THE ROYAL ARTILLERY INSTITUTION. 
303 
narrow fissure, the larger masses of limestone existing here prevented any 
possibility of finding the source from whence the bones had sprung. 
Rones washed Near the entrance of the cave were found by Capt. Eisk, E.N. 
into the en- in 1844, some bones imbedded in the flooring of the cave; large 
trance of the quantities of bones of goats, rabbits, rats, &c. probably washed 
oTptfiSsk^R’JV. hi horn the rocks above, by the heavy rains through some of 
the numerous fissures, also Osseous Breccia (?) We found how¬ 
ever, as stated before, with the exception of the bones of small birds, washed 
apparently through the roof, no traces of organic remains of any kind, though 
we followed the supposed marks left by Capt. Eisk, as well as of others. 
The cave is filled with stalactite pillars; masses of rock and stalactites now 
present ingress to some other branches, near the entrance, said to have existed 
in olden times, this fissure is believed to extend almost as far as the north 
front. So many absurd reports exist with regard to the cave, and mostly by 
people who have never visited it (except in the entrance part) as to warrant 
my saying they should be received with great caution. The most remarkable 
features of the cave appear to be, the remarkable purity 
Cave free from of the water it contains, and also of the air; though a lime- 
co 2 - stone cavern, and extending at least 1700 feet (or J of a 
mile) underground, no trace of carbonic acid gas can be 
found, the current of air that was apparent throughout the main, 
fissures and passages being strong enough in some places to extinguish a 
candle; also its equiable temperature being about 62° F., while that of the 
water was about one degree higher, caused perhaps (to adopt the heat theory 
of Professor Tyndall) by percussion of the constantly falling drops on the 
surface of the water, with the water itself, the extreme beauty of the stalac¬ 
tite pillars, and their hardness, some of which are hard enough to strike fire 
with steel. Pieces of some of the best (see specimens, No. 14, from the 
“ Prison,” No. 15, in form of leg, from Hanson's Cave, and No. 16 from 
Brown's Bath) I have added to the case of specimens which I trust will aid 
in illustrating this paper, and be acceptable to the E.A. Institution; and 
lastly the fact of the magnetic needle being slightly deflected in some places, 
showing evidently strong traces of iron in the cave. 
The annexed table, I think I may say, is as nearly correct as possible, 
being verified by frequent observations, it will aid in showing the heights of 
the different stages, and the direction of the main tissue, &c. 
I may further add that bottles were left at the “ Grotto," the “ Prison," 
and at “ Brown's Seat," (the extreme end of the case) with papers bearing 
the inscription of our names, and dates of visits, for the guidance of future 
explorers. 
Should this paper fall into the hands of some who take an interest in 
geology, I trust it may not be altogether unacceptable, as illustrating to a 
slight extent that Eock which is so rich in the evidences of by-gone days, and 
in links of the mighty chain which connects us with the past history of the 
world. 
[vol. v.] 
41 
