1 02 Bedford and Bath or Berkeley Springs. 



At the distance of fifteen or twenty rods south of the main build- 

 ings, there has been erected, but very injudiciously, and much to the 

 injury of the prospect, as it is situated directly across the valley, a 

 two story frame building, of one hundred and forty feet in length, 

 intended for the accommodation of visitors. From the spacious bal- 

 conies, however, in front of this building, the visitors enjoy an in- 

 teresting prospect to the north. 



The principal access from the several houses of accommodation 

 to the springs, which, as before, issue from the foot of Constitution 

 Hill, is by a raised way or walk, across the valley, to a small bridge, 

 erected over Shover creek. From the springs, serpentine or rather 

 zigzag walks are cut upon the western slope of Constitution Hill, to 

 its summit, which, but for the towering forest trees, would afford, in 

 all directions, a most interesting and highly romantic view. The 

 valley between Federal and Constitution hills, and opposite Ander- 

 son's, or the principal spring, is in width about one hundred and fifty 

 yards, and in its entire length almost a perfect level, the whole of 

 which is beautifully interspersed with forest trees of natural growth, 

 such as the oak, elm, maple, &cc. 



In fine, the bounteous and wonderful supply of water which flows 

 from no less than seven highly medicinal and other springs, all within 

 the radius of a stone's throw ; the beauty of the valley and its suscepti- 

 bility of the highest state of improvement ; the lofty adjoining hills ; 

 and the extensive and beautifully romantic view from their summits to 

 the north and east, present a combination of attractions hardly sur- 

 passed in this or in any country. Add to this the facility of obtaining 

 all the delicacies and comforts of life, including wild and tame ani- 

 mals and vegetables of almost every kind and quality, and more 

 than all, the high value of the perennial medicinal waters, which are 

 not excelled in certain complaints by any in the world ; all these cir- 

 cumstances combine to recommend Bedford springs, in Shover 

 Valley, as a place of unrivalled attractions. It is much to be regret- 

 ted that some individual or company has not, as yet, been engaged 

 in rendering it what it is highly susceptible of being, the most inviting 

 resort or public watering place in the United States. 



On my return from Bedford springs, I passed by the way of 

 Pigeon-cove Valley, across the narrow part of Maryland into Vir- 

 ginia, to Bath or Berkeley springs, so called, being in what was but 

 recently Berkeley county. These springs issue from the foot and on 

 the east side of an abrupt and elevated ridge, running in a north east 



