Between the Connecticut and the Atlantic coast are many beautiful
eminences, a few of which may be alluded to. Big Watatic and Little
Watatic are two prominent hills situated in Ashburnham on very high
land, but are densely wooded and little visited. In Fitchburg there
is a hill which, though inconsiderable in size, being only about three
hundred feet high, is worthy of mention. It is a rounded mass of solid
granite, and, though extensively quarried for many years, seems to have
suffered very little diminution in size. It is called Rollstone Hill,
and the name is said to have originated from an event that occurred over
two centuries ago. When, in 1676, the Indians sacked Lancaster, among
the captives carried off by them towards Canada was Mrs. Rowlandson, the
wife of the minister at Lancaster. It is claimed that the party encamped
during the second night of their march upon the top of this hill, which
was afterwards called Rowlandson hill, and since has degenerated into
Rollstone. This origin is uncertain, however.

This sketch would be incomplete without a brief mention of a few
of the eminences about Boston. The Blue Hills of Milton form the most
conspicuous range in the vicinity, reaching an altitude of over seven
hundred feet in the south-western part of Milton, and afford a fine view
of Boston and its suburbs, and the harbor.

Corey Hill, in Brookline, is easily accessible, and offers the best and
most complete view that could possibly be desired. One sees Brookline,
with its handsome residences and public buildings just below him; Beacon
street extends in a straight line towards the north-east, and leads the
eye to the Common and the State House. To the north, beyond the Charles,
lies the great university city of Massachusetts, with the tower of
Memorial Hall overtopping all other buildings, and to the south, and
near at hand, are the sparkling waters of Chestnut Hill reservoir.