6o THE MAMMOTH CAVE OF KENTUCKY. 



those in the Mammoth Cave, nor are they clear, being coloured 

 with ferric oxide of] iron which often gives them the appearance of 

 rugged masses of rusty iron. When we consider that it takes a 

 period of about fifty years to form an incrustation as thick as a 

 wafer, we get some idea of the vast ages [such caverns have been 

 in process of development. The Methodist Chapel is about 40-ft, 

 high and 80-ft. in diameter. The original benches are still 

 there. 



The explorer next [proceeds along the " Gothic Gallery," the 

 formation somewhat resembling Gothic structure. Here again is 

 seen the force of running water. The galleries have been swilled 

 or scooped out by the water, which in course of time has drained 

 off, and then stalactites were formed, of which there are great 

 numbers. At one time the water must have rushed down in 

 torrents, evidenced by the huge stones that were carried along and 

 left, when the current of water^was not strong enough to move 

 them, and there they have lain for ages. From this gallery we 

 enter "^ Register Hall," a cavern so called from the numerous 

 names of persons placed upon the sides, — one can hardly say written, 

 as the instrument used was a candle, the smoke serving for marking. 

 The ceiling gives the appearance of having been white-washed, as 

 do many other parts of the Cave: this is due to a deposit of 

 carbonate of lime. 



We next enter the Gothic Chapel : here are some gigantic 

 stalactites — *' the pillars of Hercules.'' The name of this cavern 

 is derived from a marriage having |been solemnised here under 

 peculiar circumstances. The gentleman was not approved of by 

 the lady's parents, and they extracted from their daughter a promise 

 that she would not marry her lover on the face of the earth, which 

 promise was kept by the ceremony being performed in the Cave- 

 Further on is " Vulcan's Smithy,'' the floor of which is covered 

 with small stalagmites, coloured, probably, with black oxide of iron, 

 resembling the cinders one sees in blacksmiths' shops. 



We now return to the Methodist Chapel, and proceed along 

 another tunnel for a short distance, and then enter the Ball Room j 



