"This central edifice is flanked east and west by two buildings, one at either end, corresponding with it in general appearance--but smaller in size, being but two stories high exclusive of basement, and 63 feet front by 40 deep. Each of these also has a portico of 'fretwork,' proportioned to its size as compared with the main Hotel. These buildings again are flanked at either extremity by four blocks of cabins or cottages, one story high, having small lattice porches in front, and harmonizing in general appearance with their larger and more imposing neighbours. But that which is of the most importance to the comfort of the sojourner is, that these chambers, besides being new, airy, and well ventilated, are furnished with the best of hair mattrasses. In this respect Bath Alum is probably not surpassed anywhere in the mineral regions of Virginia. Running back from the centre of the Hotel, in the rear of it, is the spacious dining-room 25 feet wide by 115 feet long, adapted for a double row of tables if necessary. The tea and store-rooms, kitchen and baker's rooms are east of the dining-room, and connected with it at the centre. "These buildings are all of brick, of superior workmanship, and handsomely furnished. Besides these, are provided in the background comfortable rooms for servants; and across the creek ample stabling and carriage room. Attached to the establishment are the plunge-baths, one 16 feet square, the other 12 feet square. "Although these improvements are all new, and have been put up since this property, two years ago, passed into the hands of its present energetic and liberal proprietor (Mr. John W. Frazier), yet the _Alum Springs_ themselves have long been known for their highly medicinal qualities, and resorted to by people of this region of country, and even from distant parts, in spite of the want of all accommodations for visiters in the immediate vicinity. "The Springs are formed by water percolating through a high slate bank or bluff, and which thus becoming impregnated with its mineral properties, is collected into basins or springs at the base of the rock. These are six in number: three Alum Springs of different degrees of strength, one Magnesia Spring, one Chalybeate, and one Sulphur; sulphate of iron and alum, suiting themselves to most of the chronic diseases to which the human system is subject. For all derangements of the stomach, liver, and kidneys, chronic diarrhoea, chronic thrush, and for delicate females, these waters enjoy a wide and rapidly-growing reputation; while for diseases of the skin, or cutaneous affections of whatever sort, they are invaluable, and perhaps not surpassed by any mineral waters known.