Larger and darker became a spot in the magic depths, when, lo ! as in a vision, fields, trees, fences, and the habitations of men were revealed before our eyes. For the first time something real and refined lay before us, far down in that wonderful gulf. Far beneath heaven and us slept a speck of creation, unlighted by the evening rays that touched us, and colourless in the twilight obscurity. Intently we watched the magic glass, but -- did we breathe upon its surface ? -- a mist fell before us, and we looked up as if awakened from a dream."

THE HUDSON.

Althougli the Mountain House is far below the higher summits of the range, portions of four States of the Union, and an area of about ten thousand square miles, are comprised in the scope of vision from its piazza. From the top of the South Mountain near, and three hundred feet above the Mountain House, and of the North Mountain more distant and higher, a greater range of sight may be obtained, including a portion of a fifth State. Prom the latter, a majestic view of mountain scenery, and of the lowlands southward, may be obtained at the price of a little fatigue, for which full compensation is given. The Katers-Kill* lakes, lying in a basin a short distance from the Mountain House, with all their grand surroundings, the house itself, and the South Mountain, and the Eound Top or Liberty Cap, form the middle ground ; while in the dim distance the winding Hudson, with the Esopus, Shawangunk, and Highland rangesare revealed, the borders of the river dotted with villas and towns appearing mere white specks on the landscape.