2 THE ADELSBERG GROTTO. 



containing some remarkable stalactites and stalac- 

 mites, assuming curious and fantastic shapes. The 

 so-called " curtain," a white and maize-tinted semi- 

 transparent screen, as of Algerian marble, and 

 resembling a piece of drapery, is probably the most 

 beautiful specimen amongst them ; also a grand 

 effect is produced by the " Poik," or " Unz," a 

 streamlet rapidly and noisily rushing through one 

 arm of the cave, and forming a lake in its progress. 

 There is a pretty glimpse from the narrow bridge 

 which spans the boiling w^aters below, surrounded by 

 almost utter darkness, relieved only by the reflection 

 of lights placed in suitable positions along the entire 

 length of the cave. In other parts it requires little 

 imagination to recognize domes and pillars ; nay, ani 

 entire cathedral, fully furnished with altar, pulpit,, 

 and aisles ; elsewhere, an enormous hall, capable of 

 holding a couple of thousand persons, on festive 

 occasions used as a dancing saloon ; farther on,, 

 again, tall banyan trees, with roots and branches, in 

 mid-air, shapes of wild animals, &c. ; the stalactites 

 varying in height from ten to a hundred feet, and 

 in colour from white to brown in delicate tints of 

 pink, pale-blue, and pearl-grey. 



Having spent three hours in examining the grotto, 

 T returned, tolerably tired, to the little inn, " Die 



