The Cairo bulletin. [volume] (Cairo, Ill.) 1872-1878, 1877-12-30
OH Bulletin.
DOWN INTO THE EARTH.

Discovery OF wonderful cave an
the Southern Illinois Penitentisvy
GrouDds--A Partiai Exploration ~
lis SuhterraneRn CayerHs.
The Waterloo, Illinois, Times, Of De-
cember 10; On Sunday, Dec. &, near this
city, upon the penitentiary grounds. a
party OF gentlemen discovered an open
Ing on the hillside, which, upon being
Investigated, proved TO be cave OF no
mean dimensions. On Monday, the day
following, a party of explorers proceeded
to the location, and with the assistance OF
ropes, lanterns, ETC., efiected an entrance,
after removing 0bstructlng rocks and
debris. A newspaper reporter beaded
the exploring party, and found big bo-
mama IN tho siirpe of marerial Tor an ar
ticle.
The cave ia located on the north side Of
the hill, and It's full extent has not yet
been ascertained, though sufficient is
known to class it among the largest sub
terraneOus caverns in the country, eXclud~
ing the famous Kentucky cave.
The smallest man in the party was first
lowered into the opening, by means of
properly adjusted rope, to distance OF
about thirty ieet, finding bottom. Hav-
ing lighted lantern, nothing could be
discerned from that standpoint, when he
commenced clambering the rugged rocky
sides Of the cave, and after laboriOus
work, found an opening leading In an
easterly direction, through which crevice
he found notrOuble in gaining admission.
The light of ms lantern having disap.
peared from the view Of his terrestrial
brethren, and the sound OF his hammer
being audible to their ears, they soon be
came convinced that the bowels Of the
earth Whereabouts contained wonders that
were not dreamed of on terra trina. soon
all Invitation to join the first adventurer
in the recesses OF the earth was complied
with, and halt dozen eager curiosity
seekers made their way cautiously TO view
the splendors and wonders that had for
centuries been hidden beneath the Indian
mounds that cover that section OF coun>
try, An ascent from the bottom Of the |
shaft OF six feet found horizontal open
ing Of about ten feet. Then a narrow
crevice, through which II became neces-
sary 10 crawl was encountered. Having
successfully passed through these devious
Wlndngs, the assiduous party were re.
paid for their labor by view of unsur-
passed grandeur. A beautiful cha;abcr,
about 20 feet in height and 40x50 feet in
dimensions, icstooned by magnificent
hanging stalaetitss, and TeprssafahAttaastl e
shapes and various eolors, was presented
to the view OF the wondering beholders. |
About the center of this immense dome
was suspended a large and sparkling
pendant, OF chandelier shape, which gave
grace and artistic finish to the marai OF
smaller dimensions. When struck with
a hammer this huge pendant sounded
clear and beautiful, not unlike a we'll
strung drum. The floor OF this beautiful
and capacious chamber is composed Of
the same clear substance as that OF the
ornamental hangings, and the walls on
either side are splenddly encased and
finished, as il by master hand, whose
skillful handiwork had wrought rs il
were by magic. Upon the floor of this
room was found stone battle-aX and
flesher, such as were in the early days of
this country used by the red man in the
dressing OF hides, etc. Numerous bats
| were discovered housed within this cham
Der, and the light emitted by the lamp
seemed to disturb their peaceful repose.
Still, proceeding further, another room
was found, which WED with the first in
splendor OF decoration and elaborateness.
IL was larger IN size, and somewhat dis
similar in furnishing. yet with the same
general outlines. Radiating from this
chamber were two passages, each OF which
were followed by the party, but in each
case admission was barred by what
seemed to be lake OF water. From the
first chamber passage was also noticed
bearing in a different direction, bntir
the fact OF the party being insuitlciently
provided with lights, they we're com
PEELED to defer further exploration. Nu-
merous hieroglyphics were also discov,
cred, none Of Which could be satisfactorily
deciphered.
About three hours were spent In the
exploration, and the party are enthusiasts
tlcand confident that hidden wonders are
yet remaining undiscovered, which viii
mark this cave among the most wonder
full, il not thelargest, upon the continent.
A number OF beautiful stalactites, and
other quaint specimens Ofnature sllnder.
ground work, were carried away for In
spection
n a ~ ~ ~ a