The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-01-07

tho water in these springs peculiarly sweet and,
as it is pumped from the fountain head: a noth a
the want Of finances, many Of tho hydrnuts are out
OF repair, and the waterworks Of the city arc COM
ate the benefit derived from this source, md use it
accordingly. Below the reservoir, and at the loot
Of Arsenal uin, is
This contains about or acres, and is at pros
ent almost in stale of nature. The undulating
character Of the grouna ;ntenod II n @
diversified with few scraggy trees and few de-
f,nct fountaine; but still amid its desolation and
rendezvous for lovers, and many hearts havo boon
lost and won within it's grounds. A wooden fenco
cncrcles it, and beyond that is fine carriage
izcd by gay equestriennes, carriages and fast
and horses VIII SHERMAN took possession Of
the city he impressed everything catabe in
his half-:;larvcd cattle into this park to feed
the famslled and homeless citizens. His phil
anthropc measures wero eminently successful, for
tho cattlc the bark from tho trees and were
tirely too poor themselves for any to eat. Tho
Park is now but q shadow Of itself, and though
cattle arc excluded, it will bo long Gro It re-
sumes its pristine spondor.
THE LUNATIC ASYLUM
is noble charity, for at present it is almost solely
ei That ssontn%e 9 their
maintenance. This institution was fortunately
spared from the dnmes that devastated Columbia,
homeless, whom tho dreadful conlagration sent
into the streets. Dr.. J. W. PARKER, the ab!o and
efficient superintendent has held the same position
affection Of his patients to such extent that
they almost look upon him as o father There are
fow institutions in the United States that bet
bctter arrangements for the entertainment in
struction OF health Of thcir inmates than the one
under the superintendence of Or. PARKER. It is
to him alone that the cradt is due Of saving the
Asylum, which would, but for his dgnified inter
position, have fallen prey to the torches of SnER-
MANS grand army: From among the number Of
cured, while the remainder seem perfectly attach
ed to their sphere Of life, and manifest dis
position to change their abode.
left in the city are tho
PRIVATE RESIDENCES, &C. ..#.i
From the peculiar manner in which Columbia is
lots for their residences. Those have, in almost
every instance, been converted into fine gardens
which, for artistic beauty, cannot he exceled
Tho most prominent Of these is that Of General
john PRESTON. This occupies whole square
and is enclosed on NIL sides but tho front with 8
high brick K, Mall On the premises are fine hot
exotics, but, in common with the remainder Of the
garden, have now been destroyed and neglected
The absence Of the family from the State has pre-
vented that care being taken which is absolutely
necessary to preserve garden, and the premises
are now fast growing up into wilderness. Other
grounds, and = drive around the city shows OF
every side, in tho neat and snowy houses and vel
kept gardens, the best evidence that Columbia is
not despondent, but is only gathering breath for
progressive leap, that will soon restore her to he,
pristine splendor.
Columbia is the centre of several railroads, au o.
which bring traffic to her market, and although
her facilities are somewhat crampcd at present
yet there is no danger that she viii be left behind
in the march Of time. The Columbia and Augusts
Railroad, which is now in course of construction
it is anticipated will do much for the city and will
add to its resources in the future. Other projects
are also entertained which are to share the boncf
cial result Of bringing increased trade and activity
to the city, aud thus afford the means of rebuild.
ing her ruined streets. This is no Rip Van Winkleish
crt herself in order to prosper. Her merchants arc
energetic thorough business men, and with her fu
juvenated, and become once more the pride anc
boast of the people.