The morning times., 1896-04-05

the hill. will be found spring, which
wheelmeu and Others frequent.
Ground is now being broken for the In
ternational Bicycle Encampment Field, for
athletic sports, south Of the road at this
point. 1t ad1oins the government reserva-
ton belonging to this reservoir property
aud extends To tho Canal road. on the south.
1t is expected TO hnve completed track
for the events TO take place on Decoration
Day.
At River View the scenery begins to grow
rugged again; the river is here dotted by
islands, which make picturesque scene,
and first glimpse of the musical rapids,
known as Little Falls, is had. This point
is mile and half from Chain bridge, and
two miles and u half from Cabin Johns.
In season, the canal and river along here
affords good fishing.
short spin from here brings you to the
Rock springs, q nevcr-failing water
works, near the roadhOuse, which is wedged
into the rocky hillside. These springs
mark the eastern limits OF Glen Echo
Heights, and on the right, little further
along, is the station OF the electric road,
which carries passengers 10 and from the
city. They are cut Up into hills and val
leys, in manner thatis pleasing to the c We.
Along the canal, far belo W are shadynooks
that call forth much favorable comment,
and The river here is even more attractive,
owing 10 the numerous picturesque islands
which dot its surface.
Returning a gain to the road the next point
of interest is the Reading homestead en-
sconced in pleasant grove, short dis
tance beyond, on the left. The Reading
family has lived here since 1763. A
quarter OF a mile further is Cabin Johns
Bridge.
Cabin John was here long before the
bridge and 1t Is entirely proper that 1t
shall be distinguished by the humble cabin
just beyond its immense span of solid
masonry. An old half-breed hunter and
fisherman built himself a hut on the banks
Of this Wild ravine more than a hundred
years sgo. He was known as John and had
no other nppellation. His cabin soon be-
came part of IL, however, and he was
referred to as Cabin John, though it is
also said that Cabin was the corruption
of captain. The place itself in Cabin John,
the bridge being thrown i'll by way of en-
phasis.
This bridge is really what made Cabin
Johns fortune, as it is said to be the
largest single arch OF stone in the world
1t was built by the War Department when
jefferson Davis was Secretary of War,
and serves both as government highway
aud aqueduct for the city water supply.
This truly ma gnificent structure spans n
Wild gorge, forming a graceful semi-circle
of stone, now studded with beautiful stalac-
lIIeS, loTIned bg Jle SLOW tripping OF lime
stone water. This shady ravine is the de
light OF picnickers, who take dinner under
the trees and linger along the small gurgling
stream until the cool OF summer evenings.
One will want to pause here awhile be-
fore continuing on 70 the Great Fails.
He will want to recall the scenes he has
just passed through. If he has a love of
nature, he must bc charmed by the views
ss revealed from this road. No one with
any eyefor beauty can be other than pleased
with the surroundings.
During the Count of Paris visit TO Wash
ington he was escorted over this highway