Hill, Brodrick, and Rulio — The Mitchelstoivn Caves, 23T 



on any conveniently adjoining rock with a circular chalk mark. The 

 compass bearing was then taken, and the degrees noted, by the second 

 man, who acted throughout as recorder. The third man, carrying the 

 end of the tape, then followed up ; and, if he could reach the halting- 

 place of No. 1, did so ; or, if short of it, also marked his halting-place with 

 chalk, and waited until the fourth man bearing the rest of the measuring-tape 

 had reached the same spot ; whereupon No. 3 advanced to No. I's place. 



The total distance was then written down by No. 2 (the recorder), together 

 with any requisite remarks about the shape or configuration of the particular 

 passage or chamber under survey. 



The whole party of four then reassembled at No. I's halting-place, and 

 the process was repeated as before. 



In some instances, when the passages were long and straight, the survey 

 was easy, and could be performed with rapidity ; in most cases, however, where 

 the route led up, down, or around large boulders, twisting to the left or 

 right, only small distances could be measured at a time. Naturally under 

 such circumstances the survey occupied a considerable time. 



To show how accurate our method of survey proved to be, it may be 

 stated that, when the circular routes, or loop-lines (marked out by pink 

 strings), came to be adjusted upon the main base lines (marked out by white 

 strings), in no case was the error more than 20 feet — a variation which is 

 noteworthy when the distances traversed (amounting in one case to nearly a 

 quarter of a mile), the roughness of the ground, and the darkness are 

 considered. 



HiSTOKY OF THE OlD CAVE. 



Mitchelstown Caves are situate to the north of the Blackwater valley, 

 between the Galtee and Knockmealdown ranges. They lie close to the 

 almost level road which runs from Mitchelstown to Cahir — a distance of 

 17 miles — at a point in Co. Tipperary about midway between these two towns. 



The name Mitchelstown as applied to the caves appears to be of recent 

 origin, as there is distinct evidence that the Old Cave was known as 

 " Skeheewrinky " (spelt also Skeheenarinka or Skeheenarinky) after the 

 townland in which it is situate. The old Irish name of the cavern was 

 " Oonakareaglisha." 



From a historical point of view more interest attaches to the Old Cave, 

 which at the present day is almost unknown, and has not been shown to 

 tourists since the New Cave was discovered in 1833. 



The first actual description of the Old Cave is that given by Arthur Young 

 in his " Tour in Ireland," where he mentions that he was taken into a cave in 

 this district in October, 1777 ; but, although no definite records earlier than 



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