The stone that is collected is the oblation of the traveller, wdiich, if offered with a good mind, may be as acceptable as a consecrated animal.

It was and is my business to declare his eternal power and Godhead, whom they acknowledged, but ignorantly worshipped; and to declare his Son, the appointed mediator and Saviour, in his character, and unfold the truths of his gospel, wliich has brought life and immortality to light. But perhaps these heaps of stones may be erected only to a /oca/ deity, which most probably is the case. Mr. Woodbridge and I, with assiduity pursued our way, one after the other, through bushes, and sloughs, water and mire as our guide directed. And at dusk we arrived at the nearest houses between fort Hunter and Schoharry ; but did not put up until we came to what was accounted a pubhck house, but very unfit for the entertainment of gentlemen strangers. It had only one room. In that room was what is called a slaw-bunk.

1 "Somewhere between Schoharie creek and Caughnawaga commenced an Indian road or foot path, which led to Schoharie. Near this road, and within the Northern bounds of Schoharie county, has been seen from time immemorial a large pile of stones, which has given the name "Stone heap patent" to the tract on which it occurs, as may be seen from ancient deeds." Extract quoted by Barber ^ Howe in their Hist. Coll. of N. Y.

TO BROOME COUNTY. 1041

tlie worst of it ; for we bad beeu contented witli coarse fare ana ill accommodations, in case we could have had quiet rest ; but the unliappiness of our case was, that it was tlie end of the week; and to spend their wages three or four old countrymen came in, and gamed and drank througli the night, within a foot or two of our bed.