Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-08-11
In THE BERKSHIRE HILLS.
Interesting Towns and Localities I'm
Western Massachusetts.
Special Correspondence Of TIE EVENING STAR
PLAINFIELD, HAMPSHIRE Co., MASS,

Special Correspondence of THE EVENING STAR.
PLAINFIELD, HAMPSHIRE Co., MASS,
August 3, 1883.
Much has been written Of the Berkshire Hills
mostly, however, in regard to that portion in and
around Lenox, stockbroge and Lee where the
wealthy fashionable own luxurious country seats
and where they resort after the eXhausting and
wearing campaigns OF the summer at Saratoga
atmosphere for the winter. My intention in wri-
ting this letter is TO Call the notice OF tired city
people to comparatively httle-known region, Sit
uated on the eastern slope OF the Berkshire Hills
There are no mountains, except in the distance
but the whole country is one Vast tumble or hills
and valleys no hills perhaps more than three or
twelve to fifteen hundred above the level OF the
valley OF the Connecticut River, the elevation is
Sufficient to give pure air sure and bracing tonic
for a worn and wearied body.
l have been spending the summer in the charm
Ing town OF Palnfeld, where the drives are en-.
Joy able beyond COMPARE rather billy to be sure.
Dut the roads are good, and each hilI ascended in
sures at least one lovely and inspiring view and
In some cases, on more slightly em1nence you have
sea Of Mills and hummocks near Dy sharp and clear
farther away blue and indistinct. The whole coun-
try Is well covered with woods and clumps OF trees
which, at the dluerent hours or the day, give the
most charming effects OF light and shadow, CON-
pletely absorbing an artistic eye and interesting
the eye OF the unrestricted.
The roads wind over and about the hills and
through the valleys, and along tue winding brooks
and lakes and ponds In most Turing and enchant-
this region, the roads pass through long stretches
OF most refreshing shade, and are lined with wild
berries, flowers and ferns
The brooks are so well filled with trout that
novice, while he may mot beat the record" is
nevertheless certain OF few OF the SPECIFIED
beauties"
Last week visited Ashfeld, a beautiful town
among the hills, miles from here. This is the
summer home OF Geo. VIM Curtis, OF "Harper's,"
Han, OF Hartford, Jas. Russell Lowell and Others
OF our Lterdti Naturally they draw about them
many other kindred souls, making an interesting
society 10 those entitled TO the entree. The main
street OF Ashteld Is lined on both sides with neat
and tasteful residences and with fine old shade
trees The town has a partially endowed acade-
my (SanderSon), well selected free public libra
ry, and they are now building a new and ample
structure for their accommodation. In the center
erected as memor. al TO the soldiers OF the town
who gave their lives for their country in the sup.
preston Of the rebellion.
Another very delightful excursion Is to the ad-
Joining town OF CummingtOn, 10 the birthplace
and summer residence OF the late William Cullen
Bryant. In the house where he was born (now en-
larged and tmprOvec) the visitor Is shown the
study and library, bedroom and gymnasium OF the
poet and In the grounds the spots where he com.
posed and wrote many OF his poems.
good reader can give exquisite pleasupe to q
party by rendering Thanatopsts, The Rivulet, and
other OF Bryant's weli-known poetry In the very
place OF their creation. The grounds about the
Two bouses are Beautifully laid out with avenues
and walks lined with weii-grown trees
The arrangement OF the woods, orchards, the
nowCi oHo vS6Ctdoto SaIucuS anu tue lawns are
very attractive, giving one fair idea OF an Eng
iish park belonging to wealthy gentleman, and
Mr.. Bryant must have expended his means with
lavish hands TO have produced such Charming re-
suits. The extensive views from both houses over
the lovely region about are beyond the power of
any pen 70 describe, they must be seen and en-
Joyed. During his Tie Mr.. Bryant generously pre-
sented his native town with free public library,
erecting nne stone building, In which he placed
valuable and useful collection OF standard works:
also building neat stone dwelling for the libra.
Ran, and devoted fund Tor the maintenance OF
The student OF the past Will md much of his
torc interest TO engage his attention In these and
the neighbortng towns. Being on the frontier dur
Ing the Indian and French wars and not far from
the route OF Burgoynes incursi0n during the RevO-
lution the whole country Is full OF points 10 which
are attached legends and stories OF great interest
These towns ali contributed literally OF their
best blood and treasure In all the great emerHen-
c1es OF our c0untrys history. W.