Monongalia mirror. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1855, 1854-09-16

cre0 nero i0r pleasure tHu icoioa1'"''
and not wishing to risk our necks upon
horses, which, much of the way, are
obliged to Chamber almost porpendcu-
larly over masses of rocks and stones,
we started ut half past o'clock, to as
ccnd tho mountains on foot, which in
deed is now the custom with many
The walk was an exceedingly fatiguing
one, yet we accomplished it in about
four hours. Our path up the mountain,
for something more than half the dis
tance, through dense forest which
spread over its sides, the size of the
trees, however, became less and less,
until at length we came out upon the
rocky naked side of the mountain. The
ascent now became more difficult aud
laborious, yet We pressed onward and
inward, until a, half past five, far above
all vegetation save here and there spi-
ra Of stun,ed grass creeping up among
the amassing mass of broken rocks, we
rested upon the summit of this stupon.
dous mountain. After foasting the eye
upon the indescribable sublimisy of the
scene spread out before US, we took tea
in the Grip Top House" A first-rate
supper, and consumed with relish
We then went QUITO witness the splen-
dor of q sunset, which, it is said, from
this summit is exceedingly beautiful
But we we're disappointed, for just as
the sun began to throw the glory OF his
setting beams along the rugged sides,
of the crags and rayines of the noun,
tain, presenting a splendid forotaste of
what seemed about to be realized, a
dark cloud peering above the horizon
covered all from our sight, and frowned
collly upon our sad disappointment
and in return for our bitter complaint
scattered SO profasely its chilling rain
drops in our face, that we were glad to
beat retreat to the friendly shelter of
the Summit House, and here we now
are. Darkness is rapidly mantling the
world. Without the wind is whistling
and roaring very much as it does in a
tremendous January snow storm, though
our host tells US, it is a very mild calm
evening. Thus while at the foot of the
mountain people are painting on account
of the heat, we upon the summit, are
shivering with the cold. ...,-z
Six o'clock A. NJ, Thursday, July
go arose this-mornins at.halt9past
four, to see the sun rise. We had toll
cradle view, though on account OF a
thick hazy atmosphere, and the hang
ing Of dark clouds about the horizon,
tho gorgeousness of its mellow gold
like radiance sometimes displayed was
not witnessed. The carcering wind OF
las, evening has considerably abated,
though we do not lack breeze this
morning. Our host calls this q remark.
ably mild, calm summer-like morning,
bu. you can Judge Of my appreciation
of its mi!dness when l tell you that |
am almost shaking with the cold, though
clad in two pairs Of pants and two coats
snugly bu,toued up. But the breakfast
bell rings and must go.
Quarter past 12 o'clock, P. M.-The
past forenoon has been ono of exceed
ing interest to me. The weather since
about eight o'clock, has been delightful
Just warm enough to be comfortable
the atmosphere is exceedingly soft and
bland, it could be breathed by the most
delicate lungs. Our host says that, here
this has been the warmest forenoon oI
the season; i, is unquestionably in the
valleys, very hot and sultry indeed. o
company that has just arrived here, say
it is oppressivcly hot at the foot OF The
mountain.
After breakfast a company of us, in
which were two ladies', headed by Q
guide, started to see, what few have ye'
seen the snow arch, so called and the
brook Of thousand streams" ta'
down in deep gorge or ravine upon
the south eastern slope Of the mountain
After passing down the steep side ol
the mountain, picking our way along
upon stnpendous piles of broken rocks
tumbled together in huge masses, fol
nearly mile. we came upon the brow
of the awful chasm, scooped from the
side Of the mountain to the depth o.
500 feet. 1t made our heads giddy te
look into it, and then tho thought of de-
scepding these almust perpendicular
rocks to such depth, confess put ou,
courage to The tcst yet not to descend
was to lose the object of our toll, hence
rallying ourselves wo started, carefully
following the steps of our guide. By
circuitous path and the aid of rope
| made fast in the rocks at one end. We
soon found ourselves midway upon the
awful side uf that terrible precipice.--
Here my friend, Mr.. Hooper, gave out
his swimming brain could no Longer
serve him, auG with due care he seizee
the rope above him, and hastened hi
ro,reut. Tho rest of us, still slowly
and cautiously followed our guide, VIII
soon brought US under shelving rock
forming a complete bathing room The
rock floor upon which we stood was
| In n