1864.] CAVE NEAR MONTREAL. 15 



sides of the cliamber were numerous deep fissures, hardly laro-e 

 ■enough to admit an arm, and lined with the same mineral. 



In these fissures could be seen very perfectly the formation of 

 satalactites and stalagmites, — the former meeting the latter half 

 way. Some of the stalactites were of a beautiful needle-like 

 shape, and about four or five inches long. These we could not 

 procure, as they were beyond our reach ; but they may be plainly 

 seen by holding a candle in the crevice. Before passing farther 

 into the cave, let us for a moment examine the well. It is affirm- 

 ed by the people in the neighborhood that no bottom has yet 

 been found to it. But on questioning them, we found that their 

 bottomless measure was two pairs of reins tied together. It is 

 however a difficult depth to measure, as it runs down very irregu- 

 larly, and at angles. The water is clear, and very cold, and has a 

 strange greasy touch. It is surprising to see its transparency, 

 when it has this thick and oily touch ; it yet remains to deter- 

 mine whether this well is fed by springs, or by the drippings from 

 the roof of the cavern. Leaving the well, we push on, and after 

 ascending a few feet, come to two passages, one leading to the 

 Tight, the other to the left. The entrance to the one on the 

 right is about two feet square, and leads into a small room or 

 passage running into the rock. This passage is about thirty feet 

 long, and two or three broad, ending in a narrow fissure which 

 seems to run deep into the limestone. Tiiis fissure is too small for 

 one to enter with any comfort, though I believe it widens some 

 few feet farther in. Turning with difficulty, we retraced our 

 steps, and came before the passage running to the left. 



This at the entrance was two feet high and six feet wide ; but 

 on entering, we found ourselves in a small room, about eight feet 

 high, and six wide. At its extremity another fissure ran down 

 into the rock, which looked as if it had at one time been a pretty 

 large passage. Indeed, so shaly and loose are these rocks, that 

 by the action of water and the frosts, this cave may be, ere long- 

 entirely blocked up. The hahitans state that it was at one time 

 much larger than it is now. In the first, or entrance-chamber, were 

 found sticking to the roof, and sparkling with moisture, six 

 beautiful species of moths : two of these, are now in the Society's 

 collection. These moths were snugly ensconced in the cracks 

 of the rock, sleeping quietly, until the genial breath of spring 

 and the songs of returning birds should rouse them again to 



