Picturesque And Notable Places Frequented As Pleasure Resorts, Situated In Various Parts Of The United States; Giving Historical Data, Facts, Figures And Special Features Of Interest And Attraction Pertaining To Each

Adirondack Mountains, -N. Y. - North-eastern New York, comprising the Counties of Hamilton, Franklin, Essex and Clinton, is now known to sportsmen and pleasure-seekers as the Adirondacks. A chain of mountains extends through the counties named, from northeast to southwest, on an elevated plateau, or ridge, which is nearly 2,000 feet higher than the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. Five of these mountains are remarkable for their height. Mount Marcy, the tallest, rises 5,337 feet above the sea-level; Mounts St. Anthony and McMartin are each estimated to be 5,000 feet, and Mounts Emmons and Mclntyre, 4,000 feet above it. Owing to the irregularity of the mountain chain, and the consequent effect upon the country, the scenery is grand and romantic. The rivers Au Sable and Saranac, originating in the recesses of the mountains, flow into Lake Champlain, on the east, while the Cedar and Boreas rivers, uniting with the headwaters of the Hudson, empty into that stream. There are numerous other rivers and creeks throughout the Adirondack region, with several ponds and lakes of varied magnitude, which add much to the grandeur and excellence of this famous resort. Game and fish are found within its borders. On the mountains abound groves and forests of ash, birch, beech, maple, hemlock, spruce, cedar, tamarack, fir and white pine trees. Rapids and falls in the streams, which are principally navigable for light boats, add diversity to the rugged surroundings. Tourists are conveyed by boats and footpaths to the numerous places of summer resort. Timber and iron ore form the principal staple productions of the Adirondack region, which is accessible by several railroad and water routes.

Alexandria Bay, N. Y. - At the approach of the St. Lawrence River, a short distance east of Kingston, Can., the tourist enters Alexandria Bay, quite as frequently designated "The Lake of the Thousand Isles," and which extends down the St. Lawrence forty miles, with a breadth of five miles. The scenery on this lake is among the finest on the continent. Scattered here and there, everywhere throughout the placid waters, he 1,692 islands, of every conceivable size and shape; some being mere rocky projections above the surface; others, nearly as small, covered with verdure, while others, of larger size, are luxuriant in shade trees and grassy plats, and often lying in most attractive clusters. One is 12 miles in length and 2 miles wide. The beautiful color of the leaves and grass is attributed to the bountiful supply of water surrounding the islands. Light-houses, indicating the frequent changes in the channel of the stream, add greatly to the picturesque diversity of the scenery; and on other islands have been erected elegant residences, with ornamental grounds. Hotels abound at several points, and boating, fishing and hunting offer variety and pleasure to the seeker of rest and recreation.

Alleghany Springs, Va.-Within a few miles of Alleghany Station. Va. on the Pennsylvania Railroad, is situated this quiet and secluded health resort. The springs are of the saline class, abounding in Epsom salts, and the waters are esteemed as a remedy in diseases of the stomach. A ride of eight miles brings the tourist to the celebrated Puncheon Run Falls, where a mountain stream plunges, in cascades nearly perpendicular, a distance of 1,800 feet. In the vicinity of the springs, also, is "Fisher's View," revealing wild and beautiful scenery.

Asbury Park-Ocean Grove

Not Many years ago a company of Methodist clergymen and laymen in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania organized the Ocean Grove Camp-Meeting Association, and secured seaside lands six miles south of Long Branch, N. J., upon which to establish a permanent camping ground and summer resort for christian families. This is the now-well-known Asbury Park and Ocean Grove. Under its charter the Association frames its own laws, and thus secures to visitors perfect freedom from the evils of liquor-selling, Sabbath desecration and all disturbing elements of society. A bracing atmosphere, boating, bathing and driving comprise the principal attractions, and half a million of people, it is stated, annually avail themselves of its advantages. Asbury Park contains nearly 500 acres, tastefully improved, and lies five miles south of Long Branch.

Atlantic City, N. J. - Between Long Branch and Cape May, on what is known as Absecom Beach, is located this attractive resort for invalids and tourists. Such are the advantages of its situation on the seacoast, that both summer and winter it receives many visitors. During the warm weather there is safe and delightful surf-bathing, with notable facilities for sailing and fishing; while in the colder seasons the mild temperature, sunny skies and pleasant surroundings, make a sojourn there extremely agreeable. Atlantic City is a pleasant town, with handsome hotels, pretty cottages and wide and shady streets, suitable for long drives, and possesses very desirable accommodations for the throngs who visit it. The ease with which it may be reached from Philadelphia and New York add much to its popularity as a seaside resort.

Au Sable Chasm - Among the many remark-able features of the Adirondack region, in New York, as described above, is a natural chasm in the Potsdam sandstone, through which the Au Sable river flows from the northern termination of the Adirondack Mountains toward Lake Champlain. This channel is in some places nearly two hundred feet deep, and overshadowed by cedar trees and tall precipices of varied shapes. At one point the channel is only ten feet in width, while at another it expands to fifty feet. The chasm is nearly two miles long, and the dark and raging waters dash madly down shallow rapids, cascades and falls, leaping in one place, a distance of twenty feet, and at another, sixty feet - the whole forming a scene that rivals the famous cataracts of mountain streams in Switzerland. The surroundings are as remarkable as the chasm itself, embracing views of mountain ranges and peaks, and Lake Champlain. The pleasure-seeker in this locality may enjoy fine drives and rambles, fresh air and good fishing stations.