THE MAMMOTH CAVE. ao 
received the unsatisfactory reply that he did not 
wish to disturb the original appearances of nature. 
Upon reaching the foot of the ladder, we 
found ourselves in an open space, somewhat 
higher than a man’s head, and about ten or 
fifteen feet wide. 
This cave apparently Gee in nearly a 
direct line. We say apparently, for it is impos- 
sible for an individual who enters a dark hole 
under ground, for the first time, to form a cor- 
rect idea of direction or distance. 
The length of this cave, as before remarked, 
is about one mile. ‘The floor being compara- 
tively smooth, and nearly level, there was but 
little fatigue attending the exploration. 
There is a considerable number of very hand- 
some stalactites and stalagmites to be seen in. 
this Cave, the beauty of which will fully repay 
the visitor for the time thus occupied. 
One of the chief curiosities of the Indian 
Cave is the Pool of Bethesda. It is a fountain 
of pure, limpid water, about four feet in diameter, 
and nearly circular in form, and is mantled 
around with delicate, coral-like formation stalag- 
mites, giving it the appearance of a rustic work 
of art. We partook freely of the water, and 
found it agreeable to the palate. 
