56 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 c£ 

 the duties of his important oflBce. 



The guidance through the Cave was formerly 

 under the charge of colored men. Several of 

 them — Stephen, Alfred, and Mat — attained great 

 celebrity 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 



