CHAPTER V 
ONTEORA NOTES 
HILE Onteora itself is far better known 
by its pleasant traditions than by its 
natural history, it is surely worthy of recogni- 
tion that a charming society of birds is also 
to be found there, and many of the best 
families of plants have long followed the 
peaceful tenor of their lives in its quiet 
woods. Not so much has been written of the 
natural history of the Catskills but another 
word may be said. Nor do I expect to say 
anything new: in fact I would greatly prefer 
to confine myself to the familiar aspects of 
the woods, the familiar and well-beloved birds 
and flowers. 
Some families of plants and birds do not 
arrive at the heights of Onteora, while others, 
not found at lower elevations in this latitude, 
are at home on Parnassus alone. In ascend- 
ing the Catskills directly, as ina walk up the 
Kaaterskill from Palenville, it is thus ap- 
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