vines and foaming torrents. Such objects rivet the
attention and produce a feeling of deep awe and reverence as one gazes
upon them and endeavors to contemplate the mighty forces of nature that
gave them being. Taking the word in this sense it may truly be said that
the scenery of Berkshire County closely approximates to mountainous. In
other parts of the State the isolated hills generally present a rounded
outline, and with a few exceptions do not inspire those strong emotions
which one must necessarily experience while standing like a pigmy among
the piled-up, craggy hills of northern Berkshire. Here is found the most
lofty elevation in the State--Saddle Mountain--whose summit is three
thousand six hundred feet above tide water. Its name originated from the
alleged resemblance of its top to a saddle, and is certainly neither
poetical nor romantic.

This is true of the majority of the names of our hills, and Professor
Edward Hitchcock, in commenting on their uncouthness, concluded his
disapproval with a pun worth preserving, by saying, "Fortunately there
are some summits in the State yet unnamed. It is to be hoped that men of
taste will see to it that neither Tom, nor Toby, nor Bears, nor
Rattlesnakes, nor Sugar Loaves shall be _Saddled_ upon them." The
highest point of this great mass is appropriately named Greylock on
account of its hoary appearance in winter. As the cold increases the
line of frostwork creeps down the sides, producing fantastic changes in
the aspect of the hill. Saddle Mountain lies near Williamstown and is
between the Hoosac and Taconic ranges. It is insulated, being almost
entirely surrounded by valleys, and forms a very imposing object in the
scenery of that region. It consists essentially of three distinct
ridges, separated by two valleys, called respectively the Hopper and the
Bellows. Greylock is the middle ridge, and from its lofty summit a grand
view can be obtained, and it is much frequented by sight-seers during the
summer. To the west is seen the beautiful valley in which nestles
Williamstown, with its fine college grounds and buildings, and beyond
rises the slope of the Taconic range, stretching from north to south in
an almost continuous chain, while to the north-west are the lofty hills
beyond the Hudson. The thriving town of North Adams lies in an adjacent
valley to the east, and beyond is the Hoosac range. Looking towards the
north or south one sees ridge after ridge, rising in consta