24 Account of the Kaatskill Mountains. 
‘it a safe retreat in consequence of the difficulties of the pas- 
‘sage. They have their dens in the caverns formed by the 
rocks which have been precipitated from the precipices. 
Mink Pot. 
On the east branch of the Schoharrie river which rises in 
these mountains, is arock with a large hole in it. This cav- 
ity is shaped like a pot, much larger a few inches below than 
atthe rim. It is near the surface of the water, and is over- 
flowed by it during a freshet. I did not visit it during the 
few days I passed on the mountain, and shall therefore de- 
scribe it as I heard it from one who formerly resided on 
one of the peaks of this chain. It is called by the hunters, 
“the Mink Pot” from the following circumstance. In the 
spring the river is so much swollen by the rains, as to fill 
this cavity with water. The fish of the stream go into this 
cavity owing to the great depth of water, and when ihe 
stream subsides, those of them that happen to be in it are 
- confined until the next freshet. The Minks as soon as the 
waters have subsided, in order to indulge their appetites, 
leave their abode among the rocks and come to this pot. 
As soon as they have arrived, they jump in to prey upon the 
fish. If they remain after the waters have fallen a few 
inches below the rim, they are as effectually imprisoned as 
their prey. The hunters often visit this place to take the 
minks. This is done by striking them with a small club, as — + 
they come up to the surface of the water to breathe. Seve- 
ral of these animals have, in the course of a few minutes, 
_ been killed in this manner. 
Trees. 
These mountains are covered with trees, which are of 
different kinds at the base from those on the top of the 
mountain. As you leave the Hudson, and proceed towards 
this chain of mountains, the trees which grow spontaneously 
are principally the black and white oak ; the former used 
for timber, the latter for its bark. Hickory or walnut, ches- 
nut, butternut and several kinds of pine, are found inter- 
spersed among the oaks. These seem indigenous to the 
soil, but do not grow as abundantly as the oak. Qn the hills 
