greatness of enterprise-let him stand on a commanding eminence, and behold a coal-train, nearly half a mile in length, rumbling and tearing by with extraordinary speed! But stand in the observatory. and drink in the whole glorious scene-rich, and varied, and beautiful beyond description. Could unhappiness dwell amidst such plentysuch luxuriance—such inspiring incidents? It ought not; yet man is weak Had he been made, at nature's birth, Of only flame or only earth, Had he been formed a perfect whole Of purely that, or grossly this, Then sense would ne'er have clouded soul, Nor soul restrain the sense's bliss! Oh, happy, had his light been strong, Or had he never shared a light, Which shines enough to show he's wrong, But not enough to lead him right. Four miles above Valley Forge, and twenty-seven from Philadelphia, is the borough of PHOENIXVILLE, situated in the valley of French creek, at its junction with the Schuylkill. Phoenixville is a very pleasant borough, containing a population of some thirty-five hundred-of whom probably eight hundred are engaged in its industrial establishments. Probably the first nail-works in this part of the country were erected here, where the creek affords a fine head of water. After having passed through the hands of three or four different parties, the works, upwards of twenty-five years ago, came into those of Messrs. Reeves & Whittaker. The present style of the firm at this place, is Reeves, Buck & Co.Joseph Whittaker having retired a few years ago. His son, Dr. Joseph Whittaker, retains an interest however, and is one of the managers of the works. Joseph Whittaker lives in the stately mansion directly opposite the rail-road depôt, on the opposite side of the river. We believe he has partially retired from the more active pursuits of the trade-merely "keeping as many irons in the fire" as is consistent with his old-fashioned notions of leisure. He has some works, of small extent, in view of his residence, and a furnace cr two near Easton; while two of his sons have an establishment at Havrede-Grace, Md. The Phoenix Company (Reeves, Buck & Co.) own the iron establishments at Bridgeton, and the nail-works at Cumber doubt; as, in addition to the local trade of the route, it will probably become the favorite thoroughfare of travel to the West, and thus strip the State railroad of one of its most important resources. However, the business of the interior is increasing with such rapidity, that there will soon be enough for both railroads. This route will be the shortest, as well as the most attractive for travellers, and for that reason, will be preferred. It never can do much business in the transportation of coal, because the route cannot afford sufficient gravitation to carry the extraordinary loads so peculiar to the Reading railroad. This feature of the Reading railroad renders it, in respect to the transportation of coal, the most wonderful improvement of the age. There are several very good schools and academies in the vicinity of Phoenixville, and it is worthy of remark that while Chester and some of the adjoining counties are celebrated for the number and excellence of their seminaries of learning, a large portion of their support is derived from the Southern States. These counties are nearly all under the influence of the peculiar social and religious tenets of the Quakers, and though their political sentiments are sometimes contaminated with sectionalism-the ghastly monster that is now gnawing the vitals of our Nationality—yet, in their social and moral deportment, there is everything to admire. Intelligent aud educated themselves, their benevolence of character, rigid discipline, and simplicity of manner, added to their known frugality, industry, and peaceful habits-give them peculiar qualities for the Delightful task! to rear the tender thought, An elegant sufficiency, content, Retirement, rural quiet, friendship, books, Progressive virtue, and approving Heaven! The Chester or Yellow Springs are situated but a few miles from Phoenixville, and are approached by mail stages. This wateringplace formerly enjoyed a high celebrity, and is still visited to some extent; but numerous similar establishments, springing up in every part of the country, have no doubt materially diminished its ancient attractions. But it is time to leave this busy and pleasant village-pleasant to us with many recollections of the past-dear, as the residence of one of our most esteemed friends, "whose life is gentle," and, like lord Brutus, "the elements so mixed in him, that all Nature might stand up, and say, with a universal voice, this is a man!" But there are others-one of them a distinguished Poet and Traveller, who, even now, is traversing the broad desert plains, amidst the scorching climes of Asia-prominently associated with our "recollections" of Phonixville. It was here that Bayard Taylor, while editor of the village paper, laid a portion of the broad and substantial foundation which is to support his present and his future fame. The beautiful valley stream, we are sure, will always retain a snug place in his memory; sporting on its clear, calm surface, with a cluster of admiring friends, the bright evenings were made musical. Rowing "by the light of the moon," Our oars kept time, and our voices kept tune! After a considerable voyage, during which the poet would entertain us with incidents of his unpublished "travel's history,”—interspersed with the jokes, criticisms, and gossips of others of the adventurous party-we would reach the "head of navigation" and land upon the green sloping banks, which are sprinkled with gay wild flowers, and shaded with tall majestic trees. Here the perfume of the well-tilled harvest fields, borne along in the cool evening breeze, saluted the grateful senses; and then, with one accord, all would plunge into the stream, Whose crystal depth A sandy bottom shows, and lave its pure bright waters until, late in the evening, and fatigued with the labors of the expedition, we sought Tired nature's sweet restorer Balmy sleep. TUNNEL AND BRIDGE ABOVE PHOENIXVILLE. heaviest sections of railroading ever executed in the United States, as, in fact, the entire road may be regarded as one of the most extraordinary, in many respects, in the world. Emerging from the tunnel, and crossing the splendid and substantial stone-arched bridge, the scenery is entirely changed. Here the eager eye may take in a glorious landscape. The Schuylkill, winding around the projecting hill through which we have passed, describes a half-circle in a distance of little more than a mile. As far as the eye can see, a broad and luxuriant valley, lying between gently sloping hills, stretches out, through which wanders the river. The scene is rich in its development of agricultural fertility, and the green fields sparkle with the neat and comfortable habitations of the farmer. From the moist meadow to the withered hill, |