Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-09-07

ficient to supply the whole population
of the globe with saltpeter,' and, dur
ing the war of 1872. while our govern
ment was excluded from foreign
sources of supplies we had use for all
that the mines could supply.
The method of manufacturing the
saltpeter, was something as follows:
The nitrous earth was collected from
various parts of the cave, by means of
OK carts, for which roads were con-
structed, the remains of which, are
monuments of patience and industry.
This soil was then carried 10 hoppers,
having capicity of from % TO 100 bbls.
Cold water, carried through wooden
pipes into the cave, was poured into the
hopper, and i'm day or SO, "A solution
of the salts would run into the watts be-
below, and was then pumped into a see
ond set of pipes, tilted SO as TO let the
liquor flow from the cave. After boil
ing while in the open air, it was run
through hOppers, containing wood
ashes, the result being, clear solution
of the nitre of potash. which having
been boiled down sufficiently, was put
i'm trOughs for cooling In about "a
hours, the crystals were taken out,
ready for shipping.
This was transported by means of
paCk-mules, and OK carts, to the east,
many a long mile. TO be used in the
manufacture of gunpOWder
For the convenience of parties visit
Ing the cave, there are two routes eS-
tablished, called, the short route and
the long route, the price of admission
for which. Is two and three dollars, re-
SpectiVely, which includes services OF
guide, torch. fireworks and luncheon.
The torch is a simple affair. for burn
ing lardOil, and swings from four wires,
which are twisted into handle, above
the blaze. with a tin shield to protect
the hand from burning.
They are very light and convenient,
but very difficult TO eXtinguish.
Each one of the company is given Il
torch, as il is of great Importance TO Sc
cure the best footing, in many places.
At about p. m. a.gong sounded, and
the eager tourists began TO assemble.
The ladies are each provided with a
loose fitting flannel garment. something
after the fashion of a bathing suit.
1t was rather amusing to watch the
ladies, as they came from their rooms,
and joined the company.
TO bashful young lady, attired. in
this costume for the first time, to come
forth. and meet the gaze Of the whole
company. IS very trying.
1t becomes necessary for the ladies
to wear these garments for they not
only save their own clothes. but one can
travel with much more convenience,
over rocks, and through narrow passes,
and when the crowd surges together at
some point of interest. there Is not SO
much danger of the material taking
fire, from the exposed flame of the torch.
We form in single file and as we pass
along, each IS given torch.
Down the ravine we 90, and soon
come to the pit, hesitate moment. and
then wind cautiously down the long
stairway.
The band was at the head Of the
procession, and as we entered the cave.
| looked back at the procession, several
rods long, as 1t came winding down III
to the pit, and was very tOrcibly re-
minded OF "A torchlight procession, SO |
sang out, What the matter with llar-
risUnr"
Hes all right, came from all along
the line.
What's the matter with Grover
Cleveland" piped a southern female
voice.
Plies. flies" was the response.
This was followed with an overture
by the band, EMIT ed John Browns
Body.