112 THE MAMMOTH CAVE. 



to the Holy Sepulchre, which is situated directly 

 over Martha's Vineyard, and which contains a 

 fine collection of stalactites, arises in it. 



In speaking of this part of the Cave, Mr. 

 Martin remarks (p. 65) : 



"AlDout one hundred feet from this spot, tak- 

 ing the right, over a rough and rather a difficult 

 way, the tourist at last reaches what is called 

 the height or hill. On this stands the Holy 

 Sepulchre. This natural chapel is about twelve 

 feet square ; it has a low ceiling, and is deco- 

 rated in the most magnificent style imaginable, 

 having well-arranged draperies of stalactite of 

 every possible shape. .You go to the room of 

 the Holy Sepulchre, adjoining. Unlike the place 

 you left, it is without ornament or decoration of 

 any kind whatever; it presents nothing but 

 dark and bare walls, and has been likened, by 

 many who have been there, to a charnel-house. 

 In the center of this room, which stands but a 

 few feet below the chapel, the visitor will be 

 shown what seems to be a grave hewn out of 

 the solid rock. So great is the resemblance as 

 to have suggested to a Roman Catholic priest 

 the exclamation that has .since passed as its 

 name. The reverend gentleman referred to no 

 sooner cast his eyes upon this opening in the 



