delightful boat to
which all regretfully bade good bye as she
steamed back to Burlington, vessel and officers,
will always be most cordially commended to
everybody by her passengers on this occasion.
AT THE CAMP
TO welcome the coming guests we're Miss Kate
Atkins of Montpelier, Mr.. Atkins, ST., of
Mr.. Kimball OF Montpelier, who, with COM
petent corps Of skilled assistants for the
kitchen and for the boats, "hold the fort " for
the season. Camp Watson is the pet creation
of Mr. Atkins. Previously familiar by expe-
rience with the beauties OF the spot and its
advantages for boating and fishing, in 1879 he
took lease Of the locality, gave 1t the name
OF the farmer on whose possessions IL Is, and
converted rough field sloping TO the lake
into grassy lawn. He built boat house and
kitchen, purchased capacious wall tents, fur
nished them with carpeted floors and the conve-
niencies Of well-ordered sleeping rooms The
kitchen Is fitted up with all the appliances for
cooking, and the larder is generously stored with
all that " camp appetites " hold dear. To the
luxuries of the season the lake contributes of
its delicious fish, and in winter time spacious
ice-house is abundantly stocked with cool crys-
tai cubes. Camp Watson is beautiful for situ-
ton" Behind 1t extends ridge of forest
hills, In front expands the lake. In the blue
distance northward lies the Hero island north
Along the water front stretch the islands Ball
or Weldon, Potter, Butler and Wood, Grand,
Savage, Fish-bladder and Cedar, with other
nameless tufts of green, and beyond, the Adj
rondacks rise against the sky. A lake ride and
a long fast rendered the dining tent an object
OF superior attraction in the panorama. The
hosts bluff call to dinner cut short the survey
OF land and water scapes, summoned the am
| phibious youth from their bathing and the fish
| ermen from their boats. Those camp appe-
tites " had been anticipated with an accuracy
born of experience. The arder, the cooks and
host were more than equal to the "run" Of
the ravenous crowd The menu and the good
natured hospitality were alike inexhaust-
| ible. Dinner over, boating, sailing, fishing,
games and visiting filled up the hours
| till evening. By reason of the strike of
the telegraph operators the weather divin-
| ity WAS lat skies and at sevens " with his
calculations. Sunshine and clouds, thunder,
| lightning and rain were inextricably tangled,
but these things gave variety and enhanced
rather than marred the enjoyments of the day.
| The alterations Of cloud and blue, of shower
and mist, produced magnificent effects OF col
oriDg on the waters and contributed to a beau
tiful sunset by way of good night to Camp
| Watson. Amid speeding cheers, teams took
| the departing guests, reluctant to go, to the
railway station at Milton bearing with them
to their homes and their labors recollectons of
a most refreshing outing with feelings Of sim
cere thankfnlness to their employer, and Of
keen appreciation of his care and provision for
| their comfort and enjoyment on this occasion
Camp Watson may undergo a rededication on
a more enduring site at some future day.
About half a mile north Of the present camp.
on Bean point, MIR. Atkins has bought several
acres of land. A beautiful view north as well
as south is had there. The point has q fine
growth of trees and all the other requirements
for delightful pleasure camp. This he in
tends to grade and adorn and there to pitch his
canvas halls" with more permanent and
elaborate surroundings than on the leased
ground now occupied. Twenty-four tents are
now ranged along the shore, and to-day guests
are expected to fill them. Applicants for
accommodations greatly exceed the capacity Of
the camp, but not the hospitable disposition OF
the proprietor. Courtesies and kindly atten-
tions bestowed in the true spirit of hospitality
are gratefully acknowledged by the writer and
hearty thanks rendered for day of unalloyed
| pleasure