RUTLAND CAVERN. 
601 
a table. U|:>on an egress from this amazing cavern, we perceived 
a Greek inscription upon a rock situated at the mouth ; but so obli- 
terated by time, that we could not read it. It seemed to import, 
that one Antipater, in the lime of Alexander, had come thither ; but 
whether he penetrated into the depths of the cavern, he does not 
think fit to inform us.” 
From this account Mr. Tournefort’s differs considerab y. Mr. 
Magni mentions only one descent or precipice from the entry of the 
cave to the grotto, or most magnificent part : Mr. Tournefort says 
that there were many very dangerous precipices and rugged ways, 
through which they were obliged to pass, sometimes on their 
back and sometimes on their belly, but gives no particular account 
of his journey until he comes to the grand cavern. This indeed he 
describes very pompously ; but as by it he evidently wants to sup- 
port a favourite hypothesis, namely, the vegetation of stones, perhaps 
the particulars are not altogether to be depended upon. He informs 
us, that at the entry into tlie grand cavern, they met with a Greek 
inscription, almost defaced, containing a number of proper names ; 
and that there was a tradition among the irdiabitants, that these were 
the names of those who had conspired against Alexander the Great, 
and, having missed their aim, had taken refuge in this grotto. 
Dropping Cave, or the White Cave of Slains. 
This is a remarkable cave in Aberdeenshire, which the Rev. 
Mr. Farquhar thus describes ; — “ It is visited by most strangers, 
being justly esteemed a rarity. The sea reaches to the mouth of 
it at high water. Upon entering, one sees the water oozing through 
a spungy porous rock on the top and sides ; it falls dow n in pretty 
large drops, like a very moderate shower. These drops are of a 
remarkably petrifying nature ; they gradually and imperceptibly 
line the cave with curious stalactical incrustations, in very different and 
strange forms. A great deal of these was taken out some years ago, 
and turned into lime. It is again petrified all over, and has the 
look of white marble.” 
Zaney’s Cave. 
This is an extraordinary cavern of Virginia, in the North moun- 
tain, Frederick county. The entrance is from the top of the exten- 
sive ridge, The descent is 40 feet down into a deep pit, from the 
bottom of which the cave extends horizontally 400 feet, preserving 
a breadth of from twenty to fifty feet. After entering this cave, the 
mercury in Fahrenheit’s thermometer, which in the open air is at 40*^, 
rises to 67*^. 
Rutland Cavern. 
This cavern, which is the largest in this kingdom, is within the 
mountains of Abraham’s Heights, Matlock Bath. 
The Rutland cavern is an object of general curiosity, and the ter- 
rific grandeur of the immense natural cavities, far exceeds the wildest 
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