The Newberry herald. [volume] (Newberry, S.C.) 1865-1884, 1873-11-05
(SKETCu.)
\SH1A N
RICEILAND HILLS.

"The above is q summer retreat in
Richland District: the range of hills
commences about ten miles above the
junction of the Wateree and Congaree
rivers; it is the lower portion of this
range, and the adjacent country which
we arc about to describe. These hills
are commonly known by the name of
Sand Hills" which appellation is in
some respects inapplical'!e, and lead
some of our Lower Country friends,
with whose company we have never
been favored, to form m Incorrect and
unfavorablc idea rs to the nature of
this region. They imagine that these
high hills are little banks of san;l such
rs they are accustomed to see on Sulli-
vans Island, with not IL leaf scarcely to
arrest the scorching rays Of L Southern
sun, with hardly a blade of grass to re-
lieve the eye from the vivid glare of
these bleached sandy hillocks; but this
is not a description Of our Hills; neither
do they resemble the pine Lands" re-
treats of our Lower Country friends !;
we do not ride here for miles and be-
hold only the dark green foliage of the
"Pinus PaluStriS." no, we have not only
Pines, but Hickory, Oak and other
trees, with variety of shades, the
principal growth, however, is the
species of Oak, called 1--WE think the
Catesbair,) intermingled with the Nj
ora, both of which arc indications Of =
comparatively dry and healthfnl region.
And we can scarcely step out of ON
doors without being greeted by some
pretty, lowly flower, fourishing
amongst its more lofty ncighbors some,
like the "Violet," almost too modest to
be seen, but too lovely and attractive to
be overlooked, retiring in 4 fence corner
or half concenlol ST the foot Of se1I1c
Oak, whose protection it seems to solicit
from the rude trampling Of the careless
animal tribe, which are alike uncon-
sciols .nd Indifferent to Its sweet
perfume or lovely form; nj unlike the
gaady deformed garden flowers, which
can hardly be recognized on account Of
the transformations affected by art
But these though unadorned, display
their modest beauty in Ill their lowell
ness. ..-. ..-....
In the valleys between these hills,
softly glide beautifully clear rivulets,
bountifully supplied by numerous
springs of cool, refreshing water, which
springs never fail: some Of them gush
oat from near the s:nlmit of the hills,
and wstaE tia valleys below: these
might be conducted to the most elevated
rooms Of orr houses, Il short distance
from their sources. At one hour We
may sit by oar springs. and view the
W ::"rs issuing with no greater force
tllHi IT, |i!!!s s.reanr that ripples over
the half covered p,.;'t,ir; ut t!ic naAt.
ana bit few miles distant. We may
behold the same 4 rapid rivila:; in one
hour more, i little farther on, we may
see the sane waters, (being i,upedt.l
ny asnI,l tlr4in5 tlie mill-ssona. Or
,dashing the SAW tfpGug:s A;n tlEl!tieGa;l
hearts Of onr goolly pines with trenen-
dous violence. Here we are refreshed
with oar delightful spring water: thore,
our cattle are abundantly supplied with
Eiio cooling stream. in the most parch-
Ing drought; yoader, tbs rrad!;ae CT cur
land is prepared for our nso, orr corn
being ground and our lumber sawed.
One very elevated spot, not distant
from the range of hills. is honored on
our maps with the name of Mount,
("Cook's Mount, y ut its foot flows the
exceedingly p:eaal!e!ing stream Of the
"Wateree," sometimes witt. AZ ilA-
petuous current overhowing its margin,
on the Sumter side, for several miles.
From the suramitt of this Mount, the
eye may pass over the rich cleared
land on the opposite side of the river,
sad sisw the High Hills Of Santee." "
In ascending the Mount, atthe proper
season. may be seen the crowded
Cyathiforn corymbose flowers, of the
"kalmis Latifolis," (calico bush), to the
delicate hue of which, the sweetest
hlush Of the most modest and f.irest
girl must yield tbs paalH, aeal tia;
hills are extensive and highly cultivated
plant;.tions-in reference also to neat
arrangement and nice cultivation, some
Of them are perhaps surpassed by none
tn the state, ~...
This oace seqnesteged and heHGed
up spot, has now become the grand cen:
tire with highways in every direction,
giving access to the various Railroad
stations. On our right hand may be
seen the dark smoke Of steamboats,; on
our left may be heard the swift rafting
Of Railroad cars" 4 =:
Tie preceding sketch was written