688 



THE UNIVERSE. 



haunted chamber, thus called because it Avas found strewed 

 with mummies of Indians, most probably from the people 

 who of old inhabited this part of America. In another 

 place a still more striking scene presents itself, for we 

 arrive beneath the Dome of the Giant, the immensity of 

 which strikes one with stupoi". Enveloped in profound 

 darkness, notwithstanding the great fires lighted by the 



312. Cypvinodons of the M.immoth Cave. 



guides, the eye of the explorer cannot make out the cupola 

 suspended at a height of about 430 feet above his head. 



At some depth below, the Styx slowly rolls its sad 

 waters beneath dark vaults, the windings of which are 

 indented by a thousand rocks. In this subterranean river, 

 the course of which we follow in a boat, dwells a very 

 peculiar fish, the Cyprinodon, which is said to be blind. 



