Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-09-02
Correspondence of The Star


Correspondence of The Star.l
NIAGARA FALLS, August 20.
Baltimore to New York. Form "A, via Raj
ston, Minequa Springs Watkins Glen (Seneca
Lake Clifton Springs, Niagara Falls, Lake
Ontario to Ogdensburg, rail to St Alban's and
Burlington, Lake Champlain steamers to
Whitehall, rail to Saratoga and Albany, and
day line of steamers on Hudson river TO New
Iork-S30.l5."
Examining the rates of fare and routes as
published by the Northern Central railroad
company we determined upon the form midi
Gated in the foregoing. We were soon aboa.d
and progressing northward. Without any I'M
usual incident we reached Harrisburg, and had
a view of that wonderful chrome yellow, many
gabled, ridiculous cottage that occupies the
most prominent position in the capital city.
We expected to dine at the excellent railroad
dining saloon at this place, but were disap-
pointed in learning that no time for that purpose
was offered but that we would have 'fifteen min
utes at Sunbury for supper" As we contem-
plated stopping over night at Williamsport, we
did not avail ourselves of the privilege. The
ride through this portion of the country was
delightful. The mountain scenery, its pure and
exhllirating air, the beautiful streams followed
bv the rail, would afford unalloyed pleasure, ii
each ejaculation of delight was not succeeded
Dy a mouthful of coal cinders, and if eyes did
count OF the same nuisance.
AT wILLIAMsPoRr
the Herdic House ranks as the best, but its con-
ugulty to the depot and the absence of sleep,
resulting from being within hearing distance of
whistle, bell and moving trains, induced us to
go down town to the City Hotel. We found
comfortable quarters. Arriving after nightfall
and departing upon the early train, we were not
Afforded an opportunity of viewing the CITY
except en- route to the depot. Judging therefrom
II presents many attractions and Induced regrets
That further acquaintance was impossible. On
arriving at the depot We found the entrance to
the tram there in waiting locked; but desiring
to secure central and shady seats, points worthy
OF the travellers attention, they being much
more comfortable than over the trucks and on
the sunny side, we bribed the attendant to pass
us through. Having deposited our baggage
aboard, we descended to the platform to prone
made.
POLITE OLD GENTLEMAN
at gate opening into the hotel grounds, which
are shady and ornamented, touched his hat,
opened the gate and announced "Herdic House
grounds We thought it very kind, strolled
around, essayed to return-found the gate
locked polite old gentleman not to be seen, and
the train expected to start every minute. We
were safely delivered in time, however, and had
delightful ride nor Inward.
Time did not permit our stopping at Ralston
or at Minequa Springs. The latter looked
charming. Its extensive piazzas, crowded with
visitors; its plank walks through shady groves,
spring house and surroundings generally, were
very attractive. Spring water was offered the
passengers by boys. Its taste is very agreeable.
w,
were unable to learn.
A FLAxEN-HAIRED HEBE.
A little further on, while the tank of the en-
CINE was being repleRished through the open
door Of rough cabin by the road side, picture
worthy of an artists pencil or the pen of Dick
ems, was observable. Sitting in a low chair,
with hands resting upon its arms, was a country
maiden. Allow the words full effect and imagine
q girl OF sixteen, with beautiful-n0t golden but
haxen halr uncombed and free to the winds in
natural widness, with face of good outline,
with form graceful in its natural contour, up-
connned by stays or laces, descending to limb
scarce disguised blythe scanty drapery with
which she was clOthed-so scant that midway
between knee and ankle "nature unadorned
was adorned the most" and to feet--the truth
must De t0IdEof enormous size, and she is be
resting upon the back of the chair, eyes closed
was rocking backward and forward with the
most delightful abandon, and singing at the
utmost bent of nasal tone that usually pre-
dominates in village choirs. 1t was picture o.
uncultvated nature, pleasing to city ewes &C
customed to lines Of art.
FROM "GLRN ALPHA" TO "GLKN OMEGA
We arrived at Watkins Glen at noon, and
entered dilapidated vehicle, drawn by a stout
horse, belonging to the Glen Mountain House.
Through an ordinary looking village to the foot
of the mountain, and we began the ascent,
slowly but steadily upward; winding through
TIE cemetery; on past the "Swiss Cottage" that
pIcccHIs Dut lew VI Ll6 I6dtuT6S usually aSCr1O-
ed to those structures, and across the iron
bridge over the glen to the hOtel-an i'll -appear-
ing two-story structure, with porch along the
west front. Its surroundings are beautiful.
Havi ing an elevated position, with the stream
passing through the glen at its feet with its
musical cascades and waterfalls, its excellent
saT 10 b pine il
hall and some of the sleeping rooms are across
the glen in the cottage, and thence we proceed
ed after our additions. A plain, comfortable
n ryuas Qofn ond dna ina all far a
gestion and
WE PREPARED TO "Do" THE GLEN,
which is in two grand divisions, the upper and
lower;-the former being nearly mile and the
latter less than half mile in length, each are
subdivided by natural boundaries and named
from "Glen Alpha" to "Glen Omega" though
bet. waterproof and gum shoes must be
conned, skirts tucked up, as the hands are
needed to aid in climbing, and the romantic
prove to be aids. First procuring tickets, fifty
cents each, you pass down the slope to a stair
way, which affords an easy descent. shall not
attempt minute description Of the succeeding
stages. 1t is either
Up STEPS OR DOWN STEPS,
and OF very steep ascent, one of the flights being
nearly perpendicular, and consisting of sixty
steps. To the strong and healthy, who can en-
dure the physical exertion and risk of taking cold
from the dampness of the surroundings and the
chilliness OF the air, it offers sights that will
fully repay the effort To the delicate would
earnestly say do not attempt the exploration of
Watkins Glen. 1t is a wonderful freak of ma
ture-full of beauty and grandeur-but it is a
rose that cannot be plucked without receiving
with it An extensive thorn. The Glen is owned
by couple of Quaker gentlemen, who paid, as
understood, 500 900 for the property. II they
would place iron beams across the chssm, which
Is narrow, and upon this build q tramway, and
by means of q stationary engine move q car up
the incline, to return by its own gravity, the
view afforded would equal the one now obtained,
and would relieve 1t Of difficulties that deter
ladies from Q second trip, and which would pre-
vent all from undertaking 1t if they knew what
they had to encounter. 1t is q. positive injury
to any lady to climb through Watkins Glen.
A DELIGHTFUL SAIL.
We took the evening boat from Watkins over /
Seneca lake to Geneva, and it's seldom that |
more delightful ride can be found. 1t il Q sheet
Of water forty miles long and from two to five
miles wide. The country surrounding 1t is
elevated, with long, gentle slope to the lake |
shore. The inclined plane is q landscape of |
forests, fields, and farm houses sffording con-
slant delight to the eye. The acres Of golden
grain-the green meadows, the waving corn, for
miles In extent are in plain view. The remark
able feature Of this lake Is the fact that nayiea
ton continues throughout the year. 1t never
\ron zsr he j. hzA- g..