of the peaks are really magnificent. Not only is the adjacent region spread out to view, but far outlying localities can be plainly seen. From some points the Hudson River and the fruitful valley through which it flows can be seen. for nearly a hundred miles. They form a picture of beauty which once beheld will never be forgotten. The highest point is believed to be the Slide Mountain, which reaches an altitude of 4,220 feet above the tide level. It is near the centre of the Catskill region and is one of a group of notable peaks. Several of the hotels of this region are located from 2,000 to 3,000 feet above the sea. From many lower points, as well as from the higher elevations, splendid views may also be obtained. Indeed, so numerous and varied are the attractions of the landscape that, go where he will in all this section, the tourist will find a scene of beauty constantly open before him. The several railroads and

stage lines make it comparatively easy to reach any part of the region, and a long distance can be passed and many views obtained in a limited time, though it is far more satisfactory to move slowly and allow the pictures to become indelibly impressed upon the mind. Some of the railroads are narrow gauge, and have very steep grades to overcome. In one case, there is a grade of 180 feet to the mile, while a rise of 140 feet in that distance is not

uncommon.

Even with these steep inclines it is often necessary to choose a winding pathway, and make the running distance between stations several miles farther than it would be if a straight line could be followed.

Among the many points of interest in the Catskill region Sunset Rock is deserving of special mention. It is located in the Eastern Catskills, only a

KAATERSKILL FALLS.

short distance from the famous Hotel Kaaterskill, and overhangs the Kaaterskill Clove. It is a table rock with an almost perpendicular descent of 1,500 feet, while lying opposite is the Kaaterskill High Peak, which rises in full view for its entire height of 4,000 feet. Looking down the Clove, the valley of the Hudson is seen spread out in wondrous beauty. At the head of the Clove Haines's Falls glimmer in the sun, while looking far inland the giant form of Hunter Mountain comes into view. The Clove itself is also one of the grandest features of the region. It is a ravine some five miles in length, at the head of which two rivulets unite. The stream thus formed flows rapidly to a point where a division in the mountain leaves an immense hollow forming a cataract of 180 feet, while just below are two falls of eighty feet and forty feet respectively. This cascade of 300 feet makes a wonderful scene of beauty in summer, and is said to be still more attractive in the winter when the sunlight is reflected by the ice, which in a multitude of fantastic forms beautifully decorates the falls.

The range of vision is From the little observa

Overlook Mountain, which has been styled "the corner stone" of the Catskills, is also an important point of observation. From the hotel located here a fine view can be obtained, while from Grand View Rock, only a mile away, the outlook is beautiful beyond description, and is said by experienced travellers to be one of the finest in the world. The Hudson River can be seen for nearly 100 miles, five ranges of mountains besides the Catskills are in full view, as are also portions of seven different States. said to cover the vast area of 30,000 square miles. tory which has been erected at the top of Slide Mountain, in the Western Catskills, the view is also extensive and magnificent. The Berkshire Hills in Massachusetts, the Hudson River, and many mountains in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are clearly seen in the distance, while the Catskill region lies spread out in beauty and grandeur close at hand. Less imposing, but perhaps not less beautiful, views are to be obtained in many of the valleys of this "enchanted land." Beautiful drives and pleasant walks abound. The merry flow of the mountain streams, the beauty of tree and flower, and the silent grandeur of the adjacent peaks rearing their heads to the sky, combine to form a scene of loveliness of which the beholder never tires. If more sombre scenes are desired, the deep gorges of the region, in which snow and ice remain during the entire year, their sides covered with rich, dark evergreens which shut out the sun yet which point toward the light will give the thoughts a tinge of sadness and solemnity which brighter views do not impart.

In this wild region Nature can be seen in all her varied moods and the visitor can choose the aspect in which to him she shall appear.

The sportsman, as well as the admirer of natural beauty, may here find abundant diversion; excellent hunting and fishing being found throughout the section. The routes from New York to the Catskills have already been mentioned. From Boston this delightful region is easily reached by the Boston and Albany Railroad, or the Hoosac Tunnel Route, with their connecting north and south lines, while our Canadian friends who wish to visit it will find excellent accommodations on the Grand Trunk road with its connecting lines. Several recently constructed railroads have made all portions of the Catskill section easily accessible, and it is now possible to start from the Hudson, pass through the entire length of the region, and return in a single day. A less hurried trip will be found far more satisfactory, but even this brief visit will be remembered with joy as long as life remains.

Lying a little to the south of the mountains, but properly noted in connection with the Catskill region, is the Wallkill Valley, which presents numerous beautiful scenes and through which a path can be found to many charming resorts. It is easily reached from Kingston by the Wallkill Valley Railroad. The fertility of its soil as well as the attractions of its scenery made it a favorite locality with the early settlers of the country. It was discovered and settled by Huguenot refugees who fled from France to avoid religious persecution. They cleared a portion of the land, planted vines upon the hillsides, and made the former wilderness to "blossom as the rose." The town of New Paltz, on the east side of Wallkill Creek, and on the Wallkill Valley Railroad, was settled in 1683. It still bears, after the lapse of two centuries with the tremendous progress which has been made and the vast changes which have taken place in all the civilized world, the impress of the quaint and industrious toilers who here found civil liberty and freedom to worship God. Some of the houses which they erected are standing to-day, and afford a curious contrast to the structures of modern times.

From New Paltz the Shawangunk Mountains are in view and a stage route leads to their various places of interest. Sky Top, one of the highest peaks of the range, is an interesting as well as prominent feature of the landscape. Near its summit is Lake Mohonk, a beautiful sheet of water, lying nearly 1,250 feet above the level of the sea. A carriage road has been constructed by which the lake can be readily reached. The view from all the upper portion of the route is rich and varied, while the lake itself, inclosed

with rugged cliffs and massive rocks, is wonderful in its placid Loveliness. Upon this mountain peak a fine hotel has been erected and many winding paths lead to the points from which the finest views may be obtained. The lake, though comparatively narrow, is about half a mile in length, and the water, which is 80 feet deep, is always clear and cold. About six miles farther on, and also located on a mountain peak, is Lake Minnewaska. This beautiful sheet of water is about 1,650 feet above the level of the sea and, like Lake Mohonk, is hemmed in by rocky walls. On Minnewaska Heights, a cliff overlooking the lake, two hotels have been erected, and from their windows very fine and extensive views may be obtained. The Green Mountains of Vermont, the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts, the Housatonic Mountains of Connecticut, the Catskills and several other groups of mountains in New York, are all in sight, while many valleys, and lakes, and rivers, with villages and towns, add their attractions to the general beauty. Only a short distance from these houses may be seen the Awosting Falls, where a small stream of water has a clear fall of 60 feet, while about half a mile farther on its course, by a series of beautiful and rapid descents, it drops to a level one hundred feet lower still. In the vicinity are many other places of interest, including several caves and bluffs, a magnificent forest of hemlocks, and the placid Lake Awosting; all of which are within easy reach and by the beautiful views which they present will amply repay a visit from tourists who find their way to this delightful region.

SARATOGA SPRINGS.

HE town of Saratoga Springs has long been famous as a summer resort and for at least a quarter of a century has held the position of "Queen" of the inland watering places in America. It owes its fame to the wonderful mineral springs which it contains and to the large and elegant hotels which have here been erected, and which are said to be more luxurious and magnificent in their appointments than those of any other watering place in the world. Of these hotels the United States accommodates about 2,000 people, the Grand Union 1,800, and Congress Hall 1,000, while several others care for from 250 to 750 each. At several of the hotels fine orchestras are kept throughout the season. In all there are more than 50 hotels and there are also a large number of boarding-houses. The town is