CHAPTER XXII 

 THE CHARLEMONT BUTTONWOOD 



In the outskirts of the village, 

 On the river's winding shores, 

 Stand the Occidental plane-trees, 

 Stand the ancient sycamores. 



Wbittier 



ONE of the most picturesque spots 

 on the "Mohawk Trail" may be 

 found in the westerly portion of the 

 little town of Charlemont, just beyond the 

 old covered bridge which crosses the Deerfield 

 River. At this point a buttonwood tree 

 stands on the side of the slope a few feet 

 above the road, and leans slightly forward 

 as if to protect a spring of sparkling water 

 near its base. 



Here the first pioneer settler of the town- 

 ship slept when he came to take possession 

 of the land which he had purchased for 

 himself and his family; and not far away, 

 on the side of the hill above, he finally per- 

 ished at the hands of the Indians. 



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