176 



THE WONDERS OF GEOLOGY. 



Lect. II. 



and several hundred feet in extent, terminating in a deep 

 chasm (b\ which, however, has not escaped the ravages 

 of visitors. This cavern is perfectly dark, and the icicles, 

 and pillars of stalactite, reflected by the torches which it is 

 necessary to use, present a highly picturesque effect. The 

 floor is literally paved with bones and fossil teeth ; and the 

 pillars and corbels of stalactite also contain osseous remains. 



Ltgn. 28. — Vertical section of the cave of Gaylenreuth. 

 a, The entrance of the cave ; b, one of the deep recesses. 



A graphic description of this cave was published by M. 

 Esper, in the middle of the last century ; at that period, 

 the innermost recesses contained waggon loads of bones 

 and teeth ; some imbedded in the rock, and others in the 

 loose earth. 



The bones are in general scattered and broken, but not 

 rolled ; they are lighter and less solid than recent bones, 

 and are often incrusted with stalactite. Through the kind- 

 ness of the Earl of Enniskillen, and Sir P. M. de G. 



