, 1870-08-02
CAVES IN THE OZARK NOUN.
TAINS,

Explorations by a Party from NJ.
l.ouas-VoyaKe up u Subterrnuenn
RIVERA Forest OF *tnInctiteA-A
Eottonlesa River OF Alabnstef.
From Tie St Louis Republican, -Aue.1.
The existence Of several remarkable cares In
the limestone regions Of Missouri has been
known to the general public for years. Some
BGiptions written Of tha subterranean wonders
contained therein. One Of tho most rematkA-
bie Of these case1ns Is located On Dr.,
Fischer'1 land about six miles and =
l.ast southeast OF Springfield, Nc,
among The Ozark Mountains, 1t
And Aa little 1lAe heretofore been known about
it's peculiA1itiea, brief account Of its striking
features from one Of The riaitors may not be
devoid OF interest
The moutt Of the cave Is at the bottom Of 4
deep rar1nc, to which ! rather steep descent
side VI rather an abrupt bill, and from it's
mouth there issues clear and cold stream OF
wAier, thirty feet in width AMI four feet in
depth. A boat capable OF holding ten persons
was ia zeadiness with a guide to ascend the
stream: candles wer. provided aud
to ts srk mace 1aeesses ses
u the eavcrn. Thus provided, tl.e ascent
against the current was made without much
difficulty. Tho sir WAS cool. the lights we're
reflected uEon the water, and the moisture
from the ceiling, which fell in round drops, re-
height Of tue roof above tho stream i about
Is feet. Hundreds Of beautiful etalactites
were secn hanging from the natural archwaE,
aonein clusters Tie outside OF these stony
irclea were cncrusted with substance Of
"gra!isi, yellow" hue, but the tips lad Wit
| seous appearance, and in come cases were
translucent The tiE,s were hollow, but the
| 1actite xAH thicker
| The lcngtl. Of these pendant cones, caused
| by the constant accumulation Of carbonate Of
lime gathered from the dripping Of the water
from The ceiling, VAS from two to five feet.
| After proceeding some distance the e1p1or-
branched .nd into huge pocket or chau-
anl wcden shaped. Thetloor OF this chamber
| WAS Ased with multitude OF email
basins or cupe, formed BY constant
dripping Of the water upon tue floor OF the
stance e1cavated these dish-shapod vessels.
the rims OF which roae above the general sur
face ct the floor.
These natural cups were filled with limpid
water, from which tho party drank freely.
Leaving this singular spot the voyagers re-
aud after proceeding about 500 yards they
came 10 small cascade. The fall il caused by
ledge which crosses the cavern etr~atu aud
In about three feet higher than the level Of the
stream below. Tho roasing Of the watar Of
this chute vas heard At some distance.
Tho depth Of the wator below the fall is
iyo feet, and it WAS estimated that
they were half mile from the point. Abore
this fall the cavern btfurcated into two
branches. Tho main stream comes down the
right fork. but leaving their boat tho ex'
piorers vent come distance mp the left fork
The caye narrowed and widened alternately,
!, but at length tho roof got 50 low that they
were obliged to proceed in stopping nor
tu1e. This mode Of progress neconaing toe
fatiguipg, further progress vas abandoned
and the explorers set ont On their re
turn The boat doAted down rapidly aud I
halt was only made to observe beautitul for
nation. On the right shore, within only a6'
yards Of the mouth This was apparently ,
. theet Of alabaater, ruling gracefully over I
iutting ta.1e Of limo rock resembling faowinl
stream Of milk suddenly frozen. The part:.
! soou made their exit to open air nuch gratiie.
.. | with their exploration. The excavation o
: this cavern was doubtless caused By the cesse
! lees action Of the stream that still carries o
, IT'S rasping. denuding work, and consequent
is not due. ~ is the case in many caseEns, t
causes which have long ceased to operste-