The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1880-10-23

r stonc-and its formation, presume the efTec,
of the waters OF time. The rock Mt this poin,
rises to the height Of seventy feet or more, while
the formation is something in the shape OF
! HORSES HOOP.
\ From distance IL seems almost perfect, and a
closer view of it does not alter the first imprcs
sion. The rock would seem at first glance ms
perfectly smooth, but as You draw nearer the
entire formation is broken with lodges Of yari-
Gus sizes, though none Of them are large. To
the left and well up towards the summit the
rock presents a queer and rather fantastic form,
IN the shape Of what might be taken for a cross,
or tree with branch or arm extending from
each side giving it almost the ideal; while furth-
or branches protrudc, and at its top an immense
vine twines heayenward. The entire rock is or
namentcd with MOSES, hanging vines and other
foliage in all presenting to the spectator pecu-
liarly fascinating appearance.
About three hundred yards further on, the
omega Of Ravens Den is reached and here the
entire grandeur and sublimty Of the place apchs
to the view. II was more than was prepared
to see, and least Of all did ever dream Of such
a scene as this to exist within the country. 1t is
so inherently HHhpCN bl"N h'thihS 81" Wv wy
rock and cave have ever seen to equal it.
feel in attempting to describe it that am taxing
upon myself more than can perform to do II
Justice, for indeed it would require more magic
pen than can WELD to picture this wonderful
creation.
Fronting You As you advance, inc rock assumes
a bold and rugged form, rising, perhaps, 10 tne
height Of eighty feet or more, from when great
lodges protrudc in slabs OF ten or twenty lee''
worn in smooth and shapcless forms by water
falling from height OF fifty feet above. Nheh
the creek is full or sufficient water therein the
most charinisE waterman or casc'u' III tHc couH'
try is here to be seen.
The entire rock is one continued form Oh
lodges, varying in size and all covered WIN
mOsses, beautiful hanging vines ana ioHaSe'
while its summit is crowned with magnificent
and lofty pines whose topmoNt branches seem
to kiss the skies.
To the right great rugged rocks rise III shape
less forms for many feet, their tops crowned
with oaks, cms and other trees whose dcepI
foliage shuts out the sunshine and depriyeS
the Den Of its golden rays. But to the LETT We
turn for the browning feature Of all, the sight OF
WDlC0 tcnus lHIlII VI awe IhiOuSh 'h' . wy
soul, and leaves HIN total wreck as TO i's
origin. great cave extends into the rock
some forty feet, and the height rom base 10
summit or dome must reach thirty feet, while It's
circumference may be three times tha', ana all
in the very bowes Of the earth. The rocks,
which here are brown and so soft as to crumhle
at the least touch, on both sides have bold pro-
ectng lodges of various sizes, and coatinue sol
to It's very dome. Here close beneath the dome,
in the most dangerous spot the ravens build
their nests and rear their young. The place has
also been the home of foxes, wolves and other
beasts.
1t cannot be described with any degree OF JUS
tce, or with even view of giving the reader
OF its majesty ana beauty All must
be seen to be understood.
Although, properly speaking, this Is glen,
yet the name OF The Ravens Den Is quite appro-
pirate, and as few people are aware now the
name originated, the tradition may not mere De
out OF place. During the early days young
by the name OF Jesse fltzer, no" deceaseu'
known Tor ms bold, daring ana reckless nature,
at the risk OF his lie, CLIMBED 10 the Top AWAY
raven reared her young anu FopoIhS the hcst,
brought Tue founS e"'' w '"'' J""''' A''"'
that time on IL was ana Is Sui Known only do
/