254 Proceedings of the Uoijal Irish Academy. 



line to dry (Plate XVI., fig. 4). This formation was at once named 

 '• O'Leary's Family Washing." 



The dip of the floor is on the whole from south to north, and the 

 chimney (Chimney (c)) down which the descent is made to the junction with 

 Eoute I, lies in the extreme north-west corner of the chamber at its lowest 

 point. This chimney is not difficult to descend, as there are conveniently 

 placed ledges down its sides, which provide good foot-holds ; but due care 

 must be exercised. It is about 12 feet deep. Its ascent, however, would be 

 impossible, as these ledges are all covered with slippery stalagmite, whose 

 surface would afford no grip for the hands if attempts were made to climb 

 up. Hence it is that this Route is always followed in the direction just 

 indicated. 



Once down the Chimney, the way follows Eoute I in the reverse direction 

 to that described above, and in a few minutes the House of Lords is regained, 

 where the big pillar is easily recognizable. Thence back to the House of 

 Commons. 



Length of Passages in Route III. 

 Main passages : — 



House of Lords to Junction of Gallery of Arches, . 

 Junction to O'Leary's Chimney (5), 

 Length of O'Leary's Cave (approx.), 



Side passages : — 



Gallery of Arches and Cross-Fissures, 



Passages near the Four Courts, . • . . 



Other Passages ....... 



426 „ 



Route IV. — You leave the House of Commons by ascending the boulder- 

 strewn slope on its eastern side, and, rising to a height of 12 feet above the 

 floor, continue straight on until you reach the stalactite pillar called the 

 Sentinel, standing outside the shaft known as the Bed Chamber, which opens 

 immediately below and on its left-hand side. The big chamber on the right 

 forms the southern extremity of Sadlier's Cave, and was traversed at the end 

 of Ptoute II. 



Leaving the Sentinel immediately behind, you bend to the left, and, 

 descending a boulder-slope, enter the northern end of Sadlier's Cave, a 

 spacious vault where your attention is at once arrested by an enormous 

 stalagmite boss on the right, surmounted by a fine column reaching to the 



78 



yards. 



92 



)) 



72 



55 



242 



55 



139 



55 



189 



55 



98 



55 



