Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-06-20

to the westward. As you near the site of the
old toll gate, at the junction OF Seminary road
you are treated to a good view of Alexandria
the Potomac river and the Maryland hills be-
yond.
Another half mile takes you to Alexandria,
the earthworks of Fort Ellsworth being noticed
TO the right On Suffers Hill, at the outskirts Of
the town.
EXCURSION NO. 6-ro LEEcH's CROSS ROADS.
Route-Take Leesburg road by way of King
street, thence to Seminary road, to High School
road, again entering Alexandria by either
Roanoke. Princess or West street.
Condition of the roads-Leesburg road,
fair, hard but rough. Seminary road. fair.
gravelly and rough, the eastern end being
west end unsuitable for carriage travel, but a
light buggy could get through without risk.
Arriving at Alexandria King street conducts
you to the Leesburg and Alexandra turnpike,
which follow to the entrance to Seminary road.
Upon entering this road and looking mort west
erly from Maj. Janney's, on the left, Fairfax
Theological Seminary appears to good advan-
tage Crossing Quaker Hill road, which runs
along the eastern side of the seminary grounds,
move along the south side of the seminary and
Howard, an outpost Of Fort Ward, reminis-
cence of the civil war.
A quarter of a mile from here you pass Oak
Grove Camp, pretty Methodist camp meeting
place. An interesting, well-cultiyated section
is now passed through.
Arriving at Leech's cross roads (the dividing
line between Fairfax and Alexandria counties
runs near hcre), about two miles from the SEM
mary, you turn to the right on High School
road and soon cross wild wooded ravine. A
growth of scrub oak and underbrush lines the
ravine and covers the adjacent hillsides. pre-
senting picture wildly grand. Scrub Oak
brook, small and tortuous stream, runs along
the bed of the ravine, whose sides are well
decked with plant life.
Gaining the high ground beyond you pass
through the old earthworks of Fort Ward. This
| Is about mile northwest of the seminary, the
cupola of which is visible in front. The fort is
2S5 feet above tide level and is six and half
miles from Washington. The old works are
pretty well preserved and the view from the
parapets is far-reaching. Georgetown Heights
and the city OF Washington are in full view, the
monument being particularly conspicuous
The Episcopal High School of Virginia, a
modest brick building. with a creditable his
tory, standing in the midst of attractive
grounds, is on the right as you move away from
the fort This institution was founded in 1889
by the late Bishop Meade, the avowed object of
its establishment being Ito provide an institu-
ton of learning where youth could be thor
oughly educated upon Christian principles, and
where their morals and habits could be pre-
served from the dangers of evil associations.
The present principal is Prof. NJ. A. blackboard,
who has been identified with the school since
1870. The school is in prosperous condition.
More than one hundred students are on its roll
and they represent many of the states of the
Union. Fifty thousand dollars are being ex-
pended this year in improving the buildings
and grounds. There are 100 acres in the in
closure. The school is three miles west of Alex
andria. The grounds of Fairfax Seminary adj
join the school on the east. Half mile from
the school the Leesburg turnpike is crossed.
From Mr.. George Uhler's, on Mount Ida,
fine view of the city of Alexandria is OBJ
tanned. The placid waters of the broad Po-
tomac, fringed ON the east by the hills of Prince
Georges county, Nd, arc also visible from
this point.
As the city is neared tho northern slope OF
Suffers Hill presents itself, part of the ruins OF
Fort Ellsworth being seen on its summit
Alexandria may now be entered by either
Roanoke, Princess or West street.
GEORGE SIMMONS.