Morning journal and courier., 1886-07-21
1rA1Y1N CONNECTICUT.

Beautiful, Romantic and Picturesque
 Scenery i'm the Nutmeg State-A Peep
 Into Five States at once and One
 Hundred and F1fy-Five Church
 Spires i'm N1nety-FOur Towns Visf-
 ble.
 AVON, July 2O.-Literature portrays the beauties of European cities, and travellers ex- tol it. Each succeeding year sees an increas- ing number of pilgrims from among us who are "doing" Europe. Those who can go are the envy of those who cannot; yet neither the envied traveller nor the envious stay at home realize that there exists in their own small State of Connecticut almost typical bit of Italian scenery, if indeed there be any in that sunny country that can equal 1t. Moreover, this unappreciated spot is more accessible to the people of New Haven than to many of the other localities which appre- ciate and enjoy it's beauties. Let us take an imaginary trip thereto and get glimpse of it's wonders.
 An early start and we find ourselves on board the train leaving New Haven by the Northampton road at 7:15 8. m. An hours ride and we alight at the Avon station. By previous appointment we find awaiting us there an omnibus seating eight persons with comfort and drawn by a team of strong horses. A mile distant to the east arises abruptly for ,000 feet the Talcott mountain range, and upon it's highest point projects like a great chimney the tower which marks our destination A half mile across the beautiful Pennington valley, and mile climb, brings us to the crest of the ridge where we leave the ancient Hartford and AL bany turnpike for the wildly and picturesque road running along the crest for two miles:
 Passing the beautiful summer residence of MT. H. c. Judd, of Hartford, built by Daniel Wadsworth, one of Hartford's pioneers, and the crystal lake set like jewel in the very top of the mountain, we arrive in few minutes at the stables below the tower. Per haps before ascending this we prefer to re- pair to the King Philip House 8 few steps be- yond where any kind of righteous refresh ments can be had. This house is poised up on the nose of the bluff, and it's verandas overhang the cliff above the tops of the trees on the mountain side below, which drops precipitously down one thousand feet to the level of the Pennington valley. The effect as one steps upon this overhanging balcony is that of suspension in mid-air, while almost directly below lies the scene which in unique beauty is unequalled in the country, and which has been said to so closely resemble an Italian landscape. The Pennington val ley is outspread in all the beauty of vari- colored verdure. Men and cattle in the fields seem mere moving dots upon the land bCdpS, dLNA OAo 5"I1GAJ AAOf1hS I4oAA oOoiis to creep slowly along, while the white steam puff of it's whistle fades away long be- fore it's note reaches our ear. Through the middle of the valley the beautiful Farming ton river winds like a silver ribbon between it's tree-fringed banks. Pen fails to do jus tice to the wonderful beauty of this view. From the tower the Connecticut valley with it's bustling factory towns and Capital city contrasts strikingly with its rural and peaceful sister valley, and reminds the visi- tor that he is still in New England. From the edifce we can look into five States. One hundred and ffty-ive church spires mark the sites of ninety-four towns all within the range of the eye, assisted by the fine glass at the visitors disposal. Add to the wonder full view grounds fully equipped with attrac- tions for picnic parties, and in the hottest day swept by a refreshing breeze, points of historical interest within easy walking dis tance-for example, King Philips cave and proprietor who is a model of gentlemanly courtesy - MT. Bartlett, and who could wish for more attractive spot to spend the day or Sunday Several thousand visitors drive from Hart ford, distance of ten miles, every summer to enjoy it's air and view. Yet though more distant, it is much more accessible to New Haven, presenting, moreover, in it's pure mountain air change from the salt water at once marked and agreeable.
 But we have deserted our party, which af- ter day of ideal enjoyment is reconveyed to the station and at 8 o'clock is at home once more. RURAL.