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This slim volume contains a partial account of a trip from New York City to Niagara Falls in August 1825, with entries cutting off abruptly at Lockport, New York. The currently unidentified writer traveled on the incomplete Erie Canal aboard the safety barge Lady Clinton and by road on the last leg of their journey. The author included descriptions of scenery, geographic features, towns, and canal systems they passed. Within the volume are calligraphic headings, pressed leaves, and a color illustration of two birds and flowers.

This slim volume contains a partial account of a trip from New York City to Niagara Falls in August 1825, with entries cutting off abruptly at Lockport, New York. The currently unidentified writer traveled on the incomplete Erie Canal aboard the safety barge Lady Clinton and by road on the last leg of their journey. The author included descriptions of scenery, geographic features, towns, and canal systems they passed. Within the volume are calligraphic headings, pressed leaves, and a color illustration of two birds and flowers.

Major points of the route serve as headings within the volume, being visually differentiated from the main text by calligraphic headings. Observations on town layouts and architecture—including rough estimations of population count—provide a developmental snapshot of the region as perceived by the writer. Also mentioned is the construction on the Mt. Pleasant Prison at Sing Sing [Sing Sing Prison, Ossining, New York] and the quarry of white marble used by the builders.

The writer's travel by road was apparently not as easy as their travel by canal. After turning off the Ridge Road at Hartland, New York, descriptions of the woodland seem to indicate a host of obstructions in the form of mudholes, ruts, and stumps (p. 22). Apart from the entries on towns and landscapes, the writer noted a hotel landlord in Victor, New York, who kept two wolves, two small deer, and a fox in his yard (p. 16).

Yellowed imprints of larger leaves placed into the volume can be found on later pages, but only the smallest have lasted to the present day.

This album, belonging to Martha Louise "Mattie" Day, contains 26 self-portraits drawn by Mattie's "C. H. S." classmates, and includes profile drawings, names, and brief comments relating to a shared experience.

This album, belonging to Martha Louise "Mattie" Day, contains 26 self-portraits drawn by Mattie's "C. H. S." classmates, and includes profile drawings, names, and brief comments relating to a shared experience.

Mattie wrote, "You are requested to draw your picture, with appropriate remarks" on the front paste-down. The bulk of the drawings were done by her female classmates, and their writing often referenced memories involving Mattie. Some made self-deprecating remarks about their appearances. "A. H." wrote, "When this you see/don't forget the eve we played and I beat you all at dominoes." Adilia H. wrote, "The rose is red/the violet blue/sugar is sweet/and so are you Mattie. Ever your friend." Many include the note, "Class '78 C.H.S." One pink ribbon is laid into the volume.