there among the valleys, almost concealed from view by the deep
embowering shade of the forest which surrounds them. The traveller, as
he ascends a more elevated spot, will behold an extensive range of
mountains, as far as the eye can penetrate the distance. And while
contemplating the scenery before him, outstretched on Nature's broad,
canvas, his eye may involuntarily rest on the beautiful spot referred
to at the opening of my story.

It was a lovely morning in June, and the sun slowly and beautifully
rose in the blue heavens, spreading out his sheet of golden light over
the broad canopy of heaven, scattering with the melting influence of
his rays the heavy mist and fog which lay spread over the valleys of
S----. There a scene of rare loveliness was spread out to view--rich
landscapes and sloping meadows, clothed in green, waving their heavy
burden in the morning breeze. The dew lay heavily upon the earth, and
the thick foliage of the trees sparkled with the glittering dewdrops
bowing their branches beneath its weight.

Nought was heard save the gentle murmuring of the waters, which flowed
at the foot of the Mountain Glen. Sparkling streams pursued their
silent way, bordered by stately trees whose glittering foliage hung
heavy with the dew of the morning, and bent their graceful leaves to
meet the rippling wave which flowed beneath their branches. The lofty
oak rose in all its majesty, and spread its towering limbs around, as
if to protect the merry group which had collected under its shade, to
inhale the fresh breeze of the morning.

A short distance from the mountain, on the western side, there was
erected a magnificent dwelling, called the _Cottage of the Mountain
Glen_. Beautiful and romantic was this place, to a lover of nature, as
he stood upon the lofty hills, and could see the blue wreath curling up
from the white cottage, nearly hidden from view by the thick foliage of
the trees which surround it.

On approaching nearer this lovely spot, could be seen a winding
pathway, overhung with the branches of the willow, which grew on either
side, leading from the cottage to the mountain. Still further on could
be seen the cultivated gardens, forming a striking contrast with the
waving groves around, and rendered still more beautiful by the lofty
hills and mountains which overlooked the valleys below.

The arrangement of the grounds and the architecture of the buildings,
all exhibited evidences of the superior t