5H < THE MAMMOTH CAVE. 
number being in somewhat feeble health from 
recent indisposition, we deemed it prudent to 
employ two guides to accompany us, so that one 
of them might return from any point with such 
parties as might become either unable or unwill- 
ing to proceed, while the other could conduct 
those who wished to continue the journey. 
This proved to be a wise precaution, as one or 
two-of the ladies became too much fatigued to 
be able to complete more than about two-thirds 
of the route. 
The present guides at the Cave are white 
men; and the chief one in charge of our party, 
Mr. Charles Merideth, is a man of considerable 
intelligence, is well versed in all matters pertain- 
ing to the Cave, and, in common with the other 
_ guides, is fully qualified for the performance of 
the duties of his important office. 
The guidance through the Cave was formerly 
under the charge of colored men. Several: of 
them—Stephen, Alfred, and Mat—attained great 
eelebrity in this capacity; and all former visitors 
remember these names as a part of their Cave 
experiences. 
Stephen, who was particularly famed for his 
qualifications in this respect, as has been seen in 
Mr. Gorin’s remarks, after a long and honorable 
