Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-05-01

We there shall meet to part no more,
| The hope that we shall see that day
Should chase our present grlefs away.
Crab Tree Falls.
CRAB TREE, Nelson County, Va,
April 23d, 1889,
Editor Spectator:
| If your late article on the Crab Tree Falli
has awakened a more lively interest in III
than in the rest of your readers, you will
| fad that but natural; and If we write the
present acknowledgment and response, w
trust you will not deny it place in youl
paper, valuable though the space may be.
We were much pleased with the care and
completeness of your account, or rather. ei
your treatise on the G. 7. F., and only ask
permission to add one distinguishing feat
ure, which has not been mentioned by tbs
previous writers, namely the peculiar cozy
and charming character of the cove above
the Falls-the "Uoper Valley" as you
have termed It, Oae glance at this basin
makes you exclain "A mountain home
| iu the truest sense Of ths word" If the
writer of this had the requisite means, il
would never be a summer resort-simply
because he would make it resort of his
ting than this little nook, high up in the
mountains, shut off from the rest of the
world and surrounded by the elevations,
| imposing and yet of smooth and soothing
outlines Can there be anything moro in
viting to settle down and read your favor
| ite authors, to pursue your favorite studies,
| to play your favorite airs on the guitar or
organ, to make your excursions in the
romantic surroundings among the rocks
| and ferns and wild flowers, to cultivate
your garden, or, if you are of domestic
turn, to live there Tor your wife and chill
dren (Ths latter part, however, does not
belong to the writer's calling, for he is Q
hardened bachelor. Since this will lower
him in the estimation of at least, half Of
your readers, we will mention him no more,
but return to our subjeet.)
The "Cove"-to give it definite name
ought to be made, according to our opin-
ion, the basis of the improvements. The
centre, or bottom, would answer for tho
play ground and ordinary walks above
them might be placed the main buildings,
whilst the slopes, openings and rocks fur
ther on would afford excellent opportuni-
ties for cottages, retreats, etc. The OPEN
ing towards the Falls would be especially
adapted to this purpose.
To locate the hotel on some salient point
Gas has been proposed) with an open view,
would show incorrect Judgment. The mind
soon tires of views and scenes, if constant
ly before the eye, and the visitors, not hav-
ing sufficient scope for ordinary exercise,
would want to leave. Thus the plan of Gre
ating home for the summer would be
frustrated But If residing in the Cove,
the parties, after each excursion, would
fho ha
new and enjoyable, and the home amuse-
ments would form pleasant variety. As
regards the style of the establishment, we
could scarely wish to see brilliant hotel
Of imposing Dimensions, but rather such
buildings is are in keeping with the rural
aad idyllic surroundings, which would
present the comforts for continued season,
aud which could accommodate people of
limited means as well as the wealthy.
When we speak of the ''rural or idyllic. "
We have reference chiefly to the Cove, for
on leaving it to ascend the surrounding
peaks, the scene changes as by enchant-
ment. The mountains, which appeared
gentle enough from below, soon show their
true character, when you undertake to
climb them; and after you have reached, by
way of slopes, rayines, ridges, the tops o1
the two Depriss5s, the oft-described pano'
rams-or rather cyclorama-will make you
realize to what height above the ordinary
world you have risen. The sublime, the
grotesque, the beautiful, the abrupt, are here
all united, and awaken feelings in you which
can be experienced, but never expressed.
1t would be great mistake, however, to
think that the main peaks exhaust the
sceuery of this section. There are in every
direction, attractive places of every kind,
wild and strange, calm and secluded,
where all can be su'ted, gay parties and SOL
itary dreamers, painters and musicians, stu.
dents and declaimers of poetry.
| Now, let us-very anxiously we admit
antici pate the establishment of the Crab
Tree Resort, aud extend cordial invita-.
ton to all lovers of Nature. and to all who
desire to refresh body and soul. Let them
shake Off the cares and dust of everyday
life; let them also cast out of their hearts
their jealonsies, envies and evil passions
geuerally; then let them come and spend q
season here, and if they do not return with
renewed vigor and confidence, it will be
nobody's fault but their own. The .limpid
water aud pure air of these mountains are
wonderful medicaments Gf not counteract-
ed by the objects of high living), and ths
scenery cannot fail to stimulate and refresh
even dull mind.
10 conclusion, dear SPECTATOR, we ask
you to use your influence in favor of the
project-by which we do not mean, by any
means to create an unnatural excitement,
but simply to foster what interest there is
strictly abiding by the truth.
| As for news, our humble society is not
able to furnish any worthy of your city,
hence we can only inform you that the trout
with which the care of Geo. R. Hight hsi
stocked the Grab Tree branch, are doing
well, affording US even now many dainty
meal; and the warmth of spring has at las
have concluded to risk it and are budding
very lively. A. o. D.
G.. r. II.