60 THE MAMMOTH CAVE. 



To the right of the Rotunda, Audubon's Ave- 

 nue leads off for about half a mile, to a collec- 

 tion of stalactites. During the winter, millions 

 of bats hibernate in this avenue. At the en- 

 trance of Audubon's Avenue several small cot- 

 tages, which were built for the residence of per- 

 sons afflicted with consumption, are still to be 

 seen. 



On leaving the Rotunda and passing the huge 

 overhanging cliffs to the left, which are called 

 the Kentucky River Cliffs, from their close re- 

 semblance to the cliffs of that river, the Meth- 

 odist Church is entered. This apartment is 

 eighty feet in diameter, by about forty in height. 

 Here, we are told, from the gallery or pulpit, 

 which consists of a ledge of rocks twenty-five 

 feet in height, the Gospel was expounded more 

 than fifty years ago. The logs used as benches 

 occupy the same position which they did when 

 first placed in the church. 



It is customary for visitors to leave their 

 shawls or overcoats, if required outside, tit this 

 point, there being no variation of temperature 

 beyond. 



Next in order is " Wandering Willie's Spring," 

 a beautifully-fluted niche in the left-hand wall, 

 caused by the continual attrition of water trick- 



