The Largest Cave in the World.

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 32, 6 July 1885, Page 4

The Largest Cave in the World.

The Mammoth Cave of Kentucky is situated near to Green TLiver, on t he road from Louisville to Nashville. Some ox plovers claim io have pone-Li-ated it to t.lio depth of ton miles ; but I hoy probably exaggerate, as the paths through it are so tortuous, and the progress of the traveller is so much obstiucted, that they might easily be deceived. Staluccil.es of gigan tie size and fantastic form are seen here, though they are not as brilliant as those that adorn other and smaller caves elsewhere. But if the Mammoth Cave is deficient in pretty effects, it is covered with wild, fantastic, and deeply impressive forms, curiosity that almost forbid the intrusion of the seeking tourist fiom the face of the earth. The entrance is abundantly supplied with vegetation. The conductor lights the lamps, «nd, in ft severe voice, calls, " Forward !" A. few lichens wander a litfclo way in from the entrance, Yrith the daylight, 1 and then all vegetation abruptly ceases. You aro ushered into a primitive chaws of wild limestone forms moist with the water oozing from abovn; A. strong current of air is behind you, as you think ; lmt.it is in reality the " breath " of the cave* In explanation you aro told that the temperature of the cave i.s 59 degrees Fahrenheit the year round, and the temperature is above or below this uniform standard. As you proceed farther the chill fultnear the entrance passes away, and the air is still, dry, and warm. .^For nearly half a mile on your way you see, by the dim light, the ruins of the saltpetre works that were built in 1808, by persons in the employ of the United Staters Government. The huge vats and. tools still remain undecayed. Advaucinar farther you enter the Rotunda, which is illuminated for an instant by a sheet of oiled paper lighted by the guide. It is over seventy-five feet high, one hundred and sixty f<:et .h cross, dii'ectly under the dining-room t)f the hotel, and the beginning of the . riiain cave. One chamber entered by the Rotunda, bears the unattractive name of tbe Great B?t-Koom; and here thousands of the little creatures are found snarling and cur ing their delicate lips at all intruders. These and the rats, a few lizards, a strauge kind of cricket, and some eyeless iish, constitute the eulire animal life of this kingdom of everlasting '-gloom.'