Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1847-11-20
TO THE EDITORS.


TO THE EDITORS
COILrsE HILL, Cd. c. NOVEMBER IL. ls47.
GENTLEMEN have the pleasure Of forwarding to you the
accompanying specimens from Meyers Cave, in Augusta
county, Virginia They presented by request of the gen
temsny proprietor Mr. A. MoHLER and are characteristic
Of part only of the singular formations which prevail in that
emarkabe OF the four specimens one is sfdacffe
one stagme, and the other made up OF ncrt'sfa
oas decaey formed in successive layers, and evidently at
the surface of Beautiful they are, they can give
YOU but faint idea of the wonders that abound in that subter
ranean recess.
Weyers Gave has long been known to the public It has
been visited by muudes and specimens have been carried
various parts of and to other countries but has
not excited general attention. has awakened so great
curiosity the sightseeing world might have been expect
ed from the peculiar and striking characteristics presents
On late tour through the Valley of Vrginathat incom
parable REGION in the beauty of lis outline and the diversified
charms Of its scene had the pleasure of visiting this
and Of thus gratifying desire which had long entertained
from the descriptions had read and the specimens had
in various public and private collections the State and else
where and you that my expectations high as they
had been raised, more than realized
Myself and party received with the greatest poteness
by Mr. Moher and every attention shown us which could
facilitate object render visit pleasant He took 1t
upon himself conduct through the apartments
and recesses of the cave pointing out its beauties naang
tho of its discovery and of subsequent explorations
relating anecdotes and adventures of its vser some owhch
latter of highly romantic character and finally aiding
in the kindest MANNER in procuring such specimens
would best characterize varied and wonderful productions
shall attempt description words must utterly fail
they have done every work have SEEM of conveying any
adequate ineligible idea of its striking peculiates
1t is full of wonders Among its prominent objects
miions in pendants
roof and sides, each terminating bright pelucd Drop
which has contributed its last particle TO the crystazaon
which is constantly going Many of these united to
corresponding staagme which rise up from the ground to
meet them thus forming slender columns from floor to roof
These columns, in many instances, either sngy in cus
ters to immense pillars, twenty thirty, and some
sixty feet in circumference producing pecu
ay grand and imposing effect Again. these slender columns,
closely studded present the appearance of beautiful groves in
which you almost fancy you the squirrel the rabbit
eapng and performing his anc gambo In other instances
these crystalline formations descend in broad Sheets like
partition Of many feet in width thin, Transparent and,
being struck emitting heavy sound like thunder the deep
tones of organ. Again. they hang in graceful folds from
the ceiling around projections, like the richest tapestry
Beautifully transparent and thin almost damask
ains could be neatly tasefuIy disposed and yet
these curtains of crysaIzed rock Now your eye is
cpice eapng from rock rock and dripping down its sides,
until all is dashed into sparkling foam gtte in the torch
light you listen hear the dashng of the waters you APP
proach is solid petrfed cascade more per-
feet and beautiful than any which the imagination con-
ceive. But, have said description will do justice to
the To be felt appreciated must be witnessed
After spending five hours in ranging from room to
room with the feeling had but glanced at its Beauties
and Just prepared for extended and deliberate
survey assembled the upper air richly laden with the
fruits Of adventure OF these fruits you may judge by the
specimens send you.
And now Messrs. Editors, permit me to suggest to your
intelligent readers-a large number of whom, doubt not
spend potion their time in rambling for health plea
surehat they would be abundanty repaid for visit this
1t very easy of access being the great thorough
fares which lead the Sulphur Springs the Natural Bridge
and other Of interest in the valley and mountains Of
Virginia They may be assured of polite reception, and of
every attention their comfort, the part of the proprietor
Mr.. Moher.
There two other caves in the same hi-Msdison's
which is little visited OF its being nearly fill
ed with water and Wess, which has been more recently
discovered In this latter spent three hours and
much interested in its wild scenery and its varied produc
TONS Of which latter allowed to bring away
specimens Mr.. W. keeps public house the place, where
Hospitality entertained during our stay.
Very respectfully, yours, j. S. B.