Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-05-26
ATRIP THROUGH TEXAS.
A Description of the Country by
One Travelling In tho Old
fashioned Way.
Law-abiding Communities, Kind and
0bliging People, and Other
Signs of Civilization.
The Six Shooter, BOwie-kniie and
Wild Bill Border Fiend
Things Of the Past.
Special Correspondents, Ledger.

cOuulI9 10 AUS Deob auNhulAec, Ouc
must see it in spring. Lofty mount
aims on the one side and immense
plains on the other, covered with a
luxuriance of verdure scarcely afforded
in our Northern climes. The great
variety Of color and forms in wild
flowers, the innumerable species Of
cactus growing wildly among immense
bold rock, thrown together in grandest
and most picturesque profusion, i'm
press one as the work OF some great
natural landscape gardner, with the
most endless resources. This supple.
mented with q semiNtropic.l sun, clear
blue sky, and the balmy influence of a
steady southwest breeze, were the
circumstances under which our party
proceeded upon our wagon tlip to the
Pan Handle.
On the morning Of the 18th Of April
we left San Antonio, by way OF the
Fredericksburg stage route. The morn
ing mist which is identified with this
section soon began to dissipate, and
floating over the vast prairie made
more and more distinct the ever vary
ing outlines of mountains in the dis
tant horizon. The sun glowed with
the warmth of midsummer. Herds
of cattle were browsing along the road
side, Here and there may be seen a
troop Of horses galloping in the widest
freedom Ger the plain, kicking up
their heels in their trolicksome mood,
and often striking attitudes worthy
the study Of an artist. The roads be
ing OF heavy, partly sandy soil and
constantly ascending, makes four miles
an hour good travelling Tor a two horse
wagon moderately laden.
At eight miles we passed Highland
Home" q cozy little place fitted up
for the accommodation of invalids.
The proprietor is named Mr.. Brown.
1t is beautifully situated and at such
an elevation that the city of San Ans
tonic becomes plainly in view. 0ppo>
site stretches forth the beautiful and
greatly admired rancho of DR.. Elliot,
which is considered a model pasture
in this sectionl The road now became
very rocky and abrupt. whilst the dim
outlines in the horizon gradually
became lofty hills and rugged cliffs.
At fifteen miles a large new stone
building having the appearance of a
hstel, and as we were informed is the
owners intention, is the stage stand
for changing horses. We now soon
reached Leon Springs, where Max
Aue, a happy and portly German,
holds forth his hOstelry in the most
inviting manner. 10 large. plain let.
ters may be read, "St. Louis lager
beer on ice" the first indication of
modern civilization since we left San
Antonio.
To the left are three or four cone
shaped mountains, the most promi>
nent Of which is surmounted with a
cross Of rock. marking the grave Of a
Mexican found dead upon its summit.
Mexicans, like their poor, ill fed and
overworked mules. seem to die pro>
miscuoUsly by the roadside, as a
Mexican grave is a common affair
here. This unfortunate class is ex
ceedingly unpopular with the natives,
for their depredations upon life and
property Of former years will long be
remembered by the sufferers. We
were advised on all occasions whenever
we found a Mexican suspiciously
proving around camp, to kindly in.
vite him with the aid Of Winchester
to travel. Having now completed
twenty miles we struck camp and lett
B. B. to show his skill in the culinary
art preparing our first sup
per 10 camp. The work Of
stretching the tent, unloading
the wagon, aud making fire prepare
tory to cooking was done with almost
a legerdemain rapidity, for the keen
appetite generated by this pure and
bracing atmosphere, accom- panied with
a twenty mile ride in lumber wagon,
has decidedly stimulating effect upon
all hands to hurry the grub. After
refreshing sleep we continued
our journey at 1880 O'Clock
next morning. After several hours
ride we reached the little town Of
Boerne, thirty miles from San Anto
uio. Social obligations detained vi
here nearly week.
| Having spent the winter at thi!
little burg We made the acquaintance
of some excellent people, with whom
we felt at parting as though we wer,
leaving another home. The town il
built in one Of those lovely valley
which are so numerous ia this SECTION
at an altitude of 1900 feet above tn,
sea. 1t claims 500 inhabitants, eigh
or ten stores, three or four hotels ant
numerous boardiughouses. 1t is con
sidered quite a health resort, and i
trequented largely by invalids. TIL
population is mostly German, but o
late quite a number of Englishmel
are settling here and investing in stool
, and ranches. Among the most prom
inent may be mentioned Captain Gle
uIQuduu, AOImeIly VI tue hOyA
Horse Guards, England. The Capital
has organized upon his ranch regula
weekly polo match, which forms quit
novel entertainment for the native,
q Just the thing for the feet aud light
J, footed COW ponies, whilst an ambition
y cowboy has ample opportunity to dil
: play his horsemanship. Five mil,
east Of Boerne is the Dane hors
Q ranch. This is considered the boz
d stocked ranch in Kendall count
Horses, cattle, hogs and sheel
of the bpst breeds are handled on
3 by Mr.. DsAs. II was formerly Ii
property of George Kendall, Esq,
I one time one of the proprietsyS of IL
New Orleans Picayune, and aft,
whom the county was named. H
l. died several years ago, ppd Mr.. Dan
,. the present owner, married has estin
j. able widow. A more courteous gel
!, tleman than the latter can hardly
: found. for he takes great pleasure
4. 4 u