176 THE MAMMOTH CAVE. 



romantic scenery, which impresses every be- 

 holder with astonishment and awe', and attracts 

 to this Cave crowds of visitors from every quarter 

 of the world." 



After speaking of the surroundings and of the 

 entrance of the Cave, the author, referring, we 

 suppose, to what is now known as the Rotunda, 

 says : 



" The entire extent of this prodigious space 

 is covered by a single rock, in which the eye 

 can detect no break or interruption, save at its 

 borders, which are surrounded by a broad, sweep- 

 ing cornice, traced in horizontal panel work, ex- 

 ceedingly noble and regular. Not a single pier 

 or pillar of any kind contributes to support it. 

 It needs no support ; but is 



' By its own weight made steadfast and immovable.' 



"At a very remote period," continues our au- 

 thor, " this chamber seems to have been used as 

 a cemetery ; and there have been disinterred 

 many skeletons of gigantic dimensions, belong- 

 ing to a race of people long since vanished from 

 the earth. Such is the vestibule of the Mam- 

 moth Cave, The walls of this chamber are so 

 dark that they reflect not a single ray of light 

 from the dim torches." 



