Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (1907 Volume 3).djvu/330

 these mountainous scenes nature exhibits her boldest features. Every object is extended upon a vast scale; and the whole assemblage impresses the spectator with awe as well as admiration.

many a wearisome ascent, we arrived at Seybour's, on the top of the ; and, having ridden thirty-one miles, were sufficiently tired to accept even of the miserable accommodations this Inn afforded for the night.

, April 12

leaving our lodging on "the highest of hills," we had to descend through six miles of rugged paths, over precipices, and among rocks, and then along a miry valley, with formidable ascents in view.

Alleghany, which we had now crossed, is about fifteen miles over.

descried at a distance the towering ridges of mountains, beyond many an intermediate height; some encircled with {22} wreaths of clouds, and others pointed with fire kindled by the hunters, or involved in curling volumes of smoke.

were the principal part of the day passing the valley, and mounting, which is about three miles in direct ascent, and lodged at Behmer's near the top, after a journey of twenty-four miles.

the woods were on fire all around us, and the smoke filled the air, we seemed to have ridden all day in a chimney, and to sleep all night in an oven.

, April 13

mountain has its name from the various species of Laurel with which it is clothed; (Rhododendron Maximum, Kalmia Latifolia, &c.) There were several varie