Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-07-18

MILL run.
Having recalled these facts, take the path to
the right, which passes around the south side
of the fort and strikes Mill run path nearly a
quarter Of . mile west Of the bridge that crosses
Mill run. Continue along the north side Of
the stream to the Potomac about half mile
distant. From the bridge Ivanwold by-road
leads southwark to Falls Church road. This
latter is a half mile Of very pleasant roadway.
For natural beauty Mill run is not surpassed
by any stream in this vicinity. Rock creek
possesses a larger volume OF water and at
places may boast Of holder cliffs and rocks,
but it does not surpass Mill run In wild pic
turesqueness. The stream has a rocky bottom
and its sides at places develop into rugged
cliffs and lodges Of no mean proportion. 1t
forms pretty cascade at its mouth. II is
shaded by fine trees and its banks and bottom
are rich in fora.
Mill run path should be . popular resort, but
it is not known as well as 1t ought to be.
The run enters the Potomac little west of
Holtzman's landing.
As you now move to the right along River
path toward the Georgetown bridge shaded
by majestic forest trees, the hillside is rocky
and rugged. Huge boulders are plentifully
strewn along your path. A little east Of Holtz-
mans Rock Hill Park, a public resort, Is passed.
Near here your course defects from the
river. Willow and Button Bush brooks are
crossed and you are at Falls Church road,
WHICH IOuoW 10 Inc leIt 10 nO1elyn.
succession of pleasing scenes--wildwood
and cultivated field, hill and dale. riverside
and brookside, tire % and shrubs and wild
howers-maks this a most enjoyable excursion.
Rabbits and squirrels are often seen. For wild.
secluded beauty the glen through which Mill
to be comparatively little known to Washing
tonans.
The only things that ma the pleasant aspect
OF nature along the route Of this excursion are
the low GROCERIES and gambling dens on the
river front above Georgetown bridge. 1t is
amazing that the Alexandria county authorities
should permit these dens of iniquity to exist, to
the generalization not only of the young. but
the old as well, not to speak Of its deleterious
effect on the material prosperity Of the section.
IT MIGHT BE CHARMING.
The following, were it not for the presence Of
the low dens that infest the river front and the
depraved crowds that they attract, would make
a charming short walk. OF course, the objec-
ton stated would only apply to the river front
part of the walk. After reaching Mill run
path the surroundings would be most pleasant:
Take River path at Falls Church road an
continue along the river front at the mouth Of
Mill run. at the west aide Of which Mill run
path ID taken to Ivanwold by-road, thence to
the left by said road ". Falls Church road,
which leads back to Rosslyn.
now bid fond, reluctant adieu to the at
tractive Virginia hills, which have afforded so
much pleasure and will transfer my pedestrian
explorations to the Washington side of the Po-
tomac, where scenes equally attractive are
waiting to be admired.
No one who has not seen it can form an idea
OF the natural beauty OF Alexandria county. N
T. Willis, who was great traveller, a. well a. q
keen observer, was charmed with it. He once
declared while standing on Suffers hill back Of
the city Of Alexandria, that he never saw any
thing in Switzerland to surpsss the scenery pre-
sented to the vision from that point.
GEORGE SIMMONS.