Evening star., 1909-08-29

known as "Ash Box" as we were inform
ed by some of the residents in that vicin-
ity. This place was 3.5 miles from
Brandywine. Within a short time we
reached fork in the road (4.9 miles from
Brandywine), and by taking the right fork
reduced the distance somewhat The other
road has the same destination and joins
the other a short distance down, but by
taking this road we found 1t slightly
shorter, although both roads come in at
Horsehead. the next point of interest
along the route.
X
The next stop was at Horsehead. a small
village, which we were Informed is over
100 years old. The town is recognized by
large and ancient sign post, mounted
several feet in the air, exhibiting a paint
Ing Of a horses head. which is badly
weather beaten. The head, however, is
still distinguishable and is gentle re-
minder of the name of the town. Beneath
the frame with the picture is large
town lamp, which is lighted nightly to
guide the traveller who happens to come
that way. A large old homestead and
several other ancient landmarks, inclnd-
ing store. comprise the make up of the
place After leaving this attractive bit of
scenery behind us we proceeded by the
left fork, and had not more than gotten
comfortably seated when We found our
selves plowing over new made road. A
force of workmen was busily engaged in
shaping out cutters and throwing the sur
plus dirt UP over the roadway. A little
farther on a new layer of gravel, several
inches in thickness. had just been put on,
and any chance to make speed whatever
was crushed out at once. This is another
section of the state where no speed laws
are ever broken and no speed traps are
danger of that, as conditions are such
that 1t is impossible to attain any great
speed to speak of. In order to force the
operators OF machines to keep to the road
large logs are placed III the cutters, lean
ing against the sides of the embankments,
to prevent any autos from using them in
stead OF the roadway, From Horsehead
on the balance Of the way to Benedict the
going is bad. The sand deepens as the
low country Is reached. The curves be-
come more numerous and steering ardu-
Gus. Our approach to Woodville, another
small village, was greeted with more new
gravel on the road, which slightly retard-
ed progress. Woodville is 3O.7 miles from
the starting point.
y
On the outskirts of Woodviile, about
eight miles. the right fork was taken. and
some good stretches enjoyed. where fairly
good time was made. This is undoubt-
edly the best portion of the road on the
trip. and where the speed can be in
creased without so much danger, as the
curves are somewhat fewer and broader.
The roads in this vicinity are also un-
dergoing repairs. and in some cases the
road Is being widened. which will be OF
great advantage to the motorists when
completed. BY keeping straight ahead
the road leads direct to Patuxent City
the road, 3.9 miles from Woodville, lead
ing to Hughesville, which is off the route
to Benedict. The name Patuxent City
will be hard to find. as it only contains
one large old-time homestead and large
barn. 1t is recognized. however, as 1.-THE
place with pile of wood and pump
on the road which are the directions
given to tourists on their first visit.
After plowing through nearly Ave miles
more of deep and treacherous sand the
Patuxent river adds it's charms to the
surrounding scenery, and the hamlet Of
Benedict stands of in relief ready to
receive its visitors.
Some Of the distances of the towns on
the route are as follows:
Start Place to place. Totals.
Washington to Anacostia. ...... 3.4 81
SILVER ftlH .s-5 fO.e
heuS 1OrIeIs. iU.1