586 WALKER COUNTY. 



slate. They are perennial; the most severe and continued 

 droughts make no perceptible difference in the quantity of 

 water which they discharge. The layers of slate seem 

 to stand almost perpendicularly, and terminate abrcrptly 

 near the west end of the valley, in a kind of barrier or dam, 

 immediately adjoining which, may be found a formation of 

 beautiful white sandstone. Upon the slate formation in the 

 north side of the valley are found black and variegated marble, 

 and blue limestone in small qnantities. I cannot doubt that the 

 curious and scientific will find much in this ' Vale of Springs' to 

 attract their attention and elicit their investigations. To the 

 seeker after pleasure and of health, they cannot fail to become 

 a favourite resort. The approach from the railroad can be 

 easily made over a level and delightfully shaded road, not 

 more than a mile and three quarters in length. The scenery 

 immediately around the springs is rather of the calm and quiet 

 order, but a walk of half a mile up the mountain side, will 

 afford the visiter a delightful view of a highly picturesque and 

 romantic region, embracing many a mountain height and fer- 

 tile valley. 



" The location for the buildings is as beautiful and as con- 

 venient as the most tasteful or the most fastidious could de- 

 sire. The country around is protected by its native forests. 

 The atmosphere is pure, dry, and bracing, and entirely free 

 from disease, or from any cause which could produce it. 



" Immediately in the rear of the springs there are two 

 beautiful mountain peaks, from the summits of which visiters 

 might enjoy an extensive prospect of the surrounding country. 

 To the summit of the eastern peak a carriage road could be 

 constructed at comparatively little expense. They are so 

 convenient to the proposed building site, that the ascent to 

 the top of either would not consume over twenty-five or 

 thirty minutes. 



The Sand Mountain on the north side, distant about a mile 

 and a half, is well worth a visit, and its summit is destined to 

 be the goal of many a pilgrimage from these springs in future 

 days. It rises probably 1800 feet above the valley — is wholly 

 isolated, nearly circular, and is entirely surrounded by Tiger 



