The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1901-06-21

mere iuSStS the eye
The mansion with its massive porch
running the entire length of house, the
columns extending to the second story,
some IS feet in width and paved with
square tagging from Wales, from which
one of the most enchanting views south
and eastward on the Potomac meets the
eye. With strict.regard to the original
the handiwork and skill of the modern
florist are conspicuous by their absence
but instead finely kept and attractive
lawn delights the eye In garden of
large dimensions are the flowers of yore,
cultivated i'll beds bordered with box in
intricate and fancy designs. But to tread
the same paths, pass through the same
doors, view the furniture, the dishes and
cutlery, the swords he welded, the bed
stead on which he breathed his last,
awaken feelings of emotion and venera-
ton to accomplish which history is en-
trely inadequate and to my mind no such
successful graduation to the student Of
history as a visit to Mount Vernon.
In my visit to the Old Dominion 1 ira
versed to some extent Fairfax, Prince
William, Fauquier, Louden, Warren,
Culpepper and Orange counties Much of
the route of railway line through Prince
William is an uninviting pine forest. Fau-
quier is apparently better, and evidences
of greater prosperity are not wanting
The surface of the country rather flat,
the crops looking reasonably we'll, but
would suffer in contrast with Cecil. The
line of rail from Manassas through north
ern Fauquier, Loudon and Warren coun:
ties is quite attractive and picturesque,
passing through the Blue Ridge at Thor
aughfare and Manassas gaps The noun
tain lands of Loudon seem we'll adapted
to grazing. all industry which seems to be
largely practiced, as the large cattle yards
and loading chutes at railway stations
bear evidence. On descending the noun
tain slop i'll Warren county Front Royal
is reached, in the celebrated Shenandoah
valley. This town, my objective point in
this direction, Is the county town of War
rem, situated about mile from the Shen-
andoah river, having about two thousand
inhabitants, without manufacturing enter
prise, depressed somewhat by the collapse
of boom inaugurated here some ten
years ago, the history of which has been
almost identical with similar attempts the
country over, Large, handsome manu-
featuring plants, nlacadamized streets and
building lots at fabulous prices, but no
market for goods. And take it an object
lesson for us all, that the folly is apparent
of producing any article of commerce for
which there is no market. One of the
buildings that was designed as piano
mandatory is operated in the manufac-
ture of damask. land by the way, the
wife of one of the firm operating said
plant, Mrs. Irwin Buck, was Miss Ric-
ard, of Bay View, Md A finely ap-
pointed cemetery to the east of the town
on quite an elevation, from which fine
view of the town and the extended valley
southwark may be had. Here many Con-
federate dead are inferred for which con-
spicuous shafts have been erected in
commemoration. One occupying prom
inent position was erected only last fall
to perpetuate the memory of seven of
Mosby's men, whom they claim
were inhumanly slaughtered in the town
by Northern troops, one being wheeled
on barrow to his mothers door and
dumped in the dust, she being a widow
Such are the fortunes of war. And while
we are taught that universal good feeling
and brotherly love prevails, the signs are
not wanting that a cherished bitterness
and hostility to what is termed the
Yankee abound.
Riverton, mile west of Front Royal,
directly on the Shenandoah, where mill
ing, lime-burning aud some other indus
tries are carried on, it being the home of
the duck plant, the necessary buildings
and other requirement constituting quite
a settlement. Upon inquiry learned
that the present stock of ducklings at this
time was between eighteen and nineteen
thousand
Being i'll the neighborhood of the FAM
Gus Luray caverns l availed myself of the
opportunity to visit them. They are
reached by ride of rs or Fl miles south
of Front Royal, on the Norfolk & West
ern road. This famous worlds wonder
is situated i'll Page county. Luray is the
county seat and is directly on the south
branch of the Shenandoah. The north
and south branches unite at Riverton,
flowing northward to Harper's Ferry
where they unite with the Potomac. The
cayerns of Luray are situated about mile
from the town. Free hacks transfer you
to and from. Our party consisted of four
gentlemen and three ladies. The ap.
prosch to this subterranean vault was
discovered in 1878, tradition says by
hunter, rabbit he was chasing taking
refuge in the opening. But those in
charge in reply to my remark that was
going to hunt the rabbit disclaimed this
theory, stating it was by direct effort,
knowing that small caves and caverns
abound. The entrance to the cave is
covered by building perhaps 80 feet
square. A frame structure, not very pre-.
tentious, one story on the side approach