Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-10-13
FINDING A RARE CAVE
Human Remains I'm the Midst ar Coral.
like Formations.

ION my way 10 the far-fAmed Calaveras bis
trees groves" writes ]. M. Hutchins to the San
Francisco Post, 81 found the residents OF this
section all upon the qsa ctUe with delightful
interest At the discovery OF q marveicusiy in.
teresting cave within a mile OF town., contain,
ing human and other bodies. Naturally my
curiosity was aroused, and, in company with
the discoverer. Mr.. w. J. Mercer, and Mr.. Floyd
we dressed ourselves In old.time miners' cos
tune and repaired to the mysterious spot Soon
the planking which covered the entrance was
removed, and by means OF a rope we descended
20 gently sloping Moor OF earth some fifteen or
twenty feet below the surface or entrance TO the
our three candles only seemed to throw sum.
darkness visible As our eyes began to become
evidently doing its best 70 penetrate the gloom
beyond. indistinct objects began TO reveal them.
selves TO our
AsroNIsHED GAZE.
The first chamber reached was an irregular
Circular about 900 feet from side TO side, it,
roof stretching far upward some 20 or so feet,
also somewhat circular and at an estimated
angle OF about so degrees. Its uneven sides
were partially covered with grotesquely formed
of white fungus. Some were draped with
punches of discolored icicles in many forms,
and, although massive, were suspended by al.
would break. interpreted among these, APP
parently finding sustenance from the crevices
were long long, ana pendent hanging nets Of dark
buffalo hair.
chambers resembled the folds OF massive cur
talns; the edges or apparent binding Of which
closely resembling The most delicate white
coral OF the South seas. Here and there were
stalagmites resembling inverted icicies nom
lew inches 10 over seven feet in height aud
rom three to four inches to two feet In dame
one OF these formed like two cherubims, united
after the style of the Siamese twins only with
a much broader ligature-white as ais6aster,
GLIsTENING WITH CRYsTAA
This IL about three feet wide and four feet
high. Descending by means OF rope and irre-
gular blocks Of rock, we threaded our way
among narrow corridors Of other chambers not
much wider than the corridors, but all draped
to Angels Wings These, although some
eight feet In length by three In width, do not
exceed half an inch In thickness, and are SEEM
the chamber. From top TO bottom there are nu-
merous irregular bands Of various tints OF pink
about one and a half inch broad, and which
snow 10 great advantage when the light In
placed at the side OF this translucent and wavy
mass When gently touched a Sweetly musical
note Is made to resound through the silent hall
OF darkness. Many stone icicies near seem 10
throw weird kind of protection around these
beautiful resemblance, as If to shield them
hOiii Tic lutruSlfS tauu8t Dana.
Other portions Of these walls have the appear.
ance of an inverted miniature forest Of dead
trees, and moss and white lichens. Occasion
ally the entire side wall has the form and color
OF sugar-frosting. The lowest chamber il the
MOST SINGULAR AND BEAUTIFUL OF ALI.
II one can call to mind the most exQuisttely
delicate of coral, and then imagine that he can
see that coral covering q wall over thirty feet
In height, in the most charmingly arranged
tuffs or masses, with the entire surface coated
with silpery hoar-frost, he can then form only
an approximate idea Of the gorgeous spectacle.
II must be seen to be realized. The depth nom
the entrance to the lowest chamber yet discov-
cred my anerOid made to be 226 feet. The en-
tire length OF passageways and halls yet opened
Is estimated to be about 500 feet. As the air ID
good and pure, even TO the lowest part yet seen,
1t is conclusively evident that there are other
chambers that are as yet unknown. 1t il be-
yond question that portions OF three sets OF hu.
man bones, besides those OF other animals ia.
Guiding the bear, have been found; but rs the
e examination OF valuable specimens needs care
full treatment, Mr.. Mercer has wisely concluded
to await the arrival of scientific gentlemen be,
tiOn."