Foreword



soon be built through the mountain barrier, which will
connect with railroads on the east side and afford the
shortest and most direct route to the Atlantic coast.
These lines will lead to the development of one of the
most extensive coal fields in the United States, containing
almost twelve thousand square miles and rich in every
variety of coal except anthracite.
   The publication comes, therefore, at a time when this
region is entering upon a new phase of social and economic
development, and all citizens, especially State legislators
and educators, should be familiar with the facts so clearly
set forth. The first part gives a full description of this
elevated section of the State, and embodies much informa-
tion inaccessible to the casual observer or student. The
second part relates chiefly to mountain roads, with cita-
tions of the legislative enactments looking to their con-
struction, and from which the reader will learn with
surprise how little of actual construction or maintenance
has resulted therefrom. The book stands upon its own
merit, and will receive from the intelligent reader the
praise which it deserves.
                           J. STODDARD JOHNSTON,
                      Vice-President of the Filson Club.



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