New-York tribune., 1900-07-09
IN WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTALN ms
FEATURES OF THE REGION TRAvERsED
BY THE DIVIDING LINE OF THE
TWO MISUNDERSTANDING RE-
SORTED TO FOR HEALTH

SORTED TO FOR HEALTH.
Capon Bridge w Va. July s CspeciaD.-The bor-
uer me between the two Virginias is extremely
- suisr. A current phrase OF this region is that
~ 10 as crooked as a dogs tail. The original
mother of Presidents" became two sovereign
states by the process Of sson in the dark days of
1le civil War. The sturdy mountaineers of the
region west Of the fertile Shenandoah Valley did
not agree with the residents of the eastern por-
uon or the State in upholding the secession idea
elhoodled IN the Confederate States of America
with Richmond the capital and showed their
decided sympathy with the cause of the Union
N recognition OF this they were made the
cipients Of Statehood in 1863 The arm of the
state known as the Panhandle" lying along the
Ohio River, between Pennsylvania and Ohio, is
sTlcty Northern territory. being north of the
famous Mason and Dixon line. Here is the
nourishing city of Wheeling. for q time the capital
as 1t IL the largest city of the State, but 1t was
later superseded by Charleston on the Great Ka-
nawha River. as being more accessible from all
parts OF the State.
The Allegheny Mountains with many spurs and
ridges. traverse the eastern portion of the State
the Blue Ridge proper, which is east of the smiling
Shenandoah Valley, being in what the residents of
West Virginia call fondly ''the Old State" If
they happen to have been born or TO have lived
within its limits 1t is along the crests of the
ridges of these mountains that the State line in
the main extends, following the boundaries of
counties laid out before the war, and hence
consisting Of a series of zigzags on the map from
the Maryland boundary at Harper's Ferry south
westward until within hundred miles or so Of the
North Carolina line where it zigzags westward to
the Kentucky border, the Ohio River. The
Potomac forms its dividing line from Maryland
from Harper's Ferry westward, and into it flow the
of the northern and eastern portions of the
State.
LIKE MOUNTAIN REGIONS FURTHER NORTH
The mountain regions here are similar to those Of
TI,aN
system. and the stranger 10 his local environment
might well imagine himself in the Aleghanies, in
Pennsylvania; the Blue Mountains. in New-Jersey.
or the Shawangunks, in New York, from the ap-
pearance Of the ranges or the flora and fauna
Much or the timber is hardwood, and oak boards
and shingles in here than those of
softer wood 1t is a popularity Of the oak shinged
roofs that the shingles not only Tapped in the
ordinary fashion Of Northern roofs, but are also
Tapped on the sides well on the ends, so that
their warping from the heat of the sun can be
obviated much possible and the roofs remain
water tight. The general of hardwood boards
for piazza floors for walks and for fence palings is
also noticeable.
the crests of the mountain ranges are the same
conglomerate that gives the name Shawangunks,
or White Rocks" to the mountain in Ulster
County n. Y. where Lakes Mohonk and Mime
waska situated. In the forests. which stretch
for miles and miles, unbroken by human habitation
in parts Of this region. bear and deer are the
largest game. while squirrels. wild turkeys, par
trtdges, quail and other game abound. The bears
are infrequently seen. only passing from range
to another in the fail when seeking the mast" on
which they fatten for their winter sonnolency The
region is really paradise for sportsmen, who find
ample returns for their endeavors. In the streams
many fish to reward the wielders OF the hook
and line.
MOUNTAIN SPRING RESORTS
The mountain resorts in this region centre about
CT,rir,r op
being situated mountain tops or by lakes with
the attendant charms of scenery and picturesque
ness This region is similar in point OF accessibility
to what the Catskills a quarter OF a century
ago, when the only means of reaching the mountain
resorts were by long stage rides from the Hudson
River, and railroads-broad gauge. narrow gauge
and elevating-had not penetrated their Businesses,
carrying passengers in palace to the very doors
Of the great hotels. Another quarter of a century
may see the same change in the West Virginia and
Virginia mountain resorts, but present they
are nearly all miles from railroads with hours of
stage ride up and down the sides of the mountain
ranges to reach them.
Before the war these resorts were freouented by
the families Of wealthy planters and their North
ern friends, and here may be seen the survival of
much Of the old time Southern hospitality and
cordiality of greeting bell rung to give notice
Of the approach Of the stage, which is an ordinary
three-seated mountain wagon, with a canopy top
and the servants are ready to carry the hand lug
gage, while the proprietor welcomes the guests
whose names have been posted on the bulletin
board, so that previous arrivals may know who IS
expected Even greater commoton occurs when
the huge trunk van, drawn by six Southern mules
dashes up to the hotel piazza be relieved of its
load. From the railroad station fifteen miles
away, dozen rules have drawn the load relay
at the halfway house having relieved the first three
span All the vehicles have to be Of extraordinary
strength to stand the strain Of the loads carried
over the mountain roads with their steep pitches
DRINKING HEALTH GIVING WATER
Naturally, the centre of interest at Springs"
resort is the water itself. and all hours of the
day, but chiefly before meals the guests drink the
health-giving fluid which gushes from the side of
the mountain in a perpetual flow At the spring
old time Virginia darky presides with old
fashioned dignity. He has long handled holder
IN WIlch nc pa ccs ha1 dozen glasses, II SO many
draws nm the fed classes and ann t6 men IN
the woud-be drinkers The spring wafer here bere is is
limpid and transparent, but the temperature, Go
degrees tends to make one at first rather dissatiso
1t seems cool enough, save 70 the inveterate dew
for not and cold baths and fills large pool which
is apart for swimming.
The negro in charge Of the spring is ready to tell
you that he was born slave in the Old State"
at point 40 miles away, and that he travelled in
want Of his master. He also remarks that he is
sixty-fve years old, and is now thinking of the
grave, which Will soon be ready for him. A touch
Of pety. reminiscent Of camp meetings is in his
words and tones Il is told OF him that he once
daughter, who has home in Camden, but when
have to cross that wide waste of water in ferry-
ing her.
TREE WHICH WASHINGTON CUT.
One of the curiosities here is section of an oak
tree bearing surveyors mark put It by Colonel
George Washington shortly before the Revolution
ary War. The land which 1t stood, eight
or mill tba In