Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to replace the irreparably deteriorated original. It was scanned using Xerox software and equipment at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using CCITT Group 4 compression. The digital data were used to create Cornell * s replacement volume on paper that meets the ANSI Standard Z39.48-1984. The production of this volume was supported in part by the New York State Program for the Conservation and Preservation of Library Research Materials and the Xerox Corporation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1994.ATTRACTIONS VICINITY(885 1849, OLD AND TRIED. *GLENS • FALLS* INSURANCE CO., O-lens Pails, - - 3sT. "S'. • R. M. LITTLE, Pres’t. J. L. CUNNINGHAM. Sec’y. 35th ANNUAL STATUSHT JANUARY 1ST, 1885. Cash Capital...................................................... $300,000 Unearned premium fund, New York department standard-.—A 461,675 Unpaid Losses and all other liabilities.........................42,475 Net Subplus, over Capital and all Liabilities................... 663,873 67 Total Cash Assets................................................................................................................*..$1,368,035' 19 MME:. # LIME;. # MMEL “ The Best is tile Qlieapest.’’ THE CELEBRATED Glens Falls Jointa Lime Is hot only the best and the cheapest for all mortar purposes, but being free from grit or sediment, it is especially adapted to the use of Tanners, Paper Makers, Bleachers, and all Chemical purposes for which a perfectly pure and white Lime is desirable. Correspondence and orders solicited. T. 3. COOLIDGrE, Agent, Glens Falls, N. Y. Representing the - GLENS FALLS CO. JOINTA LIME CO. SHERMAN LIME CO. MORGAN LIME C0. GRAND UNI0N H0TEU, Tourists and families returning from Saratoga, Lake George or the Adirondacks by Hudson River Railroad, or New York, West Shore and Buffalo Railway, save $3 Carriage hire by stopping at the Grand Union Hotel, opposite Grand Central Depot. Horse Cars will convey tourists and families fromlWest Shore Depot, foot of 42d street, to Grand Union Hotel, for five cents in ten minutes. Six hundred rooms fitted up at a cost of One Million Dollars; $1 and upwards per day. Elegant suites for families. European Plan. Two Elevators. Dining Room, Restaurant, Cafe, Lunch and Wine Rooms supplied with the best. Prices moderate. Families can live better for less money at the Grand Union Hotel than at any other first-class hotel in the city. ... OPPOSITE GRAND CENTRAL DEPOT, NEW CITY. ffi^Elegant accommodations for Dinner, Lunch and Supper parties.FIFTH SEASON-1885. H SARATOGA SPRINGS, N, Y. fHIS Favorite and well established Hotel opened for the Season of 1885, May 28. It is most centrally located, be- ing between the United States and Grand Union Hotels, and is within three minutes walk of the Congress Park, and the Hathorn, Congress, and several other of the most famous and popular Springs. The Piazza is the most prominent of any in Saratoga, and commands a view for several blocks north and south on Broadway. The house has been generally renovated the past winter and many improvements made, among which is the addition of one of Otis’ latest improved Passenger Elevators. Steam heat insures comfort to the guests on damp and chilly mornings and evenings. The table will maintain its usual high standard, and it will be the aim of the proprietors to have it second to none in Saratoga, Special rates for June and September. For terms and rooms apply to—T-Ea: e— ATTRACTIONS --OF- AND VICINITY. HOTELS* MOUNTAIN PEAKS, VIEWS, DRIVES, PLACES OF INTEREST AND GENERAL INFORMATION, Lake Luzerne, Schroon Lake, and Blue Mountain Lake. C. H. POSSONS, PUBLISHER, Edition for 1885—Rewritten and Revised, WEST BROS, PRINT, GLENS FALLS, uUA Fort George Idyl*—Peace and War.^§tf^ONG ago the beauty of Lake George began to attract .the attention of travelers, many of whom were foreign- ers. It was even then the general opinion that no Lake exceeded it in loveliness, and all visitors agreed that it must eventually become a popular resort. This prediction has been more than verified by the thousands of tourists who annually visit its shores. The Lake is adorned by no ivied ruin or lordly hall. Be- sides Caldwell there are only four villages—Bolton, Dresden, Hague and Ticonderoga. Here and there the boatman finds a farm-house or cottage, but he may sail for miles among cer- tain districts without seeing a sign of human life. And yet there is no lack of antiquity. Among the lofty hills he will find peaks that were laid bare before Eden bloomed, towers more ancient than Babel, and nature carved crags that re- joiced in the sun’s rays before Memnon began to sing. As with the scenery so with its historic associations, in which no Lake can be richer. There is hardly a spot, either on land or water, that has not been the scene of some warlike exploit or heroic adventure. Forming in colonial times a part of the great highway between Canada and New York, it was often the chosen battle-ground of the French and English, who, in connection with hostile Indian tribes, waged a barbar-6 THE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. ous war on each other. Often the Lake was traversed by the soldier, the savage and the monk. Hither came the brave Montcalm, the pious ^Father Jogues, the good Roubaud, Ri- gaud, St. Ours, and Courcelles, together with Howe, Lord Amherst, Putnam, Rogers the Ranger, Johnson, Williams, “King Hendrick,” Stark, and a multitude of others who are invested with historic renown. The story of their deeds con- tains all the elements of romance. Cooper, in his novels, has invested the Lake with a thrilling interest, but the literal his- tory is oft-times stranger than the over-wrought fiction.. It is also interesting to be reminded of the fact that the Fiench pushed their discoveries in this direction in early times, and that Champlain, who heard of the Hudson River through the Indians, started on his way thither, intending to go by Lake St. Sacrament, about the time that Henry Hudson wassailing up to Albany, which was four years before the Dutch took possession of New York, and eleven years before the English puritans landed on Plymouth Rock. In times of peace the Indian hunted the deer which abounded in the forest, or, gliding over the tranquil waters in his canoe, darted his spear at the trout. But when the signal of war was given, the Lake became alive with armed men, all eager for the fight. Then those sweet and tranquil scenes up- on which the tourist now delights to gaze, were obscured by the smoke of battle, and the solitudes echoed with the rattle of the musket and the boom of artillery. Rogers and Putnam both traversed the Lake, with cannon mounted on their boats, which scattered the Indian canoes into fragments on the wa- ter, and in winter they traversed the ice on skates, and, after the fight, carried the wounded home on sleds. The imagina- tive mind can easily re-animate the Lake with the splendidTHE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. 7 armies of Abercrombie, Amherst and Montcalm, numbering from nine to sixteen thousand men each, and sailing in boats and batteaux, marshalled in beautiful array, with all the pomp and circumstances of war. How peaceful it appears to-day at the head of the Lake, around the ruins of Fort George and the grass-grown site of Fort William Henry? Yet here, through long and bloody wars, the cross of St. George waved defiance to the Lillies of France. Here forts and palisades went up, opposing trenches were dug and mines sprung. But now all signs of bloodshed and strife have passed away, and the hap- less victims are forever at rest. Lake George lies at the head of a valley of the St. Law- rence, extending southward through Vermont and New York and reaching nearly to the Hudson River. It is the largest and most easterly of the Adirondack Lakes, and is thirty-two miles from Saratoga, seventy-one miles from Albany, arid two hundred and ten miles, or about six hours ride, from New York City. It is about thirty-five miles long, and from one to four miles wide. The broadest part is found about eight miles from Ticonderoga, while it attains its greatest depth at a point four miles farther north. The surface is dotted by more than two hundred Islands. The Lake is elevated about three hun- dred feet above the sea; and, according to fair estimates, it must stand two hundred and forty feet above the level of Lake Champlain, the receptacle of its surplus water, which passes through a creek, and flows over two picturesque falls, For boldness and beauty of outline the shores are unrivalled, the Lake being surrounded by high mountains, which in many in- stances rise abruptly from the water’s edge and attain an alti- tude of more than two thousand feet, clothed with beautiful foliage. The renown of its wild and picturesque beauty has8 THE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICfNFTY, spread throughout the world, and thousands yearly come to view its charms, and go away to praise them. Poets, histor- ians and lovers of the beautiful have sung its praises for a cen- tury, but all have failed to adequately depict its marvellous beauty; Surrounded on all sides, except at the outlet, by beautiful hills and steep and rugged mountains, it receives from their springs and brooks an unfailing supply of water that is sufficiently sparkling and pure to justify the name—St. Sacrament—which the Lake originally received. At some remote period this whole region was swept over by a great deluge which left the country, far and wide, covered with loose earth and gravel, and gave to the Lake a floor of beautiful white sand. This, in connection with the crystal purity of the water, render objects visible at a great depth. Only a small portion of the Lake is visible at a single view. There is no broad and striking expanse of water. Lake George —like Como and Windemore—assumes more the character of a noble river flanked by highlands. Winding sweetly on its way among the verdant hills, it gradually unfolds its wealth of beauty, surprising and delighting the tourist at every advance by some new and exquisite scene. The passage up or down the Lake presents an ever-varying panorama of beautiful and distinct views. Sometimes the mountains rise abruptly from the banks, at others quiet val- leys hollowed among the hills reveal the grand proportions of more distant heights. The numerous Islands—said to equal the number of days in the year—add beauty to the scenery of the Lake. Some are of considerable size, are inhabited (in summer at least) and partially cultivated. Some are rugged cliffs, crowned with shrubs or meagre vegetation, while others are low, bare rocks, or mere points.THE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AM VICINITY. 9 “Horicon” (the Silvery Waters) is an Indian name often applied to this unrivalled gem of American Lakes. The Indians called it Can-i-a-deH-oit—the tail of the Lake. The French discovered it in 1609, and named it St. Sacrament. The loyal Britons afterwards rechristened it Lake George, in honor of George I., their sovereign, and the English name stUl prevails, though, to most Americans, Horicon, the euphonious and sig- nificant Indian title, is more satisfactory, and the wish is often expressed that it might prevail. HOW TO REACH IT. Access to Lake George is easy by means of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company’s Railroad running direct to Cald- well, from which point the elegant and swift steamers Horicon and Ticonderoga, leave three times each day for Baldwin—at * the north end of the Lake. Lake George is on the great thor- oughfare of summer travel going north from New York by way of Saratoga—time about six hours. Tourists from New York have the choice of four routes, to Albany or Troy. The elegantly equipped and newly-constructed West Shore Railway furnishes probably the most delightful trip by rail, as trains traverse all the historic points along the west shore of the Hudson, in the cool shadows of the Highlands, and around the foothills of the Catskills, thus avoiding the intense heat of the summer sun. The New York Central and Hudson River Rail- road furnishes a second route. The People’s Line of Steamers to Albany, or the Citizen’s Line of Steamers to Troy, each fur- nish luxurious < accommodations to tourists preferring that mode of travel. From both Albany and Troy the Delaware & Hudson Company run rapid and splendidly equipped trains north through Saratoga to Fort Edward, whence a branch track carries the tourist thirteen miles to Caldwell, at the head10 THE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. of the Lake—the terminus of railroad travel. Through trains, with parlor cars attached, run from New York without change. CALDWELL. Caldwell is the metropolis of Lake George, and the county seat of Warren County. The village contains, besides the county buildings, several well-kept stores, three churches, and about five hundred inhabitants. Here are the ruins of Fort William Henry, on grounds connected with a hotel bearing the same name. Near by are the ruins of Fort George, and about a mile distant, the remains of Fort Gage, while the whole sec- tion is rich in historic associations, pleasant drives, delightful rambles and scenery of surpassing beauty. Caldwell is connected by stage with Warrensburgh, Ches- ter, Schroon Lake, Long Lake, and other points in the lower Adirondack region, and with Thurman on the Adirondack Railway. MOUNT FERGUSON. In order to obtain an extended view of the Lake at this point one must ascend Mount Ferguson—formerly called Pros- pect—rising 1800 feet above the Lake, the summit* being two and one-half miles distant from the village. At the summit is a fair sized house, with observatory. A fire swept over the mountain a few years ago, destroying the timber from a large area at the top, which now forms ah outlook on the Lake. Here Caldwell is seen directly below at our feet, while half the Lake, dotted with green isles, and fenced in by mountains, stretches away before the sight until lost in the haze, out of which Black Mountain looms, apparently barring the way. The view from this point is one that delights the eye, and no one should visit Lake George without ascending Mount Ferguson. TheTHE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. 11 mountain is owned by Dr. James Ferguson of Glens Falls, who intends establishing a sanitarium at its summit for persons affected with lung diseases. There is no dew whatever at the summit, and the air is very dry, being as near a specific for pulmonary affections as can be. Arrangements are being made for the building of a railway up the mountain. Strolling about the village of Caldwell the visitor’s atten- tion is attracted by a quaint, solid-looking structure that is fort-like in its massiveness. It was built in the early part of the present century and is familiarly known as the “Old Stone Store,” being one of the landmarks of this historic region. It is now additionally attractive to the visitor from its use as a store by a company of Japanese, wherein are displayed the products of that remarkable people. It is a favorite visiting place for the guests of the numerous hotels along the Lake, and ladies indulge in the most ecstatic expressions while examining a delicately painted tea cup of the thinnest porcelain, or some bit of curious bric-a-brac. While there is a most interesting collection of rare old curios and art pieces in silver, gold lac- quer, and inimitable bronze, the larger portion of the stock is made up of pretty trifles that are eagerly sought by hotel guests as favors for the weekly Germans held in the hotel par- lors. Indeed, not only Germans, but hops and all sorts of en- tertainments draw decorations, Japanese lanterns, etc., from this old building, and it has begun to be looked upon as an im- portant factor to the summer’s pleasures at Lake George. Lawn parties are qpite a feature of the Lake, and the scene reminds one of Alexander Dumas’ description of the fetes champetres that formerly delighted the gay, frivolous French who congregated about the brilliant court of Versailles. Each brave cavalier supporting on his arm a ladye faire and beneath12 THE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. “ the dim, religious light” shed by the innumerable Japanese lanterns strung from tree so tree, gently sighing and whisper- ing “soft nothings” into the ear of his companion as they promenade the wooded paths. Under these conditions, with gently rippling Lake before them, have many received their crown (or cross, mayhap) from the avowals made and answer- ed. But all does not end as seriously. A little gay or half- serious nonsense may be indulged in and he or she may think they are exceedingly fond of each other—and so they are until fresh arrivals from the city serve to modify their views. At the numerous Germans and fan drills at the hotels there exists more danger. Indeed there can be no greater peril than for the youth with tender heart (and head) to face a fair demoi- selle equipped with a fan—especially a Japanese flirtation fan, through the ting piercings of which the fair destroyer may watch, unperceived, the effect of her attacks upon her victim. Here is the measured moan of one of the unblessed : “ Girls are all a wicked show For man’s delusion given, Their smiles of joy and tears of woe Deceitful shine, deceitful flow— There’s not one true in seven.” But such is life at a gay watering place, and we doubt not the pleasing memories that cluster about a summer’s exper- ience at Lake George outweigh all minor disappointments. FORT WILLIAM HENRY HOTEL. The largest hotel on the Lake is the Fort William Henry, at Caldwell, standing on high ground, at the very head of this delightful body of water, and towering from four to six stories high, surmounted by a Mansard roof. It is the nearest hotel to the depot, steps leading therefrom to the hotel grounds,FORI WILLIAM HENRY HOTEL.14 THE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. which border the railroad property. The hotel has a Lake frontage of 334 feet, along which extends a piazza 25 feet wide, - with rich Corinthian columns 30 feet in height. The outlook from the piazza is little less than enchanting, commanding, as it does, the level reaches of the Lake for miles, with a number of the most picturesque Islands and promontories. In the evening, by full moonlight or on a peaceful Sunday, while the orchestra discourses sacred music, and the only undertone is the flutter of cool dresses, dainty ribands and fans, and the low voices of friendly promenaders, life here seems certainly worth living. Above the center of the hotel rises a dome, flanked by two towers, while at the east end of the building rises another equally as high. From the centre dome a view of surpassing grandeur is obtained. It the background are lofty mountains, whose summits tempt the visitor. In front the . eye takes in miles of Lake, with the grand old mountains at the sides. Under the dome is the general office, including also a ticket office, telegraph office, bazar, news, book and cigar stand, etc. West of this is the drawing room, and on the east are suites of apartments, parlors, and the billiard hall. At the south are the extensive dining halls. Upon the tables will be found all the delicacies of the season. Fruit and vegetables are brought crisp and fresh daily from the Roessle farm, near Albany, and the choicest meats and provisions from the metropolis. Shoot- ing galleries, croquet grounds, bowling alleys, etc., are to be found in the grove near the hotel. A cabinet of Indian and historical curiosities, gathered from the locality, attracts great interest. In finish and appointments the Fort William Henry is palatial. It is elegantly furnished throughout, and is sup- plied with all modern improvements. A fast-running elevator carries the guest from first floor tq roof; the house is lightedTHE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. 15 throughout with gas, and pure mountain water is on every floor. Situated as the hotel is, it catches the faintest breeze, and is, therefore, usually cool. The elegant grounds—thirty acres in extent—are ornamented with flowers, shrubbery and fountains, and add greatly to the beauty of the surroundings. The ruins of Fort William Henry are upon the hotel grounds, thus investing the locality with historic interest. In 1755 Sir William Johnson, with an army of 500 men, operating against the French, encamped on the grounds. The camp was attacked from the rear by the French, under Baron Dieskau, who had traveled across the rocky peninsula, from Southwest Bay, Lake Champlain, routing Col. Williams and King Hen- drick with 1200 men on his way, and a bloody fight ensued, resulting in the total defeat of the French. After this the English built Fort William Henry on the site of their camp, naming it in honor of the Duke of Cumberland, brother of George III. In 1757, Montcalm, with 9000 French, invested the fort, which, after a siege of nine days, surrendered, the stipulation being that the garrison should march out with the honors of war, and be escorted to Fort Edward by 500 men. The terms of the surrender were shamelessly disregarded, and the disarmed and defenseless troops were surrounded and at- tacked by Indians of Montcalm’s army and a revolting slaugh- ter ensued. A few survivors fled to Fort Edward. The Fort William Henry Hotel has a capacity of accom- modating about 1000 guests. The proprietors, Messrs. T. Roessle & Son, have been many years in hotel business, and have a faculty of making their guests comfortable and happy. Indeed, it may be said that these gentlemen re-discovered Lake George. In 1868 they came into possession of their pres- ent grounds, raised, embellished and enlarged the old “Wig- Tlcon derogaS^ * m © „ ROGERS'. „ Q HOTELj&J tflf ... V M ’■tf* .*■ © ■ ? ■>' ' * PMf <| 'c* < % ^^M&ftHTH^NY’S NOSE „, !- V PutillnT JMSvfp nr. * t ? - /•■■) ^JL r ■,"5 ' :"“"- V "J friendls Ptil Hague P.0 .1^ Post Offices ~ ® Late George H.Y. (at CaiawelU Kattskill Bay » Boltou >, Shelving Rock »» at 100 Island How Sabbath Day Pt. » Hulett’s Landing „> Hague »> Bcgers' Rock „ South Pond J cv;^ ’0 •' '4 Telegraph Stations^ ^ Lake George (at CaidweU w,il. ) Bolton ( Connects atCaldwell with. \V.U.) ^Vl| Kattskill ■* Glens Falls L^vM peavl pfc> Hulrtt’S ( Loop from Chub's bock) Rogers’ Rock •». Ticonderoga ) BLOOMER MT;s Deer’s 1 Wm**' * ( s' " r" r',S .f \ * SHERMAN* v, ..house! ' tWk" , t r 5 B&MIr' q k-mi* HUDSONHotels at tl ate (J ^eorc^e, WITH THEIR POSTOFFICE ADDRESSES AND CAPACITY FOR ACCOMMODATION OF GUESTS. HOTELS. CAPACITY. P. O. ADDRESS. Fort William Henry 1000 Lake George. Lake Houses 250 t ( Central House. 100 a Hamilton Hotel 50 a " Grosbyside 200 (i Fort George Hotel 350 a . Diamond Point House 50 Hill Yiew. Marion House. 200 u Sheldon House 100 Kattskill Bay. Fast Lake George House 40 «i Grove Hotel 75 t ( Trout Pavillion 100 a Kattskill House. 100 a Lake Yiew House ^ . 100 Bolton. Locust Grove Cottage 30 a Mohican House 80 a Bolton House 100 (( Wells House 40 (( Sagamore Hotel. 400 (< Fourteen Mile Island House. _ _ 75 Shelving Rock. a Hundred Islands House 100 Pearl Point House 150 i( Sherman House 100 a Horicon Pavillion 100 a Hulett’s Hotel. 100 Hulett’s Landing. S abbath Day Point House 24 Sabbath Day Point. Phoenix Hotel 50 Hague. Bav View House 20 Trout House 35 Hillside House 40 Rogers Rock Hotel 125 Rogers Rock.THE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. 17 .warn,” until it stood forth as it does to-day, almost an Alad- din’s palace. The grounds surrounding the Fort William Henry are lighted with electric lights ; there are ample tennis grounds, archery grounds, etc. Since the close of last season the grounds to the extreme west have been embellished at an expense of $2800, a side-hill having been graded, and low land filled in and ornamented with shrubbery and trees, the entire work being of great benefit to Caldwell and the hotel grounds. Messrs. Roessle & Son are also proprietors of the Arlington Hotel, Washington, D. C., and T. Roessle, Son & Co., conduct the famous Delavan, at Albany. LIVERY. In connection with the Fort William Henry Hotel, Messrs. H. R. Leavens & Co., of Glens Falls, conduct a livery stable. The numerous drives about Lake George, and the consequent demand for rigs, compel this firm to keep from fifty to sixty horses at the Lake during the season. Their turnouts are ex- ceptionally fine, and every style of vehicle can be had, as the fancy or occasion may require ; and, if desired, careful drivers, who can point out the places of interest to the visitor. Among the numerous drives in the vicinity are the following: To War- rensburgh, six miles; Chester, eighteen miles; Bolton, ten miles; French Mountain, four miles; Glens Falls, nine miles ; Luzerne, twelve miles; Kattskill Bay, twelve miles; while other trips of a few miles each can be taken in every direction, and every trip will bring new delights and interest. The tourist should keep Leavens & Co. in mind, and if occasion to patronize a livery stable comes it will be beneficial to call on this firm.18 THE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. THE LAKE HOUSE. This hotel is charmingly situated, and occupies the oldest site of any hostelry on the Lake. It is near the centre of the village of Caldwell and convenient to shops, stores and churches. The building is 300 feet long and three stories high, with front and back piazzas. It stands eighty feet above the Lake and from the house a lovely tree-covered lawn slopes down to the water’s edge. On the grounds are four handsome cottages, two standing on the Lake shore, one at each end of the hotel property. Balconies project over the water, and the structures, architecturally speaking, are among the finest on the Lake. The proprietor’s private cottage is a commodious building, a hotel, almost, in proportions. The front of the Lake House is shaded by a double row of fine maples, and commands a charming view of mountain scenery to the south. The piazza on the Lake side of the hotel is about eight feet from the ground. The Lake house, being located at such an altitude above the water, has a charming outlook from this piazza. A long stretch of Lake in front, rugged promontories? forest-clad hills and verdant meadows to the right and left, the water dotted with various craft, the numerous happy children on the lawn, and maiden and gallant indulging in a tete-a-tete in some quiet and shady nook, area few of the features which unite in forming the picture spread out before the visitor. The Lake House numbers among its guests many of the na- tion’s celebrities. In this famous hostelry, presidents, sena- tors, governors and judges have inscribed their names upon its registers; wealth, fashion and culture have met in its ample rooms, and pages of anecdote might be written thereon. The building contains 125 rooms, each of which is well ventilated20 THE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. and commands a fine view. The dining hall and public parlors are all that could be desired in such a house, both for the uses of visitors and public occasions. Steam, sail and row boats are at the dock, and everything desired for comfort and enjoy- ment is offered. Telegraph and news offices, billiards^, croquet and tennis grounds, bath rooms, wine department, etc., are features of the hotel. The proprietor, Mr. F. G. Tucker, is affable and agreeable and looks out for the comfort of guests. A new and elegant steamer, the “ Pocahontas,” has been built during the past winter for the Lake House, and which forms one of the swiftest and handsomest of the small Lake steamers. The Pocahantas is fifty-five feet long, ten feet beam, and will carry seventy-five persons. A test of the boat showed a speed of fourteen miles an hour. The Pocahontas, aside from serving the Lake House, will be chartered to excur- sion parties. THE CENTRAL HOUSE. On the south side of the street, and nearly opposite to the Lake House stands the Central House, on grounds formerly occupied by a house of the same name, burned in 1872. It has accommodations for 100 guests, and is very inviting. A piazza extends along the entire front, the rooms are large, and well ventilated, the parlors are spacious, and the hotel, in every appointment, comfortable, home-like and pleasant. The Lake shore is but a few rods distant from the Central, where steam yachts, sail and row boats are plenty. The places of interest within easy access to the hotel are numerous, and excursions may be taken almost every day throughout the season, each trip presenting new beauties. The Central House is open the year round. The entertainment is first-class at all times, andTHE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. 21 a sojourn beneath its hospitable roof is an event to be remem- bered with pleasure. The hotel is conducted by the venerable George Brown, formerly of the Half-Way House, who num- bers friends by the hundred. In the days of stage coaches Un- cle George’s house was wonderfully popular, and his milk punches and lemonades were celebrated among tourists to Lake George. Although Mr. Brown’s head is now crowned with silver locks, he still makes the sanle excellent milk punches, and sets a table fully equal to that at the Half-Way House in its palmy days. ] THE HAMILTON HOUSE. All the south end of the village, directly opposite the “old stone store,’’ and but a few steps from the Fort William Henry .grounds, is the Hamilton House, formerly Carpenter’s. This hotel is under the proprietorship of Messrs. Hamilton Sc Craig, -who assumed possession in May and who changed its name tjo the present one. They have enlarged the house and improved it in many ways, and, knowing the demands of the public,;will conduct the Hamilton in a first-class manner. A portion of the rooms are arranged en suite, and all are large, airy and well furnished, A large boarding stable is connected with the house. The Hamilton is open the year round. v ■ i THE FORT GEORGE HOTEL. Om the east side of the Lake, opposite the village of Cald- well, half a mile from the railroad station, stands the Fort George Hotel, surrounded by seven handsome cottages. It is provided with bath rooms, telegraph and news offices, billiard hall, bowling alleys, barber shop, tennis grounds,^laundry, liv- ery, steam, sail and row boats, etc. The surrounding grounds ar« handsomely laid out and are ornamented with flowers,FORT GEORGE HOTEL AND COTTAGES, E. L. SEELYE. Proprietor.THE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. 23 paths and forest trees. The cottages and hotel are lighted with gas and supplied with pure water from a mountain spring, while from a sanitary standpoint nothing further can be desired. Every improvement has been provided and the Fort George is one of the most inviting hotels on the Lake. Mountains rise abiuptly back of the hotel, verdant fields and primitive forests are close at hand, and the surrounding section affords numerous health-giving romps. proprietor, the hotel and several cottages being em- bowered iti shade, and presenting such a number of building as to almost demand a village name. The silver-haired pro- prietor always wears a smile, and the hearty welcome extended24 THE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. guests makes a person feel thoroughly at home. The hotel is supplied .with a wealth of piazza, and is surrounded by exten- sive and well arranged grounds. Telegraph in the office, cro- quet and tennis in the grove; boats, livery, and all requisites for enjoyment. Terms reasonable. STEAMERS. The tourist, in order to view the Lake,will find it necessary to pass over its entire length. The Champlain Transportation Co. run a regular line of steamboats the entire length of the Lake, making three round trips daily (except Sundays), and stopping at all landings. The Horicon and Ticonderoga of this line, making the regular connections with the railroad, are, side-wheeled steamers, of over 600 tons burden each, and will accommodate comfortably 1,000 people. The Lillie M Price, Captain White, makes regular excur- sion trips daily through the Narrows, and is a very popular boat among all visitors. The Price is a screw propeller, sixty- one feet in length and fourteen feet beam. Captain White has been master of the vessel thirteen years and is the oldest captain now on Lake George, knowing every feature of the Lake. The Price leaves the Fort William Henry wharf at 9:00 o’clock a. M., daily, touching at the Lake House, Fort George Hotel, Crosbyside, Trout Pavilion, Kattskill House, Marion House, Bolton, French Point, Black Mountain on request or signal, Paradise Bay, Pearl Point, Hundred Islands House and Fourteen-Mile Island, making a complete tour of the famous Hundred Islands of the Narrows, stopping at each point both ways when requested, and returning to Caldwell at 1:00 P. M., in time for dinner and for trains to Glens Falls, Albany and Troy. The same excursion is also made each afternoon (exceptTHE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. 2$ Sunday), leaving the Fort William Henry wharf at 2:15 o’clock and returning to Caldwell in time for supper, making all of the above landings when requested. The steamer can be chartered for moonlight excursions, with a band of music, if desired, A very popular method of doing Lake George is for par- ties to charter a small steamer and follow one bank down the Lake, returning along the opposite bank. For a party of a dozen or upwards this method is probably the cheapest, and it is surely the most pleasant. But no matter how Lake George is viewed, either by large or small steamers, a sail on its silvery bosom is an event to be remembered always with pleasure. DOWN THE LAKE, Leaving the railroad dock at Caldwell the steamer glides out into the center of the Lake, leaving behind a long line of foam. The high wood-crowned mountain on the east side is French Mountain, It terminates in the beautiful point called Plum Point, but a short distance beyond “St. Mary’s of the Lake,” the summer home of the Paulisi Fathers, a society cf Roman Catholic missionary priests, like the old Jesuits. More than a mile down the Lake, on the west side, close to the shore, is the first Island which we pass. It is called Tea Island, and is the traditional burial place of Abercrombie’s treasures. In 1828 a “ Tea-house ” was kept on the Island for the accommo- dation of visitors, which fact accounts for its present name. A mile and a half farther is Diamond Island, so-called on account of the beautiful quartz crystals to be found here. These crystals are hardly surpassed in the world for transpar- ency and perfection of form. They are, as usual, the six- sided prism, and are frequently terminated at both ends by six-sided pyramids. Diamond Island was fortified and used as a supply depot by Burgoyne in 1777.26 W£ ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. Beyond Plum Point, on the east side of the Lake, is Dun- ham’s Bay, West Point being at the northern end of the land, at the east, with South Island just off the point. To the north is Long Island, the largest Island of the Lake. Passing thi ought the opening between West Point and South Island, the steamer crosses the mouth of Harris’ Bay, rounds Ripley’s Point, and enters KATTSKILL BAY. The hotels here are: The Sheldon House, on Sheldon’s Point, with accommodations for 100 guests. The East Lake George House will care for forty guests. The Grove Hotel, on the east side of the bay, stands in a grove, on a high terraced bank, a quarter of a mile south of Trout Pavillion, and provides accommodations for about seventy-five guests. The Trout Pavillion—location of the Kattskill Bay Post- office—has ample accommodations for 100. Near by is the Kattskill House, Mr. A. P. Scoville, pro- prietor. The Kattskill has a capacity of 100, and occupies a point which here projects into the Lake. The hotel grounds are six acres in extent. A fine carriage road leads from Kattskill Bay to Glens Falls, twelve miles distant. The locality has telegraph com- munication, a special line running from the Kattskill House to Glens Falls, and connecting with the Western Union wires at that place. MARION HOUSE. Rounding Long Island, the steamer crosses to the opposite side of the Lake, making for Hill View, the location of the Marion House, of which Mr. D. W. Sherman, of Glens Falls, is owner and proprietor. The Marion is comparatively a newTHE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. 27 house. It is six miles from Caldwell, and is beautifully situ- ated on high ground, which rises gradually up from the Lake shore about 300 feet. Surrounding the house is a fine grove of primitive forest trees, while the Lake shore is beautifully fringed with them. To the north, a comparatively unob- structed view of the Narrows is obtained. Long Island is a little over a mile distant, and the Canoe Islands, formerly called Three Sisters, are close at hand. The shade of the Marion is considered by many persons the finest on Lake George. The house has attained great popularity, and has been enlarged until it now has accommodations for 200 guests. One hundred and sixty acres of land, belonging to the pro- prietor, surrounds the hotel, and the locality abounds in many pleasant walks and drives. Fresh vegetables and Jersey milk, from the proprietor’s farms, are supplied the tables. All steamers stop at the Marion dock. Boats, livery and billiard hall in connection with the hotel. A handsome cottage, comprising eight rooms besides par- lar, elegantly furnished, and located less than one hundred feet from the hotel, is on the Marion grounds. It is owned by Mr. Sherman, the proprietor, and can be leased for the season. This cottage is one of the most convenient and cosey to be found on Lake George. There are numerous cottage sites con- tiguous to the Marion which will be sold or leased, and Mr. Sherman will build cottages for those who desire. Back of the hotel a mountain towers heavenward, its summit being easily accessible by carriage. The hillside furnishes many charming cottage sites, which are in the market. The outlook from this mountain side is charming in the extreme. As we pass on to Bolton,which is ten miles from Caldwell,A Lakeside RivuletTHE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. 29 we leave on the west side the Islands called the Three Brothers. In the southeast is Pilot Mountain, nearly sharp at its summit. Buck Mountain, along the east, rises 2,000 feet above the Lake. In the center of the Lake, on our way to Bolton,we pass Dome Island, so called on account of its resemblance to a dome, the Island being the highest on the Lake. West of Dome Island is Recluse Island, a lovely spot, commanding a fine view of the Lake in all directions. On the sides of the Island, facing the Narrows and Bolton, are the remains of some earthworks which were probably erected by Abercrombie’s forces in 1758. Nearby is an islet, often called Sloop Island, or Ship Island. In sailing down the Lake it appears in the distance like a small ship under sail. BOLTON. The steamer new heads in for the landing at Bolton, three- fourths of a mile distant, and one of the most charming parts of the Lake—the second largest village—within easy rowing distance of the Narrows, and but fen miles by highway, through a delightful section, from Caldwell. Bolton is well patronized, many persons considering it the Eden of Lake George. The landing at Bolton is close to the Bolton House, Mr. H. H. West, proprietor, which has accommodations for 100 guests. The little steam yacht “Fannie,” to be found at Bolton Landing on the arrival of the regular steamers, conveys guests to the Lake View House, half a mile distant, which has a capacity for 100 guests. The Lake View House is situated on Parodi Point. Locust Grove House is a charming retreat, close to the Lake shore, and is provided with a wealth of piazza and shade. The Wells House is several rods back from the Lake, sur-so THE A TTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. rounded by fine shade trees, and will receive forty guests. The Mohican House will accommodate about eighty guests. The Mohican was for many years under the proprietorship of Mr. Myron O. Brown, now manager of the elegant Sagamore. It is to Mr. Brown’s efforts that Bolton is chiefly indebted for the favor in which it is held by visitors. THE “SAGAMORE,” GREEN- ISLAND. Leaving the landing at Bolton the steamer next touches at the dock at Green Island, the location gf the palatial “Saga- more.” The hotel is built on a high point of the Island, and affords a charming view of the Lake and surrounding moun- tains on all sides. A lavish expenditure of money has made the Sagamore everything that the most fastidious or exacting could desire. The Island, seventy acres in extent, being united to the main land on the west side by a handsome rustic bridge, connects it with the superb mountain drives in the vicinity of Lake George, leading to Schroon Lake, Chester, Warrensburgh, Lake Luzerne, and other points. The archi- tectural design of the Sagamore is a mixture of everything in the past or present. Spanish, Gothic, Grecian, Roman, Syrian, and American styles are intermingled and interwoven to- gether, the whole forming a picture that is not only extremely pleasant to the eye, but equally suggestive of comfort. Pen- dant from every nook and corner, and perched in the most out-of-the-way places imaginable, are airily constructed balco- nies, suggestive of tete-a-tetes and flirtations innumerable. The Island is covered with forest trees, and paths and drive- ways lead in every direction, while comfortable seats are placed in inviting spots through the vast park. A large bam, capable of accommodating sixty horses, is on the premises.THE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. 31 There is a fleet of sixty steam, sail and row boats, and facili- ties for all sorts of amusement. The location of the Sagamore is incomparable for scenic effects, being ten miles north of Caldwell, at the head of the Lake, with an unbroken view be- tween the two points. Its large and airy rooms are all lighted with Edison electric lights; each sleeping room is supplied with an electric bell; there is an ample hydraulic elevator run- ning from ground to roof; an abundant supply of pure water is brought a .distance of two miles from a famous mountain spring, five hundred feet above the Lake. The drainage and sanitary features of the hotel are perfect. Ample bathing facilities, telegraph office, billiard hall, bowling alley, etc. From the insular position of the hotel each room has a fine view of the Lake. The dining room is a marvel, overlooks the Lake, and opens on a broad balcony. The parlors and public rooms show a? degree of elegance to be found in few houses on Lake George. The Sagamore was first opened July 1st, 1888, and was at once crowded with guests. Two elegant cottages have been erected on the grounds, and add greatly to the sur- roundings. They are situated close to the bank of the Lake, and like the hotel are, architecturally speaking, handsome and attractive. The cottages were built for two of the large stock- holders of the hotel. Beyond Green Island is Northwest Bay, Tongue Mountain, so called from its shape, forming the east side for a distance of six miles. Three miles from Green Island is Fourteen Mile Island, approaching which we get a first view of the Narrows. At this point the sides of the Lake approach each other, and the space between is nearly filled up with clusters of Islands of various shapes and sizes, so that the steamer is obliged to wind carefully through. At a distance no passage can be seen, andTHE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. S3 the Islands, covered with foliage, resemble a tongue of land stretching across the Lake, forming what often appears like an impassible barrier. At first we-look in vain for Islands. On a nearer approach the passage widens, and the little rifts in the woods here and there open like celestial gates. * Fourteen-Mile Island contains about a dozen acres of land and rock, covered with a slight growth of Norway pine, oak, and chestnut. On the east is a deep and narrow channel, through which the steamers pass. On the west side is a hotel, Fourteen-Mile Island House,originally built as a hunting lodge, but added to from time to time as demanded. This is the old- est Island resort on the Lake, and early writers speak of its hospitalities. The hotel accommodates about seventy-five per- sons. Near the south end of Fourteen-Mile Island is a group of islets called Hen and Chickens, On the west, close to Tongue Mountain, is an Island, the character of which may be gath- ered from its name—Flea Island. South of Fourteen-Mile Island, along the shore, are many attractive bays and headlands, while less than a mile distant is a perfect gem in the way of a cascade, called Shelving Rock Falls. It is easily reached by boating and by well-beaten paths from the hotels along shore in its vicinity. Shelving Rock Falls is sit uated on a small stream which empties into Shelving Rock Bay; it is found a few rods from the beach, and all its accessories have been arranged by Nature with admirable effect. This is one of the most charming spots on the Lake for a picnic, and well repays the tourist for a visit.34 THE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. HUNDRED ISLANDS HOUSE. This attractive hotel is less than a half mile from Four- teen-Mile Island, on a point that juts out from the base of Shelving Rock. It is on the east shore of the Lake, about twelve miles from Caldwell. The building was erected in 1875, and has accommodations for one hundred guests. The House is three stories high, the upper story inclosed in a French roof. A piazza, twelve feet wide, extends along the front and across the ends of the hotel, and a sightly observatory is easily acces- sible. The parlor is thirty by thirty-five feet in extent, and the dining room is thirty by forty-eight feet in dimensions. The sleeping rooms are large, high ceilings prevail throughout the house, and the halls are broad. In fact, the Hundred Islands House is one of the most substantial and inviting of any of the Lake George hotels. The surroundings can hardly be excelled. The adjacent mountains furnish studies to the guest in rocks and trees; the Narrows in front, with its hun- dred isles and the Lake stretching away to south and north, makes a handsome picture of which the eye never tires. The excellent fishing of the Narrows has a wide reputation, while boating between the Islands is pleasant in all weather.. Tele- graph and postoffice; three daily mails. The house is supplied with running water. The grounds are attractive, with plenty of shade, and there are croquet and tennis grounds, etc. A farm is connected with the house, from which pure milk and vegetables are procured. The proprietors, R. G. Bradley & Co., have had fifteen years’ experience in catering for Lake George visitors, and their house is crowded during the summer season with a happy company gathered from all parts of the land, who find here cleanliness and attention."nil mu36 JHE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. PEARL POINT. Just beyond we reach Pearl Point, one of the most appro- priately named localities on Lake George. The hotel here located never lacks for guests. Aside from its attractive loca- tion the house is one of the most inviting to be imagined. It is nearly surrounded by broad piazzas, with ornamental balus- strades and columns, embellished with scroll work; its beau- tiful shade, graded walks, verdant banks, vines and flowers, display exquisite taste and ability to execute. The interior of the hotel is as inviting as the exterior, being finished in an ele- gant manner, indicating that it had been built as the palatial summer home of a millionaire, rather than as a public house. Rich and massive winding stairs lead to the observatory, which commands a sweeping view of the entire Narrows. The sleeping rooms on the upper floors each have a distinct style of furniture of the pattern known as '‘East Lake.” South of the house is a circular basin for small boats, opening to the west, and spanned by an ornamental bridge whieh connects with the grounds of the Hundred Islands House* The house has its telegraph line to allow guests to communicate rapidly with the outside world. The table is bounteous, and is supplied with every delicacy of the season. The owner and proprietor is Mr. D. W. Sherman, of Glens Falls, who entertains guests at reasonable rates* Pearl Point has accommodations for 150 guests. In passing through the Narrows we find ourselves in the very heart of the Lake, surrounded on every side by scenes that delight the eye. Black Mountain looms up directly before us. According to barometrical calculations, it is 2,878 feet above tide water, and is the highest mountain near the Lake,A Wild Mountain Si Jo38 THE ATTRACTIONS Of- LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. It is banded around its sides with alternate lines of maple, pine and birch, which thin out by degrees as they rise, until, two-thirds of the way up, the bare rocks chiefly appear, sen- tinelled here and there by a few dead trunks, while the top of the mountain stands out completely divested of verdure, and dark, threatening and bare. The view froiii the summit is one of surpassing grandeur. From this elevation the scene is one of great variety. Beside the Lake at our feet, Champlain stretches away far to the north; in the south may be seen the Hudson, glittering like a thread of silver; in the northwest are the Adirondacks, and away in the east are the Green Mountains of Vermont. Just beyond the Hundred Islands of the Narrows, on the west side of the Lake, the steamer makes a landing at French Point, on which is located the Sherman House, with a capacity for 100 guests. From French Point the steamer again crosses the Lake to Horicon Pavilion, at the base of Black Mountain, a roadlead- ing from the hotel to the summit. On the west shores a little farther on, is Half-way Island, which marks the center of the Lake, being half way to Ticonderoga. Beyond Black Moun- tain is next seen the Sugar Loaf, a spur of the former moun- tain, which now loses the symmetrical and imposing aspect that it presented from the Narrows, and seems to sink down, at the same time taking the appearance of a formless mass of rockj scooped out into deep ravines. Some persons fancy that in this vicinity they are able to detect a form in the north part of the mountain which resembles an elephant’s back, and hence it has been called Elephant’s Ridge. Along the base of this mountain may be seen the Floating Battery Islands. Op- posite is Harbor Island, the scene of Montcalm’s first skirmishTHE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. 39 with the English. Next is Vicar’s Island, to the east and just beyond which is Hulett’s Landing, one of the oldest settle- ments on the Lake. Here is a hotel with accommodations for 100 persons. On the west side of the Lake is Deer’s Leap Mountain, 800 feet high, the side of which, towards the Lake, forms a sort of palisade. At one time deer were extremely plenty in this en- tire neighborhood. The eminence is called Deer’s Leap, from the fact that a buck, pursued by a hunter, leaped from the precipice overhanging the Lake, and was literally impaled alive on a sharp-pointed tree projecting below. From Hulett’s Landing the steamer crosses the Lake diagonally to the west side. As we proceed Black Mountain rises behind us, and begins to assume the symmetry and com* manding height noticed while the traveler is under its brow. The next place at which the steamer stops is Sabbath Day Point. The name was given to the spot at an early day, though for what reason history does not clearly inform us. The view from this point is one of rare beauty. A little farther down the Lake, on the opposite side, is Bluff Head. Five miles be- yond, on the west side of the Lake, is the little village of HAGUE. Here are four hotels: Phoenix Hotel, with accommoda- tions for fifty*guests; Bay House, twenty guests; Trout House, thirty-five guests; Hillside House, forty guests. Steaming on from Hague we pass Cook’s Island and then Friend’s Point, where two scouting parties, belonging to the same force, once met, and in the darkness of the night came near firing on eaqh other. Two miles from Hague, on the east shore, will be seen Anthony’s Nose, a bold and lofty hill, with40 TH£ ATTRACTIONS Of LAKE GEOtiOE AND VIClMTf. rocks jutting out into the Lake.% The old saint has a numerous nose, as there are three other places in the state that bear his name—one on the Hudson, and two others on the Mohawk* Here is the deepest water of the Lake. Two^miles farther, on the west side, is Roger’s Slide. This is a steep, smooth precipice of naked rock, inclining at a sharp angle in the face of the mountain. It forms a prominent object from the Lake. At the foot of the slide the water is quite deep. It received its present name, it is alleged, from the fact that Rogers the Ranger was once surprised here by Indians, and made his escape on the ice, the Indians supposing he slid down the hill. His luggage only went down the precipice, Rogers himself descending through less dangerous ravines. ROCKERS* ROOK HOTEL. North of Roger’s Slide, on a bold promontory, stands the Roger’s Rock Hotel, the next point at which the steamer stops. The hotel has accommodations for 125 guests. This hotel is the fartherest north of any on Lake George and is one of the most eligibly located. It is situated on a rocky eminence, well elevated above the water, thereby furnishing a wide range of view. The rooms are large and liberally furnished, and some of them are in suites, for family use, with every modem con- venience, while every window affords a fine Lake view. The hotel is modem in construction, convenient in arrangement; its cuisine is excellent, and its location charming, features that have have made it a favorite summer home to hundreds of people. The guests of Rogers’ Rock Hotel are of the very best classes of people, and many distinguished visitors are en- tertained here. The proprietor is Mr. T. J. Treadway, who knows what tourists require and how to conduct a first-classTHE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND Vimm, 41 hotel. Pure spring water from the mountains supplies the house ; telegraph and post office in the hotel; laundry, livery, steam, sail and row boats, etc. Coaches connect with trains on the Central Vermont Railroad, direct to Boston, the White and Green Mountains; also with New York and Canada Rail- road for Saratoga, Troy, Albany and New York, Rogers’ Rock Mountain can be ascended by a path leading from the hotel. The view to be obtained at its Summit is one ever to be remembered,takingin,as it does,a wide extent of mountain and vale, and overlooking many historic points. Two cottages are on the hotel grounds, one on the Lake shore and the other 150 feet above the hotel. A mile beyond is Baldwin, the northern terminus of steam- boat travel, from which point a railroad runs across the nar- row belt of land—four miles—to connect with the Champlain steamers, TICONDEROGA. The route traversed by this railway is prolific in historical interest, and everyone who visits Lake George, will of course, visit it. At Ticonderoga is the ruins of the celebrated fort, the examination of which, together with neighboring localities of interest, will consume a whole day. The falls are well worth attention, Ticonderoga was called “ Carrillon,” a French word, meaning a chime, the name being given with reference to the perpetual music of the Falls. The idea was suggested by the Indian name Cheonderogo, which in the Iroquois tongue signifies “Sounding Water.” The remains of the fort are situ- ated on a beautiful peninsula, elevated a hundred feet above Lake Champlain. It is a position of considerable strength, being protected on three sides by water. Fort Ticonderoga42 THE A TTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. was the strongest and most costly fortification in the United States at the time of the Revolutionary war, having been built at a cost of over a million dollars. From Ticonderoga the tourist can take the New York and Canada division of the D. & H. C. Co.’s railroad north to Mon-, treal and various gateways to the Adirondacks, or south to Saratoga. A SUMMER DAY ON LAKE GEORGE. To describe a day in summer on Lake George would be a difficult task. From dawn until evening the Lake is subject to progressive changes, and is continually going on from glory to glory. All day long the water is covered with boats con- taining parties engaged in fishing, rowing, and in excursions to the Islands. We need not go abroad on Italian Lakes or sail in Venetian gondolas in order to witness picturesque scenes. Often on Lake George the boating parties, arrayed in bright costumes, reflected on the waves, with the accessories of green hills, blue skies and sparkling water, form scenes that never fail to delight the artist’s eye. FISHING. With a large number of persons visiting Lake George everything relating to the fish will be interesting. It is very clear that the fish are not so abundant as formerly. The prin- cipal kinds taken are the salmon trout, the bass, the pickerel, and the perch. The fisherman must remember, however, that the fish of the Lake are protected by special legislation. Trout may be taken from May 1 to October 1; bass, July 20 to Janu- ary 1. According to a new law, passed May 9,1885, the taking of pickerel is restricted to from June 15 to February 15, while the" catching of bullheads is prohibited except from July 1 toTHE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. 43 April 1. Fishing with sot-lines and seines, or spearing, is pro hibited. The law countenances fishing only by angling with hook and line held in the hand. HUNTING. The hunter will not find himself without employment at the Lake. In the right season there is always work to be done on land with such members of the feathered tribe as the wood- cock, the partridge, and the quail, while on the lake he can watch his opportunity for a shot at wild ducks. Besides the game-birds, the naturalist will find no small variety, and may bag excellent specimens of the gull, which always appears lonesome here on the Lake; also the hawk, and the loon. Goose, duck and brant may be legally shot at Lake George from September 1 to May 1; woodcock, from September 1 to January 1; quail, from November 1 to January 1; ruffled grouse or partridge, September 1 to November 1; deer, August 1 to December 1; squirrels, August 1 to February 1. At this place, whoever may be on the watch, will some- times have an opportunity of seeing the squirrels travel, ex- aggerated accounts of whose performances oh the water fre- quently get into print. On such occasions they go in search of food. MINERALS. The geologist will find abundant opportunities for study at Lake George, while the mineralogist can reap quite a harvest. The crystals of Diamond Island have already been spoken of in another place. At Rogers’Slide may be found handsome garnets, resinite, coccolite, pyroxene, sphene, calcerous spar, and graphite; and, near by, tourmaline. The discovery of the latter mineral, in its amorphous condition, when it resembles44 THE A TTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. anthracite, once caused some of the residents in the vicinity of the Lake to believe that they had found a valuable bed of coal. A slight knowledge of geology would have taught them the impossibility of finding coal in primary rock; yet this dis- covery led to a dispute and ended in some unprofitable litiga- tion. Hematite occurs in the primitive rock at Anthony’s Nose, which reddens with it in spots. Feldspar, epidote, and graph- ite also occur at Ticonderoga. The sands of Lake George are particularly fine, and have a large interest apart from the beauty which they frequently give to the beach. Sand is the dust of the ages—the powdered foundation of the elder world. When obtained in its purest state it is composed of simple silex; but on the shores of Lake George it is mixed with other materials. On -the beach at Caldwell, a loadstone thrust into the sand will sometimes be drawn forth, covered more or less, with a fine, glossy, black, magnetic iron sand. There is also to be found limpid quartz, powdered garnet and epidote. When mixed together and spread out on white paper, and viewed with a magnifying glass, one might imagine he had found a prize. THE ISLANDS. It is the charm of the Islands of Lake George that there is no monotony. The Lake is a kaleidoscope that is never at rest. It speaks eloquently of mutation in both sunshine and storm. Whoever, therefore, wishes to enjoy himself to the utmost, will take to his oars, and go forth upon this inland sea and explore the Islands in their order. He will find, as he goes on, that nearly every Island is a lifting up of the Lake’s floor, which slopes away from the rock-strewn strand into theTHE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. 45 clear sunlit depths below, the home of the bass and pike. Sometimes, when a mirage invests the Lake, they seem to mock approach; and on a windy day, when the waves break on the rocks, they are liable to knock a hole in the bottom of your boat; but, plumed as they are with green trees, they usually wave a welcome from afar, and invite the weary to repose under the shade Of wide-spread natural tents. CAMP LIFE. Nothing can be more charming than a period spent in camp at Lake George. This method of spending a portion of the summer has become quite popular and is increasing yearly. The numerous Islands and Bays furnish no limit to the camp sites, and during the entire summer the tent of campers can be seen through the shrubbery on every hand. A more enjoyable way of spending a month cannot be imagined, inasmuch as the delights of “ roughing it ” are all to be found within easy reach of civilization, and all the luxuries necessary to an absolute holiday. EXCURSION TRIPS. Delightful excursions are made through Lake George, and at greatly reduced rates. Round-trip tickets are sold from New York City, and on Saturday round trips can be bought, good to return the following Monday, at very low rates, mak- ing one of the most charming trips, without serious loss of time, to be taken on the American continent, combining as it does the Hudson River, Saratoga and Lake George. Inquire for full details of any New York Central or New York, West Shore & Buffalo railroad agent. Leaving Albany, Troy or Saratoga in the morning and46 THE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. running to Caldwell, thence by steamer down the Lake to Baldwin, thence back all-rail, arriving at Saratoga for dinner; or going to Baldwin and return by steamer to Caldwell (mak- ing the round trip of the Lake), and then to Saratoga by rail; or going from Saratoga to Ticonderoga by rail, dining there on steamer “Vermont,” thence to Baldwin and up the Lake to Caldwell, and back to Saratoga before dusk, either or all mak- ing trips that are beyond comparison, and done with the most entire comfort. The only railroad touching at Lake George is the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company’s line. This company operate the Albany & Susquehanna Railroad; the Utica, Clinton & Bing- hamton; Rome & Clinton; Rensselaer & Saratoga, and the New York & Canada. The D. & H. C. Co. operate the only line to Saratoga, Plattsburgh and the Adirondacks, also the only line to Howe’s Cave, Sharon Springs and Cooperstown. The three latter places are reached by the Albany & Susque- hanna division, and tourists to Lake George will enjoy excur- sions to those points. Howe’s Cave is thirty-nine miles west of Albany; is about four miles in extent, and is one of the most remarkable curi- osities in the United States. For beauty, variety and extent it is only equalled by the Mammoth Cave, of Kentucky, with the convenience of being more convenient of access, as the entrance to the cave is immediately at the railroad station. An elegant hotel, adjacent to the mouth of the eave> provides for 200 guests, and guides, dresses, and all facilities for explor- ing the underground wonder are here provided. Cooperstown is at the foot of Otsego Lake, 1,500 feet above the sea, and is famed for its climate, society, beautiful streetsTHE ATTRACTIONS OF LAKE GEORGE AND VfGINITY. 47 and residences, and sumptuous hotels. It has long been a favorite summer resting place. Sharon Springs is fifty-nine miles from Albany, and occu- pies a high place among the sanitariums of the country. Its springs are chalybeate, magnesia, white sulphur and blue sulphur; its pine needle and mud baths are celebrated and attract hosts of visitors every year for their efficacy in blood, skin, liver, rheumatic and neuralgic affections. THE CENTRAL VERMONT RAILROAD. Tourists from Boston to Lake George find the most con- venient and pleasant route that which carries them through New Hampshire and Vermont via the Fitchburg h, Cheshire