Saratoga and How to See It Part 12

Boating and sailing may be enjoyed upon its waters, and a small steamer, plying from point to point, is at the command of pleasure parties.

Formerly an abundance of trout was found here, and shad and herring were among the annual visitors; but the lake is now filled with the black or Oswego ba.s.s, pickerel, muscalonge and perch.

[Ill.u.s.tration: SARATOGA LAKE.]

But Saratoga Lake is not wholly devoted to the sportsman, or to the frivolities of fashionable b.u.t.terflies. The beautiful and familiar hymn commencing--

"From whence doth this union arise, That hatred is conquer'd by love?

It fastens our souls in such ties, That nature and time can't remove,"

was composed and sang first, upon the placid waters of this lake, by Dr. Baldwin, of Boston, and a party of clerical friends.

That charming author, N.P. Willis, relates in his own charming style the following tradition of Saratoga Lake:

"There is," he says, "an Indian superst.i.tion attached to this lake, which probably has its source in its remarkable loneliness and tranquility. The Mohawks believed that its stillness was sacred to the Great Spirit, and that if a human voice uttered a sound upon its waters, the canoe of the offender would instantly sink. A story is told of an Englishwoman, in the early days of the first settlers, who had occasion to cross this lake with a party of Indians, who, before embarking, warned her most impressively of the spell. It was a silent, breathless day, and the canoe shot over the smooth surface of the lake like an arrow. About a mile from the sh.o.r.e, near the center of the lake, the woman, willing to convince the savages of the weakness of their superst.i.tion, uttered a loud cry. The countenances of the Indians fell instantly to the deepest gloom. After a moment's pause, however, they redoubled their exertions, and in frowning silence drove the light bark like an arrow over the waters. They reached the sh.o.r.e in safety, and drew up the canoe, and the woman rallied the chief on his credulity. 'The Great Spirit is merciful,' answered the scornful Mohawk, 'He knows that a white woman cannot hold her tongue.'"

[Ill.u.s.tration: BALL ROOM GRAND UNION.]

Chapman's Hill

Is a mile beyond the Lake House, and one hundred and eighty feet above the level of the lake. A charming view is afforded. Immediately below, the lake presents a mirrored surface of several square miles, while the meadows and table lands on its western sh.o.r.e may be traced with all their simple beauty until they merge into the Kayaderosseras range of mountains.

Wagman's Hill,

Which is about three miles beyond, affords a still more extended view.

This hill is two hundred and forty feet above the lake.

Hagerty Hill,

Six miles north of the village, toward Luzerne, brings to view a fine landscape.

But the most extended view and the boldest landscape may be seen from

Wearing Hill,

On the Mount Pleasant road, and about fifteen miles from Saratoga Springs. Saratoga, b.a.l.l.ston, Schenectady, Waterford, Mechanicville, Schuylerville, Saratoga Lake, Round Lake, etc., by the aid of a gla.s.s, can all be discerned from this hill.

Lake Lovely

Is the euphonious name of an interesting little sheet of water not far from the village on the Boulevard to Saratoga Lake. Though not of very great extent, it has many points of considerable attraction, one of which is a glen on the eastern bank of the lake, which forms an echo, said to be almost as distinct and powerful as the celebrated one in the ruined bastion of the old French fortress at Crown Point.

Stiles' Hill,

An interesting locality, revealing a varied landscape, along the Hudson and Mohawk rivers, may be reached in a drive of a few miles along the base of the Palmerton Mountain.

Corinth Falls,

A bold cataract in the Upper Hudson, is some fifteen miles from Saratoga, and a mile from Jessup's Landing, on the Adirondack Railway.

Luzerne,

A charming hamlet at the confluence of the Hudson and Sacandaga, is twenty miles from Saratoga. It may be reached by a carriage road or the Adirondack Railway. Lake Luzerne, a beautiful sheet of water, on the sh.o.r.e of which the village is situated, affords excellent opportunities for fishing and boating. There are two excellent hotels--Rockwell's and the Wayside. The latter has numerous cottages attached for summer residents. It is owned by B.C. Butler, Esq., well known as the author of an interesting History of Lake George and Lake Champlain, and other works.

Lake George

Is about thirty miles from Saratoga by carriage road. The Adirondack Railway, and a stage ride of nine miles, is the pleasantest and most convenient route. Travelers can return the same day, if necessary.

There are other and shorter drives in Saratoga, which are very attractive. SPRING AVENUE, leading to the Excelsior and Sulphur springs and returning by Lake Avenue, is being laid out and will make a beautiful drive.

The road to b.a.l.l.sTON and the SPOUTING SPRINGS has been recently improved, and is a popular resort.

[Ill.u.s.tration: CONGRESS PARK.]