The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1896-02-22
UP THE sCHUYLKILL.

A little beyond the Water Works, and
within sound of falling water. where the
river breaks over Paramount dam, at Phil
adelphia, Pa, is the wharf from which
the tourist embarks for pleasant hour
ride up the Schuylkill In company with
mine hostess | enjoyed delightful trip up
this quiet stream, as it flows through the
park, now rounding graceful curve, then
whirling in eddies about the massive piers
of the bridges, only to broaden and broaden
until at length the current falling over
the dam, finds another level, thus to con
tinue its course to the distant Delaware
As the little steamer left the pier and
started up the river a stray breeze which
had been lowering over the water famed
the awnings above the deck, bringing with
it breath of country lands beside this
''hidden creek. Upon the east bank,
above surrounding trees, stood lofty tres
tied tower, its summit commanding an ex-
tended view of the city and park lands
marked with woods and open lawns; and
looking northward shining track revealed
the river, its course traced until lost be-
yond the distant bend The attractive
houses of many boat clubs stood near the
waters edge, each one presenting some
feature of construction differing from its
neighbor; and as the steamer proceeded up
the river two oarsmen, exercising i'll a
graceful scull, followed for some distance.
High banks crowned with spreading
trees concealed any view of surrounding
country, while tall cliff, whose base
touched the water, commanded the east
ern side, where, upon whose top, were
seen scores of white tom6stOnes, with here
and there monument. the emblems of
cemetery that overlooked the river for
many curve northward But the woods
growing less and less through AN opening
of the foliage the dome of Memorial Hall
appeared to view, across stretches of lawn
Rounding bend in the stream a new scene
was presented. Overhead the sky was
partly clouded, hut the sun shone brightly
on the water, the reflection from the sur
face relieved by the green foliage upon
either bank. The graceful spans and
arches of the bridges were left behind,
and looking forward the eye beheld view
of pleasant landscape. Near this point
the river makes several curves, and as each
was traversed new features of wooded
ridges, occasionally relieved by distant
prospects of open fields, presented them
selves,
Many historical associations cluster about
the river, which lend an additional charm
to the journey. The old mansion of Judge
Peters stands close by Here Washing
ton made his headquarters, and in this
home the traitor Arnold fingered during
his soiourn in Philadelphia. Near to the
rivers edge is little hollow, shady re-
treat from sun-beat fields, said to be the
scene of one of Tom Moore charming
lyrics, and about which the Irish poet
composed one of his tenderest melodies,
1t is a spot that might inspire any poet to
write of pathetic themes, and with the
influence of this quiet retreat upon him he
tells us, in his own musical rhythm
know by the smoke that 50 gracefully eurled
Above the green elms, that d cottage was near;
And said, IF there's peace to be found in the
A heart that is humble might hope for it here
1t was noon, and on flowers that langulshed around
In silence reposed the vouPtuons bee;
Every leaf was at rest and heard not Il sound
But the wooodpecker tapping the hollow beech
tree.
But there remained other scenes yet to
be enjoyed The mouth of Wissahickon
Greek. as it is revealed among luxuriant
foliage to the right, presents bit of river
romance to the tourist The last landing
was reached a short distance above the
creek, and the steamer, after remaining a
few moments at the pier, started home
ward. The shadow of the boat fell upon
the water; wreaths of black smoke, mir
rored on the surface, foated behind; the
sunlight danced and sparkled over the lit
tie waves and shone brightly on the banks
of woodland green; and as pleasant breeze
bore away the heat of midday, we pro-
ceeded down the Schuylkill, half of our
journey already completed Familiar sights
appeared upon either hand. Wissahickon
Greek was lost as the little steamer rounded
a curve; the romantic hollow and its asso-
Citations, by Moore far famed, disappeared;
bend after bend opened and closed our
view; and the bridges, about whose founda-
tons the current whirls and breaks IN
miniature pillows, were seen no more.
And at last, after crossing the expanse
where the river widens before falling over
the dam, the wharf was sighted, and our
journey was at an end. The hours ride
upon the Schuylkill had become thing of
the past, but the memory of whose scenery
was henceforth destined to
-'srest undimmed by faint or stain,
MID lonely byways Of the brain,
There, with Its haunting grace, TO seem
Sci in the landscape of : dream"