The dramatic date of these chapters is summer 1815, or ten years before Karl Bernhard's visit. Note in particular the references to the Erie Canal and to the Superintendent of West Point.] CHAPTER XXIV. There she might read in nature's page the wonders of Creation, almighty power, infinite wisdom and unbounded might. There truths that entertain, reward the searching mind, and onward lead inquiring thought. The curious wonders still unfold, and rise upon the view. The mind rejoicing, comments as she reads, and raises still to the Almighty Power increasing homage. [_NY Weekly_: The School of Nature (introductory poem: Theodosia): "------------ Nature spreads An open volume; where, in ev'ry page, We read the wonders of Almighty Pow'r, Infinite Wisdom, and unbounded Love. Here sweet instruction, entertaining truths, Reward the searching mind, and onward lead Enquiring Thought: new beauties still unfold, And op'ning wonders rise upon the view. The Mind, rejoicing, comments as she reads; While through th' inspiring page Conviction glows, And warms to praise her animated pow'rs."] The summer was past its meridian, and had shed abroad its warmest influences, and enriched the various scenes of nature with the luxuriance and beauty of its foliage. In the meantime, Alida departed again from her father's house for the city, to join a party composed of gentlemen and matrons, Albert her brother, with several young ladies, who all left the port of New-York for the Falls of Niagara. Her pensive mind became cheered and animated as the gallant steamer left the shores of the city and moved majestically over the smooth face of the Hudson. The morning was extremely beautiful, and she surveyed with a new and alleviating pleasure, the various and extensive prospect of the surrounding country. The scenery on the river at this season surpassed all description, and exhibited a landscape worthy to relate in history. The borders of the river beautifully interspersed with cottages, villages, and large flourishing towns, elegant country-seats, with grounds tastefully laid out, which afforded to the eye of the traveller a novel and enchanting appearance. They arrived about sunset at the city of Albany, and took lodgings at Cruttenden's boarding-house, on an eminence near the Capitol or State-house. [_Travels_ (middle of chapter V): At the village of Greenbush, near Albany, we crossed the Hudson or North river in a horse-boat, and upon our arrival in the city took lodgings at Cruttenden's boarding-house, on an eminence near the capitol or state-house.]