The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1890-10-03
VOL. 25, NO.
THE HUDSON AND THE RHINE.

Every traveller in Germany is famil-
lar with the roetic and picturesque
beauties of the Rhine, and if he be an
American he recalls with pride that it
is as in his own free land rival. The
Hudson has not old castles cropping
out at intervals along its banks from
which smouldering parapets of,past Gem
turies look down with approving con-
tent upon the lordly lapse of the
stream belo0. He must grant that
this charm, the creation of man, adds
zest to the German stream which the
American one lacks, and must needs
lack for all time.
But most stanch Americans will
hold that this is the only superiority
which the Rhine can boast over the
Hudson. So much must be granted.
And who feels much reluctance in con-
ceding iti Ruins are something we
do not banker after on these cisalantic
shores. Decay is not the attribute of
youth.
The Hudson is one of the most beau
tiful rivers the country can boast. No
one who travels along its silvery
course from New York to Albany can
deny this. A trip by day up the Hud-
son is one of the most fascinating
which can be enjoyed.
Seated comfortably in the prov of
one of the swift river boats, a beauti-
full panorama unrolls itself before the
tourists eyes. The charm of the
winding rivers varied banks is con.
stantly changing. For some time
after leaving the pier the thickly clus-
tered houses of New York City lie
along the eastern shore of the river.
The first historic spot which he will
gaze upon is the latest in order Of
being The beautiful point where
swaying elms crown an elevated por-
ton of the bank which commands a
ravishing view both up and down the
stream in that part of the Riverside
Drive just back of which, in their
modest temporary resting-place, repose
the remains of the great general who
guided the nation in war and in peace.
A little way above, the Palisades be-
gin-that lofty wall of perpendicular
rock which rears itself on the west
side of the river. For miles the solid
natural bulwark extends along the
brightly flowing stream. Its dignity
is in keeping with the majesty of the
Hudson at this stage of its progress
when it is on the point of pouring its
brimming waters into the bay.
As the boat steams higher up the
river, softly wooded banks, from
which beautiful villas stand forth, line
its shore. On hazy summer day a
mist seems to rise like veil from he
gently flowing stream, and falls light
ly about the verdure of its banks.
Town after town at this part of the
course reveals itself as a summer re-
sort, not for the casual visitor, for
transient guests are not considered,
nor are they desired, except "by spec
ial request" but for the oppulent mer-
chants of the bustllng city a few miles
below who live in these exquisite rural
retreats. Their fortunate proximity
to the scene of labor for business men
makes it possible for many persons to
reside all the year round in Riverdale,
Yonkers, Mount St. Vincent, Dobb:
Ferry, Irvington, and Tarrytown.
Many have their steam-yachts in
which to voyage down in the COO
morning to Wall Street and stocks, as
Jay Gould, whose immense atlanta
is the execratou of the men at the
docks along the river. Daily, in sum
mer, the little CrGsus is borne up the
stream to Tarrytown in the dusk o
the late afternoon. Tie displacement
of his yacht is so great that big waves
are sent tumbling in to shore, where
they breed haYoc among the lightly
fastened boats which lie at the differ
ent piers.
Higher up the stream the pictures
que site of West Point meets the eye
and the stream broadens and wind
till it fades away in the blue distance
Soon the bold, irregular outline of tn
Cattskill Mountains furnishes a lord
lier element to the view, which, as
rule, is gentle and soothing in its sof
grace.
| Above the region of the mountain
the stream falls off in poetic characte
and dignity of volume, though the biz
steamboats, make their way as far a
Albany. But by the time the travelle
on the stream which owes its name L
bold Hendrix Hudson has reached thi
term, he has been glutted with beauty
| Viewed at any time when the day j
fair, the traveller up the Hudson wi
candidly admit that it is a noble river
fit to be mentioned with the othe
lordly streams. 1t is a show streau
one the natives like to have the fol-
eign visitor behold, confident that h
will bear away only the most delight
full recollections of its varied beauty
Hayper'S Weekly.