Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1872-05-09
VISIT TO ruE MOUNTAINS.

H.
On Monday of last week accompanied
by Col. j. G.. & A. V. Deadrick We
started on a trout fishing expedition to
the mountain region in the Eastern part
of this County. We proceeded past the
Embreeville Iron Works and along the
Nolachuckey river, no incidents of impor-
lance occurring until We reached the resi-
dcnce of Mrs. Tinker, about eighteen miles
from Jonesboro,' where we passed the
night. On the following morning accom-
panied by Mr.. Jesse Tinker and Wilkes
Masters, two famous hunters of that sec
ton as guides. we started for the fishing
grounds. Reaching the mouth of Hig-
gins Creek we turned to the right and
proceeded up that stream but a short dis
lance when the first trout was taken. As
we advanced up the creek the fish became
more plentiful and we soon had more than
sufficient to supply our MONDAY meal,
which was prepared and eaten with a rel
ish seldom realized under other c:rcum-
stances.
Having concluded our repast the fish
ing again commenced and by three o'clock
We had bagged one hundred fine trout,
We had now reached
THE FALLS OF HIGGINS CREEK
which is as far up as the trout can ascend.
This is a beautiful cascade. The water after
passing over a smooth rock forming an
inclined plain for about forty feet sud
denly makes a descent of twenty feet into
a basen at the foot of the rock, forming a
pool about ten or twelve feet deep but so
clear that the smallest pebble can be seen
at the bottom. st s.-
Here we left Higgins Creek and COM
menced the ascent of the Mountain, ''Hig-
gins Ridge" which at this point is very
steep and covered with an underground
which renders climbing exceedingly diff
cult, hut by dint of hard labor we at
length reached the summit and after rest
ing q short time, proceeded along the top
of the ridge for several miles to
ei s.BIRCHFIELD's CAMP"
Here we had the good fortune to meet
the redoubtable .'Can Foster" who is
herding a large drove of cattle on the top
of the mountain. Can" with character
istic hospitality invited US to share his
lodgings for the night, which although of
the most primitive character was gladly
accepted and soon a huge fire was burning
checrily, the fish were dressed and fried,
the coffee was prepared and we sat down
to a supper a King might envy. We
passed the first part of the night quite
comfortably, lying OIL the ground with our
feet to the fire but about two o'clock We
we're aroused by a storm of rain and were
forced to make some repairs on our cabin
to keep from getting soaked to the skin.
The remainder of the night was passed as
best We could. an early breakfast was pre-
paired and soon after daylight we contin-
ued our tramp toward
..r.-s ROCKY FORK, ~
which we reached at nine o'clock and the
fishing was resumed. This is a very rapid
mountain torrent which makes its way
with many a rush and roar over the huge
moss covered rocks which form its bed.
We were compelled to keep the middle
of the stream stepping from rock to rock
o, wading when necessity or convenience
required it., the banks being closely shut
in with a net work of laurel through
which a squirrel could scarcely make its
way with any degree of comfort. The
sport was continued until noon, when we
ate our dinner, threw away our fishing
rods and again struck across the mountain
for the settlements. Avoiding the higher
peaks we made rapid progress and near
night reached the residence of Mr.. Jack
Ensor, who kindly offered us shelter for
the night. The following morning our
party separated, q portion starting for
CLARK's CREEK
to continue the fishing aad the remainder
proceeding down the valley of Indian
Creek toward home, our purpose being to
attend the commencement exercises of
asa MARTIN CREEK SEMINARY
in the Greasy Cove ofthis County, which
was to take place the next day.
This school is conducted by Prof. J. Z.
Scott, assisted by has daughter Miss Hattie
and Mr.. W. w. Bailey. The enroll
ment reaches nearly two hundred but this
a very busy season the attendance
at present will probably not exceed over
one half that number. The examination
was conducted mainly by the two assist
ants who exhibited a great deal Of skill and
in conducting the exercises.
We had the pleasure of listening to the
of the Senior classes in English
Grammar and Arithmetic, and from what
observed they will compare favorably
with any school in the county. and consid>
sring the fact that this is the first school
have had an opportunity of attending
'ince the war. their proficiency is truly
o n;shing. The people of that section
lrc fuiiy awake to the importance of edu-
their children and are bendi 1g all
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