28 
BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 
passage turned suddenly to the right, through a small opening barely 
large enough to admit of the passage of a man’s body, while the main 
gallery continued on to the left, gradually growing higher as we 
advanced. Choosing the small opening, we entered, and made our 
way along a narrow passage for a short distance, when it suddenly 
turned and opened into a large chamber, which presented, as we 
entered it, one of the most beautiful sights that I have ever seen. It 
was about thirty feet wide, and the walls, which appeared pure white, 
were smooth and sloped gradually inward, forming a dome-shaped 
ceiling, hung with an intricate network of stalactites, which sparkled 
and glistened in the wavering light of the torches. Limestone 
pillars, of all shapes and sizes, rose from floor to ceiling, some of 
them as yet imperfectly formed, while others appeared as thick as 
the trunks of large trees. It was easy for one to imagine himself in 
the council-chamber of some mighty king of a long-forgotten race, 
and the effect was heightened by a recess in the wall, which had the 
appearance of an immense chair. In a passage leading from this 
chamber was found a large skeleton, lying in a narrow cavity of the 
rock, the head resting upon the right arm in a perfectly easy and 
natural position, as if death had occurred while sleeping. The 
skeleton was evidently that of a very large man, who, when alive, 
must have stood nearly seven feet in height. The skull was curi- 
ously formed, having the frontal bone much flattened, evidently by 
artificial means, and the upper jaw protruding in such a manner that 
the man’s face, when alive, must have had a frightful expression. 
Retracing our steps, we entered the main gallery, and followed it for 
