The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-06-06
MOUNTAIN ECHOES.
WHERE SHALL WE SUMNER TT
Visit to- the Natural Bridge and the
Healing Springs Two Charming Resorts.
Is,an correspondence of the Dispa,ch.I

q visit TO this beautiful Valley affords. espe-
cially at this season. The foliage and flow
ers were never more luxurious. The
mountain ivy and laurel are blooming In
abundant and richest hues, and as you
pass through the SHADY and well-watered
dell, or rise 10 lofty summit, II all looks
like one vast flower-garden.
Leaving Richmond uid the Richmond
and Allegheny railroad for hurried trip
to the Natural Bridge and Healing Springs,
have enjoyed to the fullest the exquisite
scenery along the rich and fertile banks OF
the upper James. The wheat and hay
crops never gave promise OF better or more
abundant yield. There are number Of ore
beds and furnaces being successfully work.
ed along this road. and there Is one fur
mace in the course Of construction at Will
ton, near Clifton Forge. while everywhere
the principal industry seems to be the COL
lection and shipment OF oak-bark. A large
business Is done In this.
TIE NATURAL BRIDGE
is undoubtedly the most interesting Of the
many points OF historical interest along the
.Alleghany railroad, which now supersedes
the old James River and Kanawha canal.
No preconceived idea OF this great arch OF
Natures architecture begins to come up to
the reality. 1t ever remains wonder OF
the world, and, like all the grand works Of
Nature, becomes the more remarkable the
oitener we see it, and our poor human
minds gradually comprehend the sublmity
Of its proportions. We can never visit 1t
without feeling OF awe at our own ipsig-
nificance and the greatness OF the Creator.
Then, too. what host OF historical memo
ries crowd upon us. The wonder OF the
Natural Bridge, though more ancient than
civilization, is ever new. 1t is impaired
in IN early lesson to every schoolboy !;
vet how few OF the millions who thus
know 1t have ever seen it, and conse-
quently have q just appreciation OF its
grandeur? No written description or
drawing OF it has ever given correct idea
OF the Natural Bridge. Personal obserya-
ton will alone suffice. And under the
present management OF Mr.. Eugene o..
Peyton, formerly OF the White Sulphur,
what charming summer resort this has
become. The hotels--AppledOre, Pavi-
ion, and Forest Inn-are in every re-
spect perfect in their appointments. The
rooms are tasteiully frescoed and hand
somely carpeted and furnished in cherry.
The fare is all that could be desired, and,
in fact, it is :he best-appointed summer re-
sort in the mountains OF Virginia. There
are several miles OF beautiful drives, which
have been recently completed to "Mars
HILL" "Thousand Pines" and an OBJ
seryatory on the summit OF Mount JEFF
ferson," while there are beautiful and pic
turesque walks for more than mile up
the dell above the bridge. Winding In ana
out with the limpid little stream known as
Cedar creek, the path. With tempting
rustic seats, inviting romantic rest at
every turn, and picturesque bridges, leads
to such points OF interest as " Hemlock
Island" "Saltpetre Cave" the "Lost
River" ard the Lace Waterfall" With
only two miles Of staging from Natural
Bridge depot, on the Richmond and ALE
phany and Shenandoah Valley railroads,
over excellent roads, in fine four-horse
coaches. the attractions OF this place are
made very accessible from every point, and
IL is destined to become one OF the most
popular summer resorts in Virginia.
But as / turn my thoughts from my
present place OF soiourD,
THE HEALING SPRINGS.
the lovely surroundings OF this " dearest
spot on earth to me" seem to look re-
proyingly that should live in other charms
than theirs. Well, it is without doubt the
most beautiful spot, as well As the most
healtbful spot, in the mountains. How
well might the anxious mother in the
heated city, with her fragile infant painting
for breath Of pure air, envy the health
nictures as seen in the children OF mine
host Eubank. The air is bracing, and the
atmosphere so pure and dry that even IN
the memory OF the 'oldest inhabitant :"
no fog was ever seen in this Heailng val
lev. The season has just opened, and there
is every prospect that the mountains VIII
be filed with visitors this season notwlth-
standing the many financial troubles.
From the number OF letters Mr.. Eubank
has received the Healing will have the
largest company this year that 1t has had
since the war. The accommodations have
been improved since last season, and new
stage liue, in addition to the other two utd
Millboro' and Covington, opened to this
valley through
IGRAw's GAP.
In the re0pening OF this road, which
runs from Clifton Forge, on the Chesapeake
and Ohio railway and the western termi-
nus OF the Richmond and Allegheny rail-
road, over the Warm Springs mountain
to the valley beyond, another OF the many
instances OF mans fickleness in projecting
enterprises is seen. Here Is road that
was built at great expense over high
mountain, and which is several miles
nearer to the Healing and Hot Springs
from the railroad than any other route, al
most entirely abandoned for many years.
strange 10 say, in AL that time 1t has with
stood the washings OF mountain torrents
and the decay OF time, while in a like
neriod other roads under same conditions
have been entirely obIiterated. With
reasonable amount of work, it will become
most pleasant route to the Warm-Springs
Valley. 1t presents some OF the most
lovely scenery that eye ever rested upon.
From the summit at McGraw's Gap the
view. looking towards Clifton Forge and
the headwaters Of the James, is simply
grand, while the prospect on the other
side. though less extended, is none the
less beautiful. A pleasant feature OF this
route is that almost the entire way Is well
shaded. while for mile or so 1t borders
a beautiful and well-stocked trout stream.
The new line Is supplied with coaches re-
Gently built and excellent teams. The
first trip was made on yesterday. Parties
Richmond vid the Richmond and
Allegheny or Chesapeake and Ohio rail-
way in the evening can connect with this
line early the next morning. Thus are
three WAYS opened to this loyeliest valley
of the world. The iron horse will next in
wade its domain, but how soon Is yet
matter OF conjecture.