Another route, via Staunton, to the springs, is to Lexington, 35 miles. This is the prettiest town in the valley of Virginia. Here are located Washington College and the "Virginia Military Institute," both flourishing institutions. The Natural Bridge is 15 miles southwest of Lexington; and 17 miles west of Lexington are the
ROCKBRIDGE ALUM SPRINGS.
On the stage road to the Bath Alum and the Warm Springs, in Bath County. The improvements here are new and comfortable, sufficient to accommodate about one hundred persons.
"This water contains a rare and valuable combination of materials; the principal are iodine, sulphates of iron and alum, magnesia, and sulphuric acid. The water is tonic, increasing the appetite and promoting digestion; it is alterative, exciting the secretions of the glandular system generally, and particularly of the liver and kidneys; it is cathartic, producing copious bilious evacuations; and it also effects a determination to the surface, increasing the perspiration.
"From the efficacy of these waters in purifying the blood, they are invaluable in the cure of all diseases of the skin; and all indolent sores, not disposed to a healthy action. In the use of them for such diseases, if the disease of the skin appears to be irritated at first, or if the ulcers become more inflamed, and discharge more freely, let not this circumstance alarm any one, or deter him from persevering in their use. These are the evidences of the good effects of the waters, in expelling the vitiated humours from the blood to the surface, and, until the blood is purified, such diseases cannot be cured. In scrofulous ulcers, the use of these waters invariably causes them to discharge more freely, and in a short time of a more healthy appearance. They are a very useful remedy in cholera infantum, or the summer bowel complaint in children. They immediately give a good appetite, promote digestion, and will effectually correct and cure acidity of the stomach. In amenorrhœa, dysmenorrhœa, and leucorrhœa, the waters are peculiarly efficacious. Most obstinate cases of scrofula, erysipelas, and dyspepsia, have been cured by these waters, which preserve their medicinal qualities when sent away in barrels."
ROUTES FROM RICHMOND.
From Richmond the routes to the Springs are, railroad to the junction, 27 miles, and from thence to Charlottesville as already given; or by James River Canal to Scottsville, 79 miles, and from thence by stage to Brooksville, 25 miles; or continuing on the canal to Lynchburg, 67 miles, and thence by stage to the Natural Bridge, 38 miles.
This celebrated curiosity is in the county of Rockbridge. It crosses a small stream called "Cedar Creek." Howe, in his Sketches of Virginia, has the following eloquent description, which was published originally in Europe.