Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-08-11
STARTLING DISCOVERY IN
FLORIDA.
County Grand Scenery-MysterI-
GUS RIver-OEher Items.

LIVE OAK, FLORIDA, August s.-EditOr
Morning NetCs: Florida is not only
destined To become famous for her orange
groves, cotton fields and delightful climate,
but natural developments beneath the earth
now lend a rare attraction, and afford an
unusual interest hitherto unknown.
most wonderful discovery has just been
made by Captain George E. Fahm and Major
John T. Roumillat, which is no less than a re-
markable cave, located at Dabb's Hole, twenty
two miles south of here, on the Live Oak and
Rowland's Bluff Railroad. For the following
description your correspondent is indebted to
Mr.. J. NJ Hallowes, the urbane and gentle
manly cashier of the Plant Investment Com
pany, also to kindness of Mr.. s. L. Drane, In
the employ of the same company,
The mouth Of the cave is a small opening at
the earth's surface, widening as it descends
and extends for some forty feet upon an angle
Of sixty degrees before reaching the
caves level. The cave is a broad open
chamber just after entering, and extends
in width until lost to view. The height
of the part explored varies from seven to
twenty-five feet and the scenery adapts itself
to almost every imaginable shape and form,
many of which are extremely picturesque and
interesting. These gentlemen proceeded In a
straight course for several hundred feet when,
wonderful 10 relate, JQ6y came upon the OAnk
OF a river. and halted. The current of this
river was rapid and its width considerable
They report that fish seemed plentiful, judging
from the agitation OF the waters. Beyond the
river we're heard some dreadful noises, which
combined with the loneliness Of the situation,
made them feel very uncomfortable. They are
both of the opinion that they saw upon the
opposite bank reptile Of huge proportions
partaking of a serpentine form and moving in
all the horrid contortions peculiar to a SER
pent. The opinion is expressed that the cele-
brated sea serpent which has been lost all this
year has just put in an appearance in one of
Florida's submarine rivers. just after seeing
the serpent they retreated TO the open air, not
wishing to risk themselves any further.
So far as their sight would reach the cave
extended in all OF its grim grandeur, and they
are of the opinion that it may extend for some
miles further. Many bones were found in the
cave and particularly on the bank of the river,
all of which, with one exception, appeared to
belong to animals. They also found a stone of
cubical form, upon the top Of which were
traces of fire, the charcoal being covered with
a green substance from lapse of time. This
may probably be an altar Of the ancient fire
worshipers. Traces also OF fossil were pen-
tiful.
This cave has also been visited by Judge Geo.
B. Baker, who verifies in every particular the
statement made by the two gentlemen, and In
addition, had an experience which nearly turn
ed his hair white, being butted in the rear by q
goat which had been attracted into the mouth
of the cave By the light. These gentlemen pro-
pose at an early date to make thorough ex-
ploration of the cave, or they will show any
other person the mouth Of the cave and let
them go ahead, which evidences that they are
possessed Of some personal discretion. BY
unanimous vote the place has been named
Fahm's Flue in honor of Captain George E.
Fahm. one Of the discoveries. and a gentleman
noted for his exploring propensity, he having
descended several other considerable holes or
depressioDs in this county.
Your correspondent has not had the pleas
ure of visiting this newly discovered cave yet,
but he intends doing so at an early day, and
will be pleased to furnish any particulars in
regard to the same that may prove of interest
to the public
Work on the Live Oak and Rowland's Bluff
Railroad s progressing finely, and will soon be
completed TO its present temporary terminus
The boom Of Improvement has at last reached
us, and it is with genuine pleasure and pride
refer to the most substantial Of all, the con-
struction OF a large, well arranged, well built
brick hotel by Capt. John Fraser, one Of our
most enterprising citizens. The building will
be two stories high, have twenty rooms all
well designed, and TO be finished in best of
style. Our court house is now being repaired
and repaiHted. New board sidewalks have
been laid around the business portion of the
town. We trust the spirit of improvement will
be continued until the capacity and appear
ance Of our town will be worthy of the supe-
rior commercial and geographical position oc-
cupied. W. II. @.