The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-05-04

NJ, 5S; midnight, 46.
LETTER FROM A vALETUDTNARIAN.
Correspondence Of the Richmond Dispa;ch1
THE WARM SPRINGS VALLEY.
...... WARN SPRINGS, May 2, 1876.
When think OF the wonderful attrac-
tions Of this valley am surprised at the
apparent indifference Of capitalists towards
it. 1t contains the only thermal waters in
the United States east of Arkansas, save one
spring IN the western part OF North Caro-
lima, not much known. The Warm Springs,
visited for hundred years, the charming e
place from which write, is one Of the most
delightful baths in the world, while 1t is one
Of the most healthful. The Hot Springs,
only five miles distant from the Warm, is
some degrees warmer than the Warm, and
is contemporary Of the latter in reputa-
ton. These curative waters, from the alb
scncc of any similar waters in the Atlantic
States, should have rare value in public
estimation.
| Only three miles from the Hot is the Heal
| ing Spring-a fountain of modern discovery,
! but whose curative properties have won for
! it great distinction. Thus we have within
the distance OF eight miles three mineral
| fountains OF great virtue, possessing cufa-
tive properties applicable to nearly all forms
of disease, and efficacious in some Of the very
worst and most distressing maladies that
| flesh is heir to.
The presence Of such waters within 80
short space is most remarkable, and when
we consider the inestjmable advantages OF
picturesque scenery and genial atmosphere
to invalids and their delights to all people,
| we cannot but be deeply impressed with the
wonderful combination Of bold scenes and
exquisite temperatures with the valuable
springs of this valley. How can it be other
wise than that the property in these springs
must in time become Of great-yery great
value? The Warm is fifteen miles from the
Milborough depot, on the Chesapeake and
Ohio railroad.
THE HEALING
is fifteen or sixteen miles from Covington,
on the same railroad. In the springs sea-
son the stages take passengers from both
Milborough and Coyington for these
springs, conveying them through a highly
interesting country. The stage-road from
Covington to the Healing Springs is one OF
the boldest and most beautiful on the conti-
nent. For more than half the distance the
traveller looks down from the mountain
along which he Journeys upon Jackson's
river, which, under some peculiar con-
ditions OF sunlight, resembles current Of
molten silver, winding its sway amongst
green fields and quiet Talley homes, pre-
senting scenes so full Of serenity and lowell
ness that every one who beholds them feels
enchanted with them.
At gap in the mountain through which
runs the creek called Falling Spring the
stage route passes to the east of the noun
tain, leaving the view OF Jackson's river and
entering the valley OF the Springs, which are
separated from Jackson's riverby the noun
tain-a mountain which has a gap at each OF
the Springs, through which pass off the
streams they give forth in their course to
Jackson's river, into which they all empty.
AT TIE FALLING SPRING
gap is beheld the beautiful fall so often de-
scribed in your paper. The spring is one
Of the remarkable features, of limestone
region, so often met with in that kind of
formation. The water, in very large volume,
bursts out OF the rocks half mile above
the fall, forming considerable creek, and
flows rapidly through very rich meadow
to the precipice Of the fall; a few
rods east, of which the stage-road
crosses. Just before reaching the
fall, the stream is divided into seven cur.
rents, and they fall separately over the
accliyitv, the distance between the outside
streams being possibly 150fee The volumes
OF the several currents vary in size, pro
ducing variety Of appearances in the fal
that is indescribably admirable.
The fall varies in height on account OF the
amount of debris at the foot Of the fall being
greater at one place than at another. The
area below is sort Of triangle 400 Yeet
across at the iall, with two sides Of similar
length nearly meeting at the point where
the stream takes its departure for its con-
tinued leaps and plunges down the noun
tain sides until it loses itself in JackSQus
river. The area at the falls is uneven, even
a little rugged, containing many beautiful
little pools, resembling baths, that arc as de.
liehtful as baths. The water is mineral,
and its deposit is highly fertilizing. There.
fore the earth is covered with grass, and the
spray from the fall keeps it supplied with
| elobules Of water that ut some radiations OF
| light causes it to represent a carpet Of jew
els.
Here is spot for the hand Of art, stimu.
lated by wealth, to create one Of the love.
Iiest retreats for man-one where pleasure,
health, and peace might be enjoyed to the
hearts content. Why don't these called
powers" find their way to spot where they
can do SO much for the promotion OF human
| felicity !?
It is said to be perfectly and easily practi-
cable to build
RAILWAY
narrow-gauge-from Coyington u1G the
Falling Spring and the Healing and Hot
Springs to the Warm. Such an improve
ment would present to the American peo-
ple one of the healthiest and most charming
resources for rest and recreation OH the con-
tinent. It would be great human pene-
faction-such an improvement.
AS it is, however, but for the oDstlnacy
OF fashion, the short stage route to tne
springs is really an auxiliary to health; IL
is to the man of sedentary habits the shaking
I'D he gets in stage or any vehicle travel
ling the mountain road that prepares hlm
for the medical effects Of the waters. IL Is
the action of travel on mountain ROADS, the
ever changing scene and magnificent phases
of shade and sun, that do more than ali the
railroad travel in luxurious cars can do Tor
the restoration OF health. hen men COM
plain of discomforts and sore limbs from
travel they are railing at the greatest OF
remedial agents for the self-indulgent man
of wealth and ease, whose study at home Is
to live without effort, and therefore, indeed,
to live without ht itself.
But leaving the general question, and COM
ing back to the particular watering-place
where am now recruiting health, / VIII
state fact that Is to all who know this place
wonderful. It sold few years since for
what was but moderate price for the farm
itself. 1t contains 8 body OF 300 acres,
embracing some Of the finest wheat and