The record-union., 1893-06-09
BEAUTIFUL CAVES NEAR MAN1TotJ.
a Mile of Underground Passages and
Magnificent Opera House,

- -AAAO VI 1aSSa1GS ana
II magnificent tOpera-House,,
AS if the scenic beauty above ground
was not attractive enough for the visitors
OF Manitou nature formed caverns be-
meath the surface deep into the subterra-
mean formations and there evolved from
her fertile brain the most deicatelv
wrought crystals, grotesquely shaped
stalagnltes and lovely stalactites She
Wed with the tiny insects of the sea in
forming sprays of tinted coral and with
the Ice King III illuminating her chambers
with the most fantastic and prismatic
gems of crystalliZed silica. The grand
caverns, about a mile above town. uD
Ute Pass, as described by the Denver Re-
p@6ttcdn, are marvel of beauty and awe
inspiring formation. They are a study
for the geologist and a marvel to the
psychologist.
These caverns aggregate mile or more
OF Subterranean wonder. The chambers
and formations have have all been named
appropriately. The ''Vestibule" is first
entered, and one finds himself in an
other world as weird as some of Milton's
ideal chambers. Three Railways lead from
thls rotunda to the several adjoining cav
ems. Stalagmites and stalactites in all
forms give the place a supernatural ap-
pearance. In one end of this vast cham
Der is a monument to Grant, which is
gradually rising each season from stones
piled there by the visitors, one by one.
Canopy avenue, with its fossil bones
Alabaster Hall, Stalactite Hall. each has
especially attractive features.
The Opera-house is PERTAINS the n,out
wonderful OF the entire series of cham
bers. Its dome is sixty feet high. fres
coed by nature in most beautiful design
and illuminated by prismatic crystals. 1t
Is nearly 900 1eet in length and forms a
vast amphitheater. Around its sides are
formations which
The floor is level and laid in mosaics of
fantastic shapes and peculiar tints. I.ac-
lnGs OF lime, beautiful III design and deli
cate IN texture, cover the walls like dram
cry Of lace curtains. Concert Hall. form
ing an alcove of the amphitheater Just
l me contains the grand organ.
This wonderful formation is COM
posed OF stalactites, which are HIGHLY
resonant, and, touched by the wand Of
the sklllful guide, peal forth rich and
mellow notes, susceptible of any tune.
The Jewel Casket, filled with rare crvs-
tai formation; Grandma's Churn, a flock
OF crystal sheep; Lovers Lane q petrified
cascade, and Bridal Chamber contain q
rich collection of wonders in stalactites
formed and still forming from the lime
waters which percolate through the cap
rock above. Crystalline flowers, ala
baster sprays Of moSs-like forms and
lichens bedeck this favored vault and
make it one OF the most attractive 1t is
impossible to pen picture of its under
ground treasure. 1t must be visited.
The Cave Of the Winds Is another under
ground formation which differs in MANY
respects from the Grand Caverns. 1t is
reached through Williams Canyon, and
is a mile and a half from town. One in
visiting the cave eau only ride part way,
and must be prepared to climb up a steep
trail and several hundred steps to gain
entrance. There are many interesting
crystal formations in this cave.