The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1869-08-26
The Shenandoah Valley.

Travellers and all others who have ever
passed through it, have always held the Val
Low Of the Shenandoah to be the most beautl
full and lovely spot within the confines OF the
Old Dominion. The almost magical strides
in material reconstruction which have marked
its history during the past four years is Won
derful to behold. In this favored region the
foot prints of war have entirely disappeared,
and where it was ordered that "crow would
have to carry its rations'' in flying over that
romantic and attractive scope Of country, now
there is every evidence of afiuence and pros
nerity. and the indications not to be mistaken
that the we'll directed and perseyering efforts
of the people have restored the Valley to its
former beauty and attractiveness New tenc-
ing, new barns, mills and dwellings have been
reared on the charred remains Of structures
| of similar kind, and waste places made to
blossom as the rose.
This year the people reapcd larger har-
vest of wheat than they ever did before. The
extensive fields lying between the parallel
barriers of the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah
mountains on eithcrside were sown in this
cereal and yielded abundantly. Though the
harvest is now long over and the reapers rest
from their toll yet is one charmed by the va
ried beauties which press upon the eye and
mind. From the sazure hue" Of the noun
tain, the mellow music Of the ripping streams
and dashing rivers, and the soft cadences OF
singing birds, one is almost induced to be-
lieve that he is luxuriating in the yoluptuous
pleasures Of second paradise
The people there have given more than Or
| L. a., ~ oh ,of
fruits, such as apples, peaches, grapes, &c,
course that will ere long enable the Valley tt
furnish the most select article of green fruits
and also brandies and wines from the surplus
that cannot be properly marketed IN the greer
state.
We know of no portion Of the Unior
where there arc more attractions for profta
BILE investment than in the Valley Of Virginia
Indeed, thousands of people, chiefly from
Pennsylvania, have made it their objectiv
point, have bought lands and settled them
selves down as citizens. The lands are o
: first quality, tho water power unsurpassed
8 the climate genial and healthy, and the pee
pie hospitable, industrious, self-reliant an
conservative on all questions Of public In
tercst. The colored people, although few il
e number compared with other sections, are pc
e lite, obliging and DESTROYS Of cultivating tn
same kindly feelings with the whites that eS
listed before they were free from slavery. L
truth, save the fact that they are now free
S there is no pereeptible difference in their cor
I duct from what it was when they were slaves
Railroad facilities for visiting there an
communicating with the business marts c
the country are afforded by the completion c
: the Manassas Gap railroad to Harrisonbure
d in Rockingham county, one Of the richest, b
: the way, in the entire State-R. Why.
*This is all very pretty, and would rca
e we'll in a sensation novel Of modern times
! but, we have recently taken a trip through tn
e Shenandoah Valley The mountains have
n hang dog look-the ripping streams eithe
gurgle outssa requiem or let singing alon
! and the 'sdashing rivers" have hardly got WI
:, ter enough in them to keep the black ba'
S and suckers alive. AS for the singing bird
g their Threats are dried up, and they have r
S chance Of uttering liquid notes, for the ge1
S eral cry is "water!"