The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1868-02-12
POND GAP, VA, Jan. 21st. 1868.
January 3Oth, 1868.
Dear Vuzley Vlayinioa

Dear Talzey Varyiniass
4 We see in late issue, weighty effort,
composed Of elaborate sentences" by a :. Par
lnassusite,, who seems to think that all which
lis good ard great, is concentrated in Parnas-
isus and its whereabouts. This correspondent,
ought, by all means, get out and look around
a little; for instance, let him mount the g iron
horse" and take a run just SO far as Pond
Gap-let him allght here and sojourn while
in our midst. He would be very soon con-
WINGED that he has but faint conception of
the horticultural grounds of our first parents
There is much, very much, to render our part
OF the county attractive, even though it is but
a Gap in North Mountain, and does not pos
sess the charm of classical name. The nat
uraI scenery cannot be surpassed. Why, to
us, who have visited Parnassgs, what dame
nature has done for themin the way of scene
~, appears but as faded calico in comparison
We have high, rugged hills and mountains,
and their sides and snow covered SUBMITS,
are thickly studded with the giants of the for
ests, which tower up, strong and lofty in the
distance. Between these mountains. wind
beautiful plains, which are susceptible Of the
highest cultivation, and furnish beautiful
building sites. Clear, sparkling streams of
water, bursts from the mountains, which is
nectar itself to the thirsty wayfarer. Upon
the vallies, Virginia's most independent men
the farmers-raise all they need for home
consumption, besides a great deal of surplus,
which they ship from the Pond Gap depot to
the county seat and the capital. Crawford
Springs are here, hich contain fine medicinal
qualities. They arc much resorted to in sum-
mer, and the invalid who comes sick and sal
low, returns rosy and heathful, loud in the
praise ot'' Crawfo1d's Sulphur Springs" We
have also the Variety Springs in our vicinity
The name itself indicates, that seeking health
there, can be treated to almost any kind OF
health giving mineral water. Our people are
in an eminent degree, social. There is con
slant interchange OF that genial sociability sc
pleasant IN country neighborhood Gu,
Church and Academy are combined Like
Goldsmith's {" chist of drawers" it "serves
double debt to pay''-a school house all the
week, and a church on the Sabbath. We
have fine school, which is presided over by
a little lady who is SO strong conservative
that she will not allow her charges to spell
the word radical" in their decinary lessons
they have to " skip and pass on. Our teach
er is efficient and indeed realizes that It's re
sponsible task, to teach the young idea how
to shoot" That mischievous little archer
Cupid, is to be found in our midst, as you ma,
well believe, when tell you a wedding occurs
almost weekly, and sometimes, to use an Ole
and wellused saying, We kill two birds will
one stone" by having a double ceremony
two couples are married at once We have
not done our country, half justice; but al
there is much which beggars description, W,
will stop here-strong in the belief. that ours
is the choice garden spot Of the Valley"
With many good wishes,
We remain Yours. aZoE."