Kentucky Forests and Caves 



precious time with weeds, caves, fossils, or any 

 thing else that he could not eat. 



Arrived at the great Mammoth Cave. I was 

 surprised to find it in so complete naturalness. 

 A large hotel with fine walks and gardens is 

 near it. But fortunately the cave has been un 

 improved, and were it not for the narrow trail 

 that leads down the glen to its door, one would 

 not know that it had been visited. There are 

 house-rooms and halls whose entrances give 

 but slight hint of their grandeur. And so also 

 this magnificent hall in the mineral kingdom of 

 Kentucky has a door comparatively small and 

 unpromising. One might pass within a few 

 yards of it without noticing it. A strong cool 

 breeze issues constantly from it, creating a 

 northern climate for the ferns that adorn its 

 rocky front. 



I never before saw Nature s grandeur in so 

 abrupt contrast with paltry artificial gardens. 

 The fashionable hotel grounds are in exact 

 parlor taste, with many a beautiful plant cul 

 tivated to deformity, and arranged in strict 

 [ii ] 



