Its spacious Broadway, lined with stately elms, is one of the most sightly avenues in our land; and some of the superb hotels that front upon it fulfill the American demand for "bigness." The most attractive spot to me has always been the beautiful park that surrounds the famous Congress Spring, and to which every morning I made my very early pilgrimage for my draught of its sparkling water.
The park covers but a few acres, but it is a continuous loveliness.

When its rich, soft greensward--worthy of Yorkshire or Devonshire--was sparkling with the dew, and the fountains were in full play, and the goodly breeze was singing through the trees, it was a place in which to chant Dr.Arnold's favorite hymn:-- "Come, my soul, thou must be waking; Now is breaking O'er the earth another day; Come to Him who made this splendor, See thou render All thy feeble strength can pay." The second reason for my choice of Saratoga was the variety of the wonderful medicinal waters, and their renovating effects.

"I can winter better," said Governor Buckingham, "for even a short summer at Saratoga," and my experience was quite similar.

I honestly believe that those waters have prolonged my life.

In addition to the many health fountains which have been veritable Bethesdas to multitudes, the dry, bracing atmosphere is perfumed and tempered by the breezes from the pine forests of the Adirondack Mountains.