Shelburne Falls. 



101 



valley, to denominate these falls, Turner's Falls ; and Gen. Hoyt, in 

 his History of the Indian Wars, has given them the same designa- 

 tion. I am aware, however, how very difficult it is to make popu- 

 lar and prevalent, a new name for any natural object ; although in the 

 present case, I doubt not, that every man acquainted with the history 

 of this spot, would say that to prefix the name of Capt. Turner to this 

 cataract, is appropriate and just. 



About 160 years ago, a party of Philip's Indians, having joined 

 those living in the vicinity, resorted to these falls to take fish. On 

 the 17th of May, Capt. Turner, from Boston, marched from Hatfield, 

 with 150 men, and came by surprise upon the Indian camp the next 

 morning at day light. The Indians being totally unprepared for an 

 attack, fled in every direction : some springing into their canoes with- 

 out paddles, were precipitated over the falls and dashed in pieces. 

 Three hundred Indians, and but one white man, were killed. Yet 

 the Indians who escaped, being joined by others, fell upon Turner's 

 party as they were returning, and made a dreadful slaughter among 

 them ; killing 37, among whom was Capt. Turner. Will not the 

 public do the justice to this brave but unfortunate officer, to send down 

 his name to posterity, associated with that of the spot where he con- 

 quered and fell ! 



During high water, the roar of Turner's falls may be heard from 

 6 to 10 miles. The magnificence of the cataract is greatly height- 

 ened at such a season. 



In order to visit Turner's Falls, one must turn aside from every 

 great public road ; and although but four miles from the village of 

 Greenfield, this circumstance shows why they are so seldom resorted 

 to by travelers. (See Plate IX.) 



Falls at South Hadley. 



The descent of the water here being but a few feet, these falls do 

 not in themselves possess any great interest ; and yet, as one of the 

 objects in the beautiful landscape which has already been described 

 as existing at this place, their absence would be sensibly felt by the 

 man of taste. 



Shelburne Falls. 



These occur in Deerfield river where it enters the narrowest part 

 of that deep ravine in the primary strata, between Shelburne and Con- 



