National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-07-19
SUMMER ROAMING.
Enjoying Beautiful Drives. Scenery,
and Weather.


and Weather.
NATURAL BRIDGE, VA, July 15.-It
would be difficult to imagine more pleas
ant or profitable way Of spending few
days free from the cares OF an active city
life than taking advantages of the pleasant
excursions to Luray and this point which
now leave Washington. In q marvelously
short space Of time after steaming out OF
Washington with q pleasant party, we had
arrived ut Harper's Ferry, and as the train
slackened speed for few moments took
our first view Of the historic ground on
which still stands John Browns fort. Here,
too, is witnessed the beautiful sight formed
by the junction Of the Shenandoah with
the Potomac. Then on again down the pic
turesque valley Of the Shenandoah by moon
light. After delightful hot supper, served
on the exquisite china for which the Luray
inn is noted, and admiring the quaint archi-
lecture Of the place to one hearts content,
we were shown to our rooms. The next
morning after hot breakfast at z, we were
driven over to the cave, OF the manifold
wonders Of which 1t Is unnecessary TO ex-
patiate.
Then, taking the 10 o'clock train for the
Natural bridge, we arrived here shortly
after 2 O'Clock, just In time for dinner.
We were whirled up to the Forest Inn in
white horses, and looking all the world
like the famous old Deadwood coach.
With a dexterous touch Of the reins, the
colored jehu would send the horses dashing
around O curve, while the vehicle rocked
from side TO side. That he enjoyed the
ride no less than ourselves was evidenced
by the frequent display Of cleaning
white worries, which lent charm to his
ebon countenance
Our first stroll was to the pretty-wooded
park which crowns the top Of the Natural
bridge. From this eminence, almost with
out breath, we looked down the precipi-
tous sides Of the cliffs to where
2l5 feet below, through the wild, beau
tiful glen, runs the brawling little
stream dignihed by the name Of Cedar
creek. But II Is, perhaps, when standing
beneath the bridge and gazing upward at
that wondrous arch Of solid stone-"not
made with hands"-that we gain an ade-
quate idea Of its stupendousness and sub
| Unity. Not far from the bridge there has
been discovered during the past year another
wonderful freak Of nature In the shape Of a
| cave wherein is natural stone stairway
extending from the base to the summit OF
the mountain. On either side Of this stair.
way are vaulted chambers with groined
| archways from the roof OF which depend
crystal stalactites. This will be fully eE-
| plored this season and opened to guests by
next year.
The outlook for the present season is un-
usually good. Already the greater number
| OF the cottages have been engaged and will
soon be occupied by the families Of army
and navy officers, and the hotels, Forest
Inn, Appledore, and Pavilion, seem In no
less demand. Various improvements have
been effected since last season, 80 that the
hotel accommodations are among the
finest TO be found anywhere. Col Parsons,
the owner and proprietor, has thorough
knowledge OF what Is necessary to the
proper management Of so vast an enterprise,
and the ability to put this same knowledge
into practical operation.