Morning journal and courier., 1884-03-10
Atlantic City in Mid-Winter.
A Haven of Rest.

Letter in New York Home Journal.l
 A mid winter respite of few weeks from the distractions of social life or the cares of business has come to be, in this eager, push- ing life of modern times, almost necessity. If we will not or cannot ''take it easy" on the way, we must halt and make special busi- ness of resting, and this method is perhaps more in accordance with the American temper ament.
 Doubtless no pleasanter place can be found within easy reach for the enjoyment of this mid-winter respite than Atlantic City, so generously has it been endowed by nature, and so happily has man combined in this favored spot all the comforts, conveniences and luxuries of life. Atlantic City, which now numbers some seven thousand inhabi- tants, is situated on an island bounded on the south and east by the ocean, and on the other sides by an arm of the sea. It's main exposure is southern, and the welcome rays of the winter sun bathe it in 8 flood of soft and mellow light. The surrounding waters are open during the year, and only in the coldest snaps does ice form on the inlet. The winds as we'll as the waves favor this fortunate spot. From the north, northwest, and south west the winds travel for milss over arid and porous sands on which snow never lies, and become dried and warmed in their passage. The southern and eastern winds come in from the sea laden with the heated vapor of the Gulf Stream, to tone down the temperature to delightful degree. We are told by meteorologists that the Gulf Stream, in consequence of it's proximity to the coast, affects the temperature more powerfully here than at any other part of the Atlantic coast. Just opposite Atlantic City the stream sweeps in landward to within forty five miles of the shore, and the heated waters of the tropics serve as 8 natural radiator, temperiDg the harshness of this northern latitude. With all these advantages of site 1t is not surpris- ing that the thermometer conducts itself with charming propristy at Atlantic City As winters go, it rarely drops below thirty-two degrees and trustworthy observations show that fair average rainfall is comparatively light, and the record of fair days is smiling contrast to the gloomy showing of inland cities or less favored points on the coast
 Atlantic City is city in fact as well as in name, 8 regular, all the year round, com pletely equipped city, laid out in straight avenues, without stint as to width, paved, bordered with trees, and adorned with hand some hotels and artistic villas. Electric lights line of street cars. and occasionally the blue uniform of policeman. attest it's matured municipality. The avenues and the beautiful beach afford excellent drives, and the visitor has wide field for choice among the large assortment of vehicles that await his call
 Of hotels there is an unlimited supply. There are rich apartments for the wealthy, comfortable quarters for the independent, humble lodgings for the poor Many of the first-class hotels remain open throughout the year. With this view they are adapted to use as winter homes, and are as comfortable in mid-winter as they are agreeable In the heat of the dog days. They are heated by steam, and made costly attractive by open grates Several of them, notably the Brighton, Sea Side, Waverly, Berkeley and Victoria, have been thoroughly reftted since the close of the summer season. Many Of them have bath houses, where one can indulge the iu1u- rv of a saltwater bath; and well arranged aun- n-nsrlors, where invalids or others may bask in the bright sunlight without encounter ino ths outer air. These parlors are glass; inclosed porticos, affording excellent indoor proHenades The tables of the hotels are admirably maintained, as easy accessibiity:to all markets places the fiat of the land'' with in the grasp of the hotel proprietors.
 In matters of health Atlantic City has an enyiable record. No epidemic has ever had the hardihood to attack it's people. The san- itary measures enforced by the authorities as to cleanliness and drainage are an efectual safeguard against such attacks The drink ing water, a fruitful source of seashore trouble, is brought in fresh and pure from the mainland. As a sanitarium for invalids suffering from those subtle diseases of the throat and lungs, and for convslesoents whose energies are wasted by protracted illness, Atlantic City is highly esteemed by the medi- cal faculty. Physicians from many parts of the conntry have sent thousands of patients here ailing, to have them return hale and hearty.
 Yet to those who are not insalids the place has charm of it's own. They come for rest