Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1885-07-25

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bells, music and confusion, the Me-
chanic's Band picnic train pulled out
from the G. ". Depot last Saturday.
The infant, prattling upon its mothers
knee the light-hearted lad and lassie,
/ casting shepp-eyes at each other the
middle aged, to whom such trip was
a splendid treat the aged man and wo-
man. whom even passing years could
not dispossess of the desires of younger
days-all were aboard, feeling happy as
the iron horse sped on over the smooth
rails. The scenery along the route is
grand. Here neat farm house catches
the eve; there, stretching fields and
waving woods whirl by, as though de-
mons pursued them. There is slight
breeze ever and anon floating in through
the window. Birds flutter up from the
grassy fields, at the rumble of the cars,
and then settle down again, as they
dash on in the distance The wheat
harvest is over in the land Stacked
in small shocks, the thin-headed grain
stands still and silent. The sparse
oats still wave in the parched and
dry fields. The corn moves restlessly,
as though signaling to heaven for rain.
The trees are full of withered and dy-
ing leaves, and beneath the iron bridge
the river shows its rough and stoney
bottom. What evidences of Gods I'm.
known providence are seen in blasted
crops and decayed vegetation. When
man grows careless and defies the God
of Nature as well as of Man, bis wick
edness brings distress not only upon
himself, but upon his fellow-men also.
The train rushes on. Williamsport
and Hagerstown pass by, and then the
train switches off onto the w. M. r. r.
The appearance of the country changes
with the crossing of State lines. The
wisdom Of the Pennsylvania farmer is
noticed at once in contra-distinction to
that of his Maryland and West Virginia
brethren. The farms are decidedly
smaller and better tended. The dwell
ings are smaller and neater. Much of
the success of these Quaker farmers is
attributable to this small but thorough
farming system.
In few minutes the train begins to
ascend the mountain side. Higher and
higher we rise above the land and farm
houses nesting below. Up in mid lair
still winding along the mountain brow,
as the conductor opens the door: "Pen-
Mari" A slackening of speed and the
train stops. We have reached our des-
tination. Pen-Mar is a delightful re-
treat. The grounds are spacious and
shady; the orchestra music grand, and
splendid order is maintained by regular
policemen. There is, however, a spirit
of greediness and unfriendliness in the
very air you breathe. Every amusement
with the single exception of dancing is
charged for. So the sports are very
few and undesirable But to one who
delights in Nature, Pen-Mar is just
the place he is looking for There is
grandeur written on the gnarled trees,
the deep blue sky above, and wildness in
the whispering wind. But when you
stand in the comfortable lookout on
High Rock, the scenery is indeed grand.
Miles of mountains lay at your feet and
streams flash in the sunlight.
1t was noon, hazy and warm, when
we stood on High Rock. Below and
around were the unbroken, mighty Blue
Ridge mountains, silent and serene.
In front, away in the distance, the AL
leghanies looked lofty and smoky in the
shimmering heat. Between these two
mountain ranges lies the beautiful
Cumberland Valley, poisoning with
villages, farm houses, orchards and
woods. Far to the left, in its hills of
everlasting fame, one could see the fa-
nous battle fields and town of Gettys-
burg. Chambersburg was seen midway
the valley, but no Early or infantry dis
turbed the quiet that lay DER all the
land. Boonsboro, Cavetown, etc. were
seen in the valley.
Time will not allow of better de-
scription of our pleasant excursion nor
permit of dissertation upon the joys of
communion with Baltimore friends. In
the future, perhaps, when lead pencils
and space are cheaper, and the authori-
ties less piggish and disagreeable, we
may give our readers more complete
notice of this resort. We can only add
in closing this article, that more joy
full or quieter picnic than that of the
Mechanics Band has not left our city
this year.
Esat, tho month IF Iuf,t n c,,oooee;o,, 80