CHAPTER III.
SARATOGA.
I had for some time intended going to Saratoga, and, having entirely recovered my health, concluded to start immediately, and spend the summer there. I arrived in the hight of the gay season. Belles were there from all parts of the country. The North vied with the South, the West with the East in beauty and wit, in elegance and splendor.
I have always been very fond of Saratoga, and I believe it to be the favorite watering-place of all the world in the summer season. The United States Hotel, which is the rendezvous of fashion and splendor, occupies a large space of ground, extending on one extremity to the railroad depot, where passenger cars arrive from every direction, several times a day. The immense stretching lawns upon all sides of the hotel are finely ornamented with trees, gravel walks, and shrubbery. The barber's saloon, with its marble baths, basins, and perfumed attendants, are the first objects that meet the eye on entering the left gate of the premises from the depot. Then comes the room where passengers register their names; then the ladies' reception-room, adjoining which is a large hall, well supplied with servants, devoted to the service of the newly-arrived people; next to this is the
