Delaware journal. [volume] (Wilmington [Del.]) 1827-1832, 1827-08-28
From the Worcester Eggs.
Some account Of great opening IN The Earth, !
Sutton, .lluSS.

Some account Of great opening IN the Earth an
Sutton, .llass
This immense chasm has been called, for great
number of years, how long | know not, "PURGA-
TORY" II with purgatory, in its general accepta-
ton, the idea of heat be associated, nothing could
be more inapplicable than this appelation, for the
opposite extreme will there be found to obtain and
instead of superabuntance OF caloric, the absence
OF this viVlfyng principle is striking to pro-
duce a painful sensation OF cold We would propose
us more agreeable to the ear, well as eN-
presslve of the place, the name SurToN CHAsM.
This place is situated in the south part of Sutton,
near the centre Of what Is called the Great South
Woods about three and a half miles from the
Meeting House. It is nearly half mile in length,
and from seventy five to one hundred feet in width.
Without measuring the distance from the top to the
bottom. it would be estimated very differently by
different individuals. The distance from the top to
the bottom is about III tact When speak of the
bottom, mean the principal level in the chasm, not
including the great number OF aperturcs, which
open in this bottom, and into which may de-
scend, distance bounded rather by probable danger
than any mechanical obstruction these are to be
noticed hereafter.
On first entering this Immense opening, an indie
scuhab!e sensation must be awakened in the breast
Of every individual who delights in contemplating
] the works Of omnpotenct.-V perpendicular
walls OF solid granite bound the observer either
side huge rocks hudded together in chance-likc
insecurity beneath his feet the proudcst trees of
primitive forest Wondering into dust, with here anc
there ascattoring seemingly begging sustenance
from at!anlantine rocks, all for moment hold the
spectator in awe, wonder aud admiration. In adj
yancing forward, new scenes present themselves fol
examination. little opening in the common leYe
at the feet Of the observer in dimensions only SUI
| 6ci tn abr IN nj urlp man
once entered, becomes in extent ample for the ac
q commodation of a vast number. One of the gentle
men of our party states that he entered one of thes
aperturcs 1t least 80 feet. and stopped there, rathe
from the darkness and dan,pness Of the place, tina
:, from any obstacles that would have impeded his pro
: gress in advancing farther.
The feeling OF security that accompanies on
= while in those deep rccesses is more the conse
= quence Of known precedents than we'll establishe
security founded upon observation, for in many II
stances huge rocks above, seem confined only by
single point which perhaps would support man
hundred pounds, or which possibly might be detacl
ed by the weight Of few ounces AT first it seen
q ed probable that there would be danger in the.
IN caverns from meeting with dclecrlous gas know
by the name Of carbonic acid gas, the same that
or sometimes met with in wells. watts, and other sune
a. holes, and the same also that is produced by II
combustion of charcoal, but as accidents hay
ever occurred from this cause, il is probable tn
this gas does not there collect in sufficient quanttie
- if at all, to become dangerous.
In the warm months, particularly in July al
August, there issues from these apertures th
damp mist, in such quantities as to become vishl
- and would almost venture 10 say tangible. II
ant alone would produce very unpleasant sensatic
Of but when connected with temperature as low as
or degrees, it becomes chilling and oppressive. I'll
in circumstance, apprehend, constitutes the greats
danger in visiting this place. On the common les
to the temperature would at this season, probat
in range from 80 to 85, in descending one of the
er. smaller openings the temperature would nc. exec