Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1875-09-02
4 Trip to Weyer's Cave.

Last Friday evening your c. respondent had
the pleasure of visiting that world renowned
curiosity, Wcyer's Cave, situated in Augusta
c1uuly, aud four miles east Of Weyer's Cave
Station, on the Valley branch of the B. & O.
h. r., twelve miles below Stauntou, the pres
ent terminus OF that road. We arrived at the
cave ia the evening, and were warmly welcomed
by that hospitabc aud jolly proprietor, Mr.. A.
Mohlcr. Those who have visited The cave, at
night, know how delightful! it is, and that it is
preferable in warm weather, as the ten perature
outside is nearly the same as that OF the cave, and
10 great change Is experienced. In company with
that most excellent guide, Mr.. K K Mohler,
We adjourned TO the entrance OF the cave where
lights having been procured, the descent was
bcguD. The first sensation on entering the cave
is as if you were being led into the very Hades
Of darkness, and the farther you advance, the
cooler the air seems to get. The awful stiffness
| and inky darkness, with the squeaking of the
bats, disturbed and routed from their hiding
places, the only inhabitants OF this vast cavern,
all combine to impress upon the visitor the sub
lime grandeur Of the mighty works of nature.
The first room we enter is the shell room, which
derives it's name from the thousands of staac-
tites suspended trou the ceiling 10 forms re
scmbllDg little crystal cOLeS and shells. The
beauty OF the sceno Is much enhanced by burn.
| ing the magncsla wire, and this causes the cell
| lug to sparkle as though it was studded with
millions Of diamonds and precious stoues. The
pen of Jefferson has failed to describe its
beauties, SO it is useless for Inc to attempt it.
After admiriug the natural cataract ia this
room, we were directed by the guide to retrace
our steps, and We soon found ourselves in the
famous ballroom, but as there Was waiting the
fair damsels. and music, we could not enjoy
the tripping olthc light fantastic toe." Some
of the most notable features of this room is q
| natural candlestlck at one end OF the chamber
and Il musicians scat at the other; while it also
has dressing room on the side, and large
pendant slab OF brown rock near the musicians
stand, which answers for a bass drum. Passing
from this chamber We enter what is called the
| Eat Mans Misery narrow and low tunnel,
though 1t can be passed very easily. We pass
Solomon 5 Tea Table, the Devils Bake Oven,
and several other curioslties Of minor note, until
We arrive at Jacob Ladder, natural steps, as
regular and easy of descent as though hcwu by
the hand of man. We next came to the grand
est and most wonderful, as we'll as the largest
room 10 the cave and this is known as Wash
ingtcn's Hall. This room is 275 feet in length,
and with height oil 50 feet from ceiling to
floor. We fnd i'll this room sparkling and
cool fountain Of rhinestone water In the centre
OF this vast chamber is column Of brown rock,
rising abruptly from the fl ,or, and resembling
Il statue OF an Indian Chicitain, with one foot
resting upon rock. and bis beaded blanket
partially thrown across bis shoulder. Attached
10 this room is another of less size, and known
as Lady Washington 5 Chamber At the farther
extremity is a hugh pillar Of solid rock, 50 feet
high, and tapers to point at the top. This is
in Il leaning posture, and for that reason is
called the LcaDing Tower OF Piz4. The next
curiosity in course is the Tower of Babel an
immcDsc pile of rock, rising TO the height of sc
or 40 feet, and il has been computed by scien-
lists that it is growing at the slow pace of one
lncc 10 height, every century. You can well
magluc 1t must have been created three mil
lions OF years ago to have reached its present
size, If the scientist is correct 10 opinion. We
also notice 10 this vicinity huge bridge oil
| rock, spanning distance of 80 feet, placed
there by the mighty hands of Omuipotcnt
Power. Our attention is called to the Giants
Causcway, near this place, and a mammouth
oyster shell, &c. After crossing the River OF
Styx, we drank of the Fountain of Life, and
this is the end of wonderful curiosity. After
| resting few moments we rctraced our steps,
and finally came to the entrance once more,
| painting from the return march, which was made
without any hats. We are glad once more TO
breathe the pure air of Heaven, and feel the
| refreshing dues OF night. After resting few
moments we we're escorted to the hotel, hav
ing consumed . hours III the trip. More anon.
AVON.
Cross KEYS, Va, Aug. 2S 1875.