THE MAMMOTH CAVE. 66 



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 extends 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 

 \lhe visitor for the time thus occupied. 

 y^ne 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. 



