Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-07-24
WONDERS OF LURAY.
THR BEAUaE o. THAT NOW FAMOUS
VIRGINIA CAVERN
Described By an Enthusiastic fomisI-rhs
Esndiwcrk Of Nature in the Fantastic
Fcrma6cns-fhs Valley Of tie
Virgiaias and ths Wonderful
InprVsnsnts Going On.
,ouasncs Of the Register.

into the beautiful and fertile valley ly-
ing between the Alleghenies and the
Blue Ridge, once the scene OF oft-re-
heated carnage and blood shed, but now
noted for its fertinty and proximity to
the rich beds Of mineral deposits along
its course.
] could but think how changed the
whole landscape must be, with the evil
dences of thrift and prosperity every
where predominant, to what IL was
when constantly the scene OF the chang
Ing fortunes Of belligerentS. ltWas nrst
I'm the hands Of the invader and then
wrested back again with loss OF life and
property by the lovers OF that dear
southland" But time has applied
the healing balm to those old wounds,
and so thoroughly, too, that even the re-
membranee Of a bloody and fearful past
is lost in the brighter picture being
drawn for her future.
At this time '0ld Virginia" Is enjoy
ing a period Of prosperity and develop
mept UNPRECEDENTED in her history.
The North and South, instead OF being
opposing forces marching TO glory,
whether In victory or defeat, are now
united within the borders OF the "Oid
Dominion" under the banner OF PRO
gress." Her rich deposits OF mineral
are being developed and are attracting
the attention of capital, and much
Northern capital now combines with
Southern resources for the advance
ment Of a common interest.
Virginia's young uen are beginning
to sec the necessity Of lying aside habits
of slOthfulness, formed during theyears
of opulence, and by their efforts, towns
and cities are being built; mines opened
and property values continually In
creased. Here and there, dotted over
fertile fields the stacks Of furnace and
mill, sending their evidences OF pros
perity, outlining against the sky, our
Nations DOlicy:peace hath her victories,
no less renowned than war.
Not the least of these endeavorS upon
the part OF this new spirit OF develop
ment and investigation in the South Is
10 be found at the little hamlet OF Stan
ley, which place was our destination,
and whittier we went to examine the
property of the Crescent Iron Com
Dany," one OF those rich deposits Of ore
for which South West Virginia is so fast
becoming noted.
We were met at the train by the local
manager OF the Crescent" COmpany's
property, and so kindly were we re-
coived that IL seemed our every want
was anticipated 10 our comfort; but It's
needless 70 say we were Hospitality re-
ceived, as a reception Of that kind, has
long been known to be characteristic
OF Virginians.
In the morning we drove TO the mines
behind fine team Of horses, and In the
evening, the same team conveyed US
down the beautiful valley to the little
city OF Luray, made famous, nationally,
for the wonders of the "Luray Caverns."
We made it an especial point tc visit
these world famous grottOes, and must
say that in describing their beauty and
grandeur, words, at my command, are
found inadequate; ADLER pens than mine
have hesitated ct this task. will,
therefore, mention only some of the
chief points of interest, and console
myself for my inability 10 describe, by
treasuring, long in memory, the won
derS OF Gods handiwOrk seen by me in
Luray. Making our way up to the
house which is placed over the entrance
to the cave, we were aecosted with,
"TicketS, gentlemen. Haven't them?
Well, one dollar each please, now follow
me-" Then, after being provided with
candles, we enter upon a tour OF sight
seeing, the most marvellous in my expe-
rience. Through the Entrance Hall"
draped with countless Stalactities, send
ing back 20 us Shimmering rays of light,
caught up from our candles; gazing in
wonder and amazement upon the "Veg-
etable Garden;" 1.-THE Fish Markets"
''The Poultry Market" where all these
various delicacies were displayed,
Us though arranged to catch the eve Of
the passing purchaser and practicing
upon us a deception only to be relieved
by a closer inspection, we were forced
20 conclude that these wonderful forma-
lions were under the periOnal supervi-
sion of some great designer OF days
gone by, for truly everything bears the
imprint OF a master hand.
Passing on we come to the 'Elfin
Ramble," and here only slight stretch
Of an imagination, already rendered
plastic by our surroundings, was neces-
sary TO see
Every elf and fairy sprite,
Hop as light as bird from brier."
Here, around, above, below, all radi-
ant with a thousand different lights,
are TO be seen those beautiful and mar
velous formations which have rendered
this cave an object of wonder and
point OF interest to the pleasure-seeking
world.
But we cannot stop long at any par
ticular sight, and passing on we soon
find ourselves on the floor Of the ''Ball
Room. " which has been given some lit
tie notOriety, by the desire on the part
of some to connect romance with their
attempt TO draw prize in LIES lottery,
for here beneath this vaulted roof, and
no less than two hundred feet under
the ground, as many as three happy
couples have had the "tie that binds"
drawn into a still tighter knot.
This must have been the resort Of the
fairies. Away there in the background
can be seen the retreating form OF Gin
derella, in her beautiful ball dress Of
pureSt white, leaving the ball room.
Again, we follow our lOQuacious guide,
snd again we are lost in admiration OF
tae scenes that are presented, for truly,
"a this place, one wonder upon another's
neels doth tread so quickly that we
have not the time to describe them all,
but now we see that the guide has
thrown his light forward and upward,
and following his directions we look up
and see stream OF water, foaming
white, which seems TO leap from a great
height and tumble over the rocks to our
very feet, and half expecting to hear
the roar OF some great waterfall. we,
listening, hold our breath, but not so
much as the soft ripping Of wave is