The morning times., 1896-04-05
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Those who drive, ride a bicycle, or
walk and enjoy tie exhilaralion of an
outing among attractive country scenes
are 10 be congratulated that they live in
the city OF Washington. Probably no
where else in this country VIII there be
found scenery Of such a varied character
as that which nature has SO lavishly be-
slowed upon the territory surrounding the
nations capital.
Within lew minutes spin from any part
OF the city one can dive into the depths of
primitive wildwoods or into cultivated
fields and meadowlands bordered by un-
tanned nature OF character that Is the
more attractive by this contrast with adj
Vancing civilization.
The country. generally speaking, is Of
an undulating character, but there is a
variety OF piclureSqueness. There are land
6capes 10 please The most fastidious. Along
the Potomac this is particularly true, and
In the valleys OF Rock Creek and the Sligo
Branch are stretches which for the quiet
beauty OF their ruggedneSs cannot be sur
passed an ywhere. Across the Eastern
Branch and along the roads leading from
Anacostia are TO be found other hooks of
q pleasing character, and in Alexandria
county Va, there are many very attractive
views. particularly along Mil Run, which
leaps into the Potomac above the George
town bridge.
Many sIreets OF the city merge into
country roads In every direction, and these
combinations are crossed by innumerable
roads In the outlying section, which cut it
up into huge network. While some OF
them are labeled by crossing boards at
these Intersections, not all OF the 200
miles Of roads in the District are so mark
ed, and that fact is the source of much an
noyauce TO those who are unacquainted
with country tours.
However. there VIII usually be found
landmark OF some distinctive character
near s, and when these helpful finger
boards are missing, the tourist can readily
get ais bearings thereby and follow a route
from a written description.
Good RAIDS in the District
The principal roads in the District are
good gene rally macadamized-but that
Cannot be SAID OF all the roads one strikes in
the States Of Maryland aud Virginia. These
latter are, with few exceptions, in such an
unkempt condition tnat wheeling over them
Is irksome. and, since the country is sought
for pleasure, only those sections traversed
by the better roads VIII be considered in
this article.
The Conduit road will probably furnish
the most entertainment for the bicyclist.
Its surrounding scenery, high altitude,
smooth surface and easy grades make 1t
en- en- ioyabIe route all the way from George
town to Cabin Johns; and, while notso good
for four miles above that point, IL is gen.
orally i'm fair condition as far as the Great
Falls
To reach this road. follow the canal
west from Georgetown bridge and bear TO
the right al the fork a few hundred yards
bsyDnd At the summit OF this HILL follow
70 the left. Another entrance To the Con-
duit Road is by way Of 7 street, George
town, thence by the New Cut road to its
conjunction at the distributing reservoir.
This latter is the preferred route, in going
because Of its delightful coasts.
Tie Conduit Read is Washington River
side Drive II is in constant view of thS
placid Potomac, far below, and the pre-
oipitous bluffs which rise from the river S
edge along the Virginia shore while, on the
other hand the unduIating fields aud wood
land form a pleasing contrast in restful
landscapes. As we proceed along the course
The scenery begins 10 assume grand pro-
portions.
Aloe and Button wood brooks are crossed
1n rapid succession, the latter, which winds
fits way through q rugged glen, being
marked by q school house. which stands at
the entrance OF ST. Phillip road, on its
west bank.
Rugged at River View.
short distance beyond here IS the re-
ceiving reservoir at the boundary line be-
tween the State OF Maryland and the Dis
trict, and from this point good view of
Chaln Bndee ana Old Fort Myer IN virginia
Is TO be had. This reservoir is formed by a
natural basin walled In by siXty-foot en-
bankment, across Power Mill branch, and
80 sprngtime is a bright stretch of water,
reflecting the emerald of its bordering z
oensely wooded hills. 1t is the first re-
ceptacle for water which is consumed by
the city, aud is filled ny conduit nine feet
So circumference, which conducts the water
under the smooth surface Of this road from
the Great Falls Of the Potomac, which are
situated fourteen and half miles west OF
Rock Creek. This little lake borders the
road, and is marked by the sluice tower at
fts southern extremity On the left, down