"Another of the celebrated watering-places of Virginia.
"They are in Jefferson County, five miles south from Charlestown, on an
eminence of the Shenandoah; in a healthy and delightful region. The
reputation of the water is so well established, that it is deemed
scarcely necessary to mention its qualities. It is sent for and taken
to New York, Charleston, and other distant places. The analysis of the
late Dr. De Butts, in 1821, classed the principal fountain with the
_saline chalybeates_,--a combination of the most valuable description
in the whole range of mineral waters, and closely resembling those of
the celebrated Bedford, in composition, operation, and efficacy. There
is also a highly valuable sulphur spring in the vicinity. Apart from
the merits of the waters, Shannondale is remarkable for the sublime and
beautiful natural scenery, which is said to surpass Bath and Bristol in
England, and that of Saratoga and Ballston in New York."
Returning to Charlestown, we again take the cars for Winchester, 22
miles. This is a very flourishing town, and the largest in the valley
of Virginia. Here ends railroad travelling on this route. Twenty-two
miles west from this place, in Hampshire County, are