Page:Scenes in my Native Land.pdf/206

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202
BERKSHIRE COUNTY.

In the northern part of Stockbridge, Berkshire County, is a beautiful expanse of water, usually called the "Great Pond," which in many countries would be dignified with the appellation of a lake. Its original Indian name of "Quit-chu-scook," is scarcely melodious enough for its singular loveliness. Miss Sedgwick, whose birth is counted among the glories of that region, says, "the English equivalent to this aboriginal word, 'The Bowl,' is short, simple, and perfectly descriptive. No bowl was ever more beautifully formed, or set, nor ever, even in old Homer's genial verse, sparkled more invitingly."

The County of Berkshire, with its wild and bold scenery, seems to have impressed its image strongly on the affections of those who have emigrated from its bosom. Not a few of that large number have acquired distinction in their distant abodes, yet still look back with that fond remembrance to their mountain-home, the first nurse of their infancy, which rejects honor both on the mother, and the children.

In the summer of 1844, the pleasing and novel suggestion was made, of re-assembling as far as possible the scattered sons of the county, to hold a season of rejoicing among the green hills of their nativity. Pittsfield, from its central position, and other advantages, was selected as the place of the proposed re-union. The invitation that was sent forth is a model of cordial and patriotic sentiment.

"In every point of view," it remarks, "we feel that