Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1877-09-07

been amply rewarded. Orchards TEEN with
fruit-ruddy. golden and emerald.
Waving corn fields promise an abundant
yield. The busy hum of the steamers
cylinder has died away from neighboring
farms, and the beautiful crop OF wheat
been carefully garnered.
Ploughing has commenced for the sue
ceeding crop. and now it is meet that the
harvest hymn of thanks yelling up from
grateful hearts, should find some outward
expression. as neighbors meet, glad but
! weary, from the summers campaign, to
congratulate and encourage one another.
The institution of Garden Parties,
| thanks to the inventory affords us al OPP
| portunity of cheerful relaxation, that in
| cludes the old regime of social enjoyment,
with the addition OF several new features.
Last evening we were privileged to partake
of the hospitalities OF Mrs. Geo. A. Hanger
transformations way. Leaving home just
before shutdown, an airy, pleasant drive,
| half way down the valley, brought US to
the estate and residence of the late John
| Trimble, in honor of whom this valley, and
its ''school-house,' "a place Of regular re-
| ligious servlce,) are named. Proverbial in
his day as generous dispenser Of hospital
ity, his mantle has fallen gracefully upon
theshoulders of his only child and daughter.
AS we approached the grounds by the
private carriage drive, we observed a party
| OF young people from localities far and
i near, playing crOquet on the lawn. After
watching their skilful maneuvres from the
piazza, for some time, we noticed that all
eyes were turned in the direction of the
| Churchviile road, and suddenly the whole
| party of some twenty, dropped their NAL
, lets, and started off in d brisk walk, for a
| point where the two roads interSect, i'm order
to witness the passing OF the West Angus
ia Guards, en- route for otribling's Springs.
On the return of the party Il half hour
LATER young lady who came in painting
for breath, was asked, wen, did you az
rive in time % Eyes, she renlied naively
lust in time to see them mar hing out of
sight, up Col. Bells hill Such q pity for
us and for the West Augusta Guards too -
Music upon the piano was next in order,
and we were favored by quite d variety in
that line. vocal and -lnclu-
ding styles both classic and simple, and
ballads popular and sentimental, rendered
by married ladies, misses and children ;
The latter deserve especial credit for the
unusual good time and taste displayed in
their execution. In the midst OF this feast
Of sweet sounds we were invited to take
seats upon the illuminated lawn and par
take OF refreshments. From the steps OF
the front porch a beautiful picture met our
gaze. Under the over-arching trees a long,
handsome table stood brayely under its
weight OF good things, while tete-a-tete
stands were interspersed among trees.
mounds and rustic baskets, set off by love-
ly vases Of flowers, brilliant lamps and
japanese lanterns. The fresh beauty OF
young and happy faces, the pleasing muir
muir of merry voices, contagious laughter,
and mirth-proyoking jests, enhanced the
pleasure of an elegant repast Of substan-
tials and delicacies.
So enchanted were we, that not until the
glorious queen Of nisht.beamed her smiling
approval upon the fairy-like scene, and re
minded us that midnight, was approaching
were we able to bid adeu to the gay crowt
and turn with lightened spirits homeWard
feeling so strong d sympathy with the bare
of famous ''John Gilpin," that we ex
claimed, ''should e'er the like transpr'
again 'naoy ne be there to sec .'''
RUTH IRWIN.
Irvinwood, Aug. 80, 1877.