Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1872-07-25
CALIeToGA,

cALIsToGA,
which aspires to the position of "the SarAtogs
Of the Pacific coast, !" Is place of future pros
poets rather than of present Accomplishment
II lies on hot level plain, near the head of
Napa valley, and its situation is neither COM
handing nor picturesque. Considerable money
and enterprise have been expended in laying
out and improving the grounds with choice
shrubbery, etc, and with considerable success,
but at present the look and feeling of newness.
and stuff artificial newness at that, seems TO per-
wade and possess everything. Nevertheless, the
attractions of the place are by no means incon-
siderable, and the accommodations of the hotel
and its very creditable settlement Of cottages
are generally tested TO their utmost capacity by
q crowd of guests during the summer season.
Although not equaling the Geyser canon in
this respect, the development of mineral springs
at Calstoga is remarkable, both for extent and
variety. Baths are also numerous and varied
In both temperature and medicinal properties
Among the most curious OF the former is a no;
sulphur spring the water Of which, when well
seasoned with pepper and salt, makes An err
cellent substitute Tor chicken broth As we'll n
regard 10 its nutritious qualities as in pecuarity
OF taste. There are several other springs
mostly or sulphur water, varying in tempera,
ture from 70S to 1862, and one of pure soft
water, standing at 113s. Over dis one very
appropriately the hotel laundry Is built and few
hments IN the country, IL is safe to say,
are SO well and cheaply supplied in this respect.
but the chief glory Of the place 10 the great
number and variety of baths which IL affords
Here the visitor may have the Russian, steam,
chemical, yapor, mud, plunge, tub or shower
bath, at will, all arranged In the best manner to
produce the peculiar curative effect claimed for
each. The greatest luxury OF the place in this
respect II, however, the swimming bath. This
consists OF an immense pool, fifty by forty feet in
size and nearly i've feet in depth, with the wafer
at temperature of 10e Fahrenheit The mud
pain pain, which stands over spring of which the
temperature Is 1863, Is considered of remar kable
emcacy in rheumatic complaints.
A new attraction near Calistogs has been
brought to the notice of the public within the
last two years in the form OF a
PETRIFIED FOREST.
This curiosity, which is located about FIVE
miles distant from the springs, is we'll worth
visiting by the tourist as well as in scientific
point of view. 1t is indeed among the most re-
markable Of the minor wonders of the locality
The specimens are in the main very fine, some
OF the trees being two feet In diameter, and As
solid as granite. Other pieces, again, are found
nearly as clear as crystal. The location of these
peSrlfactions is about two thousand feet above
the level Of the sen, on the range of mountain
dividing the Napa ar Sonoma valleys. Portions
Of nearly one hundred trees, lying generally
north and south, some of them with portions of
the roots still attached, are now accessible,
within tract Of three or four miles in extent
Ii Is said, however, that the number is much
larger, covering q wider extent of country.
wagon road has recently been opened from Ca
listoga across the mountain ridge through this
forest, but the visitor who cares to m axe any
extended exploration among its curiosities will
do well to 60 on horseback. The ride itself is a
pleasant one, ana the trip Is not SO long as to be
very fatiguing. Those who do not care TO 20 to
the forest can see q grotto built of very fine
specimen blocks in front of the hotel at the
springs.
The beautiful valley possesses many other at
uactiye features well worth visit or description
where time serves, but have chosen to refer
only 10 those OF a more general character, and
which are easily accessible to and worthy the
attention Of the general traveller. In nv ne I
may invite the reader to extend the trim aboye
The valley to that browning glory of this section
Of the state-the Geysers