Clifton College Scientific Society. 23 



out a sense of fear ; the rocks hanging overhead, threatening to 

 crush the intruder, and the yawning chasm. close upon his foot- 

 steps, seem prepared, as if by magic, for his prison in the grave. 

 It is the region for genius and enchantment.' 



''J^ie Caves. — Limestone rocks generally have an abundance of 

 caverns and fissures, and many of them have been long known in 

 the Cheddar Cliffs. But there are only two of any extent, of 

 which one is especially remarkable for its beautiful stalactite 

 formation. The larger cave was opened many years ago ; it 

 penetrates the cliffs more than 300 feet, in a south-easterly 

 direction ; but it has not many points of interest. A few 

 stalactites which it contained have been ruthlessly broken off, the 

 walls have been disfigured by the initials and marks of various 

 obscure plebeians, who with characteristic bad taste always take 

 care to leave records of their unworthy visits on every spot of 

 interest, however hallowed by association or time, or however 

 adorned by nature and art. The other cavern, called par excel- 

 letice the ' Stalactite Cavern,' is exceedingly worthy of inspection, 

 for, like the cliffs beneath which it lies, it is unrivalled in England, 

 if it has its equal elsewhere. This cave was accidentally dis- 

 covered by a miller named Cox, in 1837, and it now forms a 

 valuable property for his family, who exact a somewhat excessive 

 charge from visitors to it. The entrance is in the lower part of 

 the glen, opposite to an inn (whose accommodation — from experi- 

 ence — we cannot commend). On entering through a long mean 

 porch, the cavern appears at first completely dark, but a some- 

 whit theatrical, though very pretty and striking effect is soon 

 produced, by the lighting of numerous gas-hurners, scattered in 

 every corner and nook of the winding passages. So soon as the 

 eye becomes accustomed to the light, the scene appears in all its 

 bef.uty. Elegant folds of stalactite, seemingly interminable, hang 

 do^n like the most beautifully arranged drapery from a lofty roof, 

 apparently of immense height. Pillars and pendants of sparkling 

 brilliance surround one on every side. Vistas stretch out through 

 lorg rows of columns scattered in endless i)rofusion — the melodi- 

 ous trickling of water sounds sweetly on the ear, glittering drops 

 like diamonds fall in steady succession into crystal pools below. 

 It is a very fairyland ! When the guide touches lightly with a 

 rod some of the clustering folds overhead, harmonious notes, in 

 musical succession, are given forth, the tone varying, of course, 

 according to the thickness of the stone. The stalactites are in the 

 most perfect preservation, thanks to the good care taken of them. 

 The rate of their formation is exceedingly slow — indeed, the 

 guides aver that no increase whatever has been noticed in them 

 since the cave was first discovered. The late Dean Conybeare has 



