The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-05-19
ENTRANCE TO WIND CAVE, JUST ACQUIRED BY THE GOV
ERNMENT
ERNMENT.

Paradise In several of the chambers
IN which this formation is found the
crystals have been formed IN balls, givfn :
an exact representation OF the popcorn
balls which sc delight the childrens eyes
when hanging from the Christmas tree.
A mixture OF coloring, due to the mixed
character of soil and rock above, adds to
the impression.
a SUCCESSION OF CAVERNS
From this point immense chambers sue
coed each other, each, as the route
descends, showing an increased antiquity
and each possessing more Of briliancy of
reflection and design of patures cary
/ ings than the preceding, Caverns Of gil
ganttc proportions are traversed. one of
the smallest being sc feet in width and
over 200 in length, but no light produced
in these caVerns has Yet been strong
enough to reach the dcmes Only reflect
ing lights occasionally bring into a transit
tive view sharp angles. huge stalactites
and an impression that the vaulted cell
ings must be wonder of architecture
and a marvel of beauty
Stalagmite is not found until several
of these caverns have been passed One
Of the first to be seen has been chr s.
tened "Cleopa tra's Needle" 1t arise s
from bed of popcorn work in a far
corner of an immense cavern to height
OF over seven feet an index of the tow
ering spires which are soon to be SEN
in succeeding chambers.
From this point the descent is moe
rapid, yet not so great as to be uncom-
Portable AS each cavern is now reached
through passageways of fair width and
a happy dryness, one of the guides has
tens in advance to~the opposite side and
strikes calcium lights whose briIiancy
is reflected far into the darkness above
n rvn1lc o;41,
are here of the hardest crystal forma-
ton, niched and carved, polished and
scintiliating, veritable palace of dia-
monds.
$500 FEET BELOW THE SURFACE
-Four miles of crystal caverns a-e
traVersed from this point, each possess
sing some point of beauty more interest
ing and wonderful than has before been
SEEN the crystal palace at the end of
the journey forming climax to an en-
! trancng pleasure and sightseeing excur-
/ Sion This chamber is estimated to be
$500 feet below the surface and is seven
miles from the surface.
In Wind cave ninety miles of unser-
! ground passageWays have been explored.
/ opening up an aggregate of $3.50 rooms
/ or chambers. The entire distance is prssi-
! bic to be traversed without dangar or
discomfort, and when the cave shall have
been equipped with electric lights, ac-
cordlng TO the plans suggested to the
I government officials now in cha, ge. with
bridges over the few narrow chasms
winch are to be encountered, ana the
] cave thrown open to the public, it win
no doubt become one of the NEST famous
resorts IN the country, especially as tbe
vicinity has added attractions in It's
natural hot springs, already extensively
patronized because of their me6io:nal
/ properties - I'd
1t is reported that the entrance n tba
! cave viii be rearranged SO as 10 h.
! more convenient, and it is even rep -rted
/ tlat an elevator will be installed t. d.
away with the ladder climbing necess,-
tated by the well-like character of The
oflhce which leads from the cave lew !
TO the surface. Such improvements win
taFsely add to the number visiting The
/ o cay, as under present conditions timer
Gus people feel some qualms about lei
nng themselves down the dark and mn
inviting hole. anu "ii-