10 ANIMAL LIFE IN THE CAVE. 



like fibres are often produced. Very commonly, however, the 

 crystals begin to form when a small nodule of the iron ore is ex- 

 posed at the surface ; the parts first formed become attached to 

 the surface around the edges, and as the chemical action proceeds 

 towards the centre of the nodules successive leaf-like layers are 

 thrown out, and the rosette form is the result. Along lines of 

 fracture in the surface of the rock, the crystals are curved in op- 

 posite directions. 



The wreaths and other figures formed by the chains of the ro- 

 settes, may be caused by the chemical action described taking place 

 around the edges of large masses or concretions of the iron ore. 



These crystalline forms occur only in the dryer parts of the 

 cave. Where there is more moisture, as in the ' Snow-ball room,' 

 the gypsum merely forms white, rounded concretions, originating 

 from nodules of the iron ore on the roof and sides of the cave.'" 



With these general remarks on the cave we give a brief account 

 of its interesting fauna,* comprising representatives of the Fishes, 

 Insects, and Crustaceans. No Mollusks nor Radiates have as yet 

 been discovered, but the lower forms of life have been detected 

 by Tellkampf, who collected several species belonging to the gen- 

 era Monas, Chilomonas, and (?) Chilodon. 



*In the following pages it will be noticed that the authors have expressed widely 

 different views as to the origin of the peculiar forms of subterranean animals. 



