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 

 resemblance of the objects. But all such doubt vanishes in the presence 

 of creations which call forth si)ontaneously from all beholders the same ex- 

 clamations. ItAvassoiu this chamber. The long, white, trailing masses 

 of alabaster suggested the 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 i^lace to wonder — 

 the loveliness of Grecian finesse to the overpowering seuse of Egyptian 

 massiveness. 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, whereiu the conical tent with 

 its ample folds is decorated with the armorial devices of the occupant 

 and surmounted by his banner. 



The Saracen's Tent. 



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

 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 Mr. Campbell, without 

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



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



