Louisiana capitolian., 1879-05-31
For the Louisiana Capitohan.
PICNIC AT WO0DWORTH SPRINGS.
ST. LANDRY PARISH,
~ 80 Nf1A

Way ~, 1910.
Dear Editor-Are you partial to pic
nicsi We hope not, as we have many
years ago pronounced them abominable,
and you know it is characteristic of hu-
man beings to consider it unpardonable
taste to differ from them in a "pet idea"
Holding this theory, when invitations
! were issued for picnic, and also remem-
bering that on previous occasions we
had found all day in the woods more
conducive to headaches and freckles
than to pleasure, we concluded to spend
the morning hours at home, but in the
afternoon to lend the light Of our pres
ence to the picnicers.
About S o'clock we drove out to the
picnic grounds, and most picturesque
scene greeted our gaze. just q word
here about "Woodworth Springs" They
are situated four miles from Opelousas
Oh what is known as the Washington
rood, and two miles from the town of
Washington. About two years ago the
Springs were enclosed, by the gentleman
whose name they bear. He erected
bath houses, pavilion for dancing end
various other improvements, which
were kept in excellent order, and Wood
worth Springs became the popular and
fashionable resort where many, enerva-
ted by the sultry heat peculiar to "Our
Sunny South" sought cool breezes be-
meath the shady trees.
A year ago the owner of this lovely |
spot left the parish and has not returned. |
The buildings are now in dilapidated
condition, but this does not detract
from the natural beauties of the place.
We spent several years in Virginia and
visited many of the natural curiosities
Of the "Old Dominion" but We thought
yesterday evening that we need not
wander SO far from home to find natural
scenes as beautiful as any that ever in
spired q poets pen. Scenes which art
could neither equal nor initiate, and
which caused us inyOluntarily
"To look through nature
Up to natures God"
The hills around the Springs form a
striking contrast to the large and un-
broken prairies Of which our parish is
The picnicers enhanced the
beauty Of the scene. Here was group
If merry, romping children enjoying
heir holiday from the dull routine of
'readin', 'riten' and 'rithmetic";; there
! couple of lovers, seated on a log, look
ng romantic, in fact, veritable type
# the country belle and beau, lovcsick
md abashed, which greatly amused
ONE who were not SO fortunate asi to
'e in the same fix.
One of our party took several drinks t
f spring water, and we asked her if {
he thought it possessed any medicinal {
roperties. She replied that it might I
ave the effect of the sparkling lemon 7
de of Dan Rice's clown, which came i
resh from the "Nick Mack Islands," a
nd was said to beautify the complexion 7
nd make the hair curl. The last pic t
ic we attended was at ScOtt's Bluff, v
nd the occasion was graced BY the Z
resenee Of the gallant company of r
Baton Rouge Zouares. II
70 thought of this yesterday en- passent q
nd wished-well-I won't say what. y
At the expiration of two hours we .
ere warned that "Old Sol" was sluiling D
Dod-night across the praries, and -"
fought it time to wend our way home
ard. We gave lingering glance at II II,
'e spot which had flied us with such N
'etical feelings. Unfortunately our .'
use refused to come to our assistance, "
it will have to remain unwritten poe
Y. Our horse, rejoicing in the high
unding and euphonious cognomen of ~
Delaware Danger6eld," proved himself -,
[ual to the occasion, and soon landed -,
at home, well pleased with our trip >,
I'd ourselves-in fact, in good humor l.
ith the whole world. A FRIEND.