Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-05-27
VARIETY.
WONDERS OF CAVE HILL herald

WONDERS OF CAVE HILL
The land in which it is our happiness TO have our
lots cast seems to abound with all that is useful
curious, and wonderful The government itself,
uader hich we enjoy our liberties, presents the
res OF the world, SUBJECT of wonder and adrnira-
ito whilst the wealth. the resources, and enter
prize Of the peop,e--and that which is mary ellous
and curious il the Kingdom of nature, are continu-
ally developing themselves.
The farmer or sturdy yeoman however, lives in
the daily observ of objects, that have for him
few or no attractions; or having grown familiar with
them, are no longer subjects OF wonder, until the
Philosopher or man OF science reveals the secret OF
their utility, in determining something useful in
history, or as illustrating the marvellous in crea-
ton.
1t would seem that all that region ofcountry ly-
ING west Of the Blue Ridge, and as far towards the
Pacific ocean as il has beea explored and known,
abolnds in sube IS, which, whilst they crafty the
curiosity and exercise the Imagination, coafound
and babe the understanding And a subject, not
the least curious AID wO.derfui, those extern
siye and numerous caves which are found generally
in the Limestone districts OF country.
One of these caves has been known 10 the peo-
pie Of the neighborhood of Luray in this county,
during number Of years past; but nothing like a
full discovery Of its beauties made until
within few days past This cave is about oae
mile west OF the Little village OF Luray and situa-
ted within hundred yards OF the road leading from
Thornton gap 10 Newmarket. The entrance is
almost exactly at the top of small mountain,
which has for long time been known TO the neigh
horhood by the name of Cave Hill. Recently
several attempts had been made to explore this sub
. terranean world, but rather unsuccessluy, and on
Saturday last party of fifteen gentlemen left Luz
raw, with a determination to give it complete ex-
poratjon. The mouth of tie cave was rather diff
cult of access owing 10 its smalness but the party
eager for the mary eous, and impatient Of obstacles
fell nanfully to work, and IN few minutes, by
breaking and removing the rocks, a different and
more conmodious entrance than the one formerly
used. was opened into the cave. Then cornmenc-
ed the hustle and preparation for the descent The
broadcloth and finer articles of dress were quickly
laid aside and in their stead was substituted old
clothing, which had been specially provided for the
OCCASION
Then the descent commenced---cach man pro-
vided with sufficient number OF candles for half a
div, whilst others carried provisions and refresh
mcnts; and Others again, instruments for the pur-
pose oil ascertaning courses distances, &c and de-
termining other matters relating 10 the cave.
Here, if we mistake not, was pretty correct
criterion Of that moral courage and strength OF
nerve, which we SO much admire in others, and
which we are all willing to believe possess our
selves. Each man was willing that his comrade
shoyld descend first, into this great unknown deep,
and all were willing 20 be last to enter. In few
moments however tne WHOie party were safely
entered. The descent, for ten Or fifteen yards. is
rather narrow, and Is at angle Of forty-fve de-
,,rces:it then takes horizontal direction, until we
are brought, Of The distance of aboIt one hundred
wards IA am lie entrance, the first room, which
rom rs sftuauon, we called ths lobby. The pas
sa,e SOP o.chos this room, about en- feet above he
level o. iq floor. AID at place it is peri endi-
cu.sr, but the descen into ihe room, j. down TIC
70 rs somewhat in .hc form OF steps. This room
80. o.. al d an
Here we .r!ed o tase he bearing Of the Dom
bit found from he proximity Cd minerals or some
unknown cause, that tneins fUments IS ere rendere,
WHO'LL useless. Levin. .uis room, we proceeded
ia direction which seemed 20 be wes and soutl
west. and DO vn the side olthe mountain This pas
sage has something The appearance ia large stair
way After descending, as we supposed about a
quarter Of mile, the passage becomes very straight
and smooth, aud gradually enlarged until we per-
ceiyed ihat we stood IN front OF a room, whose di-
lnensioas from the light OF all candles we could
asi discover The eaEsaes bSe, as in the room