Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1869-09-09
ORKNEY SPRINGS, Aug. 26th 1869.


Nessrs. Editors: In accordance with my
promise to you will give you slight account
of my observations during my stay at this
pleasant and delightful watering place. have
never witnessed as large a public gathering
so happily blended together. They appeared
To be members of one great family, with the
duty resting upon each, of making the others
happy and pass their time pleasantly. This
ual scene of pleasure and enjoyment without
one unhappy occurrence to disturb the gay
and festive assembly.
Orkney ahounds with many romantic spots
and natural curiosiiies which are frequently
visited by parties Of ladies and gentlemen
The most romantic as well as attractive Of
these curiosities is the Head of Stony Creek.
Your humble servant on the morning Of the
10Th instant joined party of some twelve or
thirteen ladies and gentlemen, and about
o'clock we could be seen vending our way to
wards the Head of Stony Greek, the road was
quite rough, but the beauty and grandeur o.
the scenery through which our course was di
rected, so diverted our attention and held
the minds SO constantly occupied in wonder
and admiration, that we were not only IN
conscious Of the roughness of the road, but
even of the scorcling rays Of an august sun.
The scenery around the fountain is 50
blended-the wild and majestic with the soft
ND boopt,f,1 hot fai1 ,01n
The fountain itself is one Of great attraction
and beauty. Its crystals are perfectly trans
parent, so much SO that even in its ''cavern
home" in the mountain S side, where the rays
Of the sun have never penetrated, you can see
its bed without scarcely perceiving the water
that intervenes. 1t is also noted for its tenn
perature, almost equal to that of ice water and
even more desirable. The messy dell through
which it escapes should have controlled its
name, instead of the stones over which it
murmurs in its downward flight to the sea.
The trees which shade this romantic spot are
much larger and Of a richer foliage than is
generally found in the mountains. The ground
around the fountain, which is elevated some
fifteen or twenty feet above the little fountain
of a variety Of hues and colors Upon this
spot, after feasting eur eyes upon the beauty
and sublimity of the scenery, we spread our
dainties and feastsd our appetites, and had
quite sumptuous repast
Nothing occurred during the day to disturb
our little party. The sky was perfectly clear
save one cloud" which appeared near the
''east," and first seemed destined 20 envelope
our little "trip" but before starting upon this
little journey we were thoughtful enough to
provide ourselves with the ''wine-cup" by the
all and presence of which our trip became
quite merry one-yet we kept within bonds.
believe there was a little tearing affair,
which at first threatened to leave our little
group ''penniless"-I believe there we're but
three pennies Left; and fortunately for cur lit
tie party, one much loved and deiectable
friend, generally known rs "Thom's son.
came to our relief with the beautiful eRoach,' -
which changed the state of Affairs, and every
thlhg went OF with the greatest satisfaction.
Yes, believe there was one '1sgh' heard,
supposed to have been caused by the influence
OF the "wine-cup." At two o'clock our gay
little party, loaded with various little me-
mentoes, gathered at this delectable could be
seen retracing their steps, and arriving safely
and in good time to witness the tournament,
of which You had an account some time apo
Yours, &C., ARGOS