Oct., 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 103 



There is a vertical descent of ii feet by ladder, then by 

 another ladder and floor sloping in an easterly direction for 

 60 feet to a depth of over 50 feet into a rugged and lofty 

 chamber, whence there are two main branches, the longer 

 bearing northerly and north-easterly for about 900 feet, the 

 shorter bearing south-easterly for over 200 feet, probably con- 

 necting with the Spring Creek and Kitson Caves. 



Taking the latter branch, a descent is made from the central 

 chamber by a passage sloping in an easterly direction to the bed 

 of the underground watercourse, about 15 feet below ; a low pas- 

 sage about three feet high is followed east for 60 feet, where there 

 is a narrow, lofty branch chaml)er rising to the north, containing 

 fine stalactites, shawls, tongues, and small stalagmites. The 

 main branch follows up stream for 70 or 80 feet ; at first the roof 

 is flat, about four feet high, studded with short stalactites ; on 

 the left, for the greater part of the distance, there is a beautiful 

 wide terrace sparkling with crystals ; at the end is a fine group of 

 white stalactites. Near the end, over the terrace, is a small 

 opening leading into a roomy chamber with several branches. 

 In the chamber are fine stalactites, terraces, and stalagmites. Off 

 this chamber is the Crystal Grotto, studded with beautiful crystals, 

 the upper part being white and the lower dark amber colour. On 

 the rocks are delicate formations resembling anemones, with semi- 

 transparent outer bowl enclosing a pink centre. 



Returning to the central chamber near the entrance the northern 

 branch follows a rugged passage, and in a distance of about 70 

 feet descends to the bed of the creek, but m a few feet it rises 

 again, and a rough, rugged passage is followed for about 120 feet, 

 where the bed of the creek is again reached through a small 

 opening just large enough to squeeze through ; from there on the 

 floor of the cave is the bed of the underground watercourse, 

 which is followed for 650 feet till blocked by a fall of rock. 



It will take too long to give a detailed description of the cave, 

 which, generally speaking, consists of, a long, winding passage, 

 narrow and lofty in some parts and low in others, opening out 

 into large, spacious chambers. Along the greater part of the cave 

 are groups of beautiful stalactites of various forms and colours 

 hanging from the roof or canopies jutting out from the walls ; 

 several fine blankets are met with, and for considerable distances 

 beautiful terraces sparkling with crystals follow the line of the 

 stream. 



The accompanying plan, drawn on the scale of 100 feet to 

 I inch, will perhaps enable the positions of the different features 

 to be more readily grasped. 



Photographs give but a poor impression of the beauties of the 

 stalactite and crystalline formations, of endless variety and shades 

 of colour, which must be seen to be realized and appreciated. 



