SALT POND, IN GILES COUNTY This is a most beautiful work of nature. There are three mountains* of considerable magnitude, which meet at this place-the several mountains at their terminations forming a considerable chasm; this affords a receptacle for the water. It presents to the beholder the appearance of a miniature lake of pure transparent water, and is about one mile in length, and generally from one quarter to half a mile in width. From its head to its termination, it lies nearly a north-east course. It is obstructed at its termination with vast piles of huge rock, over which it is discharged.When this place was first known, the water found passage through the fissures of the rocks. In the year 1804, the remarkable wet spring and summer, which is doubtless recollected by every elderly person, it is supposed the vast quantity of leaves and other rubbish that washed into it, closed up the fissures in the rocks; immediately after which it commenced rising. An elderly gentleman residing, in 1836, on New river, a few miles from it,(Col. Snydow,) informed the author that it had risen fully twenty-five feet since the year 1804. It is said to produce but few fish, there having been a few fine trout caught in it; but vast numbers of the water lizard exist in it. Col. Snydow informed the writer that when this place was first known to the white people, vast numbers of buffaloes, elks and deers resorted to it, and drank freely of its waters; from which circumstance it acquired the name of "Salt Pond." The author tasted the water, but could not discover that it had any saltish flavor. Col. Snydow also informed the writer, that previous to the rising of the water, a very large spring raised at the head, and supplied the lake with water; but since its rise, that spring has disappeared, and it is now fed by numerous small springs around its head. The author recollects seeing, (in a description of this place, published in a northern Mgazine, some years ago,) the opinion expressed that this wonderful work of nature had been formed within the memory of man; but this is doubtless a mistake. Messrs. Snydow and Lybrook both stated to the writer that it existed when the country was first discovered. Col. Snydow particularly, stated that he could recollect it upwards of sixty years, and that it had not increased in length within that period, but had risen as above described. Near this pool of water stands a wild cherry, which those gentlemen described to be ninety feet high to the first limb, perfectly straight, and not less than five feet in diameter. THE ROYAL OAK. This grand and majestic tree is within' about one mile of Union, a very sprightly village, the seat of justice for Monroe county. It is of vast height, and is said to be eight feet in diameter. It has acquired the name from its immense size: towering over every other tree in the forest. in that section of country. *Peter's mountain, the Salt Pond mountain, and Baldknob mountain. SOPIS KNOBS. This is a part of the mountain contiguous to the village, Union; snd is the residence of Alexander Calder, Esq., who has erected a splendid brick dwelling house near the summit of the mountain. It is two miles from the village to Mr. Calder's house, a continued ascent from the village to his house, and considerably steep in places. Of course Mr. Calder's house stands on most elevated ground. Mr. Calder is a resident of Charleston, South Carolina, and has improved this place for his summer residence. The author rode to Mr. Calder's house for the purpose of viewing the splendid works of nature and art combined at this extraordinary place. Col. Andrew Beirne, the representative in Congress, resides near Union, in Montgomery county, is said to be a man of great wealth, and has erected a splendid brick dwelling house and other fine improvements, on an extensive farm. Col. Beirne informed the author that a tract of country for more than one hundred miles between Greenbrier county and the Kenawha, was inhabited; that it is very mountainous, but contains a large proportion of fertile lands. This gentleman also expressed the opinion that it is one of the healthiest regions, both for man and beast, in all North America. VALUABLE MINERALS. Our mountains abound in valuable minerals. We have three manganese mines within about twenty miles of Winchester. The price of the article is, however, so much reduced of late years, that there is but little of it taken to market. The author is informed that a rich copper mine has lately been discovered, and a company formed for working it. It is said it yields well. Several lead mines are said to have been discovered, but as yet, they have not been very productive. There have been several coal mines opened, of the anthracite kind, one of which yields well. It is probable that on further research, sufficient quantities may be found to supply this section of country. The people of our Valley have abundant cause to be humbly thankful to the Great Author of our existence for the blessings he has in his wisdom and benevolence provided for their happiness. THE END. |