Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1881-10-19

not tarry as there was a rough road before
us. Nothing but volante could possibly
get over such rocky passes, and for the
tirst-time comprehended their usefulness
in this respect. Up, up. we went over the
dangerous ascents, some five hundred feet.
Curious, was it not, to be Obliged to
ascend in order to descend into cave!
Here we are at the Caveas de Bellamsr.
We enter wooden structure built over
the entrance to the cave. Specimens of
the wonderful stalactite formations are
arranged in cabinets and bring high
prices. Rules to visitors are printed in
Spanish and French, but | did not read
them till it was too late, when | found |
had been infringing orders by breaking
small portions of the wonderful tracery.
The general impression on entering a
cave is that you will experience cool at
mosphere, but our guide informed the
gentlemen they must dispense with collars,
cravats and coats. As the ladies were
dressed in linen there was no need of
change. Wax torches were collected and
| plunged first after my guide into the
darkness of Erebus.
was first conscious of the humidity of
the atmosphere, which reminded me of
close, dog day weather, in the midst of
summer. but fancy soon forgot material
discomfort in gazing at the transformations
made by the action of water dripping
through the beds Of earth. No Grecian or
Corlnthian ever produced ornamentalion
SO graceful. Like aabaster, corneiian
and jasper cleaned the stalactite through
the aid OF torchIight. Tue walking was
not difficult Occasionally some STOPPING
was required under smassve arches of
nature S handiwork. and I felt the slight
obeisance AS just tribute, though slight
one, to the grand Architect.
Now you II ace in the formations designs
of the sculptpl's art. figures of women
bathing, heads Ii abs, upright columns,
ehaIrS, pulpts aud mimic waterfalls The
coorng is specially wonderful, beng of
The most dellca salmon or pink tints.
obtmned beautiful specimen of crystall-
zed formation thus drlicately tinted, but
80 delicate it crumbles with the slightest
touch and requires keeping under a glass
shade.
There are wonderful springs and a
small river in this cave, and am told it
surpasses.in beauty and variety of forms
any cave,on this continent. Though not
of large extent it has interior chambers
approached through wide corridors, and is
quite large enough for any ones fancy to
roam about in and question the gnomes
and spirits of Governs who doubtless abide
there. " Where hadst thou thy blrth9"
sangas mounted the devils pulpit, and the
echo came. " In the dark womb of earth ~
The dying cadence sounded like sob of
despair, and fearing the unseen things
might seek to load me with their chains of
darkness, I fled precipitately. and ran
such race that brought the whole party
up painting and perspiring from the cav.
ern's mouth.
Such scolding rs was given me by q
kind old gentleman, on the folly of my
rapid retreat, | shall never get over, and
am laughing heartily nov Mt the udcrous
picture he presented standing before me as
though just emerged from vapor bath
with all his clothes on save his coat He con-
tlnually mopped his head and face while he
leCtured with what was once linen hand.
kerchief, but at this stage had all the ap
pearance of a wash cloth. whats the
use of putting yourself into such perspi-
rationY he continually asked Just
look at yourseif-a pretty looking creature
you are now, You'll be sick for week,
and all on account of going With such a
rush at everything. Why, it's almost
enough to kill me-" "Ah, please don't
quite exterminate me-" pleaded through
my laughter, " anI will never, meUer do
so any more" Well" he returned, 81
really thought some calamity Was to fall
upon US and that you were running away
from it." The rocks might have done
so,' | replied. All, pleasant sunny memo,
ries! Bright rs the isle you were born in,
must roll you up ~ scroll and put you
away for Il while t. ,i5hten perhaps in the
future the darkson- winter days.