return steamer. In the busy months of
mountain travel it is interesting to note the rush and hurry between
the landing of the steamer and the departure of the train. The "all
aboard" is given, and as we stand on the rear platform a friend points
north to a bluff near Kingston Point and says the Indian name is
"Ponckhockie"--signifying a burial ground. The old redoubts of
Kingston, on the left, were defenses used in early days against the
Indians.

After leaving Kingston Union Depot, the most important station on
the _West Shore Railroad_, and the terminus of the _Wallkill Valley
Railroad_, we pass through Stony Hollow, eight miles from Rondout,
where the traveler will note the stone tracks in the turnpike below,
on the right side of the car, used by quarry wagons. Crossing the
Stony Hollow ravine, we reach West Hurley, nine miles from Rondout and
540 feet above the sea.

=The Overlook= commands an extensive view,--with an area of 30,000
square miles, from the peaks of New Hampshire and the Green Mountains
of Vermont to the hills of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. To the east
the valley reaches away with its towns and villages to the blue hills
of Massachusetts and Connecticut, and, through this beautiful valley,
the Hudson for a hundred miles is reduced to a mere ribbon of light.
Woodstock, at the foot of the Overlook, is popular with summer
visitors, and is a good starting point for the mountain outlook.

* * *

Let me forget the cares I leave behind,
And with an humble spirit bow before
The Maker of these everlasting hills.

_Bayard Taylor._

* * *

=Olive Branch= is the pretty name of the station above West Hurley.
Temple Pond, at the foot of Big Toinge Mountain, covers about one
hundred acres, and affords boating and fishing to those visiting the
foothills of the Southern Catskills.

=Brown's Station= is three miles beyond, and near at hand Winchell's
Falls on the Esopus. The Esopus Creek comes in view near this station
for the first time after leaving Kingston. The route now has pleasant
companionship for twenty miles or more with the winding stream.

=Brodhead's Bridge= is delightfully located on its wooded banks near
the base of High Point, and near at hand is a bright cascade known as
Bridal Veil Falls.

* * *

Then climb the Ontioras to behold
The lordly Hudson marching to the main,
And say what bard in any land of old
Had such a river to inspire his strai