CHAPTER XVII. 



OF ANCIENT MUMMIES FOUND IN THE CAVE. 



Upon ascending the ladder, and entering the 

 Gothic Arcade, the first object to which our 

 attention is directed is what is called the Seat 

 of the Mummy, which consists of a niche in the 

 left wall of the avenue, about forty yards from 

 the steps, just large enough to accommodate a 

 human being with a comfortable seat. 



Dr. Wright informs us that the body of an 

 Indian female was found in this niche, dressed 

 in the skins of wild animals, and ornamented 

 with the trinkets usually worn by the taborig- 

 ines. We are also told, by the same authority, 

 that, within a few feet distant, was at the same 

 time discovered the body of an Indian child, 

 attired in a similar manner, and in a sitting 

 posture, resting against the wall. Both bodies 

 are said to have been in a mummified condition. 

 Dr. Wright suggests that they wandered into 

 this avenue, and, becoming bewildered, sat 

 {110) ' 



