The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1919-02-12


We left Laneres Jan. ith came via
Dion. Lyon, Macon down the Rhome
River Valley. and arrived at vals-Ies-
Bains, Jam 9th in the Ardeche River
Valley which has its source in the
Cevennes Mountains. Before the war,
Walls, was a famous health and plea
sure resort and was visited by noted
men and women from every country.
Among the chief industries at Walls
is the manufacture and bottling of
mineral waters. There are in Walls and
adjacent trade territory, more than
400 medical water springs One will
find spring or source as the Frnch
call it, along the passes across the
mountains. They are we'll built, well
conducted establishments, The waters
are chiefly used in France and Eng
land but small quantities are some
times shipped to foreign countries.
Owing to the excellent water power
of the Ardeche River, the manufac-
ture of artificial silk cloth and the
spinning of genuine silk thread car
ried on extensively here. The cultiva-
ton of the silk worm and the null
bury tree on which it feeds, also the
cultivation of grapes are import
ant industries.
French Govt Similar To Ours.
.-- The Ardeche Leave Area, as this is
called, gets it's name from the De-
partment of Ardeche, and has pop
ulation of about $4,000 and has an
area about four times that OF
Breckenridge county. This Depart
ment is divided into three arrondise-
ments Largentiere, Privas and Tour
non and each ACCOMPLISHMENT is again
divided into about 40 commences.
These correspond in a general way to
our American Townships or School
Districts. They are political divisions
for civil and administrative purposes.
The boundaries are marked by signs
which you will observe as you ira
vel throughout the country. The Ar
deche area Includes the towns of An
triagnes, LaBastide, Saint-Andeal, St.
Julien, Point DeLabaume, Niegles,
LaLavade, St. Poivat and Aubenas.
None of which are more than a two
hours hike from Walls. Aubenas.
which is the largest has a population
of 5000 and is historic old town.
1t has a chateau built about $50 and
hand made clock of the 18th CEN
fury which is still running. About an
hours hike from Anbenas is the cite
of Roman Camp occupied by Gaze
sor and his legions in the latter years
of the Gallo Wars.
Romans Laid Road Foundation.
1t has been said that the stone
roads, and the vineyards which cover
the hills of Ardeche have been more
than 1000 years in building. The Ro-
mans laid the foundation for the
wonderful system of roads which now
cover this country like a net work,
from the largest city to the smallest
village in the mountains top. Whole
mountain sides, as high as the vine
will grow have been terrace by means
of stone walls filled with earth for
vineyards, Has but to be seen to be
appreciated.
Last but not least important, "a
bout Is miles South of Walls near
the city of Avignon, was quarried the
stone for the Statue of Liberty
May Get To Come Home.
From the latest reports and rumors
will go to the army of occupation
or soon be on my way home, and
here's hoping it will be the latter.
I'm feeling "spick and span" get
ting fat and sassy. Hoping you are
enjoying good health, and with best
wishes to you and yours and the
readers of The Breckenridge News,
will close. Respectfully yours, Sgt.
Chas. E. McGary, Co. NJ 1886 Init,
Am. Z, F., France.