Explorations in the Bone Cave of Ballynamintra. 183 
were found the broken masses of crystalline stalagmite embedded in pale sandy 
earth similar to that hereafter described. Not only do these caves show that 
they were excavated by water in their interior, but also in numerous places 
along the scarp the rocks, both on the cave horizon and below it, are under-cut 
and have the worn appearance common in sea and lake cliffs. Upon the high 
ground of which the scarp is the margin the drift consists chiefly of rolled 
pieces of sandstone similar to those which occurred so frequently in the two 
upper strata within the cave, and which there often bore marks of human use. 
The cavern in question is about half a mile south of the railway station, from 
which it can be seen. It faces E. N. E., and its floor is about twelve feet above 
the flat ground in front, as shown in the section (Pl. IX.), for which we are 
indebted to the kindness of W. E. L’Estrange Duffin, Esq, County Surveyor. 
Description of the Cave. 
The cave forms a horizontal tunnel averaging ten feet wide for a length of 
nearly thirty feet, after which it widens and its roof rises very considerably in an 
irregular manner. It has been excavated for forty-three feet, beyond which its 
extent is not ascertained. It was nearly filled to the roof, with strata presenting 
the following general section. 
No. 1.—The brown earth, with rounded sandstones, limestone fragments, char- 
coal, bones and implements, eighteen inches to twenty-four inches in 
depth. 
No. 2.—The grey stratum, earth and calcareous Tufa,* with rounded sandstones, 
limestone fragments, charcoal, bones and rude implements, fourteen 
to twenty inches in depth. 
No. 3.—The pale sandy earth, with pebbles, bones and occasionally charcoal. 
No. 4.—The crystalline stalagmite, in broken cuboidal masses, or in a continuous 
floor, with bones and teeth of bear and deer, one foot to three feet six 
inches in depth. 
No. 5.—The gravel, barren of animal remains, and resting directly on 
No. 6.—The limestone floor. 
In no part of the cavern was there any accumulation of red soil or cave-earth. 
As these materials were removed they were carefully examined, nothing being 
left but some of the bottom gravel. Beyond twenty-three feet within the entrance 
no remains of extinct animals nor traces of man were found; yet the excavations 
were carried on as far as forty-three feet, where they were discontinued from the 
difficulty and apparent fruitlessness of the search. Excavations from four to six 
*This term is hereafter restricted to the newer limy deposit in distinction to the older or 
crystalline stalagmite. 
