110 BIBB COUNTY. 



penetrate the ground from fifty to two hundred yards ; one of 

 them divides it entirely near its centre, through which a 

 rivulet murmurs over a steep and rocky bed to the river. 

 This is supplied by four springs, one at the head, outside the 

 ground, and three within it. The water of one is reputed to 

 be the coolest and purest in this vicinity. It is most beauti- 

 fully located, and is the most attractive spot for visitors. 

 The banks around it are high and steep, and thickly wooded. 

 Above it, tower giant poplars and the shady beech, and the 

 sun can scarcely penetrate a beam to enlighten this quiet and 

 solemn solitude. Seats are provided here for visitors, as well 

 as in many other parts of the ground. Two rustic bridges of 

 rock and earth cross this valley ; and in it a pond of about 80 

 yards in length, by 20 in breadth, has been excavated, supplied 

 by pure water from the springs, and its banks neatly sodded 

 with grass. Around it, are several cypresses and weeping 

 willows, and one rises from a mound in its centre. A variety 

 of fine roses are also near it, and in perpetual bloom. These 

 are also scattered over the ground, and along the walks and 

 roads, in great profusion. The ridges between the dells are 

 steep, and generally terminate abruptly in rocky clifls at or 

 near the river. On their summits are most beautiful sites 

 for burial lots, most of which are occupied. A broad avenue 

 from the gate terminates on a rocky bluff at the river. Car- 

 riage ways are laid out wherever necessary. One makes 

 the entire circuit of the ground ; another winds along the 

 heads of the valleys, and presents most picturesque views. 

 The entire length of the roads and foot- walks is about 5 miles. 

 Many of them have been constructed with great labour, being 

 cut into the steep sides of the river bank and hills, wind- 

 ing through every place that presents any object of attraction. 

 The lots of families are of different dimensions, from 20 to 40 

 feet square, and at prices varying from 10 to 30 dollars. About 

 150 have been allotted for strangers. A record is kept of all 

 the interments, by which the occupant of every grave can be 

 designated. Many of the lots are enclosed with iron and 

 handsomely improved with monuments, and the most choice 

 shrubbery, making it emphatically a " Garden of Graves." 

 The first object that strikes a visitor on entering the gate, is 



