The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-07-26
BEAUTIFUL SCENERY.
PICTURESQUE Y
Points Of Interest in aud Around tn
DAKOTA HOT SPRINGS.

frequently compared to the Yosemite
valley by those who have visited the
latter. In some parts it is even mo-e
majestic. The view from the front pi-
of the hotel is up the Wi.wi-la-
kah-ta canon, through which Ike Fall
ing Water river ripplcs on its nebbly
bed. In the distance a mountain rises
in all its grandeur and vastness, its
sides covered with forests of pine and
cedar. skirting the valley are the
foot hills, capped with the beautiful
cumulus or summer clouds, that por-
tend perpetual sunshine. In the back
ground is Battle Mountain, with its
groves of "murmuring pines and its
hemlocks." Not far distant is the
Cave OF the Winds, from whose mouth
a rush of wind issues continually. This
cave has been explored for a distance
of two miles and may, when fully en-
plored, exceed the Mammoth Cave in
extent and interest. A few miles from
the hotel are the two Lone Wells,
one round and the other square. Each
Of these is about two hundred feet deep
ono hundred feet across and looks as
though the bottom had suddenly drop
ped out. The Pine canon in which
tall trees r barely seen above the
sides; the elephants head carved by
natures hand IN the solid rock: the
lmmcnsity Of the overlanging cliffs:
the mystic tepee circles; all arc ma
jestic and wonderful. A view from
the top of Battle Mountain is a pleas
ure that alone would repay a journey
to this region. 1t is said the great bat
tie tor the occupancy of the Black Hills
in which the Sioux were victorious
was fought on this mountain. Here
arc plainly seen the ruins OF the stock
AIDES in which it is supposed the Chey-
ennes lntrenched themselves as a for
lorn hope. AS far as the eye can see
lies a succession of mountain peaks,
interspersed with parks and valleys
and canons. The mountain climb is
in itself an effort worth while, and
one that, for persons no too delicate,
must result in increase of strength.
A sunrise viewed from this height:
the thin mists rising below; the val
leys dotted here and there with herds
of drowsy cattle: a distant mountain
peak touched blythe first morning ray;
form a picture that would stir the soul
of an artist.
A lew minutes walk from the hotel
leads to the most beautiful rambles.
Here a prcfusion of bright hued flow
ers; there Il collection of rare ferns
and mossses. From'above on the noun
tain, where rocks and pine trees crown
the heights, a silver cascade comes skip
ping and leaping down.
Among the most attractive features
in the vicinity of the Hot Springs is
the Minnekahta falls, one of the prct-
test spots in the United States. One
mile from these falls is the Cheyenne
river which is rich in wonders for the
archaeologist. petrifactions, fossil re.
mains of extinct animals and curious
configurations of nature. Near the
base Of the falls is the Robbers
Cave, where it IS claimed the road
agents of an early day had their meet
ings and secreted their booty.
Italian skies prevail in this clear at
mospnere. and sunsets more gorgeous
than pen or brush could paint.
A day or two of camping out in this
region. or even asingle day given over
TO tramping about, is q verltable book
Of revelation. s%tupendous masses of
granite balanced on a point, scragggy
heights, deep canons, gloomy gr%ottoes,
tho stitful movement of the air tides
through the pine trees tho murmur
OF the waterfall, the magic effects of
light and shadow, the music Of the birds
the beauty and delicacy of each new
flower, the interesting story read in
misplaced rock strata, the bubbling OF
the springs. the thin mists rising from
their hot waters, the perfect abandon
OF day given over to the influences OF
nature, Of an escape from the dress pa
rade Of civilization, create a new world.
How these grand sy mplionies drive the
petty vexations Of life into the back
ground. "Care," according to Horace,
''sits behind the horscman, though he
rides as fast, as tho wind" But care
has no place in the heart of the noun.
tain nor in the soul that communes
with nature.
T'allyho coaches and invalid carriages
which render the ride of twelve miles
from tho railway station a most de-
lightful experience. and a'stable Of sad.
die ponies that are accustomed to the
mountain paths, ire at the command
of those who prefer riding or driving
to walking. Parties who desire to camp
80 L