Text from Description of the Album of Virginia: or The Old Dominion, Illustrated

"The Artist [Edward Beyer], a Graduate of the Dusseldorf Academy, has been for three years engaged in painting some of the most remarkable Scenery of Virginia; and the writer feels he has copied Nature with such striking fidelity as to recommend his Sketches to every true lover of the beautiful in Nature, and especially to those who bear in their hearts the Home Scenes of the Old Dominion."

Natural Bridge

"This famous curiosity- so simple, yet so grand as to assure you that it is the work of God alone-is in the Valley of Virginia, near the centre of the State, one hundred and seventy-two miles West of the City of Richmond, and two hundred and thirteen from the City of Washington. It is approached along the James River, through a country, which, in beauty and grandeur of scenery, is unsurpassed even by the loveliest portions of the Rhine Land. One is environed by towering Mountains, whilst every where-above, around, beneath-is the interminable Forest. In truth, for many, many miles you pass through a Gallery of Pictures, most gorgeous and varied. The mean height of the Bridge, from the stream below to its upper surface, is two hun­dred and fifteen feet six inches; its average width is eighty feet; its length ninety-three feet, and its thickness fifty-five feet.

"The stupendous Arch constituting the Bridge is of limestone rock, with an alluvial and clayey surface, of from four to six feet in depth, covering huge rocks of the same geological character, the summits of which are ninety feet, and their bases fifty feet asunder, and whose rugged sides form the wild and awful chasm spanned by the bridge. Its formation by some terrible convul­sion of Nature, is undoubted; and in viewing it, its fragility seems unlikely to have survived the great fracture. Over the fis­sure of ninety feet thus made, spans the Arch on the diagonal line, the very line of all others so difficult to the Architect, yet so simple is it in its grandeur and greatness, that the hand work of Nature is instantly 'recognized. Its general form is elliptical, and in its height to the under line about two hundred, and to the head about two hundred and forty feet.

"It seems as though Nature by design had consulted the con­venience of man, as the surrounding country is broken, and at points inaccessible for miles along the rippling stream (Cedar creek) which winds its way far within the dense foliage of pine, cedar, fir, arbor vitae, and the mountain laurel, which entwines itself around its bold and impregnable parapets of huge holders of stone. No structure exists like it, and as a freak of nature, it is unique, and perhaps unparalleled. Its height exceeds the falls of Niagara fifty-five feet; and though not so sublime an object, it is perchance more wonderful, and even a greater curiosity. Many local and historical events are connected with it. The Pa­triots of the Revolution found it a suitable place for converting their lead into shot. Washington performed the feat of throwing a half dollar from below to the top. Young Piper has been the only person successful is climbing its dizzy height; and this dar­ing adventure came near proving fatal. He ascended the right side, as seen in the engraving. These incidents, together with many legendry stories of the times of the Red Man, prove of in­terest.

"The Tourist must behold this wonder, to fully appreciate its simple grandeur. And though writers may happily construct words and sentences to please the imagination, yet the heart can realize more in a glance at Nature in her beauty, than lan­guage could every impart. The neighboring scenery along the James River, from the gorge of the Blue Ridge to the Town of Buchanan, as a water and mountain scenery, is perhaps unsur­passed by any in the world. The writer cannot close, without commenting upon the faithful manner in which the artist has illustrated this creation - 'the work of the hands of a cunning workman.' "

"Harper's Ferry is situated in the county of Jefferson, at the con­fluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Its scenery is, perhaps, the most singularly picturesque in America. This point was selected in 1794 by Gen. Washington as a site for a National Armory-surrounded by lofty Mountains, whose towering cliffs often jut out a thousand feet almost perpendicularly above the Rivers which wash their base. The accompanying Sketch was taken from the Rock which bears the honored name of Jefferson, and is located on the Western side of the Rivers, overhanging the town and their waters from two hundred to three hundred feet. This Rock was a favorite resort of Jefferson, affording a magnificent view of the junction of the two Rivers, and of the thriving and beautiful village; and thence the eye wanders over the wide and woody plains, extending in the distance to the Alle­ghany Mountains.

"Mr. Jefferson thus speaks of it: 'The passage of the Potomac through the Blue Ridge is, perhaps, one of the most stupendous scenes in Nature. You stand on a very high point of land. On your right comes up the Shenandoah, having ranged along the foot of a mountain a hundred miles to seek a vent. On your left approaches the Potomac, in quest of a passage also. In the mo­ment of their junction, they rush together against the mountain, rend it asunder, and pass off to the sea. The first glance of this scene hurries our senses into the opinion that this earth has been created in time; that the mountains were formed first; that the rivers began to flow afterwards; that in this place, particularly, they have been dammed up by the Blue Ridge of mount and have formed an ocean which filled the whole valley; that continuing to rise, they have at length broken over at this and have torn the mountain down from its summit to its base. The piles of rock on each hand, particularly on the Shenandoah - the evident marks of their disrapture and avulsion from beds by the most powerful agents of Nature, corroborate the pression. But the distant finishing which nature has given to the picture, is of a very different character; it is a true contrast to the foreground; it is as placid and delightful as that is wild tremendous; for the mountain being cloven asunder, she presents to your eye, through the cliffs, a small patch of smooth, blue horizon, at an infinite distance in the plain country, inviting you, as it were, from the riot and tumult warring aroum pass through the breach and participate of the calm below. 'Then the eye ultimately compasses itself; and that way, too, the happens actually to lead. You cross the Potomac above the junction, pass along its side through the base of the Mountain three miles, its terrible precipices hanging in fragments over and within twenty miles reach Fredericktown, and the fine country round that. This scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic; yet here, as in the neighborhood of the Natural Bridge, are ple who have passed their lives within a half dozen miles, have never been to survey these monuments of a war bet' Rivers and Mountains, which must have shaken the Earth to its centre.'

"Many points of view exist, from which the scenery appear mantic and beautiful; that seen from Jefferson's Rock, is o the finest. The top of this rock is flat, and nearly twelve feet square; its base, which dose not exceed five feet in width, upon the top of a larger stone; and its height about five The whole mass is so nicely balanced, that the application small force will cause it to vibrate considerably. On this rock once resposed another, on which Mr. Jefferson inscribe name; but unfortunately in the political excitement of 1798-9, between the opposing parties, a Capt. Henry, who was sta here, with a band of his men, threw off the apex of this stc is overshadowed by the foliage of a magnificent pine. 'By the imaginative there is said to be a wonderful likeness of Washington on the Maryland side of the cliff, which overhangs the Poto­mac. The nose, lips and chin are admirably formed, and seem­ingly the work of art. The forehead is obscure; yet there is suffi­cient to give the mind a just idea of the noble form and digni­fied carriage, with mildness of feature, which the original pos­sessed so pre-eminently as to inspire all men with a profound reverence towards this august personage.'"

"This indentation in that extensive chain of Mountains, known as the Blue Ridge, affords a magnificent view of the Valley of Virginia. The accompanying Engraving will give a fine illustra­tion of that grand scene. The outspread Valley interspersed with waving fields of grain, and rolling hillocks, making a grand per­spective of shadowy outlines, extending far within the distance to the towering Alleghanies. At this point the Central Rail Road pierces the Mountain with a tunnel over a mile in length, and which is now rapidly nearing completion. Is seen in the En­graving, on the left, the Mountain House, a place of healthy re­sort; and on the right, the Temporary Track of the Rail Road. At present the Iron Horse performs daily his Herculean feat of carrying, safely, passengers and freight over the grade of two hundred and fifty to three hundred feet to the mile; and on one stretch of six hundred feet, in two and a half miles.

"In the centre is seen the County Road or the Highway over which fled the Virginia Legislature from Charlottesville to Staunton during the Revolution, before the victorious forces of Tarlton. Looking to the East from this point can be seen the Ragged Mountain, in which Mr. Jefferson concealed himself from Tarlton's pursuit. To this point rallied the Volunteers to prevent the advance of Tarlton upon Staunton; and when the stillness of the Sabbath eve was broken, in the latter town, by the beat of the drum and the call for volunteers to prevent the British forces from crossing the mountain, it was then known; though the Roman Empire was no more, that in the plenitude of her heart and the greatness of patriotism, dwelt the Romar Matron in Virginia. "The elder sons of William Lewis, who then resided at the Old Fort, were absent with the Northern Army, Three sons, however, were at home, whose ages were seventeen; fifteen and thirteen years. William Lewis was confined to his room by sickness; but his wife, with the firmness of a Roman Matron, called them to her, and bade them fly to the defence of their native land. `Go, my children,' said she, `I spare not my youngest, my fair-headed boy, the comfort of my declining years. I devote you all to my country. Keep back the foot of the invader from the soil of Augusta, or see my face no more.' When this incident was related to Washington, shortly after its occurrence, he enthusiastically exclaimed, `Leave me but a Banner to plant upon the Mountains of Augusta, and I will rally around me the men who will lift our bleeding country from the dust, and set her free.' " Tarlton could not long sojourn in a country where dwelt such patriotism, and soon hastened eastward to join Corn­wallis. Events quickly followed, and soon thereafter York Town closed the Revolution."

"This Bridge is situated in Prince Edward County, on the South Side Rail Road, connecting the cities of Petersburg and Lynch­burg. This work was constructed at a cost of near three hundred thousand dollars, and was located to meet the subscription of Farmville. Its entire length is two thousand five hundred feet, one hundred and twenty-nine feet high, and contains seven mil­lions of brick, and two thousand five hundred yards of masonry. One million of feet of timber were used, together with thirty tons of iron. The pillars are one hundred and twelve feet from centre to centre, with foundations of stone three feet above ground, fifteen feet four inches by twenty-eight feet four inches and on the top seven by twenty feet. Each pillar has two openings, and an iron anchor in the centre. This bridge was built in seven months by Francis Carr. Captain Pannell, President; C. V. Sand­ford, Chief Engineer; B. H. Gardner, Assistant Engineer."

"This Cave is in Augusta County, seventeen miles North of Staunton, a short distance West of the Blue Ridge. It derives its name from Bernard Weyer, who discovered it in 1804, while hunting. With one exception, in extent, it is the largest Cave in the World, being by the most direct Course, over two thousand feet in length, and by the more winding course, over twice that length. It has, so far as discovered, thirty-five Apartments; and no language can convey an adequate idea of the vastness and sublimity of some, or the exquisite beauty and grandeur of others, with their snowy white concretions of a thousand various forms. Many of these, with their striking and picturesque objects, have names inappropriate, which, to mention, would do injus­tice to any description, however well written by the association of the beautiful and sublime with the vulgar and hackneyed.

"The Artist has selected the Tapestry and Drum Room for an Illustration, and which is perhaps the greatest of its Wonders. It gives forth, when struck on its walls, the deep, sonorous sound of the bass drum-hence its name. "Weyer's Cave," says the writer above quoted, 'is in my judgment one of the great Natural Wonders of this New World, and for its eminence in its own class, deserves to be ranked with the Natural Bridge and Niag­ara, while it is far less known than either.

"Its objects are remark­able for their variety, formation and beauty. In both respects, it will, I think, compare, without injury to itself, with the cele­brated Grotto of Antiparos. For myself, I acknowledge the spec­tacle to have been most interesting; but, to be so, it must be il­luminated, as on this occasion. I had thought that this circum­stance might give to the whole a toyish effect; but the influence of 2,000 or 3,000 lights in these immense caverns is only such as to reveal the objects, without disturbing the solemn and sub­lime obscurity which sleeps in every thing. Scarely any scenes can awaken so many passions at once, and so deeply. Curiosity, apprehension, terror, surprise, admiration, and delight, by turns and together, arrest and possess you. I have had before, from other objects, one simple impression made with greater power; but I never had so many impressions made, and with so much power, before. If the interesting and the awful are the elements of the sublime, here sublimity reigns, as in her own domain, in darkness, silence, and deeps profound.'"

"This well shaded and pleasant Watering Place is situated in a beautiful Valley, thirteen miles Northwest of Staunton, in Augusta county. The Valley is bounded on the South by Little Mountain, East by Buck Hill, and West by North Mountain. There are three Springs - Alum, Sulphur and Chalybeate. The former is said to compare favorably with any in the State. The surrounding country affords fine hunting, and proves a treat to many a disciple of Sir Issac Walton. A daily line of Harman & Brown's comfortable Stages is running from Staunton to the Springs; also a tri-weekly line from Harrisonburg to the Springs."

"This place lies in Powell's Fort Valley, Shenandoah County. The Valley is prettily situated, and in length twenty-five miles, affording on the West a fine view of the Green and Fort Moun­tains, and to the South, the Massanutten Mountain. Eight Springs of different waters are located within a space of thirty yards, as follows: White, Blue, and Black Sulphur; also Chaly­beate, Limestone, Freestone, Slatestone and Alum water; and in the diameter of a half mile are twenty-two Springs. Accom­modations ample for six hundred visitors. Visitors leaving Balti­more in the morning will dine at the Springs. The Springs are eight miles from Woodstock. A daily line will run from Wood­stock to the Springs, and return."

"This Watering Place is located in Montgomery County, on the Eastern slope of the Alleghanies, near their summit, in the Southwestern part of the State. The surrounding country is beau­tiful; and the rapidity with which this place has come into noto­riety, has been remarkable. It has been built up within the last two years, and promises to be the most agreeable place in the Mountains. It is of easy access, on a branch road running from the Virginia and Tennessee Road to the Springs, eight miles from the Alleghany Springs, and five miles from the Yellow Sul­phur Springs."

"These remarkable phenomena lie at the head waters of the Roa­noke, in the County of Bedford, seven miles distant from the vil­lage of Liberty. They stand isolated at a considerable distance between the Blue Ridge and the Alleghanies, their mean height above the plain being 4,200 feet, and 5,307 feet above the level of the Ocean. They afford the Artist and Tourist one of those grand land-marks, which, once seen, are ever after remembered. The eye from their summits may lose itself in admiration of the magnificent Panorama, which outspreads beneath on all sides, and floats onward far within the distance, until the shadowy out­lines, earth and sky, are mingled. From this elevation the eye can command the horizon, for the distance of at least one hun­dred miles. To the west, the town of Fincastle, thirty miles re­moved, is visible, and to the east Lynchburg. Near the summits vegetation ceases, and huge Cyclopian boulders lie piled on one another, as though it might have been the fabled works of the Giants, in their vain ascent to Heaven. On the summit of the Southern Peak formerly rested, poised a monster stone, so evenly balanced on another as to vibrate to the force of the hand, but Vandals could not permit Nature to remain unmoved, and ap­plied a keg of ignited powder on one side, that they might wit­ness its destructive descent. This Peak is the one generally as­cended, and the panoramic view is said to be the finest in the world. Besides magnificent distances, the Tourist often witnesses the thunder storm hundreds of feet below, shrouding the earth from the eye, and encircling the Mountain with its livid fire. Sun­rise and sunset, from this eminence, are soul-inspiring, and be­yond doubt the grandest on which human eye is permitted to gaze!

"Randolph, after a lovely night on these rocks, watching ear­nestly for the advent of day, was so overcome by the majestic scene, and the splendor of the rising sun, that he turned to his servant, and gave utterance to his emotions, and charged him "Never from this time believe any one who says there is no God." Mr. Leyburn Wilks has enlarged his Hotel, and is able to ac­commodate fifty persons. There is now a good footpath leading to the top of the Peak, and there are benches on the road on which persons may rest. From the first of July until the first of October, Stages run daily from Buchanan to Liberty, and re­turn."

"Is in the County of Fayette, on the road from the Greenbrier White to Charleston, Kanawha. This view is taken from the high­est point of the Hawk's Nest, which rises to more than 1,000 feet above New River. The top will only give standing to some half dozen persons, and is crowned by an old, solitary pine, which has defied the storms of ages. Perpendicularly at the base of this elevation, glides the River, reflecting like a mirror, all the lights of Heaven, and seen from the distance, seems like a silvery thread bound around the rocks, but very few have ever succeeded in throwing a stone across it, although many visitors have made the attempt.

"The view, abounding in such variety of grand and lofty scen­ery-woodland and vale untouched and untrod by the foot of man-is well calculated to inspire ennobling emotions. To the left of the picture can be seen the Lover's Leap."

"Is on the Virginia and Tennessee Rail Road in Montgomery County, near Shawsville. To the right is seen the macadamized road from Christiansburg to Salem; and beyond it, in this beautiful and fertile valley, is 'Farthingay,' the home of the ances­tors and birthplace of the present Representative in Congress from that district, Hon. H. A. Edmundson. The traveller sud­denly emerges from the dark Tunnel, and the eye is delighted by the picturesque scene which outspreads before him-the winding valley of the gently flowing Roanoke, gradually reced­ing in the distance, until the sharp outlines of the Alleghanies rise upon the horizon. As a quiet picture of valley, water and mountains, it is lovely."

"Are situated in a wide and beautiful Valley, 18 miles from the White Sulphur, and 29 from Fincastle, in the County of Monroe. It has for many years been a popular resort for the gay pleasure seeker, and its waters and invigorating baths have given them a wide-spread reputation. The temperature of the Springs is 73° Fahr., which is the same as the celebrated hot wells of Bristol. When the improvements are completed (as represented), it will present almost unrivaled attractions, possessing as it does so many natural advantages."

"These Springs are in the County of Rockbridge, in a narrow but beautiful valley, between the North and Mill Mountains. The large and commodious Hotel fronts north, and the handsome Cottages and Cabins are built in a circle. At the base of the Mill Mountain are the Alum Wells, five in number, which graduate in strength. The fifth is rarely if ever used. The Virginia Central Rail Road runs within five miles of this place, and Stages are running to it, during the summer season, from every direction."

"This delightfully pleasant place, in the midst of large and mn­ brageous forest trees, is in the County of Montgomery, on the east side of the Alleghany Mountain, and a little below its sum­ o mit. The water gushes up out of the earth in a bold stream, and is remarkably cool and very clear. These Springs are four miles from the Christiansburg Depot on the Virginia and Tennessee Rail Road, five miles from the Montgomery White Sulphur, seventeen miles from the Salt Pond in Giles, and thirty-five from the Salt Sulphur in Monroe County. Hacks and Coaches are run­ ning to and from the places named during the spring season."

"This watering place, long and favorably known as a pleasant retreat, inviting to its shades from the heat of summer, is situated in a lovely Valley in the County of Greenbrier, on the Road lead­ ing from the White Sulphur to the Hawk's Nest. The improve­ments consist of a large and handsome Hotel, with a three-story piazza, and other buildings adjoining, with a two-story piazza - the whole connecting, is 420 feet in length, which affords a de­ lightful promenade during a rainy season. In the centre of the place rises the Spring, enclosed in a Marble Basin five feet in diameter. The water is clear and cool, and flows off in a bold stream. Dr. Martin has erected an extensive Bathing Establish­ment, which enables Visitors to take baths of any temperature. The Blue Sulphur is twenty-two miles from the White Sulphur, and thirty-two miles from the Red Sulphur. A fine turnpike leads to them."

"This grand scene is in Bath County seven miles from the Healing Springs. It is on the head waters of James River, called at this point Jackson River, which rises in the Warm Spring Mountain, about twenty miles from the Warm Springs. The water falls over a perpendicular rock about 205 feet high - 50 feet higher than the Niagara Falls. The river is divided above the Falls into sev­eral small streams. Jefferson visited this spot, and mentions it in his manuscripts as a sublime natural curiosity. At that time the river rolled over the rock in a solid mass. Since then, many canals for driving mills and other works have taken from the Fall much of the water.

"Visitors at the Hot or Healing Springs should not fail to visit this grand scene in nature, but, as at the base of the Fall are many rocks covered with moss and similar growth, which over­spread and conceal deep holes filled with water, they should be cautious in their approach to it. The country around is pictur­esque, varying from the wild to the lovely. The river, in its wild course, winding through and over hugh rocks, forms many small but romantic water falls."

"Is situated at the west end of Fourth street in Richmond City, Henrico County. This point commands a fine view of the State Armory, Factories, Bridges, and the surrounding country. In the foreground is the James River Canal. To the left is the State Armory. Next is Archer & Co.'s Armory Iron Works. Then Joseph R. Anderson's Foundry, where are manufactured United States Cannon, Locomotives and other Machinery; and then Morriss & Tanner & Co.'s Tredegar Iron Works for the manufacture of Rail Road Iron, &c. To the right is the Flour Mill of Crenshaw & Fisher. A number of Islands are here in the River. The first Bridge is the Petersburg Rail Road Bridge. To the left is the Franklin Paper Mill. The second Bridge is the Danville Rail Road Bridge. Between these two Bridges, to the right, are the Works of the Danville Company. Behind these is Mayo's Bridge, connecting Richmond with Manchester, a pleasant Town on the other side of James River; and behind this Bridge are the large Factories of Dunlop, Moncure & Co. In the distance is the River winding through the Mountains. The whole makes a fine impression."

"Is situated on New River, nearly opposite the New River White Sulphur, in Giles County, and bears the name of a gentleman who has been the only one who has succeeded in climbing to the highest point, about 250 feet. The rocks have a peculiar forma­tion, standing full out, like towers. New River at this place is about 100 feet deep, and one of the forest fishing places along the river. The Artist took the view represented by moonlight. To the tops of the rocks the moon gave a bright light, and the lower part was illuminated by a fire built on a boat for the purpose of catching fish. Harpooning fish is a sport much resorted to in this section of country, which is done by building a large fire in front of a boat, behind which the sportsman stands ready to strike as the fish venture to the surface, attracted by the light. The reflec­tion of the moon on the rocks and the light of the fire in the water give to the scene a magnificent effect. Persons visiting the Salt Pond ought not to fail to visit this romantic spot, as it is only a short distance from the base of the Salt Pond Mountain."

"In our first volume was a full statement of the History of this Cave. We will now only explain the Views before us.

"The first Picture is the entrance, shut up by a Wooden House, in which visitors can prepare themselves to visit the Cave, and where they receive the lights.

"The second Picture is a View of the Shell Room. The roof of this room is studded with pendant stalactites of exceeding white­ness and brilliancy. Some of the stalactites start up from the floor to meet those above, forming columns broad at the top and base, and slender in the middle. They are perfectly transparent.

"The third Picture presents the Cataract. This most striking view requires but little imagination. The stalactite is perfectly white, and represents a beautiful water fall. On the right is a fountain. The whole has a fine effect when the lights are properly arranged.

"The fourth is a View of the Comb and Veil -a well defined likeness of a comb, over which is thrown a veil. Near the centre is a natural bridge through which you may see many small tow­ers. There are also towers on the bridge. To the left is a small water fall, and farther still to the left are curtains hanging from the roof. The middle part of the roof is like the arch of a large Tunnel."

"This beautiful Watering Place is situated on Indian Creek, near Union in Monroe County, 22 miles from the Sweet Springs. It is hemmed in on every side by mountains. To the South and East, in full view, is Peters' Mountain; to the North is a low spur of the Alleghany; and on the West it is bounded by Swope's Mountain, near the base of which are located the two principal Springs. The pleasure walks on the heights surrounding the Springs give visitors an opportunity to gaze on the romantic and grand in Nature, while a pathway through the meadow and along the shaded banks of Indian Creek, present not so bold but not less attractive scenery."

"These Springs are delightfully situated in a narrow Valley in Monroe County, 20 miles Southwest of Union, 42 miles from the Greenbrier White, 39 from the Sweet Springs, 17 from the Salt Sulphur, and 32 miles from the Blue Sulphur. The Turnpike between the Red and Blue Sulphur is one of the finest Roads in the Mountains, through a wild and romantic country, and cross ­the Greenbrier River at a picturesque point. The Spring rises at the base of a steep Mountain. The pavilion over the Spring is a dome 42 feet in diameter, supported by twelve columns. The height from the level of the water to the top of the dome is about 52 feet, making it the largest of any in the Mountains of Virginia."

"This great natural curiosity is situated on the top of the Alle­ghany Mountain in Giles County. It is a beautiful Lake in the midst of Mountains-is about one and a half mile long, and three-quarters of a mile wide. The water is perfectly transparent, and on a clear day, visitors gliding over it in a boat, can see, deep down under it, the remains of a forest.

"The water has no taste of salt, and bears the name, as the Artist was informed by Mr. Lybrook, the Hotel Proprietor at the base of Salt Pond Mountain, from the fact that more than half a century ago, Farmers used the Valley, now the bed of the Lake, to salt their cattle, which became the resort of herds of elk, buffalo and deer. Hundreds of these wild animals have been seen around the Spring in this Valley at one time, which was grad­ually enlarged by their frequent visits, and by their pawing up the ground around it. One morning a servant went as usual to salt his cattle, when he found the whole Valley filled with water. The rise was rapid, until a gap offered at its termination to flow off-at which point is now erected a Mill.

"There is a fine carriage road from the New River White Sul­phur Springs to the top of Salt Pond Mountain, near which is a fine, large Hotel, that commends itself to the seekers of pleasure and the lovers of pure air. There are boats on the Lake for amusement, and fine hunting and trout fishing in the neighbor­hood. An excellent road to the Salt Sulphur will soon be com­pleted.

"The Salt Pond is 10 miles from Pearisburg, the seat of justice for the county. The Artist has taken the view from the Salt Pond Knob, which is a half mile higher than the Lake, and forms a large platform, covered with shrubbery, from which visitors have an extensive Mountain view, upwards of a hundred miles in di­ameter, thus presenting a sublime spectacle. From this point can be seen, elevated in all their grandeur, the Peaks of Otter, the only equals in height in Virginia of this Knob. To the left is a view of the Pond; in the middle is Blacksburg, and in the back ground are the Mountains around Christiansburg, and Pilot Mountain. Visitors from the South wishing to see this curiosity must leave the Cars on the Virginia and Tennessee Rail Road at Christiansburg Depot."

"A full description of the Bridge, with its many historical asso­ciations, was given in Volume I.* In this view are more distinctly developed prominent points, with each of which are connected daring feats.

"On the left of the picture can be seen the celebrated 'Cedar Stump,' on which a thoughtless but courageous young lady stood and turned herself several times around.

"It was on this side of the Bridge, in the summer of 1818, that James H. Piper, late of Wythe county, climbed. The following particulars of that feat are from Mr. William A. Caruthers, an eye-witness. He says: 'He [Pipers first mounted the rocks below the Bridge, far down the abutment. The projecting ledge may be distinctly seen by any visitor. It commences four or five feet from the path-way on the lower side, and winds round, gradually ascending, until it meets the cleft of rock over which the cele­brated Cedar Stump stands. Following this ledge to its termina­tion, it brought him thirty or forty feet from the ground, and placed him between two deep fissures, one on each side of the gi­gantic column of the rock on which the Cedar Stump stands. A huge crack or fissure extends from its base to the summit. Indeed, it is cracked on both sides, but much more perceptibly on one side than the other. Both of these fissures are thickly over­grown with bushes, and numerous roots project into them. Here Mr. Piper stopped, pulled off his coat and shoes, and threw them down to me. Around the face of this huge column, and be­tween the clefts, he now moved backwarks and forwards, still ascending as he found convenient foothold. When he had as­cended about one hundred and seventy feet from the earth, and had reached the point where the pillar overhangs the ravine, his heart seemed to fail him. He stopped, and seemed to us to be be balancing midway between Heaven and Earth. At length he seemed to discover that one of the clefts before mentioned re­treated backward from the overhanging position of the pillar. Into this he sprang at once, and was soon out of sight, and out of danger.'"

"Are in Fayette county, just below the Gauley Bridge and the junction of the Gauley and New Rivers. These waters combined form the Kanawha. At this point the River is 500 yards wide, and the height of the Fall is 25 feet over a ledge of rocks ex­tending entirely across the River. This is the last navigable point on the Kanawha. This scene is one of surpassing beauty, in one of the wildest and most picturesque regions of the State; and hundreds of visitors go to it in the summer season to gaze on this work of nature; and it has peculiar attractions for the disciples of Isaac Walton, as it is famous for fine fish.

"On the right of the picture is the large Flat-Boat Yard of Messrs. Lewis & Miller, where the boats are built for the trans­portation of Cannel Coal, with which the surrounding moun­tains abound. There is a Hotel at the Falls, and another at Gauley Bridge. Seven miles above the Falls is the Hawk's Nest."

"This view is taken from the hill near the Powder Magazine, which gives a full view of the Potomac, the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road, the United States Armory, and a portion of the town. Another view from Jefferson Rock, and a full description of Harpers Ferry, is in Vol. I. The Rail Road Bridge, which here crosses the river, is about 800 feet long, and built in the form of an S, well constructed.

"An act to empower the President of the United States to pur­chase a tract of land within this State for the purpose of erecting a Public Arsenal thereon, passed the 28th of November 1794. The United States Armory, consisting of many large, well con­structed buildings, with fine water power taken from the Poto­mac, employs generally from 320 to 340, and, when full, 500 workmen, in manufacturing muskets and rifle muskets. Superintendent, H. D. Clowe; Paymaster, Dr. Dennis Murphew; Master Armorer, Maj. S. Byington."

"Is situated in Preston county, one and a half mile west of the Cheat River Crossing, and seventy-seven miles from Cumber­land. The grade of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road is here 105 feet to the mile. Travelers will find this one of the most ro­mantic scenes on the Road. The Cheat River is winding below on one side-on the other is a beautiful farm, and in the dis­tance, lofty mountains.

"The structure of the Viaduct is of cast iron, connected by wrought iron bolts and rods. They consist of columns inclined so as to give greater width of base and more stability, connected by arches of open work-the whole system firmly united by proper ties. The columns rest on pedestals, supported on the stone walls built across the deep beds of the ravines. The length of the Viaduct is 445 feet, and its height from the top of the wall, 58 feet. The deepest part of the stone wall is about 100 feet. The top of the Bridge is nearly 300 feet from the water. Width on the top between the parapet railings (which are 4 feet high), 28 feet. The floor is of heavy planking between the floor beams supporting the rails.

"This beautiful and substantial Viaduct was designed by Mr. Albert Fink, assistant engineer, and built under the direction of B. H. Latrobe, chief engineer. The cost of this structure was $36,049. The whole of the iron construction was made at the Company's shops at Mount Clare, under the direction of Mr. James Clark."

"This celebrated watering place is situated in Greenbrier County, on the western side of the Alleghany, in an extensive and lovely valley. The beauty of its location, the medicinal virtues of its waters, and its enlarged accommodations, have conferred upon it the title of 'The Queen of Springs,' in the Mountains of Vir­ginia; and hundreds flock to it every season from all sections of the Union.

The pool in which the Spring rises is an octagon about five feet diameter, and nearly five feet deep, and is covered by a Pavilion supported by twelve columns. Great improvements have been made by the new Company within the last twelve months. Many of the cabins have been removed, and magnifi­cent buildings and handsome cottages have been erected in their stead. The Hotel is the largest in the mountains. The first floor contains the office, reception rooms, a dining room sufficient in dimensions to seat 1,000 persons, a ball room sixty feet square, and other smaller rooms. The second and third floors are for visitors.

There are fine and well shaded walks, and admirable views around the Springs. Of the latter, - View and Lover's Leap are the most prominent. There is also a pleasant walk to the Dry Creek Hotel, which is about half a mile from the White Sulphur. But it is not necessary to describe this famous place minutely, as it is well known in every portion of our country. The design, as represented, was kindly furnished to the artist by Mr. Ellis, the architect and builder of the new Hotel. The view was taken from Copeland Hill.

"The Central Rail Road is now completed to Covington, and will soon be finished to the Springs. The White Sulphur is 205 miles from Richmond, 242 from Washington, and 170 miles from the Ohio river at Point Pleasant."

"Is situated in Fauquier County, about fifty miles nearly due west from Washington City. The well shaded ground is beautifully laid out, and ornamented by walks, flowers and shrubbery. On the main avenue which leads to the Springs is, in the centre, a pretty fountain. The Spring is covered by a large pavilion sup­ported by columns.

This watering place is a pleasant and inviting retreat. Located in the centre of the State, and in a lovely section of country, it attracts to it a large company every season. There is a fine, large Hotel, with a portico about 188 feet long and 25 feet wide, which affords a fine promenade in wet weather. The ball room and sitting rooms are on the same floor. There is also a com­fortable bathing establishment attached, with buildings for the usual variety of innocent amusements at such resorts. A pack of 60 or 70 Fallow Deer afford the pleasure of the chase, always at command, some of the Deer being turned out for the pur­pose some days in advance. Pheasants and Turkeys are found in the adjoining woods. Near by is the Rappahannock River, which abounds in the finest fish. The Alexandria and Lynchburg Rail Road passes within eight miles east of the Springs. Passengers from the North usually take the Branch Rail Road to Warrenton, from which the I Springs are about six miles Southwest. Those from the South and West often take the stage at Bealton, or continue on to War­renton. The Springs at present can comfortably accommodate 600 persons."

"This place is situated in the County of Bath, and is distant only 20 miles from the Miller's Depot of the Central Rail Road. In the summer season there is a daily line of Stage Coaches running from the Rail Road to the Springs, and passengers leaving Balti­more, Maryland, or Richmond, Virginia, in the morning, would arrive at this place the same evening to supper. It is only 36 miles from the White Sulphur Springs in Greenbrier County.

"As a remedy in many chronic diseases, the waters of the Vir­ginia Hot Springs are excelled by nothing ever known to the human race. Their alternative and curative powers are unsur­passed by those of any mineral water on the face of the Globe. The supply of mineral water is most abundant, and there are nine baths constantly supplied with fresh water from separate springs of various temperatures, from 78° to 106° Fahrenheit. Besides the Hot Baths for invalids, there are two delightful and exhilarating Pleasure Baths-one for Ladies and the other for Gentlemen: the first of the temperature of 86° Fahrenheit, and the second 78°. The springs which supply water for the Pleasure Baths contain all the chemical ingredients of the Schlangenbad Spa of Germany, which is renowned over all Europe not only as a most delightful bath, but also for its extraordinary cosmetic properties. The buildings here are sufficient for the accommo­dation of 250 persons, and the hotel accommodations are of the first class. The springs are situated in the Hot Spring Valley. The scenery around is wild, romantic and beautiful, and the climate in summer, delightful, salubrious and invigorating."

"Is situated in Elizabeth City County, at the mouth of James River, 12 miles in a direct line from Norfolk. The name was given to it in the year 1607 by the first Colonists of Virginia, on account of the good channel and safe anchorage it afforded.

"Fortress Monroe is built on Old Point Comfort; and this is one of the largest single fortifications in the world, and is gen­erally garrisoned by a regiment of the United States troops. The officers' quarters occupy neat and tasteful buildings within the fort, where there is a fine level parade ground, ornamented by live oak. When the bar is passed, the harbor affords one of the finest anchorages, in which navies could ride in safety up to Norfolk and City Point. The view from the Fort is lovely and interesting. Steamers and sail vessels are continually passing, with colors flying and canvass spread, while the sea gull, with its white wing, follows. "in the wake." A pure, health-giving sea breeze makes it, even in the sultry days of summer, delightfully pleasant.

"Near the Fort is the large Hygeia Hotel, to which visitors flock every season either for health or pleasure. Besides the fine bathing establishments, there are pistol galleries, bowling sa­loons, and comfortable boats for fishing parties. Hampton, which was the scene of British wrong and cruelty in the war of 1812, is two and a half miles from Point Comfort."

"The view from Little Sewell Mountain in Fayette County, is in some respects superior to many other mountain views in Vir­ginia. Although not so high as the Peaks of Otter or the Salt Pond, from the summit is to be had a charming view of a vast extent of country, diversified in its attractions. The whole of Greenbrier County is spread out before the eye. In the middle ground is the beautiful Sewell Valley; then the rolling land sur­rounding it, which associates the mind with the waves of ocean- ­in the distance, the towering and overshadowing Alleghanies; and farther away, the Blue Ridge, which from its extreme dis­tance, presents only a faint outline, and resembles deep haze.

There are large bodies of good arable land in these valleys, partaking of the character of prairies, and equal in fertility to the best counties in the State. On the top of the mountain there is a fine coal mine. The Kanawha Turnpike to the Blue Sul­phur, Lewisburg and the White Sulphur, passes over this moun­tain; and travelers should not fail to walk up to the highest point of this mountain, to admire this extensive view."

"This Canal view was taken near the mouth of North River. This Canal is winding through a very romantic part of Virginia, and will amply repay a trip along this water line to enjoy the scenery. Sometimes this scenery is bold and grand; then again modest and unpretending, but still fascinating. From lofty and rugged mountains the view is changed to cultivated fields, with neat farm-houses dotting the surface. The River, too, presents the same change. Sometimes it dashes furiously through the moun­tain passes, and then again, in the open country, glides smoothly and silently on.

"In the back ground of this view there is a high ridge of moun­tains, which are covered on the summit with white rocks, giving the appearance of the top being covered with snow; in the mid­dle ground, the lovely farms, with their houses on the banks of the river, which at this point has a steady flow, as if preparing for the wild rush through the mountain; and in the front ground the Canal, with the clear reflection of the river-all of which combine to make a picture of exceeding beauty. The artist, leaving the Natural Bridge, traveled on foot to the various points represented, and has rarely seen so much to admire at one view, and all so happily blended."

"This view is taken from the road leading to the James River Canal. It shows the situation of the Bridge, and the wild country around it, covered over with the rich growth of the cedar and cypress, which yield their branches every year to thousands as mementoes of this great work of nature. This point gives the most satisfactory view of the Bridge, as it will be seen that for several miles on either side, the deep ravine spanned by this grand and sublime structure, could not be passed except by artificial means.

"The arch, with its shadows, the Hotel, and the road over the Bridge leading from Buchanan to Lexington, and the foot path in its circuitous course to Cedar Creek below, are pre­sented to the eye at a glance from this point; and these objects of interest, with mountains rearing their lofty heads around them, cannot fail to create emotions of admiration and wonder. Visitors ought to visit the point from which this sketch was taken, it being only one mile from the bridge."

"This view is taken from near Liberty, in Bedford county, and shows the surrounding country, with the lofty and majestic Peaks in the distance, which, although seven miles distant, appear in the immediate vicinity. In the middle ground is the Virginia and Tennessee Rail Road, passing through the beau­tiful town, and from which can be plainly seen the Peaks.

"The road from Liberty to the Peaks is one of interest to the admirer of natural scenery. It leads over hill and through vale, and from deep forests the traveler emerges into an open coun­try with its fertile and beautiful farms of rolling land. Cultiva­tion has commenced climbing the Peaks, as far up on its sides are productive fields, and from these open spaces a view can be had of a large body of country. Liberty distinctly presents itself to the eye from several of these points, and indeed, a great portion of Bedford County, with its farms, and groves, and winding streams. A small creek, rising far up the Peaks, comes murmur­ing from its elevated source, forming cascades, and dashing on its meandering way, until it reaches the valley below. The entire road is one of interest, and its romantic attractions will amply re­pay a trip to the Peaks. A full description of the Peaks is found in Volume I of our Album."

"This delightful watering place is situated in the beautiful Ca­tawba Valley, in the county of Roanoke. Known and visited for many years by a few who were invited to it by the medicinal vir­tues of its waters, it attracted the attention of an enterprising company, who within the last two years have erected there mag­nificent buildings of modern style of architecture, and taste­fully improved its natural advantages. Under their control, it has become one of the most pleasant summer retreats in the mountains of Virginia. The improvements consist of a well ar­ranged Hotel, 75 feet in length, handsome cottages, and neat, rural cabins, all combining comfort with beauty of construction. The water of purest sulphur, rises up in a bold stream, and flows into a marble basin eight or ten feet from the bed of the spring. In a grove of large forest trees, and fanned by the mountain I, breeze, it is pleasantly cool at all hours in the hottest days of the season.

The Roanoke Red is ten miles from the Salem Depot on the Virginia and Tennessee Rail Road, and directly on the nearest and best route for southern travelers to the Greenbrier White Sulphur. An ample supply of coaches and teams are always in readiness. The road abounds in picturesque mountain scenery."

"Is in Monroe county, one mile from the Old Sweet. The situation is a lovely one, overlooking one of the most fertile and best culti­vated farms in Virginia. The stage road to the White Sulphur passes through it. There has always been union and harmony between the Old and Red Sweet. Their interests to some extent have been blended; and visitors during the season are contin­ually passing from one to the other.

"About one mile and a half from the Springs is the Beaverdam Fall. Although small, its situation is an attractive one, and is much resorted to by visitors. There is at the Red Sweet, a fine, large Hotel, built across the valley. The walks are handsomely laid off, and near by a bridge leading over a creek, with a neat water fall. There is a fine Bathing Establishment divided into two apartments, and the virtues of its waters have given it repu­tation. The proprietors intend building a Church not far from the Springs."

"Warm Spring, the county seat of Bath county, is situated in a beautiful but narrow valley between two ranges of lofty moun­tains, running parallel from northeast to southwest. The ap­proach to the Warm Springs from the east is over mountains of the same name-and from the summit at the Warm Spring Rock, there is a fine view of parallel ridges of mountains ex­tending from forty to fifty miles, rising behind each other in reg­ular succession as far as the eye can reach.

"These springs are 164 miles west of Richmond, and 40 miles northeast of the White Sulphur in Greenbrier. The Bath is an octagon 38 feet in diameter, the ordinary depth of water being five feet, and the average temperature 98° Fahrenheit. Besides the large Octagonal Bath, there is also a Ladies' Bath and Spout Bath. A Stage is running daily from Millborough to the Warm Springs."

The author has the pleasure to announce that he has completed the whole work, and invites a rigid scrutiny into the faithfulness of correct representations.

In order to preserve the beauty of design, he has obtained access to the future and proposed improvements at the Greenbrier White, Old Sweet, Yellow Sulphur, Montgomery White and Stribling's Springs, and has given in advance the correct style of architecture, plans, locations of fountains, &c. prepared by the proprietors and their architects.

The undersigned returns his sincere thanks for the kind reception given to his enterprise, and flatters himself that his efforts to illustrate the natural curiosities, the favorite resorts of pleasure and health, and many of the triumphs of art and skill, as developed by the improvements in the State, will not be unavailing for the long time in which he has been engaged.

EDWARD BEYER, Artist