The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1849-08-11
Pic. mic at Gilpin's Falls.


her friend, relative to picnic at Gilpin's
Falls on Wednesday last.
ELkros, August 8, 1349.
II, my dear Mrs. c., your patience
is sufficiently recovered from the last shock,
l will, trusting to your natural amiabllty,
inilict upon you another of my almost inter-
minable Enthusiastically we spent the
day, en- pic mic, at place called =" Gilpin's
Falfs," some ten miles distant. We had
been anticipating this pleasure for about a
week, and having some slight forebodings
that, like many other pleasures, the great
er part might prove in anticipation, like
good philosophers, we strove to enjoy, cen
this, to its fullest extent. The Fates,
either as reproofto our doubts, or seeing
the folly of opposition, determined as we
were, to be happy regardless of their
frowns; or perhaps, finding our mirth con-
tageous, were certainly in excellent humor.
The sun rose brightly, and the sweet morn
ing air, although it scarcely stirred the
dewy foliage, was still sufficient to render
our ride delightful.
AT the village We were joined by num-
Der of Mr.. - friends, and started for
our destination, which we reached in about
two hours. But I must confess, as we
drove up and alighted, upon dry barren
hill, scantily bcsprinkled with trees of no
very remarkable growth, with nought else
in view save a gaunt looking flour mill,
which, OH death to all reasonable ro-
nance, was in full operation, Disappoint-
ment for moment fell heavily upon my
heart; for, fancy had involuntarily sketch
ed scene far different to the one before
me. And when, having reached the side
ofthe hill, and clambered over some sort
CT mil trinrs, we had pointed out to us
"Ihe Falls" what appeared to me nought
but little muddy stream, forcing its way
around and over a few broken rocks, saw
the picture Of my imagination so complete
ly annihilated, Twas about to heave deep
drawn sigh, when, raising my eyes 10 the
woiul countenances ofmy companions the
effect was 50 ludicrous, that il those mutual
signs did not merge into bona fde heart
felt laugh, it did not fall far short of it,
and we determined to seek what enjoy
ment there was to be found.
Being probably more accustomed to the
business Of rock Jumping than most of my
companions I soon outsped them, and
amused myself by listening to the soothing
murmer OF the waters, as they whispered
sweet tales of yore, till, above and around
me the past alone, seemed to live and
breathe. Tired at last, ] seated myself to
await the approach of my companions,
who seemed to have found exciting sport
in clamberlng up and leaping down the
rocks, creeping through underbrush, and
jumping over foaming streams-all OF
which had passed SO unheeding ly.-And
now, as gazed above, around and below
me, was it the little insignificant mill
stream that met my view? No, but scene
at once bold. rugged and beautiful. And
as ! listened to the roar of the waters as
they struggled with some rocky impede
ment, or plunged along the PERCEPTIONS
course, for moment l could scarcely re-
alize but that was'i in reality standing up
ON that rock-bound coast with the billow-
ing waves of old ocean foaming and dash
ing against its rugged clifIs.-Not wishing
to form my opinion of the Falls at this
point alone, tearing that perhaps, magma
ton might still be playing me false; and
that from the reaction, l might be inclined
to depreciate their beauties, after resting
ourselves beneath the shade of some i'm
mense trees, overshadowing some of the
highest point of rocks, we left most of our
party in the enjoyment of the cool retreat,
and proceeded far down the falls. And,
as you stand, nearl y at its foot, and turn
your gaze upon what you have passed to
the distance of at least half mile, you see,
rising in gradual elevation, huge masses
of rocks, heaped up and thrown confusedly
together as if hurled there by the hand OF
nature in one Of her widest moods. On
wald and over this dragged bed, the foam
ing waters madly plunge, meeting its rocky
impediments breaking and forming thou
sand varied streams, which, together with
the deep shadowy green of the woods on
either side, intermingled with the towering
moss and vine-covered rocks, present a
scene wildly, grandly beautiful. When
we view vast body of water boldly
plunging with the voice of thunder, from
some dizzy height, causing the solid earth
to tremble at its might, the imagination is
spell bound and the soul is mute with awe
amid the display of suhlinity and power.
But the mind is SO formed that it canno:
long bear the force of the sublime and il
turns away with sense of pain, in its eff:
forts to conceive the infnity which per-
vades it.-But different was this scene
More adapted to perfect enjoyment. It's
beauties did not strike you at once, but
stole gradually upon the senses, raising the
mind and thoughts above the material
world. This seemed particularly the eff
feet, as you listened to the different sounds
of the waters. Here, the bright, laughing