Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-07-13
TIE RUTLAND HERALD
Editorial Excursion"
WELDEN HOUSE, ST: A1 an, (

In a previous hasly letter mere an
,o,rcement was made of the preliminary
nrogrsmme Of the editorial excursion. A
sketch of journey from Rutland to this
point, whittier all pilgrims are bound as
the capital of the railroad interests OF the
State and especially of Western Vermont
may not prove uninteresting'
Leaving Rutland at 2.10 we are rapidly
wheeled through the Champlain Vaiiey'
with the dust flying in all direc'iohs'
much to the discomfort OF travellers hs'
sex Junction, the objective point Is
reached. where the familiar "change cars
salutes your ear, and then comes the
grand scrabble to secure seats in the bos'
ton train for the north which has luat ar
rived. Once comfortably seated, we are
off for st. Adams. Sitting quietly down,
a pleasant and agreeable chat is had with
Rev. DIR. Howard, president of Norwich
University, who by chance is our fellow
traveller. He asks after his old parishlon-
era and speaks in kindly remembrance OF
his residing in Rutland as among the
pleasant wears Of his ministerial life. But
we are wandering from our purpose, that
of a description of the delightful trip
from Burlington to st. Adams. Soon after
leaving Burlington, the view OF Mans
field and Camers Hump is exceedingly
beautiful, and one is greatly impressed
with their magnitude and grandeur
Passing from the sandy table landswe en-
ter the more fertile valley OF the Win
ooski River. The scenery along this
stream is highly interesting. The river
has made deep gorges through the lime
stone rocks, and as one passes over the
two railroad bridges he will behold the
uerpendicular and overhsnging walls OF
rock which rise on either side to the
heighth of nearly one hundred feet
North of the railroad, in the river, rocky
island with high perpendicular walls will
be noticed, crowned with fir trees.
We have, in our admiration OF the
scenery, forgotten the tunnel. Soon aftel
leaving Burlington, we reach the tunnel
which extends through high sand bluf
a distance of three hundred and fifty feet
The mode of constructing this tunnel ma.
be interesting, as undoubtedly, many rea'
the glowing descriptions given OF 1T
the time of its construction, will be PLEASED
70 have it recalled, and to those who hav
never seen the work, is may be interest
ing. The method of constructing IN
tunnel was unlike that of any other
this country. Sharpened sticks wei
driven into the sand in the form of
arch. when an excavation was made b.
low them. In this space was built an arc
of masonry, and when completed IL
stalk es were driven further into the ban
and another section of masonry col
structed. This process was repeated III
ill the whole work was finished. In II
lower portions of the tunnel there we
occasional alterations of clay and san
and beneath a thin stratum OF clay,
the depth of eighty feet from the surfac
a live toad was found, occupying sma
cavity in the sand. When first taken o.
he was in torpid state, but upon
posture to the air, he soon showed signs
life. and became as active as Others OF
species that are found in localities SD
nosed to be more favorable to longleVl'
He lived six months, and his skin Is nc
in the possession of a Burlington gent
man.
After leaving Essex, the first impo
ant station reached is st. Adams 1
village, which lies west Of the static
contains several mills, situated on
Lamoille River Southeast OF the Vllla
and not far from the railroad, are
Great Falls in the Lamoille, which,
running fifty rods, makes a descent
$50 feet. Near the middle of the Gu
ract ia small island, upon each sld'
which the water rushes down with 81
force, tossing the spray into the air
making an incessant roar.
Just before reaching the next stat
Georgia. high bridge is crossed,
feet in length, over the Lamoille Hi
The distance to st. Adams Is now
miles, and descent is commenced
wards Lake Champlain, which
comes in view. The country is level,
has the appearance of fine agricult'
region AS st. Adams is approac
from the south, the beautiful village,
so remarkable in history, is seen sp'
out upon broad plain and gently
e. ing hill which faces the west Soon
the train enters the passenger depot
most elegant in New England, 3Oo
long and sufficiently wide for four ira
The upper portion is devoted to
offices for the transaction of the now
mense business of the Vermont Ger
Railway and its various divisions.
H
THE ORANGEMEN FORBIDDEN TO
RADE.-There was much feeling ana
siderable surprise manifested in New