Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-04-23
IN THE DISMAL SWAMP.
The Interesting Excursion of the Na.
tional Geographic Society.


The members of the National Geographic
society and their friends. numbering over
eighty, who made the excursion 10 the
Dismal Swamp and Virginia Beach, re-
turned on this mornings boat from Norfolk.
The excursion was a very successful one
and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who
went. The party left Washington Friday
night for Norfolk, where they divided. the
greater part proceeding directly 70 Virginia
Beach. Thirty OF the more venturesome
spirits. several of whom were ladies' intent
upon penetrating the mysteries of the Dis
NAL Swamp. took the train for Suffolk In
the Jericho canal they found awaiting them
the commodious lengthwise steamer which
makes occasional trips to Lake Drummond.
1t Is one of the most striking features of
the unique swamp scenery. IL is a stern
wheeler necessarily. as the canal is only
about eight feet wide), sixty feet in length
by five and a half feet wide. IL is supposed
to be propelled by steam, but propelled is
scarcely the term. as it travels at the rate
almost of three miles and a half per hour.
1t is between thirteen and fourteen miles,
called ten generally, to Lake Drummond,
and Ii takes four hours to make the trip.
All OF the lady swampers and a number
Of the men boarded this steamer dubbed
the f'Ditch Dart" while the real explorers
took carriages Qarm and express wagons
with store box seats) and started for the
mead OF navigation of the Washington
4 l.
found the canoes. in reality the ordinary
nat-bottomed boats and were padded to
Lake Drummond. five or six miles away
everybody was much interested in the
strange scenery, which was just about the
same on the two canals and which consist
ed mainly OF swamp, ditch and snakes. IL
| seemed as IL one was being padded along
nttie gutter The geographical experts
were thoroughly entertained by closely ex-
aiming the growth OF trees. MOSES etc,
and secured an excellent idea Of the general
character Of the famous Dismal Swamp.
The canoeists beat the steamboa-ers 10
Lake Drummond by a good hour. The two
canals unite near the lake and their union
makes navigation possible, for IL enables
the Ditch Dart" 10 back down into the
washington ditch and turn her bow in the
otner direction for the return trip.
AZ fhe Lake.
At Lake Drummond was found t6s
Drummond Hotel primitive and limited az
to accommodations and very short as "a
provisions. The chef appeared very indig-
nant because the steward supplied him with
only corn meal. bacon and fish, the latter
OF home production. but the visitors were
more even tempered. They came to see
strange sights; they could eat at home So
the photographers photographed, the artists
sketched. and the fishermen pulled out cat
1sh and perch. and the canoeists pad1led
their borrowed canoes. The latter were the
least successful, for ther went out on the
lake between showers. and I'm endeavoring
to return TO shore in a hurry generally took
circuitous route, twisting and turning IN
every direction. They were not experts with
the paddle.
Lake Drummond is oval in shape varies
IN width from three to four miles and Is a
| very pretty sheet of water IL is the CEN
| trail basin Of the swamp and into IL the
hundred thousand or more acres drain.
Eighteen OF the party returned on the
Dart Saturday afternoon and went direct
\ ly TO Virginia Beach. Twelve two Of
them ladies, remained over night at the
lake, and Joined the main party al Nor
| folk yesterday.
Mr.. Gilbert, DR.. Day and Mr.. Babb were
| IN charge OF the excursion and were tireless
/ In looking after the comfort and pleasure
of the party. The excursions of the Geo.
graphic Society are getting quite a repu-
tation, because they are so carefully plan
ned and the arrangements are always %
complete.