The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-08-28
A Richmond Man on his Travels.

HAMILTON, y. u, August %, 1877.
Dear Dispatch: Leaving home for htlr-
ried trip 10 the beautiful hill country OF
Central New York, am luXuriating amid
the salubrious brcezes and the almost sab
bate quiet OF this charming village, 1900
feet above the sea level. .s
The run along the banks OF the romantic
Hudson in the eariy-morning hours OF yes
tcrday was positive delight as the fresh
brcczes from the dancing waves swept in at
the car-windows in billowy GOODNESS to
cheer and inspirit the taded and dusty tra-
weller. -... .. ..sr.
The river never looked so picturesque or
fascinating to me, flccked az it was with the
white sails OF innumerable craft, and mir
roriDg in its clear depths all the varied and
beautiful objects Of surrounding nature.
Indeed, it seemed, as we glided along the
shore With arrowy swiitness, as If pano-
rama OF surprising beauty and brightness
was passing in rapid but transporting vision
before me, as scene after scene, with ka-
leideScopic cbangeableness, appeared and
vanished until the spires and domes
Of Albany hove in sight and dis
PEELED the pleasing illusion. At Utica,
where | changed cars, there was such a tu-
multuous rush for seats, and such q scarcity
o, the needed article, that was induced to
ask the conductor what was the occasion Of
the crowd. He replied that they were hop
pickerS going out into the country to pick
the ripening crop. The labor relied on to
gather this crop, which is one universally
cultivated and OF considerable importance
in this region. is obtained chiefly from
Utica. Schenectady. and other cities, and at
this season vast herds OF the idle population
OF these places flock to the country and
spend several weeks, going from neighbor-
hood to neighborhood until the entire crop
is picked. They are paid 80 much box
for their labor, the most experienced and
skilful not being able to earn more than
seventy-tive cents per day.
Chapcroncd by 4 friend who has long been
an annual visitor to this healthful and
charming region, / rode out this morning
among the hills in the midst OF which this
quiet rural village Of 1000 inhabitants from
which I write nestles in all its summer love
illness. Reaching 4 high eminence which
commanded long stretch OF the Chenango
valley, scene OF ravishing beauty burst
upon US. Far rs the eye could reach, hill
rose upon hill in billowy verdure on either
hand, enbosoming the village with its shady
avenues, it's sbapely spires, its lovely homes,
like a sleeping infant in their giant embrace.
Here is located Madison University, one
OF the oldest and most renowned seats OF
learning in the State. Before the war it
was largely patroniZed by the South, and
here some OF its best and most eminent men
received their education. 1t still preserves
its prestige for thorough scholarship and
broad culture, and, under its present able
faculty, is destined to perpetuate its we'll
earned reputation. The buildings are sit
usted on high eminence overlooking the
village. and contain an extensive museum
and library. The village is dotted over with
beautiful cottages and elegant mansions, the
homes Of elegant refinement and generous
hospitality. ....g...f1t. ..,....
The chief topic OF interest in the town
to-day has been the marriage OF Miss Laura
Randolph, one Of Hamilton's fairest and
most accomplished daughters, to young
snd popular citizen Of the Keystone State,
which took place at S O'Clock this evening
at the Baptist church. The main audience
room was festooncd with eyergreens, and
beautifully and elaborately decorated with
flowers. The residence OF the bride "a few
doors from the church) was brilliantly IL
Illuminated and the parlors filled with floral
designs Of the most varied and exquisite
shapes, and radiant with the most tasteful
blending OF colors. The grounds We're
lighted to almost MONDAY brightness by q
powerful Drummond light and bril-
liant array OF Chinese lanterns. At
the reception at g. O'Clock the parlors were
thronged with the elite OF The town and
vicinity, and presented a scene OF ANNA
ton and beauty rarely excelled. Among
the notables present were President Dodge,
OF the University, and Postmaster James
and family, OF New York city. Colonel
James is q native OF this vicinity, apd,
Judging from the high estimation in which
his old friends and neighbors here hold
him, it is safe to say ciyil-service reform
has lost nothing by his reappointment.
Beside being capable and honest officer he
is most affable and agreeable gentleman.
Amid the festive throng your corresponds
ent was the only representative OF the
South. If his kindly reception and treat:
lnent is fair sample OF the hospitality and
good feeling OF the North there is no rea-
SON why old-time friendships and associa-
tions should not be revived and perpetu-
ated with more than pristine heartiness.
AS write the voluptuous swell OF music
and the measured tread of the dancers is
still heard, but as must take the train fol
home early in the morning must lay down
my pencil and bid you goodnight, and fare
we'll to Hamilton and its hospitable people
and delightful scenes. ROVER.
Experiments by Professors Marker and
Schutze show that air and gases pass