The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1876-07-15

grtnQ tC6o6ry OF tuo hhokhonoe. ~
100 miles we whirl along up winding
valleys, down picturesque ravines, climb
ing mountain sides covered with pines
and laurel. and. making charming
descents by rock.ribbed, forest.studded
peaks. ..
The first town we come to, worthy OF
mention, is Johnstown, an important
and improving borough, occupying .
beautiful situation and completely sur
rounded by mountains and hills we
travel over these mountains constantly
viewing the grand scenes OF ma.
ture, until we reach Cresson, the popular
summer resort, presenting accommoda'
tions and attractions of a superior order.
The buildings are extensive and the
grounds are spacious and beautifully
shaded. This point is l02 miles
east of Pittsburgh. The hotel here is TO
the Pennsylvania road, what Deer Park
Hotel is to the Baltimore and Ohio Rail
road. The next grand scene is at Allie
gaippus and after leaving this magnlti-
cent summit, the train descends rapidly
and smoothly, approaching klttanning
Point, where the road is carried around
sharp curve called the "Horse Shoe"
the sides of which are almost parallel
with each other, giving the trains trav.
cling the same way the appearance OF
moving in entirely different direc-
ton. As the train sweeps on
its descending course, we noticed farms
and fields that look as If they had wan
dered away from civilization, and been
lost in the wilderness. A short distance
further on we come to the fine little city
of Altoona. The Logan House, q capa-
cious hotel, is situated here, so famous for
the excellence of its table and the courtesy
which marks It's service. The traveller
generally arrives here about meal time,
and always stops to get good full meal.
About 1872 miles further on, pass.
ing over mountains and through
valleys, and by many old towns
and villages, we reach the capital
of Pennsylvania. We have many fine
views during this ride, bu! there are two
particularly grand scenes, respectively,
called Jacks Narrows and Lewistown
Narrows. The former is made by the
Junista river forcing its way through
Jacks mountain. The gorge is wild
and rugged in its appearance, the sides
being almost destitute of vegetation, ex-
posing immense masses of grey and
sombre rocks. The latter is formed by
mountain on each side of the road, rising
abruptly to the height, in many places, of
more than a thousand feet, and their
sides are generally covered with dense
forest growth, giving an appearance of
deep gloom TO the gorge. Harrisburg is
beautifully located on the Susquehanna
river. The scenery here in all directions
is fine, but particularly lovely is that OF
the Susquehanna. II is charming to
view the broad Susquehanna by moon
light, or just as the bright sun Is rising
beyond the horizon, and to hear the clear
water of the ri pattering over the
rocks. Here wS1lave the mountains and
speedily glide over beautiful rolling
country, unsurpassed anywhere.
The short distance of 81 miles brings
us to the ancient city of Lancaster, which
was formerly the capital Of Pennsylva.
mia, and the home of ex-President
Buchanan. Now we are but SO miles
west of the great city of Philadelphia,
and this 60 miles of railroad passes over
rich and highly cultivated country,
very thickly settled.
The first thing that attracts the eye as
we enter the second city of the United
States in population, and the first in the
number of its buildings, territorial area
and manufacturing importance, is the
Centennia! buildings. Erect they stand
in a most prominent part Of
Fairmont Park, decorated with flags Of
all'nations, and flying at full mast. We
now soon arrive at the depot, and
hardly have time to step from the cars,
until number of hackmen and run.
ners tor hotels, greet you with a smile,
every one expecting you to take their
coach, but do not seem disappointed if
you do not. Shortly we enter the hotel,
shake hands with the smiling clerk, reg
ister our names, and proceed to view
the centennial sights. 1t is duty ire
spective of the pleasure to try to see
everything in five or SIX days, or even
ten, in succession, not resting yourself
between times. But it is great pleas
ure to be there tor month and visit the
buildings of and on at times. as you feel
like IT. =.