RAMBLINGS IN THE VALLEY OF JACOBS CREEK - WRITTEN 1932 BY A. L . ROWE and O. P. MEDSGER
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Another plant found along the Creek near the old Alliance Furnace, is the American Cranberry. In pennsylvania it is generally found in mountain bogs, and we were surprised to see strong healthy plants with red fruit on them along the lowlands of Jacobs Creek. An interesting shrub is the White or Clammy Azalea which is occassionally scene in marshlands near the Creek. Its white blossoms appear about similar to the flowers of the pink Azalea or Honeysuckle which blossoms early in May.

The Rhododendron or Great Laurel which is so abundant near the headwaters of Jacobs Creek from Laurelville into Chestnut Ridge is entirely absent in the lower part of the valley from Scottdale to the Youghiogheny River. The Common Laurel is abundant in many places along the stream. These are among the finest American shrubs.

Among the rare plants of this valley, we might mention the Rock Skullcap, the Pennywort, Obolaria Virginica, the Yellow Bartonia, American Bugbane, Fog-Fruit, Lippa Lanceolata, Virginia Cowslip or Blue Bells, and the Showy Orchid-plants that, in southwestern Pennsylvania, we are apt to find once in a lifetime.

We visited the Creek Hills this year (1932) and were surprised and greived to find that the Black Birch tree that grew out of the wall of the charcoal house of the Alliance Furnace had been cut down. Its position was unique and it did much to hold the wall together.

Its destruction purely vandalism. We were much surprised to find that the large Butternut trees growing within the charcoal house were also removed. For years they testified to the age of this ancient ruin. The American Elm which once stood on the top of the furnace was cut a few years ago. This act did more to cause the furnace to tumble down than anything else that has occured in the last 50 years. Why do people want to destroy instead of protect and preserve?

By Oliver Perry Medsger

AN ANCIENT BURIAL PLACE

"Tread lightly" this is hallowed ground. Tread reverently here: Beneath this sod, in silence, sleeps the brave old Pioneer: Who never Quailed in darkest hour: whose heart never felt fear. "Tread lightly then" And now bestow the tribute of a tear."


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