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DESCRIPTIVE AIHD ILLUSTRATED 
 
 GUIDE 
 
 TO- 
 
 VatKins 
 
 Glen 
 
 I AND ITS 
 
 ROMANTIC SURROUNDINGS. 
 
 Manager. 
 
WATKINS GLEN AND GLEN MOUNTAIN HCUSE. 
 
DESCRIPTIVE GUIDE BOOK 
 
 WSll'KItJ'^ G^I^i^N" 
 
 (Located near WatMns— Heail of Seneca Lake-Scinyler CO., N Y.) 
 
 I^OMA^ITIC ^URF^OUJ^DIJ^Qp. 
 
 SIXTH EDITION, CORRECTED AND REVISED 
 
 By a. J. MICHENER. 
 
 r .-'0.^3 L/C 1 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 CULBERTSQN & BaCHE, PRINTERS, N. E. CoR. ElGHTH AND JaYNE StS. 
 1879. 
 

 Entered According to Act of Congress, in the year 1S79, by 
 
 A. J. MICHEXKR, 
 
 in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 
 
.,. ^HE WATKINS GLEN, near the village of Watkins— named 
 §^ after its founder, Dr. Samuel Watkins, a native of England — 
 was embraced through its entire length of more than three miles, in 
 the " Watkins and Flint purchase." This tract was obtained from 
 the Indians, nearly a century ago, and covered a " large tract of 
 country " around the head of Seneca Lake. Dr. Watkins suc- 
 ceeded to the title of an elder brother's estate, and thus became 
 the owner of thousands of acres of land at the " Head of the Lake ;" 
 and within the limits of his domain reposed for many years in 
 silence and solitude this, now famous and popular, Watkins Glen. 
 
 After the death of Dr. Watkins, in the year 1851, this Glen and 
 much more of his real estate fell to his widow, who subsequently 
 became the wife of Geo. G. Freer, Esq., County Judge and Surro- 
 gate of the County of Schuyler. 
 
 In 1863 the idea of unsealing this mysterious " Book of Nature" 
 and opening its successive pages to the eyes of the " outer world," 
 was conceived by M. Ells, a resident of Watkins, who deserves 
 great credit for the measures he took to carry out his plan, by the 
 construction of staircases, pathways, railings, bridges, and a minia- 
 ture chalet on the site of the present one, called the "Evergreen," 
 and by announcing through the press of the surrounding country 
 that on and after the 4th day of July, 1863, Watkins Glen would 
 be open as a Summer Resort for Visitors, and a claimant for a share 
 of the favors annually bestowed upon Niagara, Saratoga, the White 
 Mountains, the Catskills, the Thousand Islands, Mammoth Cave, &c., 
 &c. The popular response far exceeded the most sanguine expecta- 
 tions. From 8,000 to 10,000 persons visited the Glen during the 
 
6 ^.^WATl^II^S BXHDI^^s 
 
 balance of the season ; and their number has continued to increase 
 annually from that time to the present, from all sections of the 
 United States and Canadas, including many from the Old World. 
 This extraordinary popularity of the Glen was due, not alone to the 
 beauty, magnificence and grandeur of its scenery ; but to the gene- 
 rous courtesy of the newspaper and magazine press, which gave it a 
 world-wide notoriety, in a brief time, that would have required many 
 years to accomplish ; and acknowledgments are due for their services 
 in bringing before the American jjeople one of the many charming 
 and romantic Scenic Wonders for which our favored country is be- 
 coming justly celebrated throughout the civilized world. 
 
 Watkins Glen has become so widely known, and the number of 
 yearly visitors so large, the necessity of a descriptive Guide-book has 
 been greatly felt, and the many inquiries for such a work led to 
 the preparation of this. 
 
 The writer has endeavored to meet the wants of the visitor by 
 giving a simjjle description of the scenery of this wonderful Glen 
 without attempting to embellish as fully as its merits deserve — only 
 making it a guide-book, pointing out the various objects of interest, 
 in order that all may be seen and the services of a living guide ren- 
 dered unnecessary. The heights, distances, &c., have been given 
 from the most reliable estimates ; for, owing to the peculiar con- 
 formation of this locality, actual measurement is impracticable. They 
 may not in all cases be exact, but are generally correct. 
 
 Many visitors meet with inconvenience and disappointment by not 
 knowing the kinds of dress proper to be worn while going through the 
 Glen. Water-proof suits can be obtained at the Glen Mountain House 
 Bazaar, at a small exi)ense, and will be found a great convenience. 
 It is frequently necessary to use the hands in climbing the stairways, 
 and consequently a long dress is inconvenient to manage. In many 
 places the i)aths are (juite narrow, bordered by ferns and mosses that 
 collect moisture, for which long skirts are unsuited. The less there 
 is to encumber the free use of the feet and arms, the better : long 
 cloaks, shawls, parasols, iVc, are inconvenient and superfluous, and 
 should be left at the Bazaar, on the upward trip. 
 
The dress should be of woolen material, for even in mid-summer 
 the Glen is cool, and in many places quite damp. Any hat will do, 
 but one that will not be injured by an occasional drop of water is 
 the best. It matters less about suitable dress in the case of gentle- 
 men. Silk hats are the only articles liable to suffer much from the 
 trip. A stout cane, which can be obtained at the Swiss Cottage, will 
 be found a valuable assistance in climbing. 
 
 In passing through the Glen, it is not well to wander from the 
 regular paths, as a desire to explore new localities, or obtain a view 
 from some difficult point, might be attended with danger. iVnd here, 
 a word of caution. Visitors will observe placards at several places, 
 warning them not to throw stones into the Glen. Many do this to 
 hear the noise made by the stones, crashing down through the trees 
 and over the rocks. The reasons why it should not be allowed are 
 obvious. We would also like to say a word with regard to those 
 who are ambitious to immortalize themselves by carving their names 
 and the dates of their visitation upon the face of the rocks, staircases, 
 bridges, trees, &c., that it is expressly forbidden. 
 
 Pic-nic parties are respectfully requested not to strew papers, egg- 
 shells, and the remains of their repasts, in conspicuous places along 
 the pathways in the Glen, or where they will mar the beauties of the 
 scenery. 
 
 The proper time for visiting the Glen is from the first of June to 
 the first of November. 
 
 We would advise visitors going through the Glen to take advantage 
 of all the seats and every convenient place for rest. The scenery fills 
 the visitors with wonder, and causes so much eagerness to press on to 
 the end, the air is so invigorating, and the journey affords so much 
 pleasure that they are apt to entirely forget bodily fatigue, and find 
 upon coming out into the world again, a kind of reaction, and that 
 they are very much exhausted. 
 
a^WATI^II^S BXI]I^->^^ 
 
 TO SENECA LAKE. 
 
 PERCIVAL. 
 
 On thy fair bosom, silver Lake, 
 
 The wild swan spreads his snowy sail 
 
 And round his breast the ripples break, 
 As down he bears before the gale. 
 
 On thy fixir bosom, waveless stream, 
 
 The dipping paddle echoes far, 
 Arid flashes in the moonlight gleam. 
 
 And bright reflects the polar star. 
 
 The waves along thy pebbly shore, 
 
 As blows the north wind, heave their foam, 
 
 And curl around the dashing oar, 
 As late the boatman hies him home. 
 
 How sweet, at set of sun, to view 
 Thy golden mirror spreading wide, 
 
 And see the mist of mantling blue 
 
 Float round the distant mountain's side. 
 
 At midnight hour as shines the moon, 
 A sheet of silver spreads below, 
 
 And swift she cuts, at highest noon, 
 
 Light clouds, like wreaths of purest snow. 
 
 On thy fair bosom, silver Lake, 
 
 Oh ! I could ever sweep the oar, 
 When early birds at morning wake, 
 
 And evenini; tells us toil is o'er. 
 
*HERE is not to be found a more strikingly wonderful and 
 beautiful freak of nature than Watkins Glen. Differing in 
 all its characteristics, from any other remarkable locality of natural 
 interest, it has as distinct an individuality as Mount Blanc, the Falls 
 of Niagara, or the Mammoth Cave. 
 
 The Glen is situated in Schuyler county, N. Y., near the head of 
 Seneca Lake, between two ranges of hills which seem to have been 
 torn asunder in the formation of this narrow valley. It consists pro- 
 perly of a number of Glens, or sections, rising one above another, 
 and extending about three miles, forming a series of rocky arcades, 
 galleries and grottoes, subterranean at times, and again widening 
 out into vast amphitheatres, the grandeur and magnificence of which 
 cannot be fully realized by description. The general course of the 
 Glen is east and west, and the total ascent about six hundred feet. 
 It forms the channel for a limpid stream, which follows its eccentric 
 course, miking the descent from section to section by a myriad of 
 cascades and rapids, the beauty and variety of which is unequalled. 
 
The Glen lies west of and partly within the village of Watkins, 
 which is on the 'Northern Central R. R., connecting at Canandaigua, 
 with the New York Central R. R. ; at Elmira, with the N. Y. L. E. 
 & W. (old Erie), and Lehigh Valley R. R's. ; and at Harrisburg 
 with the Penna. R. R. ; while the Syracuse, Geneva and Corning 
 R. R. Crosses the Glen near its most westerly terminus. 
 
 j^ks 
 
 
 5.^7 
 
 »i**t» 
 
 
 ^v'^ME; 
 
 SENECA LAKE. 
 
 It is also reached by a line of 
 steamers, running from Geneva 
 to Watkins, touching at all points 
 along the lake. This is a delight- 
 ful way of reaching the Glen from 
 the north, as the scenery of this 
 beautiful lake is e(iual to anything 
 on the Continent. The steamers 
 are of the most comfortable kind, 
 commaniled by ])olite and efficient officers, and every attention is 
 paid to the convenience and comfort of the passengers. It will be 
 seen therefore, that the Glen is accessible from all directions. 
 
 * ----^- , j:zj- 
 
The following detailed description of the ascent is herewith pre- 
 sented in such a manner that the visitor may find it a material guide 
 in pointing out many things which might escape notice. 
 
 Passing up Franklin street from the Railroad Station or Steamboat 
 Landing, a few minutes' walk brings us to the entrance. On either 
 side abrupt hills loom up like monster sentinels, and from between 
 them a limpid little stream, buffeted by rocks, and broken into a 
 hundred cascades, runs out, and winds quietly across the level valley 
 to the lake, as though tired from its angry and tortuous passage 
 through the Glen, it was now resting, idly reflecting the sunbeams 
 before taking its final submergence in the cool depths of the lake. 
 
 Turning from the street, we enter the defile between the guarding 
 hills, and the first object that attracts our attention as we commence 
 our pilgrimage is a vast rocky 
 
 ENTRANCE AMPHITHEATRE, 
 
 the walls of which rise on either side nearly 200 feet above our 
 heads. Ahead of us the walls almost meet, and farther passage seems 
 barred, with the exception of a narrow rift in the rocks, as if they 
 had by some mighty power, been torn asunder. Before proceeding, 
 however, we pass beneath and around the base of the overhanging 
 rocks, where we obtain a fine view of one of the wildest scenes of 
 the Glen — the 
 
 ENTRANCE CASCADE, 
 
 which is a narrow thread of water, shooting out from an angle in the 
 rocks, sixty feet above, and dashing into a dark cavernous pool of 
 unknown depth below. At our feet slumbers the Fish Pool, broad, 
 deep, clear, and irregular in form, so named from the immense num- 
 ber of the finny tribe which come up from the lake during high 
 water in the spring and early summer. We now ascend a strong and 
 secure staircase and find ourselves in what is called 
 
 GLEN ALPHA. 
 
 As we continue, we observe the channel makes a sharp turn to the 
 
12 ^-^^WATIKIHS ©ILBH®^^ 
 
 left, which accounts for the ajjparent obstruction. At the head of 
 the staircase is a little bridge spanning the chasm, known as 
 
 SENTRY BRIDGE, 
 
 where we pause a few moments to rest, and take a look through the 
 amphitheatre we have just left, and down through the jagged edges 
 of rock to the deep blue basin, broken into circling ripples by the 
 falling column of water, out across the smiling valley to the green 
 hills beyond. 
 
 Here, for the first time, the delightful sensation produced by the 
 invigorating and inspiring atmosphere, as it draws down through the 
 Glen, steals over us. The air is cool, t'resh and bracing; laden with 
 sweet odors, the fragrance of many flowers. 
 
 Looking upward from the point where we now stand, what a sight 
 bursts upon us ! Towering and irregular cliffs of dark rock, angular 
 and sullen, rise one above another till they appear to meet in the 
 clouds, and seem to forbid apjjroach ! 
 
 At niuiierous places in the Glen we pause, and wonder how it is 
 possible to go much farther, the way appears imjiassable, and the 
 distance so inaccessible ; but as we advance the path always opens, 
 and gives for more interest to the ascent than though we could clearly 
 mark our way before us. 
 
 Crossing Sentry Bridge, we ascend a short flight of steps on the 
 south side, and before us lies a pathway cut in the solid rock, leading 
 along under the overhanging cliffs, a few feet above the stream. We 
 are now fairly in 
 
 STILLWATER GORGE 
 
 where the various hues and tints of the rock, the eccentric combina- 
 tions of curves and angles, seem as if nature had endeavored to see 
 what wildly grotesque and yet beautiful images she could produce. 
 We n()w catch a glimpse of the second cascade, called 
 
 MINNEHAHA, 
 
 which is beautiful, irregular, and yet full of grace. The water, broken 
 
[K@-®MEK^^ 
 
 13 
 
 several times in its fall, is dashed into foam and spray which forms 
 a brilliant contrast to 
 the dark, rocky sur- 
 roundings. 
 
 About thirty feet above 
 Minnehaha is the 
 
 FAIRY CASCADE, 
 
 which with one graceful "!^*'.->/ 'v. 
 bound leaps into 
 
 Neptune's pool 
 
 Following the patl 
 we come to a rustic seat 
 from which a charm 
 ing view is obtained in 
 
 MINNEHAHA. 
 
 both directions." Looking up from this point, the view is called 
 
 CAVERN [gorge, 
 
 and for wildness and grandeur is unsurpassed by any in the Glen. 
 
14 
 
 ^^^WATJ^iKS BxnDiN: >-^ 
 
 And here it would be well to advise visitors not to i)ress on too 
 eagerly, but to proceed 
 deliberately, and fre- 
 quently look back, as in 
 many cases the views we 
 have passed are the 
 finest. 
 
 Looking forward at 
 the narrow gorge we are 
 about entering, we see 
 a staircase above us, 
 and beyond that still 
 another, almost perpen- 
 dicular in its position, 
 and of great height. 
 This portion of the Glen 
 is called 
 
 THE LABYRINTH, 
 
 and the channel of the 
 stream here is very nar- 
 row. 
 
 A little farther under 
 the shelving cliffs of 
 rock, and we are at the 
 foot of the Long Stair- 
 case referred to, which 
 leads to the top of the north cliff. 
 Here we are in a strangely wild and 
 interesting place. If we pass by a 
 little way, before ascending the Stair- 
 case, we find ourselves in a cavern, 
 almost circular in form, 
 
 dark and damp, called cavern cascade. 
 
 the Grotto, directly 
 
behind the sheet of water. No one should fail to visit this weird 
 chamber. Here the 
 
 CAVERN CASCADE 
 
 leaps from the rocks above, down forty or fifty feet, in a single col- 
 umn, not altogether unlike the Entrance Cascade, but much grander. 
 The rocky walls of the Grotto reverberate the echoes of the falling 
 water until the sound is fairly deafening, and the light of the "outer 
 world " gleaming through the transparent stream in front of you, 
 gives it the appearance of molten silver. Returning to the staircase, 
 the downward view from the foot of which is called Whirlwind 
 Gorge, we ascend seventy feet, and are glad to avail ourselves of the 
 rustic seat at the top. The view had from the head of the staircase, 
 is called 
 
 THE VISTA, 
 
 and the effect is very fine. After emerging from the dark chasm, we 
 see before us silvery cascades, quiet pools and moss garnished walls, 
 overarched by stately forest trees, and thick shrubbery, with a broad 
 light flooding the distance ; and far above through the emerald foli- 
 age, like a web of gossamer, is seen the beautiful Iron Bridge span- 
 ning the Glen. 
 
 After a refreshing rest, we again start upon our journey, and turn 
 sharply to the right, by a new path that leads towards the entrance of 
 the Glen, along the verge of the gorge, where the wildness of the 
 scene is truly impressive. We climb a short flight of steps and 
 stand at 
 
 POINT LOOK-OFF, 
 
 where the path runs out to the top of a high cliff, and commands a 
 beautiful view of Glen Alpha in the depths below. We are forcibly 
 impressed with the beauty of the foliage, which appears all the 
 brighter as we emerge from the dark recesses of the Glen. It is a 
 singular fact, that nowhere, upon the American Continent, can such 
 a range of vegetation be found within such narrow limits. On the 
 northern slopes in sheltered nooks protected from the winds, and in 
 
THE GROTTO. 
 
a great measure from frost and snow, exposed to the warm rays of 
 the sun, the vegetation is ahnost tropical. Especially among the 
 lower orders, plants are here found, that are indigenous to Tennes- 
 see and the Carolinas. The fern family is largely represented, and 
 some of the most beautiful specimens are found. Many of the varie- 
 ties attain a degree of luxuriance that astonishes the student familiar 
 with them. Exposed to the keen north winds, high up on the 
 southern cliffs, plants are found that belong far to the north. Stunted 
 firs, mosses and lichens, that are rarely seen south of the Hudson's 
 Bay country, are here represented. 
 
 Pursuing this delightful path, by a gradual ascent, we come upon a 
 building in the form of a chalet called the 
 
 SWISS COTTAGE, 
 
 erected upon the site originally occupied by the " Evergreen," be- 
 fore mentioned, and now forming a portion of the Glen Mountain 
 House, perched on a sort of natural shelf, loo feet above the level of 
 the stream, and 200 feet above the level of Glen Alpha, overlooking 
 The Vista, and nestling among the trees and shrubbery. When we 
 reflect upon the labor attendant upon getting the timbers and lumber 
 used in the construction of buildings, staircases and bridges to their 
 present position — it being impossible to use horses for the purpose — 
 and reflect that thousands of feet of the pathways, and many of the 
 stairs, are cut in the solid rock, and that hundreds of obstructions 
 and threatening masses of stone had to. be removed, we see that pa- 
 tience and indefatigable perseverance have surmounted all difficulties.. 
 
 From the spacious promenades on the verandahs of the Swiss Cot- 
 tage and the bridge across the Glen we have several fine views of the 
 gorge, the winding stream and cascades above and below. 
 
 A few rods above the Mountain House is situated 
 
 hope's art gallery, 
 
 which was built by Captain J. Hope, late of 82 Fifth Avenue, New 
 York, and contains a superb collection of more than one hundred 
 
SWISS CHALET. 
 
s^WAIPMIKI 
 
 . fejfciS 
 
 19 
 
 of his finest and most celebrated paintings. 
 
 Here can be seen some 
 of the leading scenes 
 in Watkins Glen, and 
 its surroundings ; also 
 views in New England, 
 Virginia, California, 
 Europe, &c., (Sec, chief 
 among which, are his 
 celebrated picture of 
 
 RAINBOW FALLS, 
 
 in Watkins Glen, and 
 his great historical 
 painting of the 
 
 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, 
 
 Guests can spend many 
 a pleasant hour here, 
 and no visitor to the 
 Glen should fail to see 
 this splendid collec- 
 tion. There is a small 
 fee for admission to 
 this gallery, as it does 
 * ^ • "^^^^^^'^^^ '^T^' I not belong to the Glen. 
 
 A short distance beyond is a platform, erected for the use of pic-nic 
 
 and other parties. 
 
 Our way now lies through the woods, by a shaded path, and is 
 
 called 
 
 SYLVAN GORGE. 
 
 which was until recently inaccessible, but now open, and is one of 
 the wildest, most beautiful and interesting portions of the Glen. 
 There are two paths, and to enjoy it fully, one should ascend 
 
20 e^^WAIPMIK® ©iEM^^ 
 
 by one and return by the other. Continuing, we take the Sylvan 
 Path, turning abruptly to the left near the platform, and follow 
 the path winding down through the stately forest. We pause on 
 Forest Cliff to enjoy the magnificent view down the A'ista. From 
 beneath the green sylvan arches we look down into the depths, with 
 picturesque tree-clad cliffs on either hand. To the left, perched on 
 a jutting crag, more than a hundred feet above the bed of the stream^ 
 we catch a glimpse of Hope's Art Gallery, and rustic arbor, mid 
 their emerald surroundings ; while far beyond the tasteful structure 
 of the iron bridge spans the chasm ; and the \ie\v finally dies away 
 and is lost in the shadows of Whirlwind Gorge. Turning, we pursue 
 the path, pausing oft to admire the mossy slopes that crown the 
 chasm, and to gaze down ujjon Diamond Fall, and all the wild sur- 
 roundings of forest, rock and stream. 
 
 Our walk through the woods gradually descends until we are 
 nearly on a level with the stream ; and here in the rocks, in all 
 directions, are found the remains of the same kind of pools that are 
 now seen in the bed of the stream. A word on the formation of 
 these peculiar pools may not prove uninteresting to those who are not 
 already familiar with them. In the early spring, when the stream is 
 very liigh, and the ice breaking uj), large quantities of rock, bowl- 
 ders and gravel are carried down, forced along by the tremendous 
 power of the water ; and sometimes these bowlders lodge in a natural 
 seam in the rock, or in a curve in the bed of the stream, and are 
 there whirled and rolled around, imtil, aided by the gravel that 
 collects, they gradually grind out these basins or pools in the softer 
 rock beneath. This process, going on for years, has worn some of 
 them to an immense size. In many instances, the bowlders have 
 been forced from their resting places at the bottom of the jjooI and 
 carried away ; but in a greater number of cases, especially in the 
 upper Glens, they are still to be seen in the l)asins they have carved. 
 The remains of these basins are, in many places, to be seen now, 
 where the channel has deepened, or changed and left them. 
 
 Proceeding on our journey, our path leads us down toward the water 
 again, where we see a succession of little rapids and cascades leaping 
 
3^ca."WATIKIIP^S BlIEM-^-^ 
 
 ENTRANCE TO CATHtDRAL. 
 
2 2 ^..^eWA^MIi^^ 'BiLEH^i^ 
 
 into Sylvan Gorge, of which this is the upj)er termination, called the 
 
 SYLVAN RAPIDS, 
 
 and they glide and dance very beautifully through their irregular rocky 
 channel. At the head of the Sylvan Rapids a rustic bridge spans the 
 stream, from which, as we cross to the south side, we ha\-e a delight- 
 ful bird's-eye view down through Sylvan Gorge, with its many wind- 
 ings and mysterious recesses. Below the bridge is the " Bath Tub," 
 which will be readily recognized by its perfect resemblance to that 
 necessary article. 
 
 Looking upward, we find ourselves in 
 
 GLEN CATHEDRAL, 
 
 and here obtain the best general view of this masterpiece of Nature's- 
 handiwork. All description fails, and words are inadequate to paint 
 a ])icture that would do this subject justice, or convey to the mind an 
 idea of its grandeur. The Cathedral is an immense oblong amphi- 
 theatre, nearly an eighth of a mile in length. The Glen is here 
 wider than in any other point ; t^e rocky walls tower to a great 
 height — o\er three hundred feet — and are richly tajjestried with mosses 
 and clinging vines, and crowned with lofty pines and other evergreen 
 trees. The floor is composed of a smooth and even surface of rock ; 
 the vaulted arch of the sky forms the dome. In the upper end the 
 
 CENTRAL CASCADK 
 
 forms the C'hoir, and, as it dashes from rock to rock, sings continual 
 hymns of praise to the Infinite Power that created this mighty 
 temple. Alluding to the i)eculiar feelings inspired by this stupen- 
 dous work of nature, a friend who once visited it, said : " I have 
 often reflected upon the insignificance of man, but never so fully 
 realized what a mere atom I was in this incomprehensible universe, as 
 when standing in this vast Cathedral and looking up at its towering 
 walls." 
 
 Recrossing the stream, we take the path along the north bank, in 
 
^fei^ 
 
 23 
 
 THE'CATHEDRAL. 
 
■24 e^si^^ 
 
 the shade of immensely tall forest trees ; pausing midway for another 
 look at the amber waters, that spread over the level floor, and at 
 Eagle Cliff that rears its stately head above its fellows. 
 
 Situated near the upper end of the Cathedral, is a large and 
 beautiful pool, called the 
 
 BAPTISMAL FONT. 
 
 This is one of the most remarkable of these natural basins, singular 
 for its regularity and the surpassing beauty of its form, and we are 
 -astonished, more than ever before, by the wonderful clearness and 
 ■purity of the water, whicli, as the sun strikes into it, sparkles until 
 it is fairly radiant. The smallest objects upon the bottom are clearly 
 ■discernible, in pools where the water is ten or fifteen feet cieep, while 
 its refracting and distorting powers are very great. We now ascend 
 the 
 
 GRAND STAIRCASE, 
 
 "which is broken by a i)latform and about seventy feet in height. 
 Passing along on the cliff a few rods, we come to a short flight of 
 stairs leading down to the 
 
 VERANDAH, 
 
 •descending wliich, we obtain one of the finest views of the Central 
 Cascade at our feet. This tall of al)out sixty feet is very beautiful, 
 angular and irregular, yet symmetrical ; while far above, projecting 
 through the trees, is seen Pulpit Rock. Re-ascending, we find our- 
 selves in the 
 
 GLEN OF THE POOLS, 
 
 so named from the number of rock basins it contains. Pursuing 
 the path on the north bank a short distance to a point directly over 
 Central Cascade, and looking back down through Glen Cathedral, we 
 have the 
 
 poet's DREAM, 
 
 a truly magnificent scene, ^^'e come now to another rustic bridge, 
 
below which is the Mermaids' Pool, and looking up we have, what 
 has been appropriately termed, the 
 
 MATCHLESS SCENE, 
 
 which view seems to combine within itself all the manifold beauties of 
 the Glen, and is indescribable. Broken and angular in its formation, 
 rock and water, cascades and deep pools, winding channels and 
 seething rapids, foliage and sky, all combine in a chaotic inter- 
 mingling, yet form a harmonious and picturesque whole. As we fol- 
 low the pathway cut in the rock we are never tired of admiring the 
 manifold beauties of the water ; and the sunlight shimmering down 
 through the foliage strikes into the pools, waking their crystal depths 
 into life ; while new phases of magical beauty surprise us at every 
 step, like the ever varying changes in a kaleidoscope. 
 
 Leaving this point we follow the path on the south bank, through 
 this section of the Glen, employing our time in examining the 
 ■curious structure of the pools, one of which especially will be noticed, 
 called the Horse-Shoe. 
 
 We now come to a little staircase on the south bank, by which we 
 ascend to a more elevated path ; but before we do, Ave pass by it and 
 a little further up the Glen, to obtain a fine view of the 
 
 TRIPLE CASCADE AND RAINBOW FALLS. 
 
 The Triple Cascade is deemed by many to be the finest in the Glen. 
 As its name indicates, it is composed of three portions, one above 
 another, each different in form from the others, and forming a beau- 
 tiful combination. Just below the Triple Cascade, on the south side, 
 a little brook leaps over the brow of a great high cliff, down into the 
 Glen, trickling over the irregular surface of the rock, until it reaches 
 a point twelve or fifteen feet above the pathway where it falls over a 
 projecting shelf, the edge of which is curved outward in a crescent 
 form. The water does not descend in a smooth sheet, but in a 
 myriad of tiny threads and drops, forming a sparkling crystal veil, 
 behind which the pathway leads. This novel cascade is known as 
 
26 ^-cvC^WA^IKIWB ©ILIEM®^ 
 
 Rainbow Falls. Beyond and above the Triple Cascade, sjjanning a 
 narrow pass in the gorge, we see the Platform Staircase, ^while far 
 above our heads, on the north bank, Castle Cliff is seen through the 
 trees. This section of the Glen of the Pools is called the Giant's 
 Gorge. We return to the little staircase before mentioned, and 
 ascend to the elevated pathway, taking in new views of the Triple 
 Cascade at every step, and come to the 
 
 RAINBOW FALL, 
 
 behind which we pass. The space between the fall and the cliff is 
 narrow, but sufficiently wide to allow free passage. While standing 
 behind the fall and looking out through the misty curtain, the novelty 
 of the position, and the peculiar brilliancy that the radiant drops of 
 falling water impart to everything viewed through them, fill us with 
 wonder, and is beautiful beyond comparison. From June to Sep- 
 tember, when fair weather prevails, and the rays of the sun fall into 
 the gorge from the west, the enraptured visitor, in looking through the 
 veil in the afternoon, beholds two most beautiful rainbows, a primary 
 and secondary; a sight, once enjoyed, that can never be forgotten. 
 We take a backward look at Glen of the Pools, and Matchless 
 Scene, pass the Triple Cascade, and under overhanging rocks come 
 to a staircase leading to an inclined platform, called 
 
 PLATFOR.M STAIRCASE. 
 
 Here are seats, which we find very welcome after our climb, and 
 where we obtain a fine retrospective view of the Glen of the 
 Pools, with its ragged gorges, and a more defined view of the Rain- 
 bow Fall, showing its course before it takes its final leap, while below 
 us lies Diana's Bath, a clear pool, nearly twenty feet deep. We are 
 now to pass through 
 
 SHADOW GORGK. 
 
 in which portion of the Glen some of the most severe labor was per- 
 formed, and its final accom])lishment was a high compliment to the 
 
engineering skill of those 
 who had it in charge. 
 We leave the platform, 
 ascend to and follow the 
 path along the south 
 cliff, where it is narrow 
 and cut in the solid, rocky 
 face of the cliff. It 
 winds in and out, fol- 
 lowing the cur\ es of the 
 gorge, and is high above 
 the water. We now see 
 
 RAINBOW tALL AND TRIPLt CAb-AlE. 
 
^8 ^-^^WATIKEM^ (BliBM^-^ 
 
 liow api^ropriately this has been naaied the Shadow Gorge. The 
 trees on the cliffs above are very high, and in many places almost 
 meet overhead ; and as the light strikes down through them their 
 shadows are reproduced in the pools below, forming a combination 
 of beautiful lights and shadows that surpasses descrijjtion. Here the 
 stream seems a succession of basins connected by rapids and little 
 falls, while ahead of us is another rustic bridge spanning the stream, 
 .and a little beyond it is the 
 
 KMERALD POOL, 
 
 one of the most beautiful of the basins ; very regular in form, bot- 
 tom covered with gravel, and water of great purity and brilliance. 
 Looking up the Glen, our journey seems about to come to a sudden 
 termination, shut off by a wall as regular as if composed of solid 
 masonry, but as we crojs the bridge and follow the pathway, we see 
 on approaching, that the Glen makes a sudden turn to the right, 
 around this 
 
 FROWNING CI.IKK 
 
 that appeared to obstruct our further progre.ss. At this place the 
 seams in the rock intersect each other at right angles, giving to the 
 whole the effect of masonry. The corner formed by this cliff on the 
 south side, conveys the idea of the work of htnnan hands, and is 
 named the 
 
 riI,I,.\R OK r.K.VUTV. 
 
 Directly at the foot of this cliff is a large and very deep pool. The 
 water in which is from twelve to fifteen feet deep, and as clear as 
 ■crystal ; and as it passes under the sharp angle of the cliff, it mirrors 
 in its pellucid depths an inverted picture of the frowning rocks and 
 graceful foliage above. The mosses and ferns are here very fine. 
 These cliffs mark the entrance to the section called 
 
 GLEN ARCADI.V, 
 
 and it well deserves the name, for a nnrc jierfect Elysium cannot be 
 imagined. The scene before us has been called 
 
 THK artist's ORKAM. 
 
 where all the beauties of the other Glens, silver cascades and crystal 
 
^^eWATMHWS ©ILEHa^ 29 
 
 ARTISTS DREAM. 
 
30 s^jWATI^IIN^S BjLIEK's^-^ 
 
 ])ools, light and shadow, sharjj angles and graceful curves, foliage, 
 sky and rock, mingle and protluce a picture that more resembles an 
 ecstatic dream than anything that can elsewhere be found. The 
 rocks do not here tower to such immense height, nor is the scenery 
 so sublime as in some of the sections of the glens through which we 
 ha\e passed, but what is lost in grandeur is more than atoned for in 
 the wild beauty of the scene. 
 
 Our \mxh now lies along the north cliff, on the rocky shelf some 
 distance above the stream, and as the water trickles from above, and 
 runs down o\er the rocks, our pathway is damp at some places, but 
 not slippery. The gorge below us is known as the 
 
 NARROW PASS, 
 
 and is full of interest, as the Avails tower high on either side, and 
 approach near together. After rounding another sharp curve, we 
 are once more obliged to cross the stream by means of a bridge, 
 and proceed along the south side, through the Narrow Pass, under 
 shelving rocks that extend far out o\"er our heads. Passing around 
 an angle, we come in sight of 
 
 TLUTO FALLS, 
 
 on which the rays of the sun never shine. It appears like a subter- 
 ranean gallery, for the air is damp and cold, and the dashing and 
 rumbling of the Fall, as it echoes through the pass, adds to the 
 gloomy sublimity of the spot. As we draw nearer we ascend a short 
 rocky staircase, where we obtain a fine view of the fall, which is one 
 of singular beauty, and essentially different in form from any we 
 have yet seen, as it falls into a dark basin which is very deep, and 
 extends about thirty feet under the rock on the edge of the stream. 
 
 We climb around the Fall, and stop to take a farewell look at the 
 Narrow Pass, or, as it is called when viewed from this point back- 
 ward, the Spiral Gorge. 
 
 Our course now lies along the south side to the head of Glen 
 Arcadia, and the way is clear, though " wondrous crooked," before 
 us. The rapids here are the most beautiful in all the Glen. The 
 channel is tortuous, and, as in the Glen of the Pools, consists of a 
 
31 
 
 THE NARROW PASS. 
 
32 
 
 ®^s 
 
 succession of curiously carved basins connected by narrow rapids 
 and cascades. The largest of these basins is called the 
 
 POOL OF THE NYMPHS. 
 
 Passing under shelving rocks, we finally arrive at the head of the 
 section, formed by the^\rcadian Fall. This is a beautiful cascade, 
 falling into a kind of natural grotto'; and at its foot is a beautiful 
 basin. Near the head of this section a staircase leads to the north 
 cliff, and a few rods of pathway brings us to another rustic bridge, 
 thrown across the chasm [directly above or over Arcadian Fall, for 
 the purpose of giving visitors a fine rear view of Glen Arcadia, which, 
 viewed from this romantic spot is called 
 
 ELFIN GORGE, 
 
 and is a scene of rare and enchanting beauty. This bridge is the 
 
 dividing line be- 
 tween Glen Arcadia 
 and 
 
 GLEN FACILITV, 
 
 the latter so called 
 because of the com- 
 parative ease with 
 which it may be ex- 
 plored, except in 
 times of high water. 
 The most important 
 o\ the great natural 
 beauties of the Glen 
 terminate here, but 
 many visitors go half 
 I mile beyond, to see 
 I lie magnificent new 
 iron bridge of the Syr- 
 acuse, Geneva & Cor- 
 

 nrng Railway Co., which spans the Glen at a height of 165 
 feet above the water, well meriting a visit. We have passed 
 through two and a half miles :, are six hundred feet above our start- 
 ing point, and satisfied with an endless cliange and variety of 
 iscenery, enter 
 
 GLEN HORICON. 
 
 lialf a mile above Elfin Gorge and beyond the railroad bridge above 
 mentioned, which consists of a large basin or amphitheatre, con- 
 taining some twelve to fifteen acres, with steep wooded banks, several 
 hundred feet high, broken into curves and promontories, the lower 
 level of which is a barren " pathway of the floods," and the whole 
 a picture of commingled grandeur and solitude, terminating in a 
 winding, rocky gorge, called 
 
 GLEN ELYSIUM, 
 
 because of its natural beauties of water, lawn and grove, and its 
 susceptibility of being made one of the most attractive and delight- , 
 ful pleasure grounds imaginable. It is a vast area, nearly a half mile 
 long, and one-fourth of a mile wide, containing within its lofty, 
 sloping banks, not less than fifty acres, filled with cozy rural retreats, 
 carpeted with grasses and mosses, overlooked by giant trees, and 
 graced and adorned with a wondrous variety of foliage. 
 
 After leaving Glen Elysium, we come to Omega Fall — the last — 
 and beyond this Fall, which is one of the most complicated and beau- 
 tiful in the series, 
 
 GLEN OMEGA 
 
 stretches westward for half a mile or more, till it opens out in the 
 " hill country " like a great fan; and the Glen comes to an end 
 nearly three miles from its beginning at the entrance of the Glen 
 Alpha. 
 
34 ^^WA^]KI^^ BXi:i^33^ 
 
 After a quiet rest we start on our return, taking it leisurely, and 
 stopping- frequently to admire the numberless beauties that escaped us 
 on our ascent. And, we may here say, that the Glen is so extensive, 
 and the beauties so varied that one may make many visits, and yet 
 each time find new features that he had not hitherto observed. 
 Sometimes a difference of a few feet in a position will materially alter 
 the outline of the picture. It is frequently the case that the visitor 
 more fully realizes and appreciates the extent, sublimity and grand- 
 eur of the Glen, after he has once or twice accomplished its ascent. 
 Here we stop a few minutes to look with wonder, down into the 
 grand old Cathedral, and finally, after descending the staircase, pass- 
 ing through the Cathedral, and retracing the winding path through the 
 woods, we find ourselves again at the Swiss Chalet. It is a most wel- 
 come spot, and its refreshments are very acceptable. Here can be 
 obtained the best selection of Stereoscopic Views, by eminent artists, 
 of Watkins and Havana Glens, all of which are faithful copies of 
 the most striking points of interest, and enable the tourist, on return- 
 ing hcnne, to keep in vivid remembrance the many pleasant associa- 
 tions connected with his visit. The Glen Mountain House Bazaar, 
 with its comfortable lounges, is a delightful resting place, where visit- 
 ors can find many a little souvenir to take with them to the eager, ex- 
 pecting ones at home, and we advise all to avail themselves of the 
 opportunity of securing some memento of Watkins Glen. Crossing 
 to the south side by the Iron Suspension Bridge, we come to the Glen 
 Mountain House, a large and commodious building, fitted up in a 
 manner to ensure the comfort and convenience of guests, whether it 
 be for a day, a week, or a month. 
 
 We notice near the end of the bridge, on the south side, a sign- 
 board which reads 
 
 "TO SUMMIT LOOK-OUT." 
 
 Our wonder is excited, and as we do not wish to miss any of the 
 beautiful surroundings of this wonderful place, thitherward we 
 
i^ 
 
 ^^"VTATI^IP^S BXlDP^si^ 
 
 bend our stejjs ; on we go by a winding and continually ascending^ 
 path, passing through a beautiful wood^ till we arrive at 
 
 SUMMIT LOOK-OUT - 
 
 which well deserves the name, as it is the highest point in the vicinity, 
 and commands a fine view of the Lake for nearly thirty miles. 
 Another path brings us back by a nearer route to the House. 
 
 On the north, or Glen side of the Mountain House east of the 
 bridge, visitors will notice a staircase leading down into the Glen ; and 
 a stroll in that direction will well repay a visit. As we walk along the 
 
 path with the high rocks jutting far over our heads, and under the 
 Suspension Bridge loo feet above us, we are struck with wonder at 
 the grandeur of the scene. After loitering here awhile, we retrace 
 our steps, and are once more at the Swiss Chalet, ready to resume 
 our homeward journey, but not by the path we came ; because 
 another i)ath is recommended as promising fresh beauties. 
 
 Leaving the Swiss Cottage, instead of following the path that leads 
 to tiie Lang Staircase, we take one that bears to the left, along the 
 slope of the hill, called Cliff Avenue, or one bearing to the north. 
 
directly behind the Swiss Cottage, called " To the Observatory." 
 These paths lead us through beautiful groves, and afford us occasional 
 glimpses into the dizzy depths of Glen Alpha. The roar of the cas- 
 cades, and cool vapors arising from them, reach us even at this 
 height. 
 
 As we leave the woods by either path, we come out into Glenwood, 
 one of the most beautiful of cemeteries. By taking Monumental 
 Avenue, instead of Glenwood height, visitors pass the magnificent 
 and costly " Magee Monument Grounds," on their way through the 
 cemetery. Instead of following the road that leads down into the 
 village, we choose a path that enables us to climb still further up the 
 summit of 
 
 TABLE MOUNTAIN, 
 
 as it is called. We sit down to rest beneath the stunted evergreens 
 that grow upon the brow of the mountain, at the little " Observatory 
 Building," and gaze with mingled delight and amazement at the 
 scene before us. The valley for miles, lies spread out like a map at 
 our feet, forming a /<?;/<?<:/ picture. It is certainly one of the most 
 magnificent and soul-entrancing scenes that we ever beheld, and 
 leaves a lasting impression on every beholder. Directly below us lies 
 the village of Watkins with its shaded avenues, its beautiful churches, 
 public buildings, &:c. At the wharf lie several steamers and a 
 variety of small craft, for Seneca Lake has quite an extensive and 
 increasing commerce. 
 
 We regret very much to leave our elevated position on Table 
 Mountain and descend to the lower world, but after a refreshing rest 
 from our delightful rambles, and reviewing the truly splendid panor- 
 amic scene below us, and gaining new strength from the pure breezes 
 that sweep the lake, we start down towards the village or return to the 
 Mountain House. 
 
 If the visitor has time, there are a number of delightful drives in 
 the neighborhood of Watkins that offer tempting inducements. 
 One, especially, we cannot refrain from mentioning. It is the road 
 leading from Watkins to Havana, and still further up the valley. 
 
38 
 
 ^^WA'^JLJMB <BlMm^^ 
 
 It lies along the level plain on the west side of the valley, under pre- 
 cipitous hills and frowning cliffs on the one side, and the beautiful 
 ^K-""""^- -^ ""i^--..^^ plain, with its border of 
 3i ^ hills, on the other. The 
 
 road is hard and smooth, 
 and margined with trees 
 and shrubbery. At one 
 ])()int, near Havana, a 
 little brook falls over the 
 edge of the cliff, called 
 .\unt Sarah's Fall (after 
 an old Indian woman 
 who formerly lived 
 there), making a very 
 line cascade. There is 
 a little niche in the face 
 of the rock, near the 
 \crge of the fall, in 
 \\ hich, an ancient legend 
 ' >a\ s great treasures were 
 hidden. This whole dis- 
 trict, lying around the 
 lake, was once the hunt- 
 ing ground of the Sene- 
 cas. In accordance with 
 the manifest destiny of the race to which they belonged, they 
 have all passed away, leaving naught behind them save their 
 mouldering bones (many of which, with their rude implements 
 of war, clubs, tomahawks, scalping-knives, beads, ancient French 
 coins, Jesuistical crosses, little brass camp-kettles, arrowheads, 
 iSic, are annually exhumed on both sides of the Glen creek, 
 a short distance east of the entrance to the amphitheatre), and their 
 strange and poetic legends, preserved and handed down to the 
 present. Almost every spot has some historical interest, and with 
 very many of the localities are associated some of those wild imagina- 
 
 HECTOR FALLS. 
 
®-=s^WATMIBS ©tBM^^ 39 
 
 tive tales of the wars, loves or wrongs of that race which is fast be- 
 coming exthict. These legends clothe their scenes with a deep interest. 
 
 To all who can possibly find time, we would say. Do not fail to 
 make a trip on Seneca Lake, from Watkins to Geneva ! It will 
 richly repay you. The afternoon trip is usually the most attrac- 
 tive. The steamers leave Watkins and Geneva, daily, enabling 
 passengers to leave both places morning, noon and evening. Their 
 Captains spare no pains to render their passengers comfortable, and 
 the voyage a pleasant one. 
 
 We would earnestly advise visitors to make a trip to Havana 
 Glen, three miles distant, located east of that village, as it pos- 
 sesses many curious and remarkable attractions, which to be ap- 
 preciated and enjoyed should be seen. Omnibusses and easy 
 riding carriages can be obtained at the Glen Mountain House, 
 whose careful and intelligent drivers render the ride very pleasant. 
 
40 
 
 NOTICES FROM THE PRESS. 
 
 ^^IIJaN route the professor lectured on the botany of the Glen, 
 .,^1;^ declaring that, except in an artificial conservatory, he had 
 never seen so great a variety in one locality. Many of the plants 
 found here are exotic in this region outside ; and the growth em- 
 braces a climatic range from Labrador to the Carolinas. 
 
 " But as we crossed a narrow foot-bridge, all eyes were lifted up- 
 ward, while the handfuls of innocent fresh-gathered flowers were cast 
 carelessly into the rushing current of forgetfulness. We stood at the 
 entrance of the Cathedral ; and from the consideration of microsmic 
 infinity, our minds were suddenly turned to a scene of infinite 
 grandeur. 
 
 " This is, by common consent, the most striking view in the Glen; 
 and it is certainly very impressive and emotional, with its towering 
 cliffs, its broad flag-stone flooring, its transparent, glassy pools, re- 
 flecting the blue heavens and the overhanging sunlit trees; its flashing 
 water-fall, like a high altar, adorning its upper extremity; its shelv- 
 ing strata, supported by gigantic caryatides, weird mimicry of the 
 sculptor's art. 
 
 " But why waste words ? The artist has already pointed his crayons, 
 selected his point of view, and assumed the task of description. 
 
 " He says the view is grand, open, charming ; but not so astound- 
 ing and impressive nor so picturesque as some others. But this is 
 not the age for new dogmas, even in matters of taste ; and we mag- 
 nanimously invite each visitor to see for himself, and enjoy his own 
 opinions. 
 
 " This i)icture finished, we move on, crossing more streams and 
 climbing more stair-ways. From this bridge, just at the head of the 
 
Cathedral Fall, we may pause and look back and have one of the 
 most characteristic views of water-carved rocks and boiling waters in 
 the Glen. 
 
 " The main stream descends in a perspective of sparkling cascades, 
 uniting a succession of circular pools in deep stone basins or wells, 
 grooved and polished like finely wrought marble. On either side 
 the cliffs rise to a towering height, showing rocky entablatures, with 
 architrave, frieze, and cornice, as clean cut and well proportioned 
 as those of a Grecian temple. Over these come pouring adventurous 
 streamlets from the upper world, like a shower of light aqueous 
 meteors darting downward into the gloom. 
 
 " At every turn there is material for a wonderful picture, and 
 when our time is limited it is difficult to make a selection. Still 
 forward, as we wind around a shelving path that gives a dry passage 
 under the water-fall on the left. Beyond there is still a mile or 
 more to be explored, full of curious and pretty things ; but we have 
 climbed so many ladders, steps, and stair-ways that we must be 
 approaching the level of the upper world; indeed, the diminished 
 height of the cliffs indicates this sufficiently." — Extract from Porte 
 Crayon' s Illustrated Article in Harper' s Monthly for June, i8ji. 
 
 " I am not going to attempt a minute description of this really 
 wonderful natural curiosity, suddenly become so famous. Scores of 
 tourists are doing it. Porte Crayon has made it his own. And 
 after all, it is indescribable, " unpaintable." The word "Glen" 
 gives but a faint idea of the gorge. It is a marvelous rift in the 
 mountain, which it seems must have been made by some stupendous 
 earthquake-shock. The Glen, with its dashing, flashing, cascading 
 stream, reminds me of several famous gorges and waterfalls. It 
 suggests Vaucluse in the pellucid clearness and sparkle of the water. 
 But, instead of the dreary, blasted heights above Petrarch's " Foun- 
 tain," we have variegated, mossy, ferny rocks, the most lush and 
 lovely foliage and wild flowers in profusion. It faintly suggests the 
 somber, magnificent Pass of the Finstermunz, in the Tyrol, but is 
 infinitely brighter and more varied. It suggests Trenton Falls, but 
 
42 ■ e^WATMir^S (BILjEM^^ 
 
 is wilder and deeper. Most of all it suggests Bash-bish, it> old Berk- 
 shire it is indeed very like it, but is yet more picturesque and peril- 
 ous. It is not properly a glen, but a prodigious succession, a full- 
 assortment and variety of glens. If one does not satisfy you, another 
 must ; though you be the most rapacious devourer of the sublime 
 and beautiful, "here's richness" for you. Through the boldest 
 Yankee enterprise, these wild grandeurs and beauties, for centuries 
 barred and buried from the world, have been thrown open to our 
 gaze, and it is no wonder that the tides of travel are setting to.vard 
 it, from all directions, that hundreds daily climb its dizzy stair-ways, 
 pick their way along its narrow ledges, dodge under its little side 
 cascades, watch for rainbows beside its water- falls, gaze down into its 
 profound mysterious pools, and speculate on its wonderful formation. 
 We go leagues out of our way, in foreign travel, to see things far 
 less worth seeing, like Tivoli and Velino, Lodore, Glencoe, the Kil- 
 larney cascades, the Vale of Avoca, the Dargle, and the Devil's Glen 
 of Wicklow. The "Pools" are a great curiosity in themselves. 
 They are smooth, round, regular excavations, gigantic bowls, and 
 are always brimming with crystal clear water. So near to these 
 ))ools does the narrow path lead in some places, that a single false 
 step would inevitably cost you a cold plunge. 
 
 " The Glen is one of Nature's reservoirs of eternal coolness. In its 
 shadowv recesses, beside its emerald waters, you forget even the 
 fierce heats of July and August, hundreds of feet above you. 
 
 " But, I am told it is seen in its utmost beauty in October, when the 
 wild 'T'orge with its wonderful variety of delicate foliage is brimmed 
 with the most gorgeous colors, depth on depth of splendor." — Ex- 
 tract fro/ii Grace GreemoooiV s Article in the Neio York Tribune, 
 1870. 
 
 "At every bend within its rock-bound walls, new and varied scenery 
 greets the eye, each view unsurpassed of its kind, yet no two alike. 
 Cascade after cascade, set like gems amid the gray old rocks, are 
 continually telling you welcome, if your imagination can interpret 
 the language of ' laughing waters.' 
 
"Far above these cascades and rapids, the rock walls tower to the 
 height of from one to three hundred feet, while in many places the 
 branches of the trees above them intermingle across the chasm, 
 through which the autumn sunlight finds its way, filling the rock- 
 bound passages with fantastic shadows." — Elmira Advertiser. 
 
 " Watkins has a rare natural attraction in the wooded glen of a 
 stream which here falls some four hundred feet in less than a mile 
 (and nearly double that number in two) from the higher level on tlie 
 west, to the valley of the lake. This fall is made by a succession of 
 leaps or cascades, into pools or basins of varying depth and magni- 
 tude, separated by stretches of swift, bright water, and overhung by 
 the dark evergreens which mainly compose the all-embracing forest, 
 which the sun irradiates but few hours per day. We judge this to be 
 the finest succession of cataracts in our State. The cool seclusion of 
 the Glen, with the marvels and beauties it reveals, will be long en- 
 shrined in the heart of the visitors." — JV. Y. Tribune. 
 
 " Its succession of high bluff walls, with its 'towering cliffs, and beet- 
 ling crags,' its clear and crystalline pools, varying in depth, size and 
 form, its many silvery cascades and narrow channels through the 
 solid rock, its labyrinthine passages, shadowy grottoes and miniature 
 caves, its woody margins and ever-changing floral charms, have 
 given us one of the most varied, wild, weird and delightful sights of 
 our lives. We advise all lovers of the beautiful and romantic in 
 natural scenery, to visit Watkins Glen, believing that they will derive 
 the same pleasure from an acquaintance with its wonderful scenic 
 attractions that we have this day enjoyed." — Watkins Democrat. 
 
 Bayard Taylor, the great traveler, says of it : 
 
 " In all my travels I have never met with scenery more beautiful 
 and romantic than that embraced in this wonderful Glen; and the 
 most remarkable thing of all is, that so much magnificence and 
 grandeur should be found in a region where there are no ranges of 
 mountains." 
 
44 ^-^WATiKir^s gtlhdb:®^ 
 
 " So much has been written of this Glen, that we shall attempt no 
 description of it whatever, l)eing perfectly satisfied of our utter ina- 
 bility to do it justice by the use of the English language. One must 
 see it to form an adequate idea of its curiosities and attractions. By 
 much labor and expense the Glen has been made navigable to the 
 pedestrian for several miles. The Glen Mountain House, situated 
 about half a mile up the gorge, is finely located, and conducted in 
 the best manner. Its situation, halfway up the mountain, is like the 
 oasis in the desert, extremely agreeable and refreshing to the wearied 
 and foot-sore pilgrim." — Rochester Express. 
 
 " The Glen Mountain House is about 300 feet in altitude above 
 the entrance to the Glen, and about one quarter of the way up to the 
 highest point, and the view of the scenery from this house is most 
 magnificent and grand. To appreciate the Glen one must see and 
 pass through all its windings, climb its crags, and go from rock to 
 rock ; otherwise description seems commonplace and tame. 
 
 "This remarkable wonder of nature has now become so widely 
 known and so highly appreciated that it confessedly ranks among 
 the first-class attractions of the country. The number of people 
 visiting it during this season is literally immense. They come f.om 
 all parts of the nation, though the States most largely represented 
 are New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland. Among the names on 
 the register may be found almost daily those of men of well-known 
 prominence in the country." — lUinira Advertiser. 
 
 " The Watkins Glen is one of those strange rifts through the solid 
 rock, like Trenton Falls, which Science says have been worn down 
 in the past ages by the simple action of running water, but which to the 
 unscientific eye looks so much as if Nature had seized the great rock 
 in the sudden grasp of some volcanic convulsion, and rent it from 
 crest to base, and then let the water-courses in upon it, to shape and 
 cirve and smooth it into all grotesque and beautiful shapes, convert- 
 ing the grim chasm into a wonderful museum of Nature's choicest 
 gems." — Phihiilelphia Evening Bulletin. 
 
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