cz o o cz 3: ^^ CD o 3> 33 > 33 > ^^^= SK%4%S?SSS?SS?:j4S^S4!*4Sgi;%S%S5S^^5J*Sg^^ SHEVILLE, OR THE^^^K-.,...J KY -fllAND. THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES UC(^(.<^ Aht^^i^ ' L' Souvenir of ASHEVILLE, OR THE S KY - L A N D. BY MRS HARRIET ADAMS SAWYER. ST. Loris: MXOX- JONES I'RINTINO CO. ],s!)2. All Itights Hesercet/. Mrs. Harriet Adamn Savyer. 180 -J. '^i, 4f5x7 --^^CONXENXS.? SXito 1 J Asheville, or Sky Land Situation, Asheville in Brief Resources, Flowers, ASHEVILLK PlATKAU. Nature of Climate, Temperature, Humidity, Wind, Atmospheric Pressure, Ealnfall, Sunshine and Cloudiness, Merits of Climate, The Brave's Farewell, Poem, . Hotels, Kenilworth Inn, Battery Park, Hotel Belmont, .... Oakland Heights, . . . . Schools, Ravenscroft High School, Asheville Female College, Bingham School, .... Places of Interest to Visitors : Mt. Mitchell, ] Grave of Rev. Elisha Mitch ell, D.D., Poem, Richmond Hill, Pearson's Bridge, Connolly's Ford, Old Cabin Home, Esmeralda's Cabin, Lover's Leap, Mt. Pi^gah, Reem's Creek Falls, Csesar's Head, Round Knob, Paint Rock, Chimney Rocks, Places and Distances, etc , Time Table, .... Page. . y 14 . 21 27 33-41 . 42 49 . 57 05 . 73 81 . 85 86 . 86 91-103 103 104 550496 fiLLUSTRATlONS.Tr Ashfcville from Town Mouutaiii. The Square. Bauk. City Hall. Baptist Ciiiucli. Above the Clou(l>. Mt. Mitchell. Tilling tiie Soil. French Broad, from Uichmoiul Hill. Old Cabin Home. Connolly's Ford Paint Hotk. A Shady Nook. Ctesar's Head. Pisgah, from Battery Park. Blondon Donkt-y. Boating on Swaimauoa. Lover's Leap. Bailey's Bend on French Broad. Uu French Broad near Hot Springs. Pearson's Bridge. Kecm's Creek F'alls. The Sluice, on French Broad. Hotel and Fountain at Round Knob. Raveuscroft School. Kenilworth Inn. Battery Park. Belmont. Oakland Height.^. Sd many and grnal ars the attractinns and advantagns affarEd by this modErn Mrcadia, it u/nnld ba impossiblE ta snt thsin forth within the scops dssiynsd fnr this littlE snnvEmr, Rccnrdingly, we shall nnly prs- sEot, in so brisf a form that "ho who runs may road, ' ' a faw of tho salisnt points which maka RshEvillE prs-EminEntly dEsirabls as a placE of rs sort J Eithsr forhsalthj orplEasura, INTRODUCTION. in SummBr or U/intBr. Oar illustrations will show somEthing of the picturBsquEnoss of AshBi/illE and its BnvironmEnt, with its principal hotols and public buildings. We ars conhdEnt that thosE who catch a glimpsE through this uista, of its charms, will bo impBllEd to invEsiigatE in person ths largar claims of this Skg-Land to popular favor and patronaoE. ASHEVILLE, DR SKY-LAND Beautiful for Situation. (>^ fN THIS little souveuir of Asheville, it is our purpose ^ to let it, so far as is possible, speak for itself. It has been said, " Figures do not lie." Is not this state- ment equally true of photography ? Claiming that it is so, we give you, on a very small scale, a peep into this " Sky- Land." As " midtum in parvo " is our motto, it has been exceed- ingly difficult to select from the hundreds of views, presented by the photographer, the small number which we can insert. The more we scanned the varied charms depicted, the more serious became the difficulty ; but, at last we have selected a few, which must be received by the reader as typical only, of the indescribable and unlimited expanse of grandeur and beauty, which Nature has so lavishly spread before us in this laud of the sky. ' Lift thine eyes, O, lift thine eyes unto the mountains, from whence cometh thine help." To the ever-moving population of our country, especially to those who are seekers after health, and, not less truly to those who need only seek after the delights of travel, comes the question yearly " Where shall we go? " Many places in the country answer the query most satisfactorily if you only wish a transient abode. To the North we are pointed for cooling breezes in sum- mer, and to the South for balmy air and invigorating sun- 10 ASHEVII.LE, OR SKY-I.ANI>. shine in winter, but alas! between these two sections, there lies a vast area of territory, to compass which, one must expend a deal of strength, time and money. So, Nature, our kind mother, always so ready to minister to her children in life, and to gently cover and shelter them in death, has prepared this "Sky-Land," this city of refuge alike from the blizzards of the northern winters, and the sultr}- southern summer's sun, where her children may hold high carnival, where the winters are softened, and where the summers are fanned by breezes fresh from the mountains, and where the weary may rest in an all the year Jubilee. What is there to delight the eye, or to inspire the poet's dream, that is not found in Asheville and vicinitj? High mountains dewy vales sloping highlands, rivers vying with any sung \}y poet, or painted by artist, whose verj' names breathe of music and song. " French Broad " " Swannanoa." Can you not almost hear the splashing of the oar and see the canoe of the red man, with its gaily bedecked occupant, summoning all his bravery and muscular force, to guide it o'er those darkiing. turbulent waters of the French Broad, singing the while his wild song, as, on either hand, some dashing torrent, falling from its high source in some adja- cent mountain, adds its deep chorus to his melo(h'? Then, with the red man's ever ready sympathy with Nature, and her moods, as he i)asses along to the more peaceful waters of the Swannanoa. his voice falls, and his wild war song is changed to one of mournful tenderness as he sings now of the "Great Spirit." and of the "Happy Hunting Grounds." Here are the forests primeval. But, as youth ever loves to .adorn and enliven age, behold the many vines whose cling- ASHEVILI.E, OR SKY-LAND. 13 ing tendrils climb to the highest branches, and cover the titne-niarked trunks of these mountain patriarchs. On these shores how the ferns love to grow and flowers to bloom, decking shore and mountain side in every hue. How the birds sing I And still the deer darts in and out, among the giants of the forest and the vine-trellised hills, finding alternate sun and shade. Who shall attempt to describe a sunset in this "Sky- Land?" Surely you will gaze enraptured, and seem to hear sky-voices, which sound as if not far away, sajing : " Lift up 3'our heads, O ye gates! even lift them up ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of Hosts. He is the King of Glory." Would you get near to Nature's heart? Hither come. With canopy of bluest blue, with sunhght, now flashing gems of every color over all, and anon, such shadows ! As the sun sinks, giant forms of darkness stalk over the valley, the birds hide, the flowers close their petals, and stillness audible prevails. 14 ASIIEVILLE, OU SKY-LAXU. ASHEVILLE IN BRIEF. IFN 1812, Asheville, an old and pieturesqueU' located tnount- I ain city, was simply a trading-i)ost. In 183.'i the place ^ was incorporated and for years was known as Morristown. This name gave place later to that of Asheville, in honor of Samuel Ashe, of New Hanover. Its growth has l)een phe- nomenal. While it stands pre-eminent as a resort for health and pleasure, in both summer and winter, it. deserves high rank as a city of great business resources and imi)oftance. Upon these we shall in this place dwell very brietly. There are 16 manufacturing and lumber establishments within the city limits, with an aggregate capital of $800,000, doing an annual business of Si, 100,000. Real estate transactions are very extensive. The inducements to visitors and residents are all that could be desired. The best of educational advantages are offered. There are sixteen churches representing all denom- inations. In Asheville, the Sabbath is honored, th-^ people attend church and a sensation of restfulness may be enjoyed which is not often found at so po[)ular a resort. Some of the finest hotels in America are here. Those most popular are, Kenilworth Inn, Battery Park, Hotel Belmont, Oakland Heights, Swannanoa. Grand Central, Oaks, and Glen Kock. To those wishing less expensive accommodations, are offered many line boarding houses among which JNIr. McCapes takes high rank. There are also facilities offered at reason- able rates for light housekeeping. ASHEVILLE, OR SKY-LAND. 17 The markets are always well supplied with all of the best things which the seasons bring, and at low prices. Large appropriations have been recently niade'for street improve- ments, which are rapidly progressing. Those particularly fond of mosquitoes must look elsewhere [for a habitation, as this very musical and social, although not altogether popular element is not found in Asheville. In brief Ashe- ville Has a Telephone Exchange. It has a progressive Y. M. C^ A. It has a good system of sewerage. It has an efficient Fire Department. It has a well-drilled military company. It has an altitude of nearly 2,300 feet. It has the Gamewell Fire Alarm System. It has a public Library and Reading Room. It has a progressive Mayor and City Council. It has four railroads running in all directions. It has three banks and two more in prospect. It has the handsomest Opera House in the State. It has a score of eminent and skillful physicians. It has a large number of first-class livery stables. It has excellent schools, both public and private. It has two large and well-equipped Sanitariums. It has two electric light companies and a gas company. It has energetic, progressive and wide-awake merchants. It has two daily and half a dozen weekly newspapers. It has a population of 12,000 and about 100,000 visitors yearly. It has dry. bracing air, and a delightful climate all of the year. It has a well conducted hospital with an efficient medical corps. 2 18 ASHEVILLK, OK SKY-LAND. It has ail electric street railway traversing all parts of the city. It has a good system of water works, giving an ample supply of pure water. It has a new Government Post-Oftice in course of con- struction and a new City Hall. It has tlourishing Masonic, Knights of Pythias. Odd Fel- lows. Knights of Honor, Sons of Temperance lodges, besides several labor organizations. It had an ice factory, cotton mill, two shoe factories, furniture factory, cigar factory, numerous wood working factories, tobacco factories, flour mills, broom factory, etc. Mr. Vanderbilt's Mansion. Mr. Geo. W. Vanderbilt, the great millionaire, has selected Asheville in which to locate and develop what promises to be the grandest of American homes. " Vanderbilt Park " is composed of 8,000 acres of most charming variety and beauty, lying between the Swannanoa and French Broad rivers. Upon the summit of this vast area is being constructed the Vander- bilt mansion. Its erection will recpiire jears of time and millions of money. The grand approach to the residence is through an avenue two miles and a half in length. Mr. Vanderl)ilt is doing the work through his agent. Mr. McXamee, and only makes occasional visits to note its progress. There is a force employed of 300 hands, and oO teams. Plans are being developed for costly residences, out- buildings, farm houses, stables, etc., besides the laying out of extensive drives, and roads ; planting of orchards and forming of plantations of evergreens, or other trees. This surely is indicative of the popularity, and j)rogress of Ashe- ville. Other gentlemen of New York and Philadelphia are also building splendid homes here. ASHEVILLK, OR SKY-LAND. 21 RESOURCES. From " Liudsey's Guide Book" I quote the following: TAIeSTERN North Carolina is not only exceedingly fertile but abounds in the richer minerals, and needs but the magic wand of the capitalist waved over it to become one of the richest sections of this Union. Oecup3ing one-third of the entire area of the State, and possessing more than a quarter of a million of inhabitants, its present prospects are by no means disagreeable ; but its prominent citizens, of all walks of life, are anxious for immigration and development of the rich stores of gold, iron, copper, mica, etc., now buried in the hills. Let no one fancy that this mountain region is un- desirable as an agricultural country ; there ai'e few richer and better adapted to European emigration. The staple productions are tol)acco, corn, wheat, rye, oats and hay : all vegetables grow abundauth', and the whole country is admirably fitted for grazing. The level bottom lands are under fine cultivation ; the uplands and slopes produce rich wheat ; the ash, the sugar maple, the hickory and the oak are abundant ; the white pine is rafted down the Pigeon river in large ((uantities yearly. But the exceptional fertility of most of the ranges throughout all the counties is the great pride of the section. The sides and tops of the mountains are in many cases covered with a thick vegetable mold, in which grow flourishing trees and rank grasses. Five thousand feet above the sea level one linds grasses and weeds that remind him of the lower swamp region. Cattle are kept in excellent condition all winter on the " evergreen " growing along the sides of the liigher chains. Winter and sunnner, before the ravages of war thinned out their stock, 22 A8HEV1LLE, OU SKY-LAND. the fanners kept liuiulreds of cattle on the mountains, feed- ing entirely on grass. The valleys of the French Broad and Swainianoa offer for all kinds of husbandry an inviting Held, while the climatic conditions are more than favoral)le. Agriculture is one of the interests tributary to Asheville, while the f(n'est growth is a subject now attracting the attention of capitalists. In the country contiguous to the place there are to be found the yellow pine, oak of almost every variet}', black walnut, chest- nut, locust, i)oplar, black birch, cherry, maple, sycamore, mulberry, sassafras, dogwood, and other well-known varieties of native woods. Nearly 100 minerals, simple and compound, are found in Western North Carolina, many of them being extremely rare and of great value. In the French Broad valley gold exists in many locaHties, while future explorations will no doubt lead to other discoveries. This country i)Ossesses literally mountains of w'ealth in mica, this section supplying nearly one-half the demand throughout the world." Fruit Growing. As a fruit growing section Western North Carolina enjoys peculiar advantages. Apples, peaches, pears and apricots thrive well, and find a congenial home among these mount- ains. As for apples there is probably no part of the country where they flourish so well as in this section. The Centennial medal at Philadelphia, awarded for fine apples, was taken by Capt. Natt. Atkinson, of this place, who was engaged in fruit growing at that time, near Asheville: and in the following year at the American Pomological Society's meeting, in the city of Baltimore, the same gentle- man was awarded the Wilder medal for one hundred varieties of finest apples." I'AINT KOCK. >!'^'^vC ASHEVILLE, OR SaY-LAND. 27 Flowers. 'N WINTER the visitor finds the holly trees in their N l)eautiful symmetry, laden with bright red berries, and the poetic mistletoe, hanging in long masses from the limbs of the trees, and while the mountains are still snow- capped, the dainty violet will greet the traveler's feet. The hawthorne also abounds in December. In the spring the wild rhododendron, that royally luxuriant llower in pink and white, fringes axevy stream with beauty. With it comes the graceful azalia, laden with red or yellow lily-shaped blos- soms, and the pink clusters of ivy massed in their setting of green. The kalmia follows. In June and July the heather and houstonias abound. Then those sweet visitants, so impartial in their favors to this broad land of ours, the forget-me-not and lily-of-the-valley. seem to do their utmost and best for the * Sky-Land." Being a native of Maine, how happy was 1, one day. in mid-winter, to find upon the mountain side, the trailing arbutus, so dear to the heart of every New Englander. O trailing arbutus, you beautiful thing, How many and sweet are the memories ye bring To the child of New England: When far from his home, In the land of the stranger, your picture will come, And carry him back, in the twilight's soft hour, Over prairie and mountain with magical power, And the long-bani>ilied pilgrim far off in the west Again is a child, with your l)looin on his breast. ASHEVILLE, OR SKY-LAND. 33 ASHEVILLE PLATEAU. From a paper read before the County Medical Society , at Aislieville, Jauuary 2d, 1888, by Samuel Westray Battle, M. D., P. A. Surgeon U. S. Navy, Asheville, N. C, proprietor Battery Park Hotel: having his generous permisiiion to do so, I quote extensively, knowing that his authority is unquestionably reliable : fHE Asheville or the Appalachian plateau with Ashe- ville in its middle, is an elevated tableland somewhat triangular in shape, eraliracing some six thousand square miles of western North Carolina, with a general ele- vation of two thousand feet above the sea level, though there are points from one thousand to fifteen hundred feet higher to the northward of Asheville. " It is upward of a hundred and fifty miles long with an average width of twenty-five miles. It lies west of the Blue Ridge and east of the Great Smoky Mountains, its surface being much cut up bj^ cross-chains and spurs of its eastern and western barriers, as the Black Mountain from the Blue Ridge, the Balsam, the Cullowee and Nantahala from (he Smokies. Hills, valleys, rivers and forests, so diversify this intra montane expanse as to make it lovely and restful to the eye beyond the power of my pen to portray. '' The great Appalachian chain, upon reaching North Car- olina, stands sponsor to a section which should be, and I predict will be, the great sanitorium of our eastern country. As if conscious of its future importance it has seen fit to 3 34 ASHKVII.I.E, 01{ SKY-I,ANU. jruanl the plateau with its loftiest and j^raiuleHt peaks, a half Immlred of whieli tower to a height upward of six thousand feet, and a dozen pierce the sky at an altitude greater than that of .Mount Washington, or an^^ point east of the Rocky Mountains. As far as scenery goes, ' age cainiot wither, nor custoiu stale its infinite variety ' a point too little thought of in casting about for a suitable climate. Asheville, the county seat of Buncombe, well situated 250 feet above the waters of the French Broad and Swan- nanoa rivers, and one mile from their confluence, is itself 2.35') feet above tide water. The entire region is covered with a luxuriant growth of primitive forest of pine, balsam and the handsomest of the deciduous variety of trees gener- ally, the mountains being wooded to their very summits, an unusual and an attractive feature which delights the eye and at once impresses most favorably the tourist and health seeker. The scenic effects to be had here are a proi)er food for the eye of the sick and the well, and in rounding up the complement of a health resort are not to be lost sight of. The Blue Ridge to the eastward is the water sheeing notoriously more powerful in the highlands than in the lowlands makes out-of-door life all the more pleasant. The beauty of these bright, cloud- less days, and their bracing and tonic influence on invalids, can only be realized by actual experience.' My own per- sonal olservation corroborates the above figures and remarks. The Merits of the Climate. In regard to the merits of the climate, or the climato- . therapy of the plateau, let us briefly sum up its advantages without bestowing indiscreet or overzealous praise. It is pre-eminently a suitable one for the early stages of pulmo- nary phthisis, especially for such subjects as can and will get out in the air, and are determined to take benefit of the dry, tonic, invigorating, l)i-acing (jualities thereof and keep good hours. Conditions which seem to favor germ propagation and prolong the species of the genus Bacterium do not exist here. Wounds heal kindly and operative procedures of the gravest character are rarely followed by septic infection. " The mortality from pulmonary phthisis is not large in any part of North Carolina, being, according to the Mortal- ASIIEVILLE, OH SKY-LAND. 45 ity Tables of the Tenth Census (1880), 13.4 for every 10,000 of population throughout the State. But it is interesting to note that the mountain counties show a mortality of only 10.6 in every 10,000 of population, as against 16.1 for every 10,000 of population of all the other counties of the State, in the aggregate; or in other words, in a State where pulmonary phthisis does not figure i)rominently in the mor- tality tables the death rate is still fifty i)er cent, less in the mountain section than in the other lower-ljnng portions of the State. ' Drs. Avery Segur andT. Mortimer Lloyd, of Brooklyn, made a visit to the plateau in Sept. 1886, afterward pub- lishing in the New York MeduxiJ Journal of April 9, 1887, a very interesting article under the caption Some Evidence Relating to Asheville and the Mountains of North Carolina in the Climatic Treatment of Phthisis.' ' These gentlemen were so well pleased, and so impressed by the apparent climatic advantages of the plateau in tlie treatment of phthisis, that they instituted a clinical inquiry into its merits bv addressing a circular letter and questions to nearly three hundred prominent physicians in the large cities,' man}' of whom had patients here. I can hardly do better than quote from the ' summary of replies ' as given in this excellent ])aper, viz. : The general opinion is that spring (when nmd is gone), summer and autumn montlis are the most favorable seasons, and that Januar}' and Feb- ruary are the most unfavorable months. It is generally agreed that prolonged residence is beneficial. Many recov- eries are reported. Dr. Gleitsmann gives a striking report of sixty-four cases decidedl}' improved of eighty-six cases of incipient phthisis. The answers indicate the lasting ben- efits of an Asheville residence. As would l)e anticipated 46 ASHKVILLK, OR SKY-I.ANI). tlie iniproveineiit luis been cliietty in tlie early stages, but some strikintf benefits were experienced in unpromising cases. * * w\ w^q rei)lies indicate tiiat sleep is favored Ijn- this climate. * * Xo malaria reported and the advantages of this region for its treatment indicated. " Among other conditions indicating the advi8al)ility of a sojourn in this region may be mentioned, asthma, hay fever, convalescence from malarial and other fevers (there are no lakes or swamps, and malaria is unknown), nervous prostra- tion and exhaustion from over-work or long-continued sum- mer heat ; as also chronic congestions of the internal organs, by reason of diminished atraosi)heric density causing a determination of blood to the surface, hence the great bene- fit of altitude in incipient phthisis. Nervous energy and nniscular vigor are usually increased, and the nutrition of the body and the condition of the blootl imi>roved by a sojourn at moderate elevation ; above 0,000 feet the appe- tite for food is diminished and the digestive organs fre- (|uently disordered, whereas a medium altitude usually increases the desire for food and cpiickens digestion. By reason of its medium altitude contra-indicatious to a resi- dence upon the i)lateau are few, though organic disease of the heart where the circulation is much disturbed must not be lost sight of. Of course those who are in advanced phthisis and are too feeble to l>reathe the out-of-door air, and take some sort of out-of-door exercise, are better off at home with their friends, surrounded by comforts that can- not be supplied elsewhere." LOVKU'S I.KAP ASHEVILLR, OR SKY-LAND. 49 The Brave's Farewell. Sad I leave thee, Swannanoa, All my sires have loved thee well, Ere the presence of the pa!e-face Threw o'er us its deadly spell. Well aud wildly have we loved thee, By thy shores we laid our braves, Where the singing of thy waters, Makes sad music o'er their graves. Swannanoa peaceful river By thy name I called my bride E'en the pale-face lost his terror.s, When she wandered by my side. Here I buried her, my darling, Maiden of the dusky brow, O'er these vales no more we'll wander Sheathed the arrow, rent the bow. Could you speak, O Swannanoa, Sad the story you would tell Of the braves in feathered helmet Held enchanted by your spell; 4 5) ASHEVILLE, OU SKY-LAND. Of the soDjis that ihi'y have siinR thei" Tossiug ill tlieir light canoe, Of dark faces whose retlections You have mirrored clear and true. Do you miss your dusl\y cliildren? Do you listen for tlieir soui:? Hasten on, sweet Swannanoa, To tlie " dead past " these belon; Some in other lands are roaming. No abiding place have we, But, thougii fugitives we wander We will still remember thee. And we ll " ^< 5;^.- ASHEVILLE, OR SKV-LAND. 57 HOTELS. As to tourists and health seekers, hotel accommodations are matters of vital interest and importance ; and, as Ashe- ville is justly proud of its achievements in this direction, I shall describe quite fully the attractions offered by the leading hotels here. N ENGLISHMAN, a lover of nature, sought the loveli- est spot in this beautiful country in which to build a home. In bidding adieu to his manor, as a memento, he plucked two twigs of ivy from Kenilworth Castle, which were carefully planted by his new home in the ' Land of the Sky." More than eighty yeai's have given to these little slips a marvelous growth ; one eleven the other nine inch( s in diameter, and twent}^ feet in height, witli a top of rare grace and beauty. The little, tender slips of iv}^, planted nearly a century ago, b}' hands unconscious of the future, have given this delightful si)ot its historic name "Kenil- worth Inn." The mention of these sprigs of iv}- from Kenilworth^ brings that magnificent ruin vividly before the mind of the writer. When I was there in August last on a perfect sum- mer's afternoon few visitors were present. The green sward seemed almost undisturbed. How eloquently did that ivy- clad ruin speak of days and peoi)le of the past! The giant 58 ASHKVII.LK, OR SKY-LAND. trunks of the ivy sent out the most hixuriant foliage, cover- inij tlie old castle, which is a complete ruin ! Not a single room remains to show its former proportions. It would look too desolate but for its crown of green, which seemed like the spirit of Love, seeking to exi)and and extend its mantle to conceal the defects of its dear object, and to sup- plant decay and ruin with life and beauty. Some young people were courageously climbing from one part to another, and now and then a bright face would peep through a dismantled window, or the sound of merry laugh- ter resound through the decayed walls. But to me it seemed only as a dream of the past. The only objects of life which seemed to claim any adherence to the place, were some peacocks which were strutting in their lordly way over the velvety lawn, seeming in their hoarse notes to say: All beauty and grace has not dei)arted shall not depart from Kenilworth. "A park of one hundred and sixty acres immediately surrounds Kenilworth Inn, twenty acres of which is in a velvety lawn, the balance a superbly wooded tract of the most varied forest growths, containing grand old Spanish and stately white oaks, health-giving pines, delicate dog- woods, spicewood, luxuriant rhododendrons, laurel, azaleas, sweet shrubs, larkspurs, and small llora too numerous to mention. The native birds, gray squirrels, partridges, and wild rabbits are here protected, and afford unlimited enter- tainment. Looking out from this beautiful knoll, we have at its foot, two hundred feet below, and within Kenilworth Park, that most picturesque of mountain streams, the Swan- nanoa river, ''Swannanoa" moaning in the Cherokee lan- guage , ' The most beautiful stream." Three sets of rapids in immediate view, lend music to the scene, while a shady ASHtVILLE, OR SKY-LAND. 61 road, of twenty miles along its banks, is one of the most romantic drives of the many in this section. The breadth of view from Kenilworth Inn is remarkable. To the east is the Craggy Range of mountains, but seven miles distant, and through its dips the highest peaks of the Black Mount- ains are visible ; Mount Mitchell, the most prominent, and at the same time the highest point of land east of the Rocky Mountains. Mr. George W. Vanderbilt's private park, con- taining seven thousand acres, directly adjoins the Kenil- worth property on the south side, while its drives, cultivated hill-sides and forests, make iip man}' miles of the view to the south with the mountains as a background. The western view includes the French Broad Valley, Smokj- Mountains, with the famous peaks of Pisgah and the Rat. Twenty-six of the thirty-eight peaks known to be higher than Mount Washington can be seen from Keuilworth Inn. "The approach to Keuilworth Inn from the Vanderbilt Station, called "Biltmore," is along the Swannanoa for a few himdred feet, thence through a l^eautiful ravine, and around the hill front, to the massive stone portecochere through which guests enter the large rotunda. Upon the first floor are the offices, newsstand, telephone and tele- graph offices, emergency pharmac}', parlors, music hall, ladies' billiard room, reading and writing rooms, dining halls, and seven thousand feet of jjorches. All the bedroom floors are duplicates. The bedrooms are unusually large, the single rooms being about the size of double rooms in the majority of hotels. Each room has an immense closet, while there are private baths connected with seventy rooms, and a large proportion have open lire-places. It being an all-year- round resort, the fan system of heating has been introduced, the steam chambers being in the basement, and laro^e fans 62 ASllKVll.LK, OU SKY-LAXI). force a c-iiireiit of pure air throiijrhout tlie entire liouse. Each room has an entirely separate flue, and the air is changed in every room each five minutes throughout the en- tire twenty-four hours. The inside finish is in native hard wool. Kenilworth Inn has all of the modern conveniences, with everything for ct)mfort. pleasure and luxury. A su- perior cuisine, the i)urest water, no back rooms, rare views from every room, electric lights, elevator, billiards, bowlinii, tennis, laundry and livery. Particular attention has been given to plumbing and diainage. The music will l)e con- ducted by Professor Bastert, with a select orchestra. Com- fortable conveyance to the business center of Asheville. man}' times daily." t I ASHEVILLE, OR SKY-LAND. fio BATTERY PARK. Is a spot of historical interest, and notoriously popular, not alone for its beautiful views (being over 100 feet above the highest streets of the city, and commanding a stretch- of country in some directions of sixty miles in extent), but as having been the location selected during the war by the Confederates as the defense to the city. Here a battery was planted, and maintained till near the close of the war. The old breastworks still remain, and are pre- serve I as flower-beds. The view from the hotel is said by travelers to be unsurpassed in beauty in the world the eye commanding a view covering 1000 square miles of the most beautiful mountain scenery. Battery Park Hotel, on the twelfth day of July, 1886, made its first bow to the pubhc, and entered the arena for its share of public favors. It has now (May) passed ihrough six summers and five winter seasons, and its success, which was never doubted, has been so comi)lete, and has so far ex- ceeded the expectations of its owner that its enlargement is nearly double the original capacity. Battery Park has a frontage of over 800 x 175 feet. It is provided with wide verandas, spacious halls, dining rooms, parlors, reception, and reading rooms ; ladies' billiard room ; large rotunda, with its marble tiling and old- fashioned fire-place of generous proportions ; a ball-room, 105 X 50 feet the handsomest at anv resort in the United 66 ASIlKVlI.l.i:, OK SKY- LAND. States with a inovnhlt' sta<;e for amateur performances; and ten-pill alley underneath, fitted up to please the most fastidious. A new wing with thirty-tive rooms has lately been added. It is heatetl by steam and open lire-places, and lighted wholly by electricity; an Otis hydraulic passenger and bag- gage elevator runs from the basement to the attic; electric bells connect all rooms with the office; a steam laundry, with all the improved machinery, for doing the work of both the guests and the house ; water-closets and baths, public and private, on every floor ; newsstand and telegrai)h office, billiard room, l>owling alle}', and many of the out- door games in vogue at the present day. The house is provided with all necessary comforts for the winter as well as the summer months; in other words, it is built for doing business througliout the entire 3'ear. During the colder portion of the winter the verandas are inclosed by glass, and many of the |)rivate suites of rooms have glass bow-windows. By this arrangement invalids can enjoy a sun bath without leaving their rooms. It is an all-the-year-round house, and is kept as such. A dark room, with al)un(lance of running water and electric light, for use of photographers. A first-class livery stable is run in connection with the hotel, where saddle horses, village carts, broughams, bug- gies, etc., may be hired at any time. Some of the drives to well-known places are beautiful in the extreme : for instance, the road leading to Bald mountain famous to theater- goers as benig the seat of the action of the popular drama " ?Ismeralda " is one of the most famous in the South. It leads directly through canyon country, and is inclosed on both sides by ifgh bluffs and seemingly indefinitely high ASHKVILLE, OR SKY-LAND. 69 rocky walls making the drive, to a stranger, one of pure enjoyment. For the accommodation of guests arriving and departing from the Battery Park Hotel, the house has arranged with the Electric Street Railway of Asheville for an elegant special car, for their exclusive use, which meets all trains. We advise guests to avail themselves of this car, as it is the quickest and by far the most comfortable means of reaching the hotel. To insure the prompt delivery of baggage, give your checks to no one but the Battery Park Hotel porter, who is at the depot on the arrival of trains. ASHEVILLE, OR t^KY-LAND. 73 THE BELMONT. Location. 'w^HE BELMON r is situated on a mountain plateau, in 'K^ a natural grove of sixty-five acres, at an altitude of 2,500 feet. The West Asheville and vSulphur Springs Electric Railway extends from the hotel to the Union Depot, making trips every half hour, where it connects with the Asheville city line. The scenery along this road is the most picturesque and enjoyable to be found in this vicinity. From "The Belmont" the road follows the banks of the Hominy ; then climbs Strawberry Hill and descends to the beautiful French Broad and winds along its banks to the junction of the two rivers, the French Broad and the Swan- nanoa. At this point the road crosses the French Broad over a substantial iron bridge and continues down the east bank of the river to the depot. Building. The Hotel Belmont is an elegant new three story brick building (the only large brick hotel in Asheville), with every modern improvement, of a capacity for 2oO guests. The location offers the most magnificent scenery from every window in the house, hence there are no undesirable rooms. 74 ASIIKVII.I.E, OK SKV-I.ANU. Appointments. The l)uil(liu; is heated by steam niul open (ires : has an electric elevator and bells; is lighted by jias. suiiplied with bath rooms, hot and cold water on each floor, perfect fire escapes, Miller chemical tire engines, etc. Telephonic com- munication exists with the depot and city. The sleeping rooms are large, airy and well ventilated, most of them are arranged in suits, and a number with pri- vate baths. The furniture was selected with a view to elegance and comfort ; the beds are unsurpassed. The ladies, the recep- tion, the general, the billiard and hall parlors, including the drawing room are all handsomely furnished. The ottice. gentlemen's parlors and reading rooms are attractive. The 1,200 feet of beautifully carpeted and furnished halls are broad and well lighted and make a continuous parlor into which the guests rooms open, these combined with one-fourth mile of verandah, offer to our guests opportunities to promenade during stormy weather to their hearts content. The plumbing was laid under the sui)ervision and direc- tion of a physician, and every sanitary ])recaution has been ol)served for the health of the house. The dining room is large. l)right, cheerful and tastefully furnished. The table will be maintained at the highest standard, hotk in .service and cookhig. The Behnont Jersey Dairy furnishes the richest milk, cream and butter. A first-class laundry is connected with the house. A well appointed livery stable is also provided. Mineral Water. At the Hotel Belmont, near the ternnnus of the West Asheville & Sulphur .Springs Electric Railway, are located ASHEVILLE, OR SKY-LAND. U two fine sulphur springs and several iron and lithia springs which have attracted many people to Asheville for years past on account of their medicinal properties. These are the only mineral springs in the vicinity of Asheville ; they are well kept up. The surrounding grounds and park are very attractive, and the springs are an objective point for the citizens as well as the visitors of Asheville. We append an analysis of the two Springs : Sulphur Spring. IN ONE U. S. GALLON OF W^ATER. Grains. H ydrogen Sulphide , 1813.70 Sodium Sulphide, .43 Sodium Chloride, 15. Total, 1829.13 Iron Spring. IN ONE U. S. GALLON OF WATEK. Grains. Acid Carbonic, o.G5 Iron Carbonate, 3.86 Calcium Bicarbonate, .74 ]\I agnesia Bicarbonate 5.71 Calciiun Sulphate, .12 Magnesia Sulphate, .18 Sodium Chloride, 2 46 Silica, .61 Total, 19.33 7h ashkville, or sky-i.axd. In addition to tlie mineral water the house is supplied from a soft, pure, living mountain spring, some three miles distant. The effects produced differ with the person and his pre- vious physical condition. The tendency is to correct many forms of dyspepsia, inclmling hepatic sluggishness, constipa- tion, catarrhal troubles and functional diseases of the kidneys. If. by the prescril)ed use of mineral water, a general derangement of the digestive and assimilative organs can ])e made to resume their normal functions, the cause of many incipient secondary' troubles ma}- be removed which, if neglected, may prove to become serious complica- tions. Amusements. Among the many sources of diversion and recreation may be mentioned a first-class orchestra in attendance during the summer and winter season. Six hundred acres of tlie finest hunting, reserved exclusively for the guests of the hotel, fishing (bass and trout), boating on the French Broad and Hominy, billiards and pool (parlors for both ladies and gentlemen), dancing, lawn tennis, croquet, target shooting, outdoor promenade over hill and dale, forest and Held, together with driving and horseback riding. The tourist, the pleasure or comfort-seeker, or those in search of health, will iind "The Belmont" a delightfully cool mountain home in raid- summer and in winter pos.sess- ing all of the comforts of the most exquisite Northern hotel, combined with advantages and attractions of the most perfect climate in America. There is a resident physician, whose services may be had at anv time. ASHKVILLE, Oil SKY-LAND. 81 OAKLAND HEIGHTS. HE Oakland Heights Sanatorium is all its name im- plies : ' A place where every appointment is eon- dncive to health." It is located on a commanding eminence at the southern limit of the City of Asheville, from which a magnificent view is obtained of the surrounding mountains, and the Swannanoa, as it buries its form in the racing waters of the French Broad, while just beyond, incircled by the rivers, the stately Vanderbilt park can be seen. It is the only house in Asheville where consumptives are not received. It possesses all the advantages of a first-class hotel, and in addition is thoroughly- equipped with modern appliances for the scientific relief and cure of all nervous and chronic diseases. The bath departments are under the supervision of com- petent and skilled attendants. The methods of treatment include all forms of baths : Turkish, Roman, Russian, Cabinet, Electro-Thermal Gal- vanic, Electro-Thermal Faradic, Electro-Chemical, Elec- tricity-Galvanic, Electricity-Faradic, Massage, Sea Salt Baths, Common Salt Baths, Sprays, Salt Rub, Oil, Fomen- tations, Sheet Pack, etc. We ask those who imagine it to be a place where only sick people congregate, to investigate for themselves, and 82 ASHKVIi.I.K, OIJ SKV-LANl). tlu'v will liiid ji cheerful home where ever^-thing is done for the comfort and pleasure of its inmates, regularity and correct living being one of its essential features. The cuisine is unsurpassed, and particular attention is given to guests retiuiring a select diet. Health-seekers receive sj)ecial care, and those reurdens of social life, will llnd all they desire at the '' Heights." A more beneficial method of treatment can not be found for those recuperating froyn the j^recalfnt, and in many cases, dis- astrous " La Orip2>e," than that afforded at the Sanatorium. ASHEVILLE, OR SKY-LAND. 85 SCHOOLS. ASHEVILLE offers excellent educational advantages. ^ The public schools are under the supervision of both city and State. Great care is taken to have a Board of Trustees which honor their position. Under their wise supervision the schools have taken high rank. Ravenscroft High School. The Ravenscroft School for boys owes its existence to the N. C. Diocesan Conventions of 1886-'87 which undertook to supply the demand for a Diocesan School of highest order. The Bishop of N. C. said, in an address at the convention of the Diocese in 1891 : "1 was much cheered and encouraged by the increasing prosperity of Ravenscroft High school for Boys. Under the wise, able and judicious management of Mr. MacDonald, there has been a constant advance, and now the school has won for itself a very high reputation, and has secured the utmost confidence on the part of those whose sons have been enjoying its privileges. I feel (piite sure that no more thor- ough and admirable school has ever been established in our State, and now its triumphant success seems fully assured. Parents may indeed consider it a high privilege to have their 86 ASIIEVILI.K, OH SKY-LAND. SOUS surrounded by influences so salutarj'and elevhting, and where the training of mind, body and spirit are alike so constantly regarded. The school will need no further commendation to secure all tlie pupils who. under our present arrangements, can possibly be aceonnnodated." There are now three times the number of pupils that were there three years ago, and all indications point to a con- tinued irrowth and success. Asheville Female College. This college ha-:; elegant and comfortable Iniildings, sur- rounded by beautiful grounds. The campus contains 7 acres of well shaded lawn. A thorough and extensive course of instruction is given, including Languages, Music, Literature, History' and Mathematics. In sanitarj' results it certainly has a wonderful record. In thirteen years they have not had one case of fatal illness. Its enrollment of pupils last year was 159. The Bingham School. The Bingham School is a military school of high rank. It was established in 1793. It has a new and elegant building, splendidlv and health- fully located on Bingham Heights. Maj. R. Bingham, A. M., LL.D., Superintendent; Lieut. John Little, U. S. A., Prof. Military Science and Tactics. Of this school the U. S. A. Bureau of Education says : "Bingham school stands pre-eminent among southern schools, and ranks with the best in the Uniou. ASHEVILLE, OR SKY-LAND. 91 PLACES OF INTEREST TO VISITORS. THE walks, drives and excursions, long and short, are too numerous to be fully described in this little volume. We append a list of those of greatest interest, with their dis- tance from Asheville. Much has been written, and well written, about them ; and, as such perfect facilities are fur- nished visitors by which to avail themselves of unnumbered charms lying about them, not only b}' guide books but by the ever ready courtesy of residents, trained guides and splendid liveries, I shall not describe them in detail, but mention a few, illustrations of some of which are contained in this souvenir. Mt. Mitchell, Altitude 6,717 Feet Why so Called. In the3-ear 1835, Rev. Elisha Mitcliell, D. D., determined, in the interest of science, to make a geological survey of this mountain, as it was generally supposed to be higher than Mt. Washington, although its superior altitude had not ])een proven. After prolonged and i)atient labor involving the climbing of the man}- ijeaks of the Black Mountains, he gave to the world as a result of his efforts, the announce- ment that the highest southern summit was higher than Mt. Washington. There arose some disi)ute as to the reliability of this decision, so Dr. Mitchell resolved to conlirm his former 92 ASHEVII-LK. OK SKY-1,AM>. measurement. TJiereupoii for this purpose he again visitel the mountain in 1857. In this effort he lost his life, but not until he had aeconiplished his aim. His body was found in a pool of crystal water, into which he had. by slipping. falleJi. The bo WKST. Leave Arrive Leavk !).00 A. M 4.30 P. M. (-.57.. !.42... ... 1.00... 2.30 A. M 8.30 A. .M 7 50.. 4.03 I'. M. Lkavk B uStOll, ... " New York, " Plilladelphia (;.57 " Baltimore, " Wasliingto:!, ' Kichinoiid Chicago, St. Louis Cincini)ati, LoiiisvlUe, s.Oo Detroit 2 05.. Asheville, 1.32 Galveston, (i.oO p. .m. " New Orleans 3.30 " Mobile 8.00 " .Jacksonville, 1.15 " Savannah, .. . H.iO ' Charlesion, 7.00 a. .\i. " Atlanta, 8.10 Arrive Asheville, 7.00 r. .m. Leave Memphis, 10.45 p.m. " Nashville, .h.15 AitiavK Asheville, It. 55 Lkave Wilmington, t.00 a. m. Aruivk .Vsheville, 7.28 .Vrkive .V.sheville 4.31 p. M. next dav. Authorities. I wish to acknowledge gratefully my indebtedness to Samuel Westray Battle, M. D., and to the authors of ' Lindsey's Guide Book to Western N. C," and " Standard Guide to Asheville" for helps in the preparation of this So.iveuir. ADVERTISEMKNTS. CHAMBERS WEAVER Livery Stable, 15,17 and 19 Willow St., Between S>vaiiiianoa Hotel and Episcopal Chnrcli. TRUNKS. VALISES . luii mivii k3 1 villi 39 PATTON AVENUE, ASHEVILLE, N. C. RIDING LEGGINS UMBRELLAS. JOHN CHILD, HEAL ESTATE ^*nOM BBOra. MINERAL AND TIMBER LANDS. LOANS SECURELY PLACED AT 8 PER CENT. No. 1 LEGAL BLOCK. AUVERTISEMBNTS. ^iB. H. COSBY,!^ Successor to C. Cowan. JEWEkER. ^-""-"flGV NOVELTIES. f f SOUVENIRS. Patton Av., Asheville, N. C. WILLS BROTHERS, ^ a. ^ KB ^ ^ARCHlTEGTai>o 32 Patton Av., - - Asheville, N. C. ADVERTISEMENTS. E. W. PATTON, LITEEY, FEED p>^^ SALE STABLE, Cor. Water and College St. MODEL STEAM LAUNDRY, COSLER & WILLIS. First-Class Work. Prompt Delivery. CHURCH ST. Transient Trade a Specialty. ONE BOTTLE OF BUNCOMBE SARSAPARILLA Will convince the most skeptical of its real value. By its use j'ou can save yourself from suffering caused by tlie eruptions and ulcerous sores through which the system strives to rid itself of corruptions. It purifies the blood, giving it reneweil vitality and force. Being an alterative it changes the action of the system, imparting fresh strength and vigorous health. The concentrated power and curative virtues of Buncombe Sarsaparilla render it the most reliable blood pnrlrier that can be used, wliile it is entirely safe for patients of all ages. The general tendency of Buncombe Sarsaparilla is laxative, but in a number of cases it is not enough so hence we have had a good many de- mands for a good vegetable pill. Buncombe Liver Pills are mild, yet effi- cient ; do not cause pain or gripe, and act upon the liver and bowels. They are especially valuable as after-dinner pills, and readily cure constipation, nausea, distress in the stomach, etc. They are purely vegetable, and we believe are the best family pills yet prepared and offer them with perfect confidence, believing that whenever used it will be wltli the happiest re- sults. Try them and judge for yourself. Manufactured by J. S. GRANT, Pti. G., ASHEVILLE, N. C IV ADVKRTISEMENT.-. Dr. Geo. O. Roberts, SURGEON DENTIST, 57 South Main St. Over Law's Store. ALLEN L. MELTON, ^1 ARCHITECT,!^ Ottico HiKl Re8ici<>ii<>e . 'So. 2 <'ollet;e I*ln-e. Uptown Office, 24 Barnard Block, W\ Ct. Sq. Heavy Building Full D<>lails. .SpociiicalioiiN . SPECIALTY. AND I*, o. :box: c$^i. Estimates of ('oiitract TeI<*|>lione Jin. 134. Furnished with nil Plans. REAL ESTATES INSURANCE. State Atfents for the Detroit Safe o.'n Fire anIaj. R. BlUrOHAM, A.M., lA.. I>., !<<>ii|>(>rlntiit. Lieut. JOHN I.ITTI.K, United .State.s Army, Prof. .Milllar.y i^oleiice aiKl 'I aeties. " BiNOH.VM School stands Pre-Eminfnt among Southern Scliools for boys, and ranks with the best in the Union." I'tiitetl States hiirean of Kihicatiaii. We have carefully examined the new School Building on Bingham Heights, just with- out the city limits of Asheville. and take pleasure in bearing testimony as follows : I. The Location in natural advantages leaves nothing to be desired. II. The Buildings e.vceptionally fill the reciuirements. III. The Sanitation is as perfect as scientific modern plumbing can make it. IV. The Water Sitply is abundant, the water of the purest, carefully collected from mountain springs and without a chance of contamination. V. THK ALL-THE-YEAR-ROUND-rLIM.\TE OF ASHEVILLE IS WORLD-RENOWNED and with the School's exceptionally excellent Equipment and Sanitation, gives Bingham's SPECIAL ADV^VNTACiES NOT E.NJOYED BY ANOTHER SCHOOL IN AMERICA. ,V. HtCsrilAV HATTLh:, M. I)., f. S. Xnr,/. JAMKS A. HrilRofdHS, M. I). JOIIX lir.y WILLIAMS, A. .1/.. .1/. I). WM. II. IIII.I.IAHI), M. I). vi ADVERTISEMKNTS. BON MAR n UL E 37 South Main St.. DRY GOODS, FANCY GOODS, LADIES' AND GENTS' FURNISHINGS. MATERIALS FOR ARTISTIC NKKDLK-WORK. ASHEVILLE, N. C. BAI^I^EF^'S FII^ST-LASS LtADIES' AND GENTS' OYSTER AND DINING PARLOR. Tropical Fruits, Confectionery, Etc. 50 M. MAIN HT., A-S]Ei E'VriL TLTi:. \V. li. i.WVN. KSTAHLISHKD 18S1. \V. W. WKST- REAL ESTATE. LOANS NEGOTIATED. S. E. COR. COURT HOUSE SQUARE. Flrttt-riaNS Town I^otM and Suburban Bnildint; I'OIm J^ S IP EG I .i^ Xj T '^. General Agents Sunset Mountain Land Company. Refer to Tlie KatloiiitJ Hank of Aeheville and Leading CItlzen.s TOURISTS ^^ VISITORS Will find it to Iheir interest to call at MORGAN'S BOOK STORE For fine Statiouery, Novels, Magazines and late issues of Bound Books. 2.s L.AItEST ST<>C'K ANI> LOWEST PRICES. a^' J. N. MORGAN & CO., No. 3 Public Square. L. A. FARINHOLT, Real Estate Broker and Notary Public. Buys and Sells Real Estate on Commission. Prompt Attention to Renting and Collecting. PIiAIBf EOAKS OX ItEAI. ESTATE A SIE<"IAETY.=5* No. 20 Patton Avenue, ASHEVILLE, N. C. Refers to the National Bank of Asheville. Western Carolina Bank and the Battery Park Bank. ADVERTISEMENTS. Vll qoU V E N IRS A ND BOOKLETS Of all sorts will be gotten up for places of resort, at the mountains or by the sea-shore. Also for railroads, real estate dealers, manu- facturers, or agencies. Special advertisements written for mer- chants, in prose or verse, at short notice. Orders for "Asheville; or, The Sky- Land" promptly filled. Any parties wishing to be represented in the advertising department of this Souvenir in future editions, will write for terms. H. A. SAWYER, (Author of this Souroiir,) 3402 Washington Avenue. ST. LOUIS, MO. Vlll ADVEUTISEMENTS. THE SAWYER SUNEAY BLOCKS AND THE SAWYER SUNDAY CARES. BY MRS. HARRIET ADAMS SAWYER. THE BIBLE STORY OF JOSEPH CONSISTING OF 48 BKAUTIFLM. COI.OUKD ILLUSTKATIONS, WHICH UIVK THK CHILDRKN FACIMTIK8 FOR BRIGHT AND HAPPY AS WELL AS PROF- ITABLE HOURS ON SUNDAY. Rev. Dr. John Hall, of N. Y-, after examininer Mrs- Sawyer's work, writes : I have looked over Mrs. Sawyer's Illustrations of Bible History and think them well fitted to Interest and instruct children, and to Rive" inieret to Sabhath School literature. New York, Oct. itth, 188i. .JOHN HALL. Rev. Q. W. F. Bircb, Pastor Bethany Pres Church. New York, writes thus : For the entertainment, instruction and edification of children no ins-tru- mentalitv of the kind, in my opinion, excels the " Sunday Mlocks" and " ."Sun- day Cards" prepared by .Mrs. Harriet A. Sawyer, of the First Presbyterian Church, St. Louis, Missouri. The "Story of .Josepli " is presented In forty-eight pictures, accoinpanlcil by appropriate rhymes, which are almost a literal parajihrase of the IMble narrative. The pictures exhibit artistic skill, scriptural study and childward aptness to teach. I am persuaded that they will not only receive the ap- proval of Christian parents, but that they will" become a household attraction. To those in charj-e of Sunday Schools sometliinjr interestini is shown in the " Sawyer Sunday Blocks."' These tell the beaut ful story of .Joseph and his brethren in graphic verse, illustrated in high lithographi"c style. The blocks arc 3x4 inches and number 4S, packed in a neat, substantial' box of polishi-d hardwood, and the whole forms an exceptionally suitable Christniat or Easter reward of merit for deserving pupils. Mrs. Harriet Adams Sawyer of St. Louis IS the auihorand proprietor, and the charming versification, almost a perfect paraphrase or the biblical language, bears the impress of her poetical nature and tender love for children. A small box of cards, similar In size and appearance, is also issued, which can be used in connection with the blocks. The price Is purposely but nominal. .?^ Louis ttepublic. The cards are now being introduced into Sunday Schools. They are especially adapted to classes of children. There being 48 of them", the teacher distributes them in regular order, one to each pupil, each Sabbath, .-o that by the close of the year each child, if punctual, gets the complete set. This is an incentive to'puiictuallty. Write for statement of prices to Mrs. H. A. SAWYER, 3402 >Vashiiigtoii Av., St. Louis, Mo. CORTICELLI IS THE NE PLUS ULTRA OF KNITTING SILKS. ITS FIBRE IS PERFECT, ITS FIXISII IS BRILLUXT. iSD ITS DURABILITY IS UNECXELLEB. s a PERSIAN DYE, FAST COLORS, For Knitting and Embroidering, for Laces and Macreme Work, it is The Acme of Perfectioiic Manafactared at tlie Greatest Silii Works in tlie World. CORTICELLI SILK MILLS, JOBBING SALESROOM : 415 Washingrton Ave., ST. LOUIS, 3IO. C. H. SAMPSON, Agent. ^ Send 3-2 Cent stamps for " Home Needle Work." To Page Elegantly and Profusely Illustrated. ADVEKTISKMKNTS. There is i-o higher art than that which tends toivard the imj>rocement of human food/' HENKY \VA1 ItEECHElt. J WOIID TO CONSUMERS: J'robably there are no two Items in the food catalogue which have received more dlbcrlminating attention from housekeepers and caterers than cured Hams and Breakfast Bacon. Salt is agreeably recognized as a pleasant agent In cure and an active principle in assisting digestion, but the popular demand seems to be for a sugar cured meat In whicli the salt tiavor shall not become dominant. (old Band Fancy Hams and Boneless Breakfast Bacon realize fully this discriirtinating exaction. By the term "Fancy" Is simply meant ttiat the choicest raw material has been selected and prepared by our own slow special mild cure, which develops and retains all the natural sweetness of the meat without allowing it to become too salt. Housekeepers may always depend upon a savory morsel of Ham and a delicate rasher of Bacon if lliey will insist upon having from their grocer or butclier only the Gold Hand Brand. Every piece guaranteed. Gold Band Dried Beef Is prepared upon the same basis as Gold Band Hams and Boneless Breakfast Bacon; is made from Fancy Beef Bounds and dried by a process which ren- ders it llrm for chip])ing without eliminating all its natural moisture. Gold Band insals may be had of the Leading Grocers all over tlie United States. Ladies are re