Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-11-22
I'm GREENE COUNTY.
PICTURESQUE AND WEIRD SCENERY
GRAPHICALLY DESCRIBED.
Outorappiags of oii--The orand Falls Of
south River--Ths Fish. Reptiles,
and the People.

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spondents to foreign countries 10 wite up
their beauty and granduer, which nss be-
como more than twice-told tale, when, X
they would only look nearer home, they
would End much untold which would %
Of great interest to the public. Nature mss
many hidden wonders which have never
been revealed to the outside world. Rail
roads are yet TO be built. which will show
man much Of the beautiful IN his own
country. We have the widest, grandest'
most picturesque, and weird scenery, seen
only by few. because of the big expense
OF tunnelling our bIg mountain. The nttie
county OF Greene. tucked away az u IS IN
der the left wing of tho Blue. Ridge, 10 q
fair sample of unreVealed wonders.
THE srASLRDsvnLK OIL
The oil running as IL does from the re-
cesses in the mountain IN so pure form
can hardly be realized a. true by the pub
lie. Time will prove that it is not man ;
work. Such supposition is perfectly er-
roneous to one familiar with the circum-
stances connected with It, Allindications
are that IL must be there in abundance
and will some day be worked successfully.
Stanardsville was the centre OF attraction
when oil was first discovered there. Many
curiosity-seekers hied hither TO satisfy
their unbelief. After the excessive rams
quit forcing. the oil to the surface the
travel abated. The first party who con-
trsoted to work the oil was too hattering
in bis offers to comply with the terms OF
the bargain. Another party has taken
hold of 1t now, who will do his part. pro
vlded the people give sufficient options on
the required quantity of land. He expects
to begin work in. the spring; If the neces-
sary work for beginning can be finished oy
then.
HrGHToP.
The highest point OF the Blue Ridge IS
noted for its beautiful far-reaching scenery.
IL towers high above eyerying else. Its
top is clear and affords q good pinnacle TO
enjoy the surrounding scenery OF many
counties. Tourists all visit II with satisfied
pleasure. When they are on its summit
they feel that they are up in the world in
deed, even 10 the clouds.
CAMP sPRtNo.
A bold spring 10 located on the top OF
Saddle Back" near the Shenandoah line
of Greene, where the county folks In We
olden times spent their leisure, camping
out and hunting game which trequsnteu
this place in those days.
SOUTH RtvRR FALLS.
South river was Graded within the
Rockingham bosom of the Blue Ridge TO
give fertility to the South River Valley. 1t
is a bold. swift stream, gaining in swiftness
and proportion az it glides along its rocky
bed from its noun ain home. IL falls from
the top OF the Blue Ridge, the distance Of
eighty or hundred feet. The water makes
two leaps, as If TO free itself from its
mountain parent. The first water falls
into pool of foam, whose bottom has not
vet been fathomed. Dogs have been sucked
in this pool, never TO rise again. In the
second fal! the stream is divided by o
large rock. When the river Is low the
rock projects and divides the stream, but
when the water is high it IS all one i'm
mense sheet of foamlng water.
THE SCENERY.
Many hundred feet above where stand
are cliffs of wild fantastic shapes left by
the Advise as suitable companions 70 this
waterfall. The ravens cliff, rocks thrown
up higher than the tallest trees. which
crow to their longest In this fertile place,
he the most romantic and picturesque OF
them all. As i stood at tho foot Of the falls
n feeling Of awe and reverence filled my
mind as | gazed on the grand scenery
hidden away in this mountain. Around
the falls it is as romantic and weird 10.
day as in the days when the red
search Of the wild game OF the forest.
Near the falls the mountain looms up on
either side with its huge rocks hanging from
It's ponderous sides forming precipices OF
an unsightly appearance. L breathe purer
atmosphere, wildness increases. and find
myself in deep rayine, followed out by
the hand of Time, ages and ages ago.
There are many who live near that have
never visited this attractive place. They
ha
Niagara ever TO see its unriyalled mountain
of toaming water.
THE FISH.
The beautiful speckled trout multiply
rapidly in the mountainous part Of South
river. Expert fishermen take many OF
them from this stream in the spring and
fall. The handsomest forest trees OF the
Blue Ridge are found on this side of the
mountain. The large poplar, tall chest
nut. Norway spruce, and mountain birch
reach perfection here. But the large oak,
decorated as of old with the traditional
mistletoe, stands towering in stately
grandeur above the rest, as If dong
homage to Him who moulded the green
mountains and followed out the fertile
valley.
THE WOMEN AND THE sSAKEs.
This is q dangerous resort in the months
of summer. as the heat OF the sun warns
the rattlesnake into new life after his long
winters nap. As the serpent and woman
never were suitable companions she leaves
him alone in his glory to enjoy his noun
tain home until cold weather puts him TO
sleep. then she visits the falls with the
satisfaction Of knowing she is on top this
time.
THE PEOPLE.
As class the people are genera us. kind
hearted. honorable, and industrious. They
are of Fnplish-irish descent, but are
thorough going Americans now. They
have lust enough IRISH mixed in their
blood to make them love friend and re-
member an injury. The men are devout
politicians. The women are domestic in
their habits and make tho best of mothers.
A universal relationship exists there-all
are cousins.
The men and women both are good
riders. They learn to manage the most
formidable s.eed whom quite young.
Therefore, they are healthy. energetic,
robust race, The people do not take holo
of improved methods as rapidly as some,
but are prone to follow in the footsteps OF
their forefathers. The parents send their
children to school regularly, and they have
the advantages OF good schools.
AFPLEJAoK.
The babies are raised on applejaok. In
fact. il is a universal remedy in some
families. If you ask native remedy for
anything from cut finger to snake-bite
ne will tell you applejack, which can be
had over the next hill. Over most OF the
hills IN Greene county Is q still-house with
pure apple-brandy. 1t is oil newt never
keeps until it is old.
SUMMERS IN GREENB.