3^2 
of the ceiling, in various sizes and forms. On the floors of these 
caverns, also, the repeated drops, as they fall, deposit the'r solid 
matter in stalagmitic heaps ; which rising by the gradual, but 
constant, accretion of fresh matter, acquire frequently a considerable 
degree of magnitude, and assume various fantastic forms. On every 
part of the sides, also, the trickling drops deposit innumerable 
minute crystals ; and here also, from the same source, numerous 
stalactites become disposed in an arrangement, more approaching 
to regularity. 
The entrance to a cavern of this kind, is, in general, by a narrow 
opening, beset on every side by stirice, formed by the exuding spa- 
those matter, and which, if not interrupted in its accumulation, 
would entirely close the opening. On passing this, and arriving at 
the cave itself, the mind is almost overpowered by astonishment 
at the novel scene. The ceiling appears to be supported by columns 
of the most pleasing colour and elegant shapes, formed by the union 
of opposite stalactites and stalagmites : whilst others are seen in 
various degrees of approximation to each other, and assuming the 
most strange and uncouth shapes. Some hang from the roof, in the 
form of an inverted cone ; some spread out in branches, not much 
unlike those of a chandelier ; whilst others form in slender and al- 
most transparent tubes, reaching nearly to the bottom. From the 
floor numerous rugged pyramids arise, intermingled with various 
figures, to which fancy attributes some strange and unexpected re- 
semblance, such as to altars, animals, trunks of trees, &:c. The 
ornaments on the sides render the effect on the mind, of this seeming 
magic scenery, complete. The light of the torches employed in 
these subterranean explorements is reflected in myriads of bril- 
liant sparks, from the crystalline surface with which the walls are 
covered; whilst globular excrescences of yellow spar give the ap- 
pearance of balls of gold, projecting from a white and sparkling 
ground of diamonds. Frequently the slender stalactites, mentioned 
