The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1901-06-21

or three hundred feet in diameter, with a
height of sixty feet to ceiling; in others
we pass considerable distance in recum-
bent posture. The various apartments and
places all have name to designate them,
according as they may i'll some measure
form some resemblance, but in most cases
it required considerable draft OIL the i'm
agination to see i'll this weird represen-
tation the likeness of things real 1 cam
not from memory recall hut few of the
designations, such as the Cathedral, Ball
Room, Cemetery, Pluto's Chasn, Maid of
the Mist, Cemetery, Fish Market, Fallen
Columns, springs of clear, sparkling
water imbedded in basins so strongly rep
resenting human instrumentality as 10
almost question their formation. Thus
far have not attempted to describe the
appearance of the ceiling and sides of the
various chambers. Huge stalactites de-
pend from these vaulted domes, varying
times round, sometimes fiat and often
hollow. Their formation according to
biologists must of occupied perhaps mil
lions of years. These stalactites form by
the water percolating through this lime
stone strata with which this vast archway
is overlaid. The dripping from these
stalactites when reaching the floor or
earth beneath Immediately forms a cor
responding column. These are called
stalagmites and the difference is they
form upward while the stalactites form
downward. When uniting they form a
solid column. This stalagmatic formation
covers the entire ceiling and sides of the
cave. Only on one or two places can
you find clay. The prevailing color of
this formation is yellow, although in some
places it Is snow white, in others it
assumes dark hue.
Our guide informed us he had witnessed
seven weddings, in what is called the
cathedral. In one chamber fine imta-
ton of pipe organ is produced by tap
ping alternately with small mallet some
of the pending stalactites
While attempted in some measure to
describe some of the grandeur of mans
handicraft and skill, it is so far overshad-
owed by this magnificent creation Of
Nature that it dwarfs into iusigni6ceuce.
Comparisons sometimes are odious, and
with this lamentable attempt at descrip-
ton, it is best perhaps to leave what was
permitted to see and in conclusion, lest l
tire your patience, state that after spend
ing two hours traversing one and half
miles of cenented walks. sometimes
climbing steps or or descending in tor
tuous route, we regaiued the outer world,
conscious that we had seen more for the
money than we ever had or expected to
do again.
1 will not attempt to describe the Shen-
andoah Valley, lying in a basin formed
by the two lines of mountains and pre-
senting beautiful and picturesque scene;
its fertility is apparent. Tune and space
forbid my impressions of Culpepper and
orange counties.
A vote of thanks was extended to
the host for his interesting article.
The committee of inspection re-
ported everything about the place
in a thrifty condition, rejecting
credit both upon the host and upon
Mr.. Lewis Oldham, who is farming
the place this year.
Mr.. Wilson offered a resolution
protesting against the establish
ing Of any more high schools in the
county under the present system,
as it was unfair to a large portion
of the taxpayers. Considerable
discussion ersued and while all
were of the opinion that further
extension of the high school system
in vogue in the county was an in.
justice, definite action was deferred
until next meeting.
The Club adjourned to meet with
Geo. w. Clifford in August.