the historic Hog's Bridge, which formerly spanned Stony Brook near Heath
Street, we see on the right all that remains of the once extensive and
very beautiful estate of the Lowells, a family among the most honored in
our State for character, learning, and culture. The original house, built
of stone in the latter part of the last century, was modeled from an old
castle in Europe, and became the property of Judge John Lowell in 1785,
who resided here until his death in 1802. He was President of the
Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, and his extensive
grounds were largely devoted to the cultivation of a variety of the
finest fruits and plants. His son, Hon. John Lowell, inherited this
estate and the talent and fondness for horticulture and agriculture, and
added several fine glass houses, which he filled with rare and beautiful
plants, many of them imported from Europe and other foreign lands. He
erected the present commodious mansion. The aged lady who occupied the
house until recently was a sister of Dr. Charles Lowell, once minister of
the West Church, Boston, and father of Hon. James Russell Lowell. The
Lowell Institute for free lectures on scientific, literary, and religious
theses was founded by John Lowell, Jr.

In 1834, the Boston and Providence Railroad cut through this estate, and
from time to time other innovations have despoiled it of its grandeur and
beauty.

We pass several ancient houses, with associations doubtless dear to the
descendants of their first owners, but unknown to use, and come to Hyde's
Square, and the intersection of Centre, Perkins, and Day streets. The
triangle in the center, bordered with shade trees, had a valuable
landmark on it, not a dwelling, but an old pump, which, if it could voice
its memories, would tell is interesting tales of weary, dusty travelers,
in vehicles, on horseback, and on foot, of state-coach horses, and those