Smyrna times., 1877-07-11

so near do they come to the track. Then
the character of the rock changes and we
see nothing but limestone for a long dis
tance and many tunnels passing through
their mighty fronts. Then we come to some
huge boulders of fossiliferous formation,
which is marked by variety of character
istics. l should think that all the varieties
of the stone family were represented in
these mountains. In one place some sim
gularly grand columns or pillars, apparently
supporting an arch, and so perfect it
seemed that we could not feel satisfied that
the hand of nature fashioned it until we
inquired of gentleman who resides in the
vicinity. He said that originally there
were more pillars, but some years ago
number of them fell. This is all richly
worth coming to see. And then the addi-
tional attractions of grand mountain ran
ges. A delightful valley set like a sun
sparkling gem in border of green noun
tains, through which flows the broad and
shining river Cheat, not very euphonious
name, but truly a winsome stream, across
which we look to those lofty old hills with
a rare blending of the grand and beautiful
When the news vender solicited my atten-
ton to his works, laughingly told him l
preferred studying the book of nature in
stead of any of his trash. He was quite
indignant and signiied that possessed a
very unappreciative taste. About noon it
commenced raining and we felt that we
| were
mid shadowy hills and misty mountains all
Covered with showery light as with a vail
OF airy gauze."
Under the magic influence of mist and sun
shine, giving the scene weird and dreary
aspect, singularly blending the wild and
beautiful, we sped on, through tunnels,
over bridges. Now the ravine expands,
numerous romantic rills come dancing
down the mountains to join and mingle
their pure waters with this peaceful river.
1t is difficult to imagine more continuous
line of beauty than attends this stream.
: Its densly shaded glens. It's noun
tain ramports in their majestic might
ness, crowned with the foliage of the
oak, chestnut and sycamore, rejecting
their beautiful green in the blue waters ot
, this calm river, now narrowed to a few
feet, with towering masses of rock nearly
closing overhead; now passing quiet anC
handsomely pastoral village, nestled among
the picturesque hills, and now a series o
cascades bright and sparkling. From the
4 -,
> patriotic. A resident of this section pointed
out to us the ruins of some old forts be
+ longing to revolutionary times. At Har
, pers Ferry the Shenandoah and Potomat
D rivers unite their waters, forcing that re
a markable passage that has been so Otter
a described. 1t is familiar to thousands o
e Americans who have visited this spot
n Very soon after leaving the Ferry we com
I to Point of Rocks. A collision occurre
q here the day before we passed; a numbe
d of people were severely injured and som
d killed. Indeed it is rightly named, fo
o truly the curve is so sharp here that
Is would be impossible to see coming trai
is until it was nearly reached. One passin
s. through this valley to-day can hardl
y realize that few years ago it was the seen
il of so many conflicts. Now it is as peacefr
Is and charming as if war with all of its no
e rid attendants had never entered it. A
d we neared Washington passing the silver
e Potomac winding through the level countr
d the weather had become fine, and to close th
IS day replete with interest, we were per1ai
Ie ted to see a magnificent sunset. The go
S. geous coronet of feecy clouds, whose del
d cate tints, resplendent with the heavenl
le brightness of purity as they parted, for
20 last look at his majesty were like ii
k portals to the heavenly city for beauty.
" we steamed into the city caught glimpi
le of the Capitol and the same gloriol
es brightness of gold and purple was reAecte
D. from the cupola which bathed tree ar
ly field so lavishly. Arrived in WilmingtC
er at late hour, spent quiet, pleasant Sa
IN bath with friends whose house as a ci
h. residence cannot be surpassed for its d
lis lightful situation. From their windov
er- such lovely view of the broad Delawa
ID | III Jue ulSldnceg COfSred VIII WulJe Sails
in every description, and nearer the Brand
10 wine, winding in graceful curves throuI
ne the city, its banks afiording pleasant wal
pit for the citizens these fine evenings. Nc
rt- day morn, came down to Smyrna, which
,u- think looks quite as inviting as any place
in have visited. And indeed nowhere in
ed fair heritage of this great Republic have
ey. seen such extensive peach orchards, bei
it tiful and we'll trimed hedges, and bet
he promise of an abundant harvest of gri
Ial- and the delicious fruits of the earth tn
ing in the Diamond State, which think W
md deserves the name of the most preci6
yer gem. And whoever has their home
ew. Delaware may thank God that the lii
ell have fallen to them in such a charmi
on and pleasant country. l.. G. JArENAS
the A story is told of shrewdish Scot
hat woman who tried to wean her husbs
ing from the policy-house by employing
49, 4 k1.o ,oort of 0hoef Z