The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1895-08-23
Highest of all in Leavenng PowerLaes u. S. Govt Report
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ABSOLUTELY PURE
ABSOLUTELY PURE

These modern passenger boats are among
the most splendid examples of mans handi-
craft. With the grand saloon $50 feet in
length, finished i'm solid mahogany and
equipped with the most luxurious furniture,
these crafts furnish a palatial refuge and
place of rest for the health-seeking traveller,
scarcely to be found elsewhere
The writer and party spent yesterday sur
veying the scenery of Mackinac Island, the
hub of the inland seas and the Northern
Michigan resorts. This island furnishes
some of the most picturesque scenes to be
found along the lakes, but like every other
place that has become a visiting point for
tourists, the beauty and oddity OF the natur-
al scenery is too often exaggerated. The
island is scarcely more than two miles in di-
ameter, but it is full Of places of interest.
1t is rocky deposit of the glacial period
with cliffs of calcareous rocks on all sides
rising from 200 to 800 feet in height, in
many places almost perpendicular from
the waters edge. Many points are of his
torical interest, by reason of the early French
settlements of the Jesuit missionaries an d
associations with the war of 1912,
The first thing to visit, of course, is the
fort, to reach which the tourist must ascend
flights of steps such as would be required
for a modern Chicago Office building. One
of the party inquired of a guard when and
where the morning drill and dress parade of
| fha rricOn could ha anh vua
directed to the plaza in front of the COM
manders headquarters. Our chagrin can
| be easily imagined when we discovered but
nine soldiers in the drill and learned that
this was the full garrison of the fort since 1t
was abandoned by the government two
years ago. Formerly two regiments occu-
pied the fort. 1t is now deserted looking
place with its white washed walls almost
black with tourists names.
| The rock-bound precipces along the
waters edge abound in a tumble of white
cliffs, cayernous rocks, deep recesses from
which bubble crystalline springs of ice-cold
water. The foliage of the interior furnishes
the richest background to these pictures of
fantastic nature. 10 every rock, den and
dell the red-skinned child of the forest has
associated some story of romantic beauty or
to'" "f superstl.lous fiction, The grnttos of
tnc c.iIis, the lu1Sed crass anu giri.o with
with cool, sparkling water gushing from the
crevices, delight alike the fancy of the lay
man and the critical artist.
Numerous paths lead to spots freighted
with romantic interest and promenades that
overlook dainty vistas of valley. Here the
kodak fiend may revel in luxury and feast
to safety on natures paradise.
"Arch Rock" and "Fairy Arch" rival the
natural bridge of Virginia and are the pret-
tiest scenes on the island.
The Devils Kitchen" consists only of
black caverns in the precipitous cliffs. At
ter descending 169 steps to reach it, one is
led to ask IL the reward is worth the effort,
especially 81 when he starts up the stair
| cases.
| Chimney Rock" and pulpit Rock" are
imposing monuments rising 200 IT. "Sugar
Loaf and "Gants Staircase" should not be
missed.
Fairy Arch is in cliff that projects out
over the water.
'Lovers Leap" Is suggestive of tale Of
woe.
The battle field of 1914 and the seat
of fort Holmes built by the British, are
| points of historical interest.
| OF artificial structures "The Grand" hotel
attracts our attention. 1t is one of the great
hotels of the country. The immense build
ing is $50 feet long and five stories high
representing capital of $300,00s. Its
architecture Is of the 'Old Colonial" style
and its colonnade portico 80 feet wide gives
1t the appearance of Worlds Fair struct-
ure. There are at present 500 guests, but
the building is capable of accommodating
1000. 1t is wealthy, aristocratic crowd
that is found here, whose time Is spent
mostly in dancing, card playing and sleep
ing. The "John jacob Astor" house is the
oldest hotel and was originally the head
quarters of the American Fur Company.
The island has standing population of
but 400, but during the resortlng season the
number reaches 5000.
After viewing tneSe points or interest on
the island we took ship on the "City of
Mackinac" yesterday afternoon and at mid
night reached Alpena. We are now
approaching Port Huron, this delightful
morning with the lake so placid that one
might wish for touch Of stormy weather
just for experience sake.
r. o. AUSTIN.