CIV 
LIFE OF 
mingled with frequent regret that you were not along with me to 
share the enjoyment. About thirty miles south of Albany we 
passed within ten miles of the celebrated Catskil Mountains, a 
gigantic group, clothed with forest to the summits. In the river 
here I found our common reed ( Zizania aquatica) growing in great 
abundance, in shoals extending along the middle of the river. I 
saw flocks of Redwings, and some Black Ducks, but no Rail or 
Reed-birds. From this place my journey led me over a rugged 
mountainous country, to Lake Champlain, along which I coasted 
as far as Burlington in Vermont. Here I found the little Coot- 
footed Tringa, or Phalarope, that you sent to Mr Peale ; a new 
and elegantly marked Hawk ; and observed some Black Ducks. 
The shores are alternate sandy bays and rocky headlands running 
into the lake. Every tavern was crowded with officers, soldiers, 
and travellers. Eight of us were left without a bed ; but having 
an excellent greatcoat, I laid myself down in a corner, with a 
determination of sleeping in defiance of the uproar of the house, 
and the rage of my companions, who would not disgrace themselves 
by a prostration of this sort. From Lake Champlain I traversed 
a rude mountainous region to Connecticut River, one hundred 
miles above Dartmouth College. I spent several days with the 
gun in Graton and Ryegate townships, and made some discoveries. 
From this I coasted along the Connecticut to a place called Haver- 
hill, ten miles from the foot of Moose-Hillock, one of the highest 
of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I spent the greater 
part of a day in ascending to the peak of one of these majestic 
mountains, whence I had the most sublime and astonishing view 
that was ever afforded me. One immensity of forest lay below, 
extended on all sides to the farthest verge of the horizon ; while 
the only prominent objects were the columns of smoke from 
burning woods that rose from various parts of the earth beneath 
to the heavens ; for the day was beautiful and serene. Hence I 
travelled to Dartmouth, and thence in a direct course to Boston. 
From Boston I passed through Portsmouth to Portland, and got 
some things new. My return was by a different route. I have 
procured three new and beautiful Hawks ; and have gleaned up a 
stock of materials that will be useful to me hereafter. 
“ I hope, my dear sir, that you have been well since I left you. 
I have myself been several times afflicted with a violent palpitation 
