on the mountains. It was either raining,
or had just stopped, or was about to begin again, and it had been
doing that or worse all day and the day before, and that which had
been a delight in June was now a matter of so many miles to be
disposed of as quickly as possible. There is a local expression in
these parts, applied to certain phases of the weather: "As black as a
black hat", which one can better appreciate after he has seen the
scowl with which an Autumn storm can sweep down these mountains. Good
May or June weather and the soft delight of Indian Summer are equally
enjoyable, but avoid the Ides of March, or, in other words, the days
of the equinoctial.

The amount of baggage is best decided after one has tramped it a bit.
At first the tendency is to take the various little luxuries that are
so necessary at home, but after they have been pulling at the
shoulders all day long and the unaccustomed strain has developed
possibilities in the way of aches undreamed of before, the conviction
is gradually forced on the wayfarer that every ounce counts, and next
time many of the "necessities" are left behind. A light suit of
pajamas, a pair of extra sox and a thin rubber cape are greatly to be
desired. A wash rag, nail brush and small piece of soap, tooth brush,
comb and shaving outfit, extra eye glasses, small corkscrew and court
plaster--all these can be carried in a "tourist's bag" slung from one
shoulder, and these are enough, with a bit of talcum powder and
vaseline for chafed spots. Over the other shoulder hang a small, light
camera and take the Post Road home with you to dream o'er of Winter
nights.

[Illustration]

New York to Albany by the Old Post Road.

In 1703 the Provincial Legislature passed a "Publick Highways" act,
part of which reads as follows:--

"Publick and Common General Highway to extend from King's Bridge in
the County of Westchester through the same County of Westchester,
Dutchess County and the County of Albany, of the breadth of four rods,
English measurement, at the least, to be, continue and remain forever,
the Publick Common General Road and Highway from King's Bridge
aforesaid to the ferry at Crawlier over against the city of Albany."

This, being in the reign of Queen Anne, was at first known as the
Queen's Road, but in due time became known as the Albany Post Road.

Stages for the north originally started from Cortland Street; later
the starting point was moved up to Broad