New-York tribune., 1902-07-20
In WESTERN CATSKILLS.
BEA UTP OF Foliage THIS
SEASON ON PEAK AND
IN VALLEY.
MANY SATISFIED WITHOUT CLIMBING
MOUNTAINS MEN HAD RATHER
BOWL THAN DANCE-HIGH-
EST PEAK

Stamford. n. Y. July ls (SpeciaD.-Never since
white men blazed their trails through the rocky
cloves and drove the Indians of their best camp
ing places in the mountain meadows have the
Western Catskills been il better shape than they
are this summer. They show a wealth of green
seldom approached except in the tropics The
cleared bases and valleys between the
peaks have olive shade which increases gradu-
ally in depth, until on the mountains the green is
so rich as 10 be almost black. From Big Indian to
Stamford there is scarcely a fire to be seen,
for the Catskills remarkably free from forest
conhagrations last year. The richness Of coloring
however. is due 10 the exceptionally heavy rain
fail in the spring Fortunately for the city visit
ors. the rains over and the days a procession
Of blue skies, beginning with golden sunrise over
Slide Mountain and crimson setting over the lake
region to the westward.
The distinctive feature OF this vilage-modern-
tzed 70 some extent for summer resort purposes,
but still unspoied-is Mount Utsayantha, which
rises nearly high above Stamford the village
Is above the sea It is one Of the few peaks which
retains fits original Indian name. Can any one pre-
fer Black Head. North Mountain. High Peak.
Round Top. Plateau. Table Tower Mountain to
rnellihuous, resounding Utsayantha? Even the
labels given by the Dutch-Kaaterskin, Peeka-
moose, Plattekin and Van Valkenburgh-are
In harmony with the region.
But that has nothing TO do with the statement
made day two ago by strenuous mountain
climbing visitor. that not person in ten who
a mountain, and he proved his point.
why do people come to the mountains. any
way" he asked, IF they are only going TO lie
nround hotel porches. gossip about the other peo-
pie who lying around also, and play progress
sive euchre or ping pong?"
There was a world Of disgust IN the last few
words The speaker would not have gone into
eucnre contest with a chance TO cut for all the
world prize.
precious little fun there is in mountain climb
ing" growled the old bachelor who has so much
money that nearly every mother in the hotel and
few from surrounding boarding houses are throw
ing their daughters at his head.
did you ever climb one?" demanded the strenu-
GUS
.+old crllsty'' shook his head.
--7Iuh!r exclaimed the climber in triumph
-Fut I did, though" pped a woman who was
oue Of the group. Il climbed a mountan-clear TO
the top of Utsayantha. And, do you know was
never so disappointed in my whole life! NO SIR
never so disappointed.
ssYou must admit that the view was nagnlhcehI
returned the man, and he detailed some OF the
wonders TO be seen from Ruliffson's Observatory,
the gift Of one OF Stamfords energetic citizens
.eyou can look into seven counties, see mountain
peaks IN three States-the Berkshire Hills in Mas
sachusetts the Adirondacks and the Green Noun
tains Why, there Is not less than twenty thousano
square miles OF country TO be seen IN single
sweeping glance. It brought prayer TO my lips"
well was disappointed" repeated the woman
s<It was not what expected"
look for circus at the summit, OF q
sort of continuous vaudeville, with each OF the
twenty-seven Catskin peaks that can be seen doing
a turn" he asked in fine scorn.
There was a restaurant up there" said the
woman irreievantly. but the meal was poor-I
say the meal very poor"
But you surely enjoyed the fine tramp up the
narrow trai?" he said with something OF ap-
peal IN his voice.
saClimbi Narrow trail.' exclaimed the woman
You didn't think walked away UP there? went
IN the stage"
The man in disgust left the piazza and went
across the lawn with swinging stride. He
more TIL evening but in the time he
had been quite happy overcoming Mount Delaware.
Philadelphia OF six. who has been religious
ly learning the names OF everything about Stam-
ford since her arrival a week ago. demanded the
other day the name OF the river which rises here.
at IS the Delaware" her mother said
The child looked worried and finally asked
Mamma. you telling story trying fool
me, don't you know
what you trying 10 get at?' asked the puz-
zled mstron.
''You said the Delaware River is here in stam-
ford and you know we left It back home in Phila-
delphia-"
1T is the same river. my child, for it is very
long"
The tot thought it over for five minutes and then
asked. Wont you take to the ferry?"
The mother showed her the tiny stream that
grows into a mighty river before it reaches the sea
Stepping stones there were. instead of ferryboats
81 guess this must be the Deaware's little baby"
said the child. MY papa could step across it"
Stamford hotels, especially the Rexmere and