The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-08-15
THE PALISADES.

l. Perry Worden in Cambridge Tribune ]
 The Palisades are peculiar form ation of trap rock, beginning about six miles north of the Hackensack meadows, in the state of New Jersey, and extending eighteen miles along the west bank oi the Hudson, to Nyack, N. Y. They be- gin in formation of hills, and assume a prepossessing appearance for the first tune at Fort Lee Lormeily a revolutionary stronghold, and now somewhat famous summer resort) Continuing north, they reach height of 475 feet at Englewood Heights and attaining their greatest em- thence, 800 feet, atN point about one and half miles south of Hastings, twenty miles from New York city, gradually dis appear in the broad meade. .s bordering the rappan Zee.
 In the winter the great walls, decked here and there by the pure white snow, shine brilliantly in the morning sunlight, presenting to many an imposing grand eur seldom equaled by any revelation of the spring or summer seasons. It is then that the little waterfalls, which during the milder weather, dash headlong down the sides, the silvery spray brightly glisten- ing, become quite isolated by the ice hlLk SIlOIbS, dho tAC buOQSA00S Ot uCCS growing out of the cracks and the accu- mulated soil at the base, and which con- pleteiy crown the gigantic moss of rocks are conspicuously shown by the white background. It is a glorious sight, and in the early morn it is superoly grand.
 But attractive as the Palisades are dur ing the winter time, they are made donbly so when spring has once fully set in, and the ice has disappeared from the river and opportunities are presented for visit ing the wopdrous spots of nature located thereon. IL is then that the village lads overhaul their weather beaten skiffs or purchase some newly invented sailing ap- paratus to astonish their fellow-craftsmen. The country lasses also prepare them selves for aquatic pleasure by organizing well disci plined boat clubs flor the Hud- son gives forth the most advantageous offers for boating, swimming and racing, and frequent excursions are made to the "cllffs." Tourists from surrounding states and countries flood the neigh boring territory, proving bonanzas to the simple country folks, who, subslsting plainly dur ing the winter months, replenish their households with country products, and rake in the shekels from their bewildered guests. We determined to cross the river, and, ascending, inspect the trans formations which have taken centuries to perform.
 The village of Hastings, referred to above, is costly situated on the east bank of the Hudson, and is chiefly known at the present time as a country resort. There was in the history of this town a time of commercial greatness but, in- stead of vast manufactories, we find the villas of New Works financial chiefs. Many pleasant historical associations are preserved in its annals, and it was once the home of Admiral Fanagut and Pat riot Gaiibaldi. Proceeding to long row of sheds containing the serviceable stock of sail boats in the town, and which is covered with grotesque signs and figures and the sign Boats to Let" we were met by long-eared, lank, ill-shaped in- dividual, with eyes like saucers and cavernous mouth, strongly suggestive of the cabin entrance to the boat styled "Shoeay," and having consummated a favorable bargain, receiving the injunc- ton to be sure and return that air skiff tonight" we were soon speeding away, under the impetus of southeast wind, for the adamantne walls of rock, so like the natural outtresses of Gibraltar.
 In fifteen minutes we had landed in a shaded nook in ten more we had our boat safely concealed in the bushes, and with an increasing eagerness, difficult to suppress, were imm sdia.ely making rap i'd headway up the steep sides. There are numerous mountain paths traversing