The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1881-05-28
THE FAR WEST.

MIR. ii. V. M0RTHIMER-DEAR SIR:-
Having few spare moments, l concluded
to write you few lines. My friend and
companion, Mr. Arner, and myself have SO
far had very pleasant trip. After leaving
our town we did not make any stop until
we reached junction City, Kansas. After
visiting Mr.. Arner's brother, and viewing
some of the fine prairie farms, and indulg-
ing in wild duck hunting, we proceeded
on our way to Denver, Colorado, distance
of over six hundred miles oyer the wild
prairie, where we had considerable sport
shooting at droves of antelopes and towns or
cities of prairie dogs. After reaching Den
yer, were considerably surprised to see one
Of the first class cities of the country. We
had an idea, as most of our eastern people
have, that Denver was in the far west and
far behind the times, this, however, not be-
ing the case. After hearty dinner at the
Wentworth, we made tour Of inspection OF
the city, and found that it contained some
of the finest buildings west of Chicago. We
were so we'll pleased that we made stay of
ten days, when we proceeded on our jour
ney to Colorado Springs, and from that
place to Manitou, where the sulphur, mag
nesia and iron springs are located. This is
one of the most romantic summer resorts
ever visited, there being first-class accom-
modations for tourists, and thousands of ma.
tural curiosities. We here took horses and
proceeded up Williams Canon and visited
the newly discovered cave. We were some
of the irst that visited all of the rs rooms
which this wonderful cave contains. The
largest room or cavern is 1926 feet long, so
feet wide and 80 feet high, the others rang
ing from Is to 100 feet in length, each of
which contains thousands of stalactites and
other formations, all being the most beauti-
full and most wonderful sight we ever saw
The lowest cavern is 900 feet below the
surface of mother earth. We next visited
the Gardens of the Gods, which are a few
miles from the town. Here we saw some
wonderful works of Nature. Imagine a
rock, weighing perhaps hundred tons or
more, balanced on a space 2 by feet, and
leaning about 45 degrees, and appearing
as though it would topple over at almost
any moment. Again, perfect fac similes Of
Punch and Judy, In old lady an old gent,
sea lion and seal-looking as they were
about to spring at each other-a soldier, and
great many other curious formation
These are not small stones, but rocks hun
dred and sixty feet high, and can be seen
for a considerable distance, as the professor
of the Colorado Springs College said to Mr.
Arner and myself, open cannot describe it,
From Manitor we went TO Pueblo and visit
ed the artesian we'll, l4OO feet deep. After
spending few pleasant days in this lively
town, We went to LeadYille. This is the
Eldorado of Colorado, and second in the
State to Denver. We have visited the Ho
Springs, which are quite a curiosity to ten,
der feet, as eastern people are called here
At Poncho Springs, our postofice address
there are over a hundred of these springs
SO hot are they that an egg placed in one o
them will boil hard in three minutes. W,
had some prospecting done, and been at i
ourselves for some time, but without success
50 far. We are at present having worl
done on what they they call the ten-mil,
district, where some very good strikes hav,
been made. Snow is plenty. We hav'
Just had a fall of few inches to-day. w,
are on the continental divide, where snow
is found 20 feet deep. We are somewha
early, as prospecting does not become brsl
before the snow has mostly disappeared
Water is good ia the mountains, and whel
we run short Of provisions We can easily
draw on the cinnamon bear, which animal
: are TO be found in large numbers on thi
, part Of the Rocky Mountains, we intenC
visiting the Ute reservation, but at presen
it is not safe to 20 as the Ute Indians ar
troublesome and partly on the war path
) Four companies are en- route for the u
: country from Fort Riley, Kansas. | an
going TO Defiance mining camp in fel
days. aud will endeaYor 10 describe th
town in my next. Should you wish I
3 make use Of this, you are at liberty.
r Very Respectfully,
= CHAs. W. LEETz,
Poueho Springs, ChsfIes Co., Col.
~ Box l03.