Catskill Mountains

a group of mountains about 2,000 feet high in southeastern New York. They have been stripped of their forests and are unfit for farming, but they furnish an unlimited supply of blue stone for building, and are a fine summer resort for the inhabitants of New York City. Irving has laid the scene of Rip Van Winkle's exploits in the Catskills. Passing up or down the Hudson Valley, the traveler is impressed by these mountains. They show to better advantage than the Alleghanies. The more elevated peaks reach a height of over 4,000 feet.

Whoever has made a voyage up the Hudson must remember the Catskill Mountains. They are seen away to the west of the river, swelling up to a noble height, and lording it over the surrounding country. Every change of season, every change of weather, indeed every hour of the day, produces some changes in the magical hues and shapes of these mountains; and they are regarded by all the good wives, far and near, as perfect barometers.--Irving.