LURAY CAVERN, PAGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA. 



455 



has stood before these objects with romantic names, it occurs to him that 

 the fancy of the narrator has quite as much to do with the matter as the 

 resemWance of the objects. But all such doubt vanishes in the presence? 

 of creations which call forth spontaneously from all beholders the same ex- 

 clamations. It was so in this chamber. The long, white, trailing masses- 

 of alabaster suggested tbe same idea to all, and the absolute, starless-> 

 night of shade on every side helped to complete the illusion. Just beyond 

 the Bridal Chamber is Giant Hall, where beauty gives place to wonder — 

 the loveliness of Grecian finesse to the overpowering sense of Egyptian 

 massiveuess. Among the objects of special interest at this point are 

 Titania's Veil and Diana's Bath, and, just beyond, the Saracen's Tent. 

 The last-named object attracted a great deal of attention, and vividly 

 recalled the pictures of crusading times, wherein the conical tent witb 

 its amjde folds is decorated with the armorial devices of the occuiiant 

 and surmounted by his banner. 



The Saracen's Tent. 



The next object of interest is the Cathedral, with its fantastic freseoe^ 

 and stone organ. From the ceiling and walls depend thin sheets of 

 stalactite of various lengths, which, upon being struck, give forth tones^ 

 of great softness and effect. The impression made upon the party- 

 wandering through these dark abysses, when Mv. Campbell, without, 

 previous warning, played a familiar air, will hardly be forgotten. 



There is nothing more beautiful in the cave than these scarfs, shawls^ 



