Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-10-10

The car remained stationary for a few mo-
ments in order that we might feast our eyes
upon this grand scene. the solemnity and sub
Unity Of which were only marred by the gruff
tones Of a stout gentleman in the rear of the
car who conscientiously undertook to explain
the beauties of the situation and point out
various points OF supposed interest.
The brakes being released we set off on our
journey down the mountain side. The ride
was intensely and exhilaratingly delightful
Faster and faster sped the car. impelled BY the
mighty force of gravity. now seeming to fy
through the air as it SKINNED the top Of a
precipice and gave US glimpse of the valley
far below, now rumbling through the woods
and over deep ravines, and now rafting along
the foot OF some rocky cliff, dashing first around
one curve and then another, presenting in
quick and bewildering succession the views of
a panorama whose grandeur and beauty can
only be comprehended by those who have wit
messed it while flying over the switchback
After a ride of about quarter of an hour We
again found ourselves at the base of the mount
ain, about eight miles from our starting point,
and at the foot Of another plane, that of Mount
Jefferson. the steepness OF which is only
equAled by that Of Mount Pisgah. The extreme
novelty having worn off in climbing the pre-
vious incline. we were able to better enjoy the
ascent of Mount jefferson and TO listen to the
remarks of the individual who officiated at the
brake wheel and volunteered information rela-
tive to the height of the mountain the length
Of the plane and the size of the engine required
to draw the car up.
After reaching the summit the car moved
forward down gradual incline for distance
Of mile, when we stopped at the quaint min
ing town Of Summit Hill.
While this old place is historically interesting
| as the locality in which David Ginter discov-
cred coal just 100 years ago, its chief feature OF
interest now is the burning coal mines. which
were accidentally set on fire in 1882 and have
been burning ever since, Notwithstanding thai
| thousands Of dollars have been spent In en-.
deavoring to put the fire out. The effects Of
this continuous heat are noticeable for acres or
the surface above the mines. the ground being
scared and bllghted and the rocks baked anc
cracked. The coal at this place comes Il
| the surface and in some instances risei
above it to a thickness of thirty-fivs
| feet. Many odd and useful articles are
made from coal by the miners and are sold at
small store at summit Hill Whistles, cups
match safes and napkin rings are among some
| OF the designs made from the hard, brigh
anthracite coal. After being inveigled inte
| purchasing n number of these mementos anC
| regaling ourselves with an expensive lunch at
| rustic restaurant, we boarded the car for tn,
homeward trip, continuous descending grad,
OF nine miles, being the original road pre-
| viously mentioned.
ihis ride was even more delightful than thu
outeoming trip had been, and we dashed dow
the mountain at terrific speed, whirlinf
around curves with a reckless rapidity anc
fairly bounoing over the rails. Unfortunately
| however, the full pleasure of the ride was some
what interfered with by the presence OF a mum
Der OF cows on the track, which necessjtatet
the slackening Of speed. These animals sssmet
| utterly devoid OF any sense OF danger and no
until the car was almost upon them wouIt
they shambis OF the track. Finally ~
man at the brake became impatient and CAV,