The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1845-04-11
NUMBER ~.

gwen nc by Mr.. Murray, the owner Of the
land on which II occurs and in illustration
Of tho manner in which other discoveries.
and Of more valuable subsiances, are likely
TO 10 madc-by accident 10 many eases
! rather than the most careful search.
Some gentlemen Of South Carolina, Mr.
| Polnse,t amongst the rest, were supern-
tending tho construction Of the Saluda road,
and had their quarters for the time at Mr..
Muray's. DR.. Howard, Of Savannah, was
selso there, and /, was during a ramble Of
some Of these persons over the hills near
his dwelling, whether in search of minerals
or exercise was not stated, that the bright
crystals Of the Zircoulte attracted The a,ten-
ton OF DR.. Howard. As they occupy but a
limited space on the steep side OF small
mountain, geologist might have ,rayersed
Henderson county for long time and have
examined il very faithfully without falling
in with them.
You gave me, year or two since, white
salt which appears as an efiervescence on
some mountain or mountoins, believe of
Haywood, which is supposed 10 be alum,
aud IS used in dyeing by the people of the
Fneishborhood. 1t belongs 10 Tho alum
family but is quite diiaren, from the alum
of commerce, being double sulphaie Of
alumlna and the pro,oxide of iron, instead
of alumina and potassa or ammonia. II will
answer very well for dyeng the coarse siufs
that are manufactured in The family for
every day wear, but has very little com.
mercal value. The beds of limestone near
Aoheviile, acknowledge with shame and
sorrow did no, visit, and have therefore
nothing TO say abou, :hen. Ore given me
by MIR. w. Rice, from Bull creek or noun
tain, iron pyrltes, Of no value.
SCENERY.
On The subject of the scenery of the
mountains ! will be merciful TO the readers
Of the Messenger. II must be seen upon
the spot, or transferred by the pencil and
graver TO paper, TO DO enjoyed. My own
experience is that the image created 10 the
mind by the most exact and perfect descrip.
ton, bears no re resemblance to that which il ia
Supposed 10 represent. II The artists who
furnish embellishments for souvenirs and al
buns would come 10 North Carolina for sub.
ects they would provide something quite su-
pcrlor TO what is commonly seen in such pub.
locations. And wha, spo, amongst the fer
tile vallies, the lonely glens, tho crags, and
cliffs Of these wild mountains for love tale,
that would touch and rend any heart that is
not harder than the very bes, cast steel, well
] will jus, notice few spots that
are worthy Of the attention Of such as are in
search OF the sublime and beautiful. ln more
ban one, the Black Mountain IS an impor.
an, and striking feature.
!. The Pilot, an Outline from the main
'BDge Of mountains, is gem in its place and
If its kind, but inpassing it on his return. Of
or having been amongst the giants of the
vest, one who feels strong inclination TO
if his foo, and kick II over into the Yadkin.
?. do not believe there IS any town in
he United States thai will compare, for the
beauty and grandeur OF the views around it.
rith Morgan,on, in Burke county. We
,an hardly go am,ss in search Of good points
or enjoying them, but perhaps the Lincoln
Dad, as we come over the South Mountain
md descend towards the village, aff5rts the
,est. On the left hand, at distance of25 or
70 miles, towers the long dark range Of the
Black Mountain; Linville, the Hawksbill
md Table Rock, the two latter, rising like
,eoier iifQ 6~qv I pp Of less elevation, are
ecis by themselves. The small mountains
as, of the village, on the right hand, the
Grandfather i'll the distance, Gud Morgan.
on, with the fields in lls neighborhood di.
ec,y before US. Such is the picture.
3. The late Jrdge Castor is said 20 have
,een greatly affected when, riding from Ma.
ion to the Turkey Cove, he came 10 where
nc first had full and good views ofthe cliffs
md rugged sides Of Llnvillc; and the man
IF taste who travels the road after him will
Tot wonder at his emotion.
A. The Road to huntsville ascends the
mountain by long spur Of the Blue Ridge
and what ridge it is along that spur
The deep vallies Of the North and Turkey
cove creeks are below one.--lhe Black
Mountain is in full view, at distance OF IL
" l 5 miles, and Linvlle Lot half as far
lust by the road, towards the top, q farmer
las established himself, and has a whole
;ard full of wild, tough, hearty boys. Are
hey affected a, oil by the views on which
heir eyes res, every day that they live
S their taste refined and improved by shag
of nature which rs around
hem? The enquiry is naturally suggested
o one as he passes them.
5. The ascent OF the mountains by the
Hickory Nut Gap has been much admired
and with reason. There is q small stream,
which, pouring over the brow of the noun
ain, falls know not how many feet.
never though, much of this. Ii strikes mo
rs only queer. Bu, take point half q milo
below Harrss' at the ford Of Green river,
and the case is altered. We have seen the
mountains at distance, have been gradual
" approaching, and finally winding our way
nmongs, them, until the road seems about %
end at the foo, of hong range OF tremendous
precipices. One notch only appears in this
impossible barrier, and through this tho
path winds by the rivers side. The Greeks
called such passes or gorges Pyre Gates. |
Al. IL, trfa af fHn