Saddle Mountain. 



75 



mountain. As the cold increases, the line of congelation sinks lower 

 and lower, covering more and more of the mountain with frost work, 

 and a contrary effect results from an increase of the temperature ; so 

 that this line is frequently rising and falling during the cold months, 

 producing numerous fantastic changes in the aspect of the moun- 

 tain. 



The best route by which to ascend to the summit of Graylock, pass" 

 es up the southwestern declivity of the mountain, through what is 

 called the Hopper ; and over that spur of the mountain denominated 

 Bald Mountain. The ascent is so gentle that it may be gained on 

 horseback. Indeed, in one instance I was told that a lady, accustom- 

 ed to equestrian excursions, reached the summit in this manner : and 

 were the road in the upper part improved as it might be, by a little 

 labor, her example might be easily followed. Another improvement 

 also, should be made before ladies are invited to take this excursion. 

 At present one is obliged to climb a tree, to the height of 30 or 40 feet, 

 in order to get an unobstructed view from the summit : so that either 

 the surrounding trees should be cleared away, or a stone or wooden 

 structure be erected, that would overlook them. 



I know of no place where the mind is so forcibly impressed by the 

 idea of vastness, and even of immensity, as when the eye ranges 

 abroad from this eminence. Towards the south you have a view, 

 more or less interrupted by spurs from the Taconic and Hoosic 

 ranges of mountains, of that fertile valley which crosses the whole of 

 Berkshire county. On your right and left, you look down upon, or 

 rather overlook, the Taconic and Hoosic mountains; which from 

 the valley beneath, seem of such towering height and grandeur. Be- 

 yond these mountains, on every side, you see the summits of peak 

 beyond peak, till they are blended with the distant sky. The objects 

 in the immediate vicinity, of the mountain do not forcibly arrest the 

 attention; though from the northern point of the summit, I should sup- 

 pose the valley of William stown must be delightfully exhibited. 

 Still, the vast depth of the valley around you, as you stand upon Gray- 

 lock, contributes no doubt to swell the feeling of immensity and 

 sublimity produced by looking abroad among such a sea of moun- 

 tains. 



Upon the whole, however, I was more interested by the phenom- 

 ena exhibited in that part, of the mountain, called the Hopper, than 

 by a view from the summit. As the traveller descends from Gray- 

 lock, let him follow out the naked summit of Bald Mountain nearly 



