Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1874-09-09

turned to the left, as it descended alb
ruptly, but at distance of fifty yards
1t terminated in several assures, which
admitted no passage, so we were
obliged to Ietrace our steps. Before
entering this tunnel, we were Away
on the descent. Here it became Level,
high, and generally broad, so that we
could walk in some places however.
it narrowed again, or was DISTRACTED
with large rocks, under most of which
we had to crawl. After following this
bed of the creek for half a mile, we
once more began to ascend, the tunnel
becoming narrower and lower until
again we were forced to crawl, when
suddenly we entered a tremendous
hall some hundred yards long, and
about forty feet high on the left, The
floor, rs usual, formed a steep ascent to
the right. The hall turned gradually
to the left, so that from the entrance,
the end could not be seen. Here we
rested, as the only outlet we found
was small hole, much broader than
high, opening into a tunnel about
thirty feet long, and blocked up at the
end by an enormous rock of limestone,
against which l placed my ear, and
against rocks. This tunnel and the
large hall are filled with stalactites,
dark brown, blue and white, assum-
ing every variety of form-one we
procured, was the exact shape OF q
dogs foot, toes, etc, omplete-anOther
(white) like saw. Some resembled
hands, ETC., etc. 1t is impossible to
convey an idea of their extent and va
lria Nm rin Of
were masses of tremendous rocks,
piled one upon another, upon which
we dared not tread for fear they would
fall and crush us, as some were just
poised ready to fall. Owing to this
we were unable to get many fOrma-
tons, as to strike off any would have
endangered our lives by Earring the
rocks. and bringing them down upon
us. In this hall we ate dinner, there
| fore we named it Dining Hall" We
now lit all of our candles and placed
! them at all points, the reflection from
which upon the beautiful sparry in
crustations and stalactites, brought
! forth a new and surprising world OF
/ beauty to our astonished and admiring
gaze, forming a weird and beautiful
sight. 1t was more like vision q
] IAN tdhu IldL LllC iJlOuuClipit VI ~
Der nature. The atmosphere was icy
causing our breath TO look like steam
and in order to keep warm We had tC
! exercise. One of the boys began tC
have a chill. and his spirits. sinking
with the temperature of his body, he
! declared he never expected TO get out
| Our estimation of the length of the
cave, judging by the number of apart,
ments, tunnels through which we
! Observation-Disclosures in all-some Of
which were very long, measuring
| from the entrance to the termination,
| Is, that its extent is mile and half
at the least. When returning, we be
came somewhat bewildered, and twice
| lost our way, and when finally we ar
rived at the mouth, we were glad tc
| hail the light of day, not repenting Of
our travels in the subterranean world
| but nevertheless we'll satisfied /,
! breathe again our own atmosphere
which, however, at first, felt so warm
as to be exceedingly oppressive. Oul
explorations had consumed over fOul
and half hours, the time of day be
ing after twelve O'Clock when We
emerged,
At the request of the party of ladies
and gentlemen assembled at thest
Springs, have given description
OF this cave, and they have honoreC
the first explorer 10y giving it hi
name, which is cut above the Ell
trance, Hollis Cave"
Very respectfully,
EDWARD G. HOLLIS.