Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1843-12-29
MISCELLANY.
From Bentlcy's Miscellany.
Nj A NJ NJ q II III & AV Il I.
BY L. MARIA CHILD OF rEw YORK.

''ofeures vesl, and deserts wild,
Rough quores rocks ana hills whose heads touch heaven,
1t was my hint to speak"
Mammoth Cave is situated in the southwest part
of Kentucky, about hundred miles from Louis
ville and fifty miles from the famous Earrodsburg
Springs. The word care Is Ill calculated to i'm
press the Imagination with an iIea of its surpass-
ing grandeur. 1t is in fact subterranean world
containing within itself territories extensive enough
for half score of German principnes 1t
should be named Titan's Palace, or Cyclops'
Grotto.
1t lies among the Knobs, range Of hills, which
border on On extent of country like highland pra-
ries, called the Barrens. The surrounding scenery
is lovely Fine woods OF oak, hickory and ches-
nut, clear OF underbrusll, with smooth verdant
openings, like the parks of English noblemen.
The Cave was purchased by DR.. John Croghnn
for $4,000. To prevent disputed title, in case
a distant opening should be discovered, he has
likewise bought wide circuit of adjoining land
His enthusiasm concerning it, is nnbounded. tits
in fact his world and every newly discovered
chamber fills him with pride and joy, like that felt
by Columbus, when he first kissed his hand 10 the
fair Queen of the Antilles lie has built COM
modous hotel near the enlrasce, in style well
suited to the place. Ii IS made Of logs, filled with
lime; with fine large porch in front of which is
beautiful verdont lawn. Near by, is funnel
shaped hollow Of 300 acres; probably cave fall
len in. 1t is called Deer park because when those
animals run lnlO u, mey cHunot eschPe' i cle
are troops of wild deer in the immediate vicinity
Of the hotel bear hunts are frequent, and game
of all kinds abounds
Walking along the verge of this hollow, you
come TO a ravine, leading to Green river, whence
you command a view of what is supposed to be thu
main entrance. 1t is huge cavernous arch, flet
in with immense stones AS if giants had pile,
1them 'hare to imprison a conquered demon. M
opening has ever easn effected here, nor is il easl
TO be imagined that could be done by the strength
of man.
In the rear of the hotel is a deep ravne, dense
wooded, and covered with luXuriant vegetabl
growth. IL leads to Green river, and was probabI
once Il water course narrow rayine, divergin
from ihis leads bya winding path, 10 the enranc
ofihe cave. 1t is high arch of rocks, rudely pi
ed, and richly covered with ivy aud tangled vine
Al the top is perennial fountain Of sweet and coo
water which trickes down continually from til
centre arch, through the pendant foliage, and
caught in vessel below The entrance of hi
wide arch is somewhat obsructed by large noun
OF salipere, thrown up by workmen engaged in il
manufactory, during the last war. In The cours
OF their excavations, they dug up The bones Of
gigantic man but, unfortunately, they burie
them again. without any memorial TO mark III
spot. They have been sought for by The curiou
and scientific, but IRE not yet found
Asyou come opposite The entrance of the cav
Ia summer, the temperature changes instantant
ousIy from $50 to below 600, and you feel chile
as ifby tho presence OF an iceberg. In winter III
effect is reversed The scientific have indulge
in various specula,ions concerning the air of tn
cave. IL is supposed 10 get completely filled viii
cold winds during the long blasts Of winter, an
as there is no outlet, they remain pent up till III
atmosphere without becomes warmer than tn,
within; when there is, of course. continued Q
fort toward equilibrium Why tie air within III