Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-08-12
m NORTH CAROLINA


the Great Smoky.
Correspondence Of The Evening Star.
GRIAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS, N. c., Aug. 9, 1892.
To man blessed with health, vigor and en-
terprise in q reasonable degree, together with a
love Of nature in her more rugged aspects,
nothing could be more delightful than an ex-
cursion through that part Of North Carolina
west Of the Blue Ridge. The mountains rise
higher than at any other place east of the
Rockies. and pure air, refreshing breezes and
cool nights are the order of nature.
These lofty mountains seem to be huge con-
densers, which precipitate moisture when the
low countries are parched and dry. Crystal
streams Allied with specified trout and bass de-
light the soul Of the angler. The French
Broad, the Tuckasegee, the Nantehela and the
Little Tennessee tumble down through canons
and valleys that are the very perfection Of
grandeur and lovsliness
AT TEE SUMNER RESORTS
which are springing up here and there one
meets people Of culture and refinement in un-
expected, remote places. having been driven by
the heat from the less favored climate Of their
homes. thus supplying all that could be want
ing 70 make the region q summer paradise.
The happy wight vhom an indulgent fate per
mits to sojourn fora season here gets his first
taste Of its glories when he sscends the Black
mountains, east Of Asheyille, by way of the Rich
mond and Danvills railroad. passing up over q
maze of horseshoe bends, unique curves and zig
Tags. Near Ashevilh Ia the grand mountain estate
Of George W.Vanderbilt, on which he is building
Q palace and roads, drives, fountains and other
improvements costing millions.
Ovsr the Balsam mountains are the Haywood
White Sulphur Spings, where can be enjoyed
the pleasant sociey Of many cultured people
| from many cities.
A STORM N THE MoUNrAINs.
took q horseback ride with q friend the
other day from the springs to the top Of Caney
| Fork Bslsam mountain, a distance Of ten miles,
and an altitude Of 400 feet. As we neared the
topp thunder stom gathered about the crest
and turnee loose q appalling chatter Of heaven
artillery through he forests. There were blind
ing flashes Of lightning and the quick tearing
sound Of nearly thunder. We pushed on
and found the crest destitute Of trees and
covered with tick gree sod. The view was in
describably grad. We look down on mountain
peaks, ridges, creams AID valleys apparently
without end. Hes Of fleecy clouds were cling
ing to the sidesof some mountains, while others
| were completed enveloped by clouds, except the
crest, which showed through like an island in a
lake. Blast thunder clouds were rolling fiercely
and noidy ground the sides OF other noun
tains vile some more favored were beaming
berignl under the golden tints Of the sun .
rays. fragments Of cold, gray looking clouds
were sndding close around us.
| AMONG THE CHERoKEEs.
Itias vita regret that bade farewell to the
pleynnt associations OF the Haywood White
sulphur and crossed over to the Cherokee In
dn reservation in Swayn county, where there
e stall about !, 800 u the Cherokee Indians.
Mines OF corundum, tale, kaolin, mica and
ether rninara.s are being developed all through
Inc mountains, and the stranger instinctively
feels that there Is q dawn Of prosperity jus.
bearing Oh this region.
There is here q great abundance and variety
OF mineral resources scarcely yet touched by
the hand of man. At one county seat noticed
razor-bacE hogs in possession Of the corridors
OF the court mouse, little log houses without
windows in.erspersed With nea. new cottages OF
tasteful modern architecture, soms stores whose
stock consisted of scarcely moro than a pair
Of SCISSORS, dozen spools Of thread and few
b Its OF loud-looking calico, and others which
might we'll grace the business steeets OF o me.
tropoiis.
There are people with the light Of ntelli-
gence and enterprise in their faces AMI stolid
looking mountaileers, with sh&mDling gait
rs II acquired in walking up hill. There are
bright, pleasant looking women neatly dressed
and others VI a different mold. who dip SNUFF
and have the ever-present snuff stick in their
mouths.
The affection in which Senator Vance il held
hereabouts is attested by the number of bows
named Zeb. Where the family is not blessed
by son they will either call girl or q
favorite horse or dog by the name of Zeb. Al
Bryson City heard a man behind me say in an
affectiopste tone, "Come On, Zeb." On looking
back found ne was addressing a little black
dog with tail tightly CURED over his back. A.