The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1886-07-09


AS the momentous day, the 18th of May, dawned
upon us it was hailed by many welcome heat
1t is the day to be long remembered in the his
tory of the old Virginia Military Institute, being
at the battle of New Market. Suspension of
studies is given and all who desire are allowed to
visit the Natural Bridge.
The sun rising in his majestic grandeur and
brilliancy told US that we had beautiful day be-
fore us. Not long before these huge mountains
clothed in their garments of green foliage which
they had recently taken on in lieu OF their
bare trees, and snow crowned caps, and whose
hoary heads piercing the clouds, and standing as
giant sentinels for centuries, looking over the
destiny Of this romantic country, saw long line
of vehicles climbing their rugged sides. As we
assembled the mountains and turned to take a
view of the little historical town. situated far
below us, in beautiful valley, we soon found
for thought no one could be startled at 1t. There
stands Washingtons statue, towering high above
the Washington and Lee, as model of patriotism
to the many students that annually leave her
halls. Not far distant is grand mausoleum,
erected to the memory of the immortal Lee. On
distant hill is the resting place of the ustrious
jackson. over whose grave monument will soon
erected in place of the marble slab which marks
the sacred spot, made sacred by holding the re-
mains OF such fine and spotless character
Well can Lexington boast of holding the remains
of the two greatest military captains the new
compare well with those Of the great Naspoie o
Lexington will be as the Mecca of the South
thousands visit 1t annually to see the resting
place OF the two great conquerors. Gen. Lees
Office Is to be seen just us he left it fifteen years
ago.
After rough ride up and down the rugged
mountains, we reached our point of destination.
Only few minutes of rest gave us new strength
when we started out to find ourselves uncon-
sciously standing on the top of the Natural
Bridge. stranger oblivious of such place
would pass over it without knowing he was cross
ing one OF the great natural wonders of the world
The bridge Is said to be two hundred and fifty
feet high from its top to the bottom of the creek
The rock that spans this chasm is twenty feet
deep. A rough rugged path, sometimes a flight
of steps, and again lodges of rock lead you to the
bottom of the creek Tradition has it that Wash
ington threw fifty cent piece over the bridge
while he was surveying along the creek. Every
ambitious boy that visits the bridge tests his
strength by attempting to rival the great states
man and soldier A little above the bridge is a
cave, with only one point of interest, being dug
out for saltpetre by a band of those noble souls
twenty years ago, who were contending in that
bloody strife that tore down the chivalry of the
South. As we moved on up this glen admirng
the gigantic walls that enclose us, we next came
to the Lost River, stream that dashes over
rock under the ground. making loud, roaring
noise Whence 1t comes or whittier 1t goes no
AS we continued our stroll amidst the green
foliage of the trees, the blooming lilies and the
scenery, we finally reached the Lace Falls, two
miles above for although they do not compare
with Niagara In Sc to height yet there
and this s that the water In dashing over the rocks
forms fnnumerabe designs which resembles
lace-work, whence its name. This is the last
scene In this noted glen.
Retracing our steps we next visit the most in.
teresung slRnt az TINS place, next 10 the Natural
Bridge. One of the beautiea of nature Improved
by the artistic hand of man, is Arbor Vita Falls
The water with which the falls are supplied Il
checked by a dam and held in an immense reser-
voir. 1t Is then allowed to escape and 1t comes
charging down. striving In its mad career tc
curry every thing in its way. Before it strikes
the falls it makes over long incline Of rugged
cock, jumping and leaping onward as IL 1t would
tear the huge rock from its foundation, until II
reaches Cedar Creek, q hundred yards below
where it curbs its raging passion, and joins In
companionship the gentle murmuring brook II
meets.
After this interesting feast of the eye for fifteen