The Placer herald., 1856-05-24
Curiosities Of California.

Curiosities Of California.
Some gentlemen recently made a trip from
Sacramento to the counties of Calavctas and
Tuolumne, and on returning, communicated
to the Union a narrative of their trip, from
which we make extracts
MAMMOTH CAvE-Entering the hill at the
new entrance, near the base and on level
with the road The first chamber, about
twenty feet in diameter, is called the
Lodge Room" the Know Nothngs having
held their first meeting therein. Next is the
"Registrv Room" the sides and ceiling cover
ed with names many Of them in Chinese.
The guide says they come in gangs of twenty
from long distances, to visit
Next is Cataract Hail." named from the
gurgling water fall heard down yawnng
chasm Passing through a narrow passage,
so low that you bend double, you enter the
Cathedral, sixty feet high, and at least fifty
wide; suspended from the ceiling in the cen
ter, is huge stone, looking like the sounding
board in an old-fashioned church. The sides
shelves to the floor, and openings, not yet
explored, invite adventure. The rock Of
limestone and marble, is piled up into fantas-
lC SHAPES, lOlllInS lItlIISclN tS anu SletDo VI
curious appearance. The next was nameless
and, by permission, it was dubbed "Sacra-
menyo Hail." the size being equal to the
Cathedral 1t is said forty miners camped
in this for three months in 1850, during the
heavy storms, and the blacllened walls differ
ing from the others, seem to verify it. Next
to this is a lake Of pure spring water. twenty
feet in diameter. and fifteen feet deep. A
refreshing draught was taken and found to
be free from any alkaline taste From here
the formations of stalactites increase in size
and beauty; and, entering the Bishops Palace
YOU stand amazed at its size the flowing
draperv that appears to hang on the walls
the huge rocks that hang above and the
endless variety of queer shaped stone. Next
beyond is the "Bridal Chamber" and though
prepared by your journeys thus far to witness
more marve's, YOU cannot but stand amazed
at the gorgeousness Of this appropriately
named chamber: the ceiling, sides and floor
rocks are studded with staactites and stalag-
mites, with elephants ears, sharks and
whales teeth--some dazzling white, others
of dirty white or of yellow marble color.
some black many transparent, and of endless
variety. One formation, about three feet
square was desired by some gentlemen from
San Francisco, who offered $3.50 to have it
sawed out for them. A few days before
our arrival, dentist packed away two sacks
of material, thinking he had discovered fels-
par. Leaving this department, which can
not be described upon paper, you enter the
''Organ Loft" where some huge wings are
formed, and, striking them with stick, you
obtain as great a variety of sounds as ever
obtained by the Swiss Bel-Ringers. This
was not the least curious of all the wonder
full sights to be seen in this impertectly de-
scribed cave. Nothing but eye-witne>sing
its beauties can explain it, and it will become
one of the most famous of the curious objects
in the State for tourists to examine.
The cave chambers extend 400 yards in
one direction, and 100 yards in width, al
together. New openings are made from time
to time, and the adventurous can find enough
to stimulate them throughout.
The air was not close-the candles burn
steady and clear, and you feel but little effect
from confinement in emerging to the light
and open air. There are no accommodations
for travellers at Cave City, and parties going
had better put up at the Knickerbocker
Hotel, in San Andreas, and make days
journey to it, TO visit and return.
BIG TREEs.-The trees are 2,4OO feet
above the level of Murphy's, distance of
Is miles, and 4,500 feet above the level
of San Francisco. This made tedious draw
for the horses of five hours On our wav.
and till within 600 yards of the house. YOU
meet no indications Of the vicinity of giants.
As YOU wind the last corner, two beautiful
specimens burst on your sight, and you feel
paid for your trouble already. These are in
fants though--you drive to the house, are
met by Mr. Davis, who soon places you in
most comfortable quarters, and provides
sumptuously for your inner man. You must
have something to satisfy your eye first,
before you can eat; you step about rod
from the house, walk up few steps, and
you are on the platform or trunk Of the
monster. You shut your eyes-it can't be
possibe-but close by is twenty feet of the
body of the tree lying on its side, and tower
ing into the air. You trot back to dinner,
and swallow steak and trees and no matter
what. You get excited and reckless; you
must see more of them; and Mr.. Davis takes
you by a path large enough for carriage
road, from the rear of the house into the
grove-stuated in the hills, as if in the bot
bottom Of saucer. Contemptuously pas