The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-07-20
FIRE ISLAND.
Henlth and Enjoymcnf-The Trip on the South
side NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. On the Way-De-
scription OF the Island-What the People Do
and How They Enjoy Themselves.

side NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. On the Way-De.
scription of the Island-What the People Do
and How They Enjoy Themselves.
FIRE ISLAND, July 49, 1869.
Health smiles here with the most bewitchipg dim.
pies. From the youngest walking child in blue ana
white to the most stately dame that treads the long
piazza OF the Surf Hotel from little Harry aged nine
and half just home for the holidays TO grandpapa,
OF goodly mien and ponderous watch chain, all
bloom like roses. As for the young ladies, dear
creatures their soft and peachy looks would put to
flight the most exquisite powder artist ia the world.
Had the avaricous fools OF days gone by set sail
for Fire Island instead Of searching for
the philosophers stone they might have
discovered that which the mythical piece
OF granite never could have bestowed
rest health and enjoyment Fire Island is not a
fertile place but It's barrenness is relieved by the
calm serenity which prevails. II lis not fashionable
resort-fashionaDle III the Saratoglan sense Of the
term-yet Its annual visitors wealthy, respectable
and sensible people, who come for enjoyment, know
how to find 1t and obtain II accordingly.
But before datIng apon the rich NINE Of pleasure
which, even in RS solitude this lone spot affords,
reference to the Journey here will perhaps be read
with interest. Hitherto the means OF conmunica-
ton from New York were anything but satisfactory
AT length, however, a route has been opened which
will, doubtless, mucn facilitate summer travelling.
Moreover the trip itself Is full OF interest the entire
road being handsomely adorned by nature and bears
the marked symp toms Of future progress Com.
Portable dwelling houses are here ana there cropping
up along the way, new station houses announce
their names, and not FAR from them substantial
looking grocery shops-good companions at all
tmes-begn TO show their welcome banners.
IL is generally conceded that Rome was not
built IN a day, and, carefully bearing
surprising that the depot Of the Southside Railroad
South Eighth street, Williamsburg Is not yet what
81 VIII De some day or other In time, perhaps dunn
that fudge mile until they reach the engines,
dragging car after car brimful Of anxious passen.
gers The thought however that the cars are large
~ patronized viii doubtless stir the company 10
complete that which has auspIciouslY been com.
menced. Charming little spots grace the entire
line Here we have hamlet, which or course eX.
listed long before railroad was ever thought Of, but
which now, fully recognizing the march OF pro-
gress begins TO don an air OF unusual importance.
IL expects 10 be town, and perhaps city,
after q while, with Mayor and Common
Council The little engine makes considerable
noise, and puts desperately until we come to
JaEnalca-a name by the way recorded In the sad
annals OF railroad accidents, and on line, too, OF
some experience, but not OF wisdom. BrisKiy the
little iron horse moves along till we come TO Valley
stream. and prettier little spot Is hard 70 find.
Then comes Cedar Grove, perfect little forest OF
ancient trees, through the luxuriant foliage OF which
the chimney tops OF handsome dwelling houses are
family seen. Here the road branches of towards
Far Rockawny o locality not entirely unknown. A
modest whlstle--not one OF those fearful shrieks
that makes one grasp the seat with terror
and certainly takes the breath from those that
rush 10 eaten the train ANNOUNCES the resumption
OF our Journey. To be sure we are not comparatively
Speaking 240 passengers; we are not flying for life
or death or Intended TO be the subject for cor
oDer's inquest. Not by any means, Tor we 90 not
desire ir-not that an action for damages ~ not a
pretty GOOD legacy for ones relations but The sur
roundihg scenery ~ so enchanting that even walk
ing The distance would repay The Vlsitor Lovely
seIls aud charming valleys meet zoe eve IN all drec-