88 



Topographical Geology. 



alluvial tracts ; while on every side, mountains of various altitudes 

 and of almost every shape, form the outline of the landscape. Where, 

 for instance, does the traveler meet in any part of our land with 

 lovelier spots than Pittsfield, Lenox, Lee, Stockbridge, and Great 

 Barrington ! 



Valley of the Connecticut. 



The circumstances that render the scenery of this valley so attrac- 

 tive to the man of taste, are the extent and fertility of its alluvial 

 meadows ; the precipitous boldness and irregular outline of its trap 

 and sandstone ranges,already described; and the magnitude and beauty 

 of the Connecticut, and of its principal tributaries, the Westfield and 

 the Deerfield, winding through the secondary basins which their 

 waters or other agencies have produced. Let such a region as this 

 be sprinkled over with villages like Longmeadow, Springfield, West- 

 Spriugfield, South-Hadley, Amherst, Sunderland, Northampton, Had- 

 ley, Hatfield, Deerfield, Greenfield, and Northfield, and it needs the 

 inspiration of poetry to describe its beauties. Unfortunately, how- 

 ever, the Valley of the Connecticut remains yet to be described. 



Several of the villages above named are sufficiently elevated to over- 

 look the surrounding region to a considerable extent, though neigh- 

 boring mountains still tower above them; and thus are combined the 

 beauties and advantages of a location upon a hill, with those to be 

 found in a valley. The upper terrace of Springfield, on which 

 stands the United States Armory, is thus elevated. Still higher is 

 South Hadley, with Holyoke and Tom half encircling it on the west 

 and north, except where the Connecticut has opened a passage be- 

 tween these mountains ; serving as a vista through which is disclosed 

 at greater distance the Hoosic range. From the Gymnasium on 

 Round Hill in Northampton is one of the richest views of fertile 

 meadows, and mountains of fantastic shape, to be found in the coun- 

 try. From the Gymnasium at Amherst is a similar prospect ; and 

 from the College tower in the same place, one of wider range and 

 more imposing features. From the Seminary in Greenfield, a south- 

 ern prospect opens of enchanting beauty. 



The opening of a new road along the banks of the Connecticut, in 

 the northwest part of South Hadley, has brought to light (I mean, to 

 my own eyes,) a most lovely landscape. Standing on the elevated 

 bank and facing the northwest, you look directly up the Connecticut 

 river, where it passes between Holyoke and Tom ; those mountains 



