Connecticut western news., 1897-06-17
EAST ROCK IN SPRING TIME.

As you pass out from under the yer dant archway of elms on Orange street over the bridge yon find yourself at the very base of buge perpendicular rock, towering hundreds of feet above in semi circular form like a giant bulwark of defense. On to the northward the winding, serpentine course is common ced up the mountain sides when one can begin to fully realize the beauties of Nature in the spring time and the pleas ures of little trip away from the heat, dust and hustle of the city-out into the country.
 One is inadvertently led to think of the benefcient gift of the city in pro- viding this free and beautiful "breath- ing place" even though some coldly criticize it and say East Rock Park is only for the wealthy who can hire car riages." but thanks to the bicycle, which conveys rich and poor alike. giving each the opportunity to happily enjoy this com bination of Nature and art and best see what New Haven has done for her people.
 All the way up the hill, oyer it's hard paved streets, with ascent so gradual as to be scarcely wearisome, one notices on either side the fresh verdure and bright wild blossoms that attend this new sea- son. At every turn of the wheel some new beauty or sweeter species of bud, fern or flower, some prettier bit of charming scenery as tie roadway swings out on projecting cliff, breaks upon our view until really the fact that V e are hill climbing is lost in admiration for Nsture's loveliness. The feathered songsters in great variety softly warble their tinkling notes through these forest glades while the gray squirrels gambol quite near you, all seeming to take rr- wonted pleasure in the big park since their long immunity from mans inter- ference and desire to destroy them has taught them apparently that in this "little world," lawfully their own,- they are safe from harm.
 Arriving at the top of the rock the wide spread panorama, reach ing in every direction, is wondrously charming and beautiful. Yet particu- larly alluring these bright spring morn ings when the, sun first gleams over the horizon in all. his glory, touching as with painters brush the whole land scape with a golden tinge of beauty. The air is so clear, cool and exhilerat- ing, even in the hottest days, that it amply repays for any exertion experi- euced in reaching this delightful spot. As one leans over the balcony of the Summit House at the edge of the cliff the eye wanders over the fair "City of Films" far below and its many pleasant subul ban attractions bordered on the one side by the silvery glimm ering waters from Old Oceans restless bosom, and in the background by bits of lake aud mountain scenery that would make picture to vie with the far famed "Switzer's. Sounds come mp through the stlli, clear air with startling distinct ness. The whizz of the trolley cars, changing of the bells, puffing of the lo- comotives, ard even the clicking of the horses hoofs on the hard pavements are audibly heard, but with soft subdued cadence obtained from their long travel through the air.
 The entire face of the rock is study, as most "faces" are. From the base il appears as if no vegetation could long exist there, yet from the top can plainly be seen peering out through the cracks and crevlces ferns, grasses, flowers; and the twining wild honeysuckle is there | defyipg extermination from thirst as we'll as safety from the most reckless flower gatLerers. There are only few places where the edge of the precipice can be reached with safety, and ever here only the most cautious would venture.
 The Park and its surroundings pre- sent cool and inviting retreat, with its we'll shaded dives and walks lined with flowers and rich colored foliage pretty arranged rustic seats and arbor' over which the woolvine and clematis hang.
 The tall and massive monument. 1T honor of New Haven's soldiers anG sailors, is built about the center of tn, park and is the conspicious center of at traction for miles around, standing proudly to the front and overlooking the homes and scenes of scores of tn, fallen heroes whose memory It will eve perpetuate.
 c. NJ. HALL. New Haven. June 4, 1897.
 | Tidings From The Tramp.