Grove-like masses of elms mark well the townships of Northampton,
Easthampton, Southampton and Westhampton, Hatfield, Williamsburg and
Whately, Hadley, Amherst, Leverett and Sunderland.
"In twelve miles, the Connecticut River turns four times to the east and
three times to the west, forming the famous 'Ox-Bow.'
"This beautiful river receives its life from springs in adjacent forests
and mountains, and, forcing a passage between Mt. Holyoke and Mt.
Nonotuck, flows far south into Long Island Sound. Its banks are fringed
with a tanglewood of willows, shrubs, trees, and clambering vines.
Bordering on the Connecticut River and near thrifty towns are thousands
of acres of rich meadows and arable lands, without fence, which are
interspersed with lofty trees and orchards and covered with exquisite
verdure.
"These countless farms seen from this mountain top resemble garden plots,
distinguishable from each other by vegetation varying in tints from the
dark green of the maize to the brilliant gold of barley, rye, and oats.
Over the billowy grain, cloud shadows chase each other as if in play.
Grazing herds are on every hillside and in all the valleys."
Gertrude's words were music to George's ear.
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