DESCRIPTION OF SOME OAVES NEAR 

 CAMOOWEAL. 



By T. P. KEYS. 



[Read hcfore tJic Boi/al Societi/ of QueenHland, Auijust 19, 1899.] 



About twelve miles to the eastward of the township of Camooweal 

 the monotonous level of the country is interrupted by the presence 

 of a number of irre,2:ular chasms, varying in depth from 50 to 120 

 feet, and in width from 30 to 100 feet. Leading into most of 

 these chasms are water-courses, which in flood-time pour in an 

 enormous quantity of water, which disappears as rapidly as it 

 enters. Being anxious to solve the problem of the dissappear- 

 ance of all this water, I set out one morning in company with a 

 few companions, and, having reached our destination, selected a 

 cave which seemed suitable for exploration. We had taken care 

 to come provided with a supply of ropes and candles, also a 

 quantity of kerosene for the purpose of making fire-balls. 

 Fastening our rope to a large boulder, we clambered, or rather 

 slid, to the bottom at a depth of 105 feet. At this level we 

 found a cave opening into the rock, the entrance being about 

 30 feet high, but increasing to a height of nearly 50 feet 

 as we advanced. After walking some distance our progress was 

 barred by an enormous rent or hole in the floor. Having suc- 

 ceeded in getting round this, we found the cave opened out into 

 numerous passages, the largest bearing some resemblance to a 

 great cathedral, with pillars of limestone supporting the roof, 

 which appears as if chiselled by the hand of man into a sort of 

 mosaic work. Some of the side passages contained beautiful 

 stalactites, which on being struck, gave out a clear, musical 

 note. Retracing our steps to the opening in the floor, we 

 fastened on our second rope, and again descended, having first 



