Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1857-09-19
he New Discovered cave OF
Grant County.

The New DAS8OVChCW 80
Grant County.
AFR. EpIroR:-For the benefit of your
readers, propose to narrate from my me-
Of travel few facts relative
to a Cavern which few friends and my
self explored during the month Of August
in your County. It may be found 10 the
town OF Hickory Grove-Town Z, Range
Q.
DESTROYS of seeing all I could Of wild
places, | set out with an intimate friend on
a bright morning for the Big Spring,
which we soon reached. By measurement
we found that the water, as it issues from
its subterranean rocky bed is one foet 10
depth and nearly five feet in width, clear
AS crystal and pure as any water that ever
flowed from mother earth's dstillery.-
We repaired thence to the brow OF the
hill. half mile distant, ana senie go or 80
rods to the N. W. of the school house, nm
der the spreading boughs Of large bass
wood tree-where was reported s"sati
covern, somewhat known for years but
never explored. Lighting our candles at
the mouth and doffing hats and coats, we
entered, proceeding on our elbows as
lance of about 80 feet, where large fall
len rock brought us TO stand. After two
hours of hammering we opened passage,
only to be again disappointed by finding
our way nearly closed for three or four
lengths ahead. We returned to the
mouth, when looking to the left, we disco
vered another opening through which we
had some difficulty in forcing our way
After removing stones, dirt and rubbish, l
passed through. My faithful co.arade, Mr..
B., being larger than myself, stuck fast in
his attempt to follow; after q hopeful spell
of wriggling, twisting and crawfishing ne
made good his retreat. Cardle in one
hand and hammer in the other, | started
through cleft and assure, down sometimes
on my knees, then erect, and proceeded
over 100 feet without much obstruction.
Here bright stalactytes began to fringe the
ceiling; icicle-like points, formed by the
dropping of calcareous water, paved the
floor and lined the walls of this subterra-
neous labyrinth. Dark and yawning pas
|sages opened on every side; glistening
drops and shining stalactyte reflected the
faint glimmering of my light, presenting
unrivaled beauty and richness. Silent as
alone stood, my thoughts moving quickly,
my soul was filed witt pleasant emotions.
Who could not gaze on this and look up
TO that God in humble devotion who made
all SO well and so graudly decorated even
these dark chambers
On looking at my candle, ju ige Of nay
surprise, discovered it burning into the
Isocket-the paper wrapper already in a
blaze Hastily started back for the door
of my grotto, followed the arrow marks |
had been careful to mark on the walls. l
caught faint glimmer of daylight before
my candle expired and | arrived safely at
the outer door-thanking fortune for my
escape.
After this adventure, more thorough
exploration seemed desirable. We repair
led to the store Of Messrs. BLISS & Co.,
near Castle Rock Mills, where we obtained
lights and refreshmcnts-also, the compa-
ny of Mr.. Bliss, with implements. En-
tering again and passing to tho right of
our first course, we soon reached several
other rooms in which we could stand erect !;
passing we soon entered cavern over 40
feet in diameter. The arch over this cham
Der was studded as usual with spar; also,
like formations appeared profusely ON the
noor, ir,ela 90 in height. Ias-
sing on through or beautiful grottos,
we reached the most magnificent chamber
we had yet seen. On all sides appeared
cernices, pilasters and futed columns and
limitations of perfect carving. Overhead
appeared elaborate work which the imagi-
nation might fancy was the product Of
great ingenuity. The echo from cur vol
ces in this room was most astonishing; the
lowest whisper echoed back its counter
lpart in loudness and perfection. We ira
versed a passage leading to the left, some
distance-became bewildered and came
near losing our way; at length we rstra-
iced our way out. We collected many
specimens, curious indeed. The distance
explored was something over 200 feet
A visit and exploration Of this grand cav
|ern will pay any one, and I hope it will be
further explored. Yours,
E. F. JAEGER.
Windham, Portage Co., Ohio.