The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-11-05

the next large room, the guide announced
we were to pause here for lunch. The Vale
of Flowers is a high, roomy place, with
convenient rocks for resting Our lunch
ordered from the exeellently kept hotel, was
relished as possible only by those who
have tramped since breakfast on a rough
toilsome journey. After resting and regaling
ourselves sufficient we pursued our way.
traversing Silliman's avenue to "Ole Bulls
Concert NALL" a spacious room where the
great Norwegian violinist once held con-
cert. From this spot we go under the
Hanging Rocks to ely Chamber" ELLA,
where are you2" was heard again end
again during the tour under the Hanging
Rocks, which are enormous masses of stone
that look as If q jar or touch might precpi-
tate the mass upon our heads. The passage
here is narrow and the appearance of dam
ger makes one shudder, though It's only ap-
parent. Perhaps, however, a few ages
more of percolating water may cause them
to fall.
The ely Chamber" is a vault with pc
culiar deposit of black gypsum, and tiny
CRYSTALS which closely resemble a ceiling
covered with myriads of house-flies.
The sheep shelter is next. The number
of white rocks resembling sheep have orig
mated this name. Victoria's Crown, Cor
inna's Dome, The Black Hole of Calcutta,
a deep, dangerous pit, are passed rapidly,
mule stall, the anvil and other grotesque
objects, all without comment till we climb
Jacobs Ladder to Martha's Vineyard,
where we stop to admire and wonder.
Jacobs Ladder Is a narrow steep stone
stairway with an exceedingly small OPEN
ing at the top. This is a tedious and
somewhat dangerous ascent. and we are
prepared to enjoy fully the sight which
bursts upon us. Stalaotites OF the most
beautiful kind In clusters resembling grapes
and one that winds from ceiling to floor
like the vine itself. The clusters are of
calcium carbonate, coated with black OK
ide of iron. The dripping water gives the
appearance of dew on punches OF luscious
grapes of different colors
We then pass through several halls and
avenues to Snow Ball Room. Boys, you
win like this, for 1t looks as If a crowd
of merry lads had enjoyed a game here.
The round, snowy, gypsum, from two to
ten inches in diameter, being the balls.
Clevelands Cabinet, named for the min
era1ogist is perhaps the most beautiful and
magnificent avenue in the River Route.
The suggestive titles, F1ora's Garden,
Mary's Bower, Floral Cross Last Rose of
Summer, Vale of Diamonds, Diamond
Grotto and numerous similar ones may give
an intimation of dts marvellous beauties. A
most bewildering garden 1t is for the
gypsum resembles every imaginable flow
er. Each rosette Is made of tiny crystal
and for more than mile we are entranced
with the gorgeous formations of wreaths,
clusters and garlands that embellish the
walls and ceilings. The chemical lights
here are most effective and the sparkling,
dazzling Vita of this crystalline region is
as a dream Of Elysium The Vale of Dia-
monds Is the most respondent, glitterdng
appearance imaginable. AS far as your
eye can look beyond the bright lights
thrown upon 1t into the dim light and then
into darkness even, you see the twinkling
flashes of the roof.
Flora's garden and the other chambers
are each miracles of beauty. The fasci-
cles of glorious blossoms are grouped more
effectively by nature than real boquets