S^ HISTORY OF 



and tliat an accurate description might prove interesting 

 to the reader. 



The Litiz Spring. — This spring, wliich is visited by 

 so many persons, is situated on the land of tlie Society, 

 about one-half mile westwardly from the village, and is 

 probably one of tlie largest springs in Pennsylvania. — 

 There is only one fountain from which all the water, 

 which forms a considerable stream, is discharged, and 

 has water sufficient for some of the largest merchant 

 mills in the county. From its head to the Conestoga, 

 into which the stream, denominated on the map of Lan- 

 caster county, " Carter's Creek," empties, it is six miles, 

 and in that distance, there are seven mills. The water 

 is the pure limestone, and very fresh. In former times, 

 it formed a large pond, around which Indians resided, of 

 which the number of Indian arrorw heads, hatchets, and 

 stones used for throwing in their slings, give ample 

 proof. Could these Indians return and see the great 

 change which has taken place at their spring, they 

 would probably not believe it to be the same, from which 

 they had formerly drunk. About the year 17S0, some of 

 the inhabitants of Litiz began to improve it by enclosing 

 it with a circular wall and filling up part of the pond, 

 and in later years the remaining part was filled up, and 

 there, where there was formerly a considerable body of 

 water, there is at this time a beautiful park of trees. — 

 Various improvements were undertaken from time to 

 time; but at no period was it found in such an im- 

 proved state as at this time. Around it are a number of 

 seats, and on the hill, from under which it has its source, 

 there arc handsomely laid out gardens, arbors and orna- 

 mental shrubbery. From the spring to the village is an 

 aveimu of Linden and Maple trees, winding along the 

 stream, the path of wliich is partly covered with gravel. 



