Year: 1876

Mr.. Editor-Being constant reader
of your valuable paper, and Ctlen see
inc letters from different correspon-
dents, thought VIC would send You a
few lines. We have missed Mary
Beaus letters for some time, wonder
what has become of the old beau; per-
haps he has become tired Of his home
and is gone TO look for more cOngenl-
al cline, in which he expects his labors
to be lightened by visions OF unlma9ln-
ed ioy and beauty, and his industry be
rewarded with the ripe and uncounted
shcaves of perennial and more luxurl-
ant harvest.


We are now on our way to picnic
to be held at ''Mount Alto Park, given
by the Musical and Literary Society OF
Martinsburg. Leaving Martinsburg at
$50 \. NJ, and arriving home at 9.25
p. NJ, we spent delightful day. On
entering the main grounds OF the park,
we were greeted by beautiful toun-
tain, the waters of which proved very
delightful and refreshing to our thirsty
party. After sitting our baskets by in
a place built particularly for the coca
sion, many Of our party participated IN
a dance on an elegant platform, which
is covered to protect those who often
assemble at Mount Alto, from the
scorching sun or the driving rain. AT
ter looking for short time at the dan
cers, who seemed to enjoy the dance
hugely, we took a stroll to the Pearl OF
the spring. On our way we found ma
nv nice rustic seats twined out Of wild
grape vine which grew profusely around.
After walk of about twenty minutes
through the delightful shade OF the
bark, we arrived at the Pearl Of the
spring, and took seat on one OF the
rustic benches. Musing all hour here,
amid these delightful scenes and clus-
tcring shade trees, the spectator is
moved with feelings OF an elevated de-
light and unmingled and unalloyed sat
islaction. But we had no. long to tar
ry, as our watch pointed near noon, and
as we had an early breakfast we began
to feel as though we could do Justice TO
the sumptuous dinner which was wait
ING for us on our return and found we
did not come far short Of our feelings,
and never found chicken to taste 50 pal
atable before. 1t afforded us much sat
isiaction and enjoyment to fnd our
neighbor at the table; Mr.. 5. could hoe
lis own row when chicken and straw
berey Jelly were placed before him, and
as we did not like the young man to
feel badly, we kept him company on the
chicken question.


Having spent some time at the table
we found after leaving it it would be
great benefit TO have some exercise so
about 80 of our party went up to Oak
Knob 1900 feet high. We felt very
tired and hot after our ascent but found
the view from the Knob doubly repaid
US for orr exe.lions. We could see
Chambersburg and Shippensburg and
lovely valley. We had a guide who
showed us up to the Knob and pointed
out many places of interest, Gree OF
charge) We never spent day at a
more pleasant place and all our party
were so favorably impressed that they
talk of holding another picnic at the
same place sometime this summer. Our
fare was extremely low considering the
distance, Sll:5O round trip. After re-
turning from the Knob we had very
nice game of croquet.


After finishing our game of croquet
we had lovely stroll to what is called
the Parsonage which is delightful
place. We almost felt like heing joined
in wedlock but then We had no minis
ter along. Indeed there are so many
nice hooks and pleasant corners where
any one could spend their time pleas
antly that we advise all to go and see
"Mount Alto" One more place of in
terest and we are done, that is the
Twin Springs which are as closely con-
nected as was the Siamese Twins, only
separated by foot of dry land These
springs supply the fountain on the main
ground. Sitting here for an hour or so
we gaze with much feeling at the beau
ties of nature and thought of natures
God how mary places of interest and
amusement he has surrounded US with
here on this earth, but Heaven is far
loylier and is surrounded by many more
which ever reminds US to
strive for that eternal rest found there.
We thank our friends for their kindness
to us while a: the picnic, bnt to Miss
x. Z. we especially tender our sincere