The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1891-08-20
CORRESPONDENCE.
CLIFTON FORCE. Va. Aup 10 10

!. CLIFTON FORGE, VA, Aug 10, 1891.
To Volley Pirgtnidn:
Variety is the spice of life, hence the daily
routine OF business here with me makes it Sc
HOMOGENEOUS that sometimes the burden of life
2 Seems greater than can bear Under these
f circumstances mans mind reverts to the past
ior pressure not to building castles in the air
AS sib III my quiet room, with no congenia
companion to vile away the dreary hours nv
thoughts turn to other, happier days, when the
ISht OF heaven seemed almost to reflect some of
us brightness upon my life. The star of Hope,
Sho waning, has not set, and some day, when
1he lowering clouds shall have passed away
VIII burst forth in all It's glory, and make it
what the Maker intended it to be.
VIII the reader go back with me few months
ana behold as beheld some Of the beauties of
Luray Cave?
"Mrabile dictu" Such was my expression as
entered this famous freak of nature. The
| morning Of February 18th was bright, balmy
and beautiful, making all nature alive with
gladness, after the terrible weather preceding.
just as the sun began to shed its genial RAYS
over the snow capped peaks of the Blue Ridge
mountains. and the north-bound train, weary
Win aus tedious travel, puffed across the trestle
nesr "Luray Inn,' we mounted fresh, fiery and
| fieet-footed steeds to gallop across the country
to the cave little dreaming the pleasures await
ing u.s.
We do not pretend description Of what fol-
lowed: language is inadeqate to describe the
pen to portray.
AT It's entrance cottage has been erected in
which Photographic views of It's interior may be
purchased, and beautiful specimens of singular
formation may be had.
We enter by narrow passage, steps and a ce-
mented walk-way, making it safe and easy. We
might add just here that the cave is seen in all
of its primitive beauty-no changes having been
made except those necessary for convenient ex-
plorations.
On enterin we find this wonder of the
world" lighted with electricity, the panoramic
shadows of which caused by its brilliancy called
iorth.the expression above.
After passing the Entrance Hail." we notice
the Vegetable Garden" SO called because its
stalactites and stalagmites have assumed the
various and varied forms of vegetables
The Rustic Flower Basket" suspended from
the centre OF the Theatre next attracts atten-
ton as we wend our way to the Fish Market
Great punches of fish-as they are seen in our
eastern cities, are here, differing in size, shape
and color. representing every variety of fish to
be found in our waters.
Ascending flight of stairs to our right, we
enter vast chamber, said to be 500 feet long, by
400 wide. The ceiling of this chamber the name
of which have forgotten, is picturesque indeed,
varying from 2 to 20 feet in height, thickly
studded with mighty columns seemingly sup
porting the mountain above.
"Pluto's Chasm'' is IS feet deep and more than
a hundred yards long. The electric light, so
beautifully and tastefully arranged shows dim
ly in the distance the weird form of q melan-
choly ghost, stalactite fringed in spotless
drapery Crystal Spring, surrounded by solid
walls, sends forth its perfect waters. Near this
point are to be seen the bones of a human being
petrihed In the solid rock.
Passing many things of interest," we come to
the breakfast Bacon stones hanging in grace
full folds, so that the light of the guide as he
passes it to and fro, reflects every conceivable
color.
Standing upon elevated portion of one of
the apartments, constituting Giants Hail."
catch the soft, sweet sounds of harmonious mu-
sic, as it is gently waited from an unseen source.
The "Organ," as it is called is formed of stalac-
ties, differing in size, upon which different
notes are produced by simple touch. Me
thinks that can hear the melody of that music
now, and under it's sweet and soothing infiu-
ences, will close my eyes in sleep, to dream of
the happy past. More anon. FELIX.