20 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 



passage turned suddenly to the right, through a small opening barely 

 large enough to admit of the passage of a man's body, while the main 

 gallery continued on to the left, gradually growing higher as we 

 advanced. Choosing the small opening, we entered, and made our 

 way along a narrow passage for a short distance, when it suddenly 

 turned and opened into a large chamber, which presented, as we 

 entered it, one of the most beautiful sights that I have ever seen. It 

 was about thirty feet wide, and the walls, which appeared pure white, 

 were smooth and sloped gradually inward, forming a dome-shaped 

 ceiling, hung with an intricate network of stalactites, which sparkled 

 and glistened in the waverino- lio-ht of the torches. Limestone 

 pillars, of all shapes and sizes, rose from floor to ceiling, some of 

 them as yet imperfectly formed, while others appeared as thick as 

 the trunks of large trees. It was easy for one to imagine himself in 

 the council-chamber of some mighty king of a long-forgotten race, 

 and the effect was heightened by a recess in the wall, which had the 

 appearance of an immense chair. In a passage leading from this 

 chamber was found a large skeleton, lying in a narrow cavity of the 

 rock, the head resting upon the right arm in a perfectly easy and 

 natural position, as if death had occurred while sleeping. The 

 skeleton was evidently that of a very large man, who, when alive, 

 must have stood nearly seven feet in height. The skull was curi- 

 ously formed, having the frontal bone much flattened, evidently by 

 artificial means, and the upper jaw protruding in such a manner that 

 the man's face, when alive, must have had a frightful expression. 

 Retracing our steps, we entered the main gallery, and followed it for 



