Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1858-08-11

have an abrupt ascent of 20 feet, made by
wall we can barely pass. But once up, new
scenes open to view. Martha's Vineyard pre-
sents q most perfect appearance of grape
arbor, with vines and depending clusters OF
luscious fruit-and then Washington Hail.
splendid apartment, where the guides have
their oil cache, and where all parties taking
the long route, dine. A ledge of smooth rock
three and a half feet from the floor serves for
table-whch FRANK soon spread to our
craving appetites. 1t was glorious dinner
consisting of a judicious proportion OF sub
stantials and delicacies. After it was over,
the popping of corks and the flow of spark
ling Catawba concluded the sumptuous re-
past In the meantime FRANK had renewed
our lamps, and whilst he was eating. we pro-
ceedcd q short distance to SNOWFALL Room.
This was illumined by blue light and threw
our whole party into extacies. We then en-
tered Cleveland's Cabinet. which is mile
and three-quarters in length, Astounding in
the richest and most brilliant formations in the
Cave, mostly stalactic. But cannot partic-
ularize in this little world of gorgeous and
fantastic beauty. 1t is a mammoth jewel,
which none can describe, and admits of none
but peculiar appreciation. Ascending the
Rocky Mountains, rugged steep 100 feet
high, we behold, beyond the Dismal Hollow
which rises to Croghan's Hall, leading to the
Maelstrom, the end of the Long Route. The
Maelstrom is pit lis feet deep and 20 wide.
Here the explorations have ceased. No hui
man foot has stepped, nor eye seen beyond.
We are now nine miles from the entrance,
and it is O'Clock, p. NJ We throw stones
into the Maelstrom and hear them tumbling
and crashing below. The sound dies, and is
succeeded by the eternal trickling of the wa
ters, and their wilder splash from crag to crag
down the dark abyss. We turn our faces
outward and hasten our returning steps. We
all thought we were heroes, we bad seen so
much, and felt so much. and wake d 50 much,
and were not yet jaded in spirit nor tired in
body. Ourlives would have been incomplete
without this days work, so we all believe.
Returning to glorious Echo, we drank and
dabbled and bathcd our faces. And as FRANK
showed away from the weird shore, the peals
of a solemn anthem, went forth from the boat
echoing from water. wall and roof more like
we fancy, the concert of angels than of NOR
tails. We reached the upper world just as the
day was going out; the forest around was
dripping from an evening shower; the crick-
cts were chirpng in the weeds by the road
side; the oppressive steam from the earth
rose stifingly up; and so We go once more
to the Hotel.
We remained a day and a half longer, only
part of our party entering the Cave again,
aud then without guide. The night before
Ourdcparture was celebrated by Ball, and
we babe adieu to the Cave with many sweet
memories and pleasant emotions. On our
way home we tarried day at Tyree. where
we again, joining with large company al
ready there invoked the smiles of Terpischore.
Tyree was never trrsher, or gayer, or more
pleasing than now, and to say that We had
feast of the spirit and flow of soul during
our stay, would but feebly convey the plea
sures of the occasion. Altogether it is doubt
full whether a greater treasure of enjoyment
was ever crowded into the space of single
week.