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Mt. Holyoke, lifts up its rugged form more than
1200 feet above the vale, and constitutes almost
the only feature of native wildness which has de-
fied the subduing touch of man. Even here, if
the not improbable theory of some geologists be
correct, the modifying hand of nature has accom-
plished one of its most remarkable achievements
in the excavation of a rocky channel for the Con-
necticut, between these two mountain heights,
which are supposed originally to have formed a
connected chain, at a considerable elevation above
their present bases. The appearance of the bold
cliffs at the Kock Ferry crossing, as well as the
form of the vast alluvial basin which would be
embraced within the sweep of this mountain
range, if only a connection here were formed, to-
gether with other geological characteristics, ren-
der this theory, extraordinary as it may seem,
almost a matter of obvious demonstration.
A winding road has been constructed within a
few years, by which carriages ascend about two
thirds of the distance towards the summit of Mt.
Holyoke ; and the remainder of the ascent, though
steep, is accomplished without difficulty. A build-
ing has been erected on the summit, where com-
fortable rest and refreshments may be enjoyed.
There are few, if any, mountain prospects in
our country, which lie so near to a great thor-
oughfare of travel, and are so easily accessible,
as this ; few where so much delightful gratifica-
tion can be obtained at so little expense of time
and trouble. In short, there are few, if any,
which, for extent and variety of interest adapted
to give pleasure to a refined and cultivated taste,
can be compared with advantage to this grand
enchanting panorama, in which nature and art
seem rivalling each other, for the meed of admi-
ration.
MOUNT HOPE, R. I.
This interesting locality, once the seat of the
celebrated King Philip, is situated in Bristol, the
shire town of Bristol co., which is the Pokan-
ocket of the Indians, lying between the Narra-
ganset and Mount Hope Bays. The summit of
the hill is about 2 miles N. E. of the court
house, and though not elevated more than 300
feet above tide water, affords a most extensive
and delightful prospect. Here is still shown, at
a little distance from the apex of the mount, as
it falls off towards Mount Hope Bay, a sheltered
niche or alcove in the rock, where, as tradition
says, King Philip had his royal seat, and where
he presided in the council of warriors and
sachems, who either acknowledged fealty to his
realm, or yielded themselves to the lead of his
superior prowess. By means of an extensive alli-
ance of the Indian tribes, Philip finally made a
desperate assault upon the English settlements in
1675, with the design of exterminating them from
the American shores. The flame of war was
lighted up in different parts of the country, and
continued for more than a year to desolate New
England. The first attack was made on Sunday,
June 20, 1675. Philip was killed when attempt-
ing to escape from the pursuit of Captain Church,
on Saturday, August 12, 1676.
MOUNT VERNON, VA. |
This venerated spot, where once resided the
father of his country, and where his ashes now
repose, is universally regarded with a sacred in-
terest. It is on the W. bank of the Potomac, 15
miles S. from the city of Washington, and 8
from Alexandria. General Washington's man-
sion is still in a good state of preservation. The
new tomb into which his remains were removed
in 1830, and subsequently placed in a marble
sarcophagus, is in a retired situation a short dis-
tance from the house. It is a plain but substan-
tial structure of brick, with an iron gate at the
entrance, through the bars of which are seen two
sarcophagi of white marble, in which slumber,
side by side, the mortal remains of that great and
good man and of his amiable consort.
The old tomb, in which the remains of Wash-
ington were first deposited, and which is now
going to decay, is upon an elevation in full view
from the river.
A glimpse of this interesting spot may be had
from the Potomac steamer, on its way from Wash-
ington to the railroad terminus at Acquia Creek.
But to visit the place, it is necessary to stop at
Alexandria, and take a private conveyance to
Mount Yernon.
NAHANT, MS.
This celebrated watering-place is a part of the
beautiful town of Lynn. It is a peninsula, jutting
out about 5 miles into Massachusetts Bay, and
forms Lynn Bay on the S. From Boston to
Nahant Hotel, on the E. point of the peninsula,
by land, is 14 miles ; from the centre of Lynn, 5;
and from Salem, 9 miles. On the N. E. side of
this peninsula is a beach of great length and
smoothness. It is so hard that a horse's foot-
steps are scarcely visible; and, from half tide to
low water, it affords a ride of superior excellence.
Much may be said in praise of Nahant without
exaggeration. Its formation, situation, and rug-
ged shore excite the curiosity of all, and many
thousands annually visit it for health or pleasure.
It is only 10 miles N. E. from Boston, by the
steamboats continually plying in summer months.
At this place are good fishing and fowling, and
excellent accommodations; the ocean scenery is
exceedingly beautiful in fair weather, and truly
sublime in a storm.
This is one of the oldest and most celebrated
watering-places in New England, and a place to
which many of the wealthy citizens of Boston,
having provided themselves with pleasant cot-
tages, resort in the summer months with their
families. The Nahant Hotel is a large and
well-kept house near the termination of the pen-
insula.
NANTASKET BEACH, MS.
This delightful retreat in the summer months,
for those who wish to enjoy the luxuries of sea
air, bathing, fishing, fowling, &c., is approached
by the South Shore Kailroad, passing through
the pleasant towns of Dorchester, Quincy, Brain-
tree, Weymouth, and Hingham, to the Nantasket
station, about 3 miles from the latter place, and
2 miles from Cohasset. The ride from the station
to the head of the peninsula of Nantasket is about
2 miles, where are several large and well-kept
houses of entertainment. Thence you proceed
over a beautiful, level, and hard beach, about 4
miles in length. After passing the beach, you
turn to the left nearly at a right angle, and cross
a narrow neck of land, which brings you upon a
fine highland, which constitutes the ancient town
of Hull, the termination of which is Point Alder-
ton, directly opposite the Boston light-house.
On the N. and E. sides of this peninsula is Mas- |
