Birmingham age-herald., 1894-08-21
MUSINGS FROM BLoUNr SPRINGS.

BLoUNT SPRINGS, Aug. 18.--lSpecial Correspondence. l--Just now there are many charming people gathered at this famous old resort and the days are passing in a continuous round of social pleasure Perhaps at no time during the season has Q more cougenial company been assembled here and the hotel verandas and parlors are joyous with mirth and merrimenI, while the remotest fastnesses of the surrounding mountains are being made to reveal the secrets of ages to dauu tless explorers, who, with alpine stock in hand, daily sally forth on great discoveries bent. The native moun- taineer, who has from childhood's earliest hour dwelt within the shadow of towering peaks and drawn health and strength from their balmy breath, can scarce appreciate the feeling of exhileration and joyous abandon with which the town bred man woos sweet nature as found within the dominious of the god of the mountains.
 Not far distant from the hotel and mark ing one of the highest points on Duffy's mountain is s'Lover's Leap,' popular resort of pedestrians who temporarily so- journ here. Lover's Leap is a broad, rocky ledge juttipg out into space hundreds of feet over the green decked valley below. Connected with the spot thtre is romantic story of love and death dating back to the time when the Indians roamed the forests, monarch of all ey surveyed. Thus the legend runs: O ! upon lime the favor hite daughter Q mighty chief lost h her bold and dashingv brave, was, for reasons pnot clearly apparent, -disliked by the maiden's father, by, whom the suit was op- posed. Nothing daunted, however, the enamored pair determined to unite their destinies despite the opposition of the chief. So one moonlight night, when the village was wrapped in slumber, the maiden stole forth from the wigwam and joined her lover, who was awaiting her coming near by. Soon they were speeding toward the distant country in which they had determined to cast their future lot.
 In the meantime, however, the chief had become appraised of the flight of his daugh- ter, and, together with q number of fleet footed warriors, set out in hot pursuit. Unused, as were the warriors, to threading the mazes of the forest, the maden's progress was necessarily slow, and 1t was not long before the pursuing party drew near. Hearing the rapidly approaching footsteps the fleeing couple redoubled their efforts, but to no purpose, and it soon be- came apparen that capture was inevitable. With VOWS of love and protestations of de- votion the two swore that no power on earth should tear them assuDder. Death itself WAS preferable. Near by was a ledge of stone, overhanging perpendicular wall hundreds of feet high. To this place they directed their footsteps, and just as the chief, followed by his warriors burst look on their, faces of mingled defiance and love, and clasped heart to heart in each others arms, leaped from the ledge and were dashed to death on the rocks below. Since then the place has been known as "Lovers' Leap"
 Many are the quiet hooks and lonely se- cluded spots in these mountains where, far from the haunts of man, one can revel in the beauties of nature and find momen- tary surcease from the cares and worries of business life.
 But it is not the purpose of this letter to dwell upon such topics as I find myself drifting into. I set out with the intention of telling your readers of the delightful progressive euchre party which was en- joyed here last night. It was truty charming affair, and to say that it was thoroughly enjoyed expresses the truth all too mildly. Thirty-six participated in the game, there being nine tables arranged in truly a gay and happy-hearted company. Mrs. w. H. Graves of Birmingham was mistress of ceremonies, and discharged the difficult duties thus imposed upon her with gracious elegance that added much to the success and pleasure of the delightful oc. casion.
 After a closely contested game, in which several tied for the prize, the following were declared the winners Of the first ladies' prize, an elegant cut glass vase, Mrs. Richard Randolph of Birmingham.
 Second prize. silver fruit knife, Miss Julia Smith of Tuskaloosa.
 Third prize, silver call bell, Mrs. Ander- ton of Louisiana.
 Ladies' booby prize, pair of scissors, was awarded Miss Leila Anderson of Bir- mingham.
 The first gentleman's prize, a silver yalise tag, was won by Moore of Blount Springs.
 Dr. Green, the resident physician, car ried off the booby prize, pocket knife.
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