The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-18
A SECOND MAMMOTH.
DISCOVERY OF A GREAT CAVE NEAR
HUNTSVILLE, ALA.
The Main Room Half q Mile in Length
Beautiful Formations - A Lake of
Pure Running water--other Local
Events.
pcclal Correspondence Of Tho Appeal.


HUNTSVILLE, Ala, Feb. 14.-Great inter-
est prevails among our citizens upon tho
discovery OF what promises to be in wonder
a second Kentucky Mammoth Cave, found
on farm one mile north OF Huntsville,
recently bought by Mr.. ii. M. Fuller, who
moved here few weeks ago from Green
vile, Mich. II has been believed for
some years that there was a cave there,
but nothing was known OF its character or
extent. Therefore, Mr.. Fuller, in COM
pany with two other gentlemen, made
elaborate preparations and explored. At
the entrance it was found TO be fully fifty
feet from the surface to the main floor OF
the cave, which ran almost perpendicular
with couple Of bench-like projections Of
rock extending out about five feet. Upon
these by turns, short ladder was rested,
until they reached the main entrance,
when lanterns were lit and the party
started upon an unknown journey OF
doubtful profit or pleasure. In few
minutes the explorers discovered they
were in tremendous cave, and in order
to make sure Of safe return, they posted
lights every 200 yards along the route
Travelled. They report a most wonderful
discovery, and estimate the main room to
be about $50 TO 800 acres in area, having
no supports above but solid rock
arch one-half mile in length and
thirty feet in thickness. The side walls
and overhead are covered with the most
beautiful crystals, which glistencd in the
lantern light, and in many places tall pyra-
mds Of stalagmites and stalactites were
found equal TO any ever before seen.
After going three or four hours traces OF
water were found, and going to the right
quarter Of mile they found magnificent
lake of pure, fresh, running water, clear as
crystal, and full OF silver fish without eyes
but having no tackle they could only gaze
in wonder The lake at the point tirst
seen could not he estimated in width, be-
cause the lantern would not throw the
light sufficient distance to reach the OPP
posito bank, yet stones were thrown by
several OF the party with full force which
failed to reach il, and fell with splash in
the water, which from the sound indicated
q depth OF thirty 10 forty feet. From esti-
mates since made IL is believed the water
is from eighty to 100 feet below the earth
surface. After following up the stream for
some distance an opening was found indi-
eating another room, which could not be
reached on account OF the high water in
the lake, though the indications are
that it is fully as largo ms the
ono explored. Having been in the cave
five hours, and II growing late, the party
| returned 10 the entrance. Mr.. Fuller has
christencd the cave Shelta's Rock, in honor
OF one OF his daughters, and will place
within the cave an electric light and other
wise make improvements in and around
the cave, 30 IA TO render IL pleasant and
interesting resort to visitors. So those who
shall visit our city and the great Monte
Sano hotel the coming spring and sum
mer may not be astonished 10 find here
cave more remarkable than the great
Mammoth OF Kentucky. Various conjec-
lures are advanced as TO It's source. II is
believed that the bottomless well on Monte
Sano and the Huntsville spring are con-
nccted with this immense subterranean
lake. The North Alabama Improvement
company will have this botiomless well
explored next summer in order TO ascer-
tain Its depth and source OF the stream Of
water which passes through IT,
Memphis Row, the new addition 10
Monte Sano hotel, is receiving the finish.
ing touches OF paint and artistic finish.
II Is situated on the bluff overlooking
Huntsville about 100 yards from the main
building, with which Il will be connected
by an elegant paved walk. Il Il two
story Of beautiful design, broad balconies
surrounding both stories. II will contain
thirty-six rooms handsomely furnished,
aud was named Memphis Row In honor OF
the Bluff City, which lsent such large
and charming representation and patron
izcd Hotel Monte Sano 40 literally last
summer during the opening Of It's first
season. Notwithstanding the additions OF
about fifty rooms for next summer, the
patronage already promises 10 be 10 large,
] suggest TO our Memphis friends, that II
they wish 20 DO certain of securing rooms
for the coming season they speak in ad.
vance. for the reason that this very popu.
lar resort has grown 40 rapidly and extern
siyely IN public favor, that even with It's
largely increased accommodation. Il Ia
now evident that Il will not be able 10 en-.
terrain all who shall come. Hence the
necessity Of following the example Of the
carly bird.
Work on the new Huntsville hotel Is
being pushed with all possible speed. Tho
hardwood finish and frescoing in the large
dining.room Is about completed, making u
one OF the handsomcst In tho entire coun:
try. II will be- heated by steam. II II ex.
pectcd 10 have the hotel ready Tor formal
opening 10 the public April I.
Tho contract for building an iron bridge
across Pin Hook creek, on the northwest
side OF the city, was awarded last night 10
the Iron Bridge company, Of Decatur, Ala
Judging from tho rush made for seats
yesterday the Mendels-ohn Quintet club
will he greeted with n full house next Fri
day night.
Mr. \. :. Darwin has accepted the $3.50
awarded him by the jury as compensation
for the extension OF Randolph street
through his property. Mr.. Cablniss de-
clned 10 accept the 500 awarded him
likewise, and tho board Of aldermen last
night instructed Mayor Maslin 10 proceed
with the extension and opening of Ran
dolph street into and through East Hunts.
vile, the new residence addition, the
property Of the North Alabama Improve.
mcnt company, which he will proceed 10
do today.
Col. Jas. +. o'shaughnossy, Of New
York, Is spending some days In the city
maturing plans for beginning extensive
operations this spring, which arc In charge
Of the North Alabama Improvement COM
pany.
Ifunisyille's future was never sobrl ght.
Reed Townsend, colorcd. the murderer Of
Tim Anderson, colorcd, who escaped sew
cral weeks ago with Fcarn johnson. col
| orcd was tapturpd Yesterday near Hazel