scenery of that region. It consists essentially of three distinct
ridges, separated by two valleys, called respectively the Hopper and the
Bellows. Greylock is the middle ridge, and from its lofty summit a grand
view can be obtained, and it is much frequented by sight-seers during the
summer. To the west is seen the beautiful valley in which nestles
Williamstown, with its fine college grounds and buildings, and beyond
rises the slope of the Taconic range, stretching from north to south in
an almost continuous chain, while to the north-west are the lofty hills
beyond the Hudson. The thriving town of North Adams lies in an adjacent
valley to the east, and beyond is the Hoosac range. Looking towards the
north or south one sees ridge after ridge, rising in constant
succession, until the peaks vanish in the distant horizon. It is indeed
a sublime sight, and may well inspire feelings of deepest reverence for
the Power that controls those mighty forces that produced these
everlasting hills.

Though loth to leave this grand pinnacle, we must not tarry longer upon
Greylock. Let us now take a trip down the Housatonic valley, close
beside the Taconic range. This forms an almost continuous ridge across
the State, and its summit is nearly upon the line between our State and
New York. There are no peaks of consequence until we get south of
Pittsfield. The range is bold and precipitous on its western side, and
fine views may be obtained from almost any part of the ridge. The
highest point of the old stage road between Pittsfield and Albany
affords a good prospect, though a view from an old road between Hancock
and Lanesboro is perhaps more striking. On either side are the valleys
of the Hudson and Housatonic, the cities of Albany and Pittsfield, the
distant Catskills and the Hoosac range. A little south of Pittsfield is
a spur from the Taconic range, parting from it at Egremont. The various
portions have received different names--the northern being called Lenox