So frequent has been the demand for some Guide to the Virginia Springs,
of portable dimensions, and nothing of the kind having as yet appeared,
we have been induced to _compile_ the following little work, hoping to
meet, in some measure, the wants of visiters to these Watering-Places.
In giving the various routes, we have endeavoured to describe the
Springs, and also the Natural Curiosities, as we proceed.
Other matter than that for which we are indebted to the proprietors of
the Springs, has been gathered from various publications.
A number of books and pamphlets have been written about the Mineral
Waters of Virginia, but in _no single one_, we believe, has an account
been given of so many watering-places as in this.
There are many other Springs in the State whose waters, no doubt,
contain valuable medicinal qualities, perhaps even exceeding several of
which an account has been given in this work; but as we have not been
able to get information with regard to them,--not knowing, in fact,
even their localities,--we must, of course, much as we regret it, omit
them.
There are, doubtless, also, many other great natural curiosities beside
those of which we have given a description; but as we lay no claim to
authorship,--_merely being a compiler_,--and having no information
concerning them, we will have to leave them as we have done the Springs
referred to in our last paragraph.
February, 1851.