Daily Texarkana Democrat., 1893-07-31
LAVISH NATURE.
Unequalled Grandeur of Colorado's
Natural Scenery.
MANIToU, CoIo., July 26, 1898.

Unequalled Grandeur of Colorado's
Natural Scenery.
MANIToU, Colo, July 26, 1898.
In my last | stated that this boauti-
full mountain city reminded me OF
Hot Springs-was somewhat similar
The scenery hereabouts is far more
grand and picturesque, and there are
SO many interesting places to visit
the Garden of the Gods, caves, can
yons, falls, ETC., mentioned before.
Hot Springs has none of these attrac-
tions, nor Pixies Peak, but her mag
nifcent hostelries far excel those of
Manitou, and she is nearly seven times
as large. 1t is remarkable that Mani
tou has grown SO slowly, now having
less than $500 although it is about
eighteen years old, and has had rail
road running through it (the Colorado
Midlan6 for eight years. Colorado
Springs, a much older city, with a
population of $4,000, is six miles dis
tapt, and before Manitou was an es-
tablished town, the noted springs here
were visited from there by stage
coaches. Col. Zebulon M. Pike, the
first discoverer of these springs and
the snow-covered peak that bears his
name, thus describes in his diary his
first drink from the Manitou soda
spring:
"I had provided myself with tin
cup holding about pint, but before
dipping it in l divested myself of my
pouch and belt, and sat down in order
to enjoy the draughs at my leisure. |
was half dead with thirst, and, tuck
ing up the sleeves Of my hunting
shirt, l dipped the cup into the midst
of the bubbles and raised it Kissing
and sparkling to my lips. What a
draughtl Three times, without draw
ing a breath, it was replenished and
emptied, almost blowing up the roof
of my mouth with its effervescence.
1t was equal TO the very best soda
water, but possesses that fresh, nat
ural flavor which manufactured water
cannot impart."
Manitou is indeed a delightful re-
sort; the cool breezes from off the
snow ON the summit of the Rocky
Mountains, softens and nullifies the
summers heat to a great extent; heavy
clothing can be worn most Of the
time, and the nights are SO cool that,
cover is required. 4.
We have visited all the different
falls, caves, canyons, etc., and will
give condensed account of some Of
them.
Monday we visited the Garden of
the Gods, situated about three miles
east of the city. One cannot picture
in words the beauties of natue
here disclosed. Here are to be-
found natural battlements of various
tints and shades formed of outcrop-
ping crags. Curious formations, re-
sembling animals of past and present
ages, in monstrous dimensions,
wrought by the action of water centu-
ries before the advent of man, abound
on all sides. Balance Rock, as its
name implies, stands on pivotal base
and is one of the great attractions.
The gateway, located at the farther
entrance, and composed of beautifully
colored rocks which jut straight up
from the earth 800 feet, add interest
to visit to the Garden.
On Monday we also visited Grand
Caverens. A splendid drive Of about
two miles up Ute pass, and winding
roadway up the mountain side
brought us to them. The caverns are
located up upon Agate mountain. They
have been open to the public since
the year 1885, during which time they
have proved source of added inter-
est to summer tourist and winter So
iourner alike. During this period it
is estimated that al least 100000 visi.
tors have passed the portals to in
spect the weired and curious crea-
tions. There are Stalactlte and Stall
agnite formations in numerous halls
walks and chambers. 1t would
require too much space to de-
scribe the beautiful formations of
limestone, caused from dripping water
in past ages--vari colored and in all
shapes, initiating In appearance flow
ers, birds, animals, etc, bright crys-
tails appear like diamonds. Caverns
ere about two miles in extent under
the mountain, and here will say that
all said of these caverns will apply to
the Cave of the Winds, visited this
morning. The drive up Williams