The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1873-08-02

runs slowly IN the direction OF Silhmah Nv
enue, and is supplied from springs in the
Cave. At such times the temperature Of il is
BY degrees. When the water Of Green River
nows into Echo River, at a temperature higher
than that Of the Cave, q fog is produced,
which in point Of density is not inferior TO that
OF the banks ofNewfoundland. Inexperienc-
ed persons have been lost in the fog on Echo
River
A rise Of three feet Of water in Echo River
will close the avenue through which II runs
near its entrance, which, however, does not
cut of all communication beyond it, as there
Is a small avenue, called Purgatory eommenc.
ing at the end Of Great Walk, and terminating
in the avenue of Echo River, about quarter
OF a mile from the landing in Silliman's Ave
nue.. A rise Of eighteen feet of water, how
ever, fills the avenue Of Purgatory, and cuts
OH all communication with the outer world.
Among the great curiosities Of the Cave
may be mentioned the eyeless fish and eraw-
fish of Echo River.
The fish are peculiar species, and are vi
yiparous, or give birth to their young alive,
and do not deposit eggs, after the manner OF
most other fish. They have rudiments of
eyes, but no optic nerve, and are therefore
incapable Of being affected by the niostintense
light. The eyeless crawfsh give birth to their
young in the same manner as those provided
with eyes. Both the fish and crawfsh are
perfectly white.
ordinary fish and crawfish are sometimes
washed into the Cave from Green River.
Frogs are also sometimes washed into Echo
River, and may be heard eroaking to the echo
of their own voices.
The eyeless hsh prey upon each other. In
shape they resemble the common catfish, but
rarely exceed eight inches in length.
Silliman's Avenue is mile and halflong,
and extends from Echo River to the pass Of
FL Ghor. 1t varies in height from twenty to
forty feet, and in width from twenty to
two hundred feet. The walls and ceiling Of
this avenue are rugged and water-worn. 1t
is undoubtedly Of recent formation, as com
pared to the other parts of the Cave.
The objects Of interest in Silliman's Ave-
nue., come in the following order:
|. Cascade Hall is two hundred feet in di-
ameter, and twenty feet high. Ii receives its
name from small cascade that falls into It
from the ceiling. The avenue which leads TO
Roaring River, takes its origin in Cascade
Hall.
2. Dripping Spring is pool of water that
is supplied from the ceiling Stalactites and
stalagmites are found at this point
3. The Internal Region receives its name
from the fact that the floor is composed OF
wet clay, and is exceedingly irregular. 1t is
almost impossible to pass over it without re-
ceiving fall.
4. The Sea Serpent Is a torturous crevice
in the rock over head, that has been cut by
running water, the layer of rock that formed
| the floor Of it having been detached.
8. The Valley Way.Side Cut is a small ave.
nue. leading of from Sillimans Avenue, and
returning into it short distance further on.
II presents several beautiful points, and is
worth exploring.
6. The Hill Of Fatigue is hard to climb, but
is not otherwise worthy Of note
Z. The Great Western is an immense rock
many times larger than any vessel, the end o.
which closely resembles the stern of ship
The rudder is turned to the starboard side.
8. The Rabbit is a large stone which elosel,
resembles the animal whose name it bears.
8. Ole Bulls Concert Room is situated t
the left of the avenue. 1t is thirty feet wide
forty long, and twenty high. When Ole Bull
made his first tour through the United States
he visited the Cave, and performed in tn,
room which has received his name.
10. Silliman's Avenue is named in honor o
Professor b. Silliman, Sem, Of Yale College
Rhoda's Arcade, which arises in Silliman'
Avenue, half mile from the Pass Ell Ghor
is FIVE hundred yards in length, and from fy,
to ten feet in hight. The walls and ceilin,
are incrusted with the crystals of gypsum ant
carbonate of lime, Of great brillancy and in
describable beauty. The floor is covered
with white crystals Of limestone, and is unob
structed by fallen rock. In point of beauty
here is no avenue superior to this.
Lucy's Dome is reached by passing through
Rhoda's Arcade. 1t is about sixty feet in il
greatest diameter, and over three hundred il
hight, being the highest dome in the Cave
The sides appear TO be composed of immens,
curtains, extending from the ceiling to tn,
floor.
The Pass of FL Ghor resembles Silliman'
Avenue, but the cliffs composing its wall
present more wild and rugged appearance
Il is about two miles in length.
The objects of interest in this avenue, pre-
sent themselves in the following order:
/. The Hanging Rocks look as though the
we're on the point of falling and closing tn,
avenue over which they are suspended bu
10 rock has been known to fall from the wall
or ceiling in any part Of the Mammoth Cave
since its discovery
2. The Fly Chamber receiyesits name from
t,e fact that crystals of black gypsum, Of the
SIZE of a common house-hy, project from the
ceiling in great numbers.
3. Table Rock is twenty feet long, and pro
jscts from the left side OF the avenue abou
ten feet II is about two feet in thickness.
4. The Crown is six feet in diameter, ant
Is situated on the right side of the avenue
about ten feet from the floor. It closely re
sembles the object after which it is named.
5. Boone's Avenue leads off to the left
b has been explored for about mile, bu
| III, =, q,
dimensions.
6. Corinna's Dome rests directly over III,
center of the avenue. II is forty feet high anC
rine wide 1t was formed by the solvent &c
ton of water, which entered it through ifs
SIRE at the top, when the Pass Of Ell Ghor wa,
filed with water Had it been formed after
the water had left the avenue, there woult
have been pit beneath it, as shown at Shell
lyis Dome and the Bottomless Pit
Z. The Black Hole of Calcutta is situated
on the left side Of the avenue, and is abou
fifteen feet deep.
8. Stella's Dome is two hundred and fit,
feet in hight, and in general appearance re
sembles Lucy's Dome. It'll reached by pass
ing through a small avenue which enters the
left wall Of the Pass of III Ghor.
O.. The Chimes consist Of depending rocks,
which, when struck, emit musical sound.
10. Wellington's Gallery is not attractive.
IL. Hebe's Spring is about four feet in di
ameter, and a foot and half in depth, the
water of which is charged with sulphureted
hydrogen. Fifteen years ago there was nc
sulphur in the spring, and at the present time
when il has been undisturbed for severa
hours, pure water may be dipped from the
surface, and sulphur water from the bottom
indicating the fact that it is supplied with sui