The Jenolan Caves: An Excursion in Australian WonderlandCook, Samuel
History
The Jenolan Caves: An Excursion in Australian Wonderland
Cook, Samuel
Australia -- Description and travel; Caves; Jenolan Caves (N.S.W.)
It should be here stated that this Bower was named in honour of a
daughter of the Hon. E. Webb, M.L.C., of Bathurst, who at various times
has interested himself in regard to the caves, and sister of the Messrs.
Webb whose names appear on the tablet, and who supplied ladders and
ropes to the curator, and otherwise assisted him in his explorations. It
is a grand cavern, with massive pillars and large stalactites, and
elaborate alabaster structures, more remarkable for richness of detail
than the most wonderfully-constructed Oriental temple. The dome
commences near the roof with a conical mass of brilliant formation, from
which depend many fine stalactites, which rest on a solid mass, and seem
to hold it suspended. This second mass of formation is ornamented with
stalactites like frozen jets of water. And so the process is continued
again and again, until the points of the lowest stalactites rest on a
white mass level with gracefully-curved and coloured rocks, which
descend with elegant contours to the bottom of the Bower. The same kind
of wonderful fabrication is repeated at the sides of the principal
figure. Some of the flooring is as rich and pure as that of the Jewel
Casket. It is a marvel of intricate grandeur, and has the advantage of
having been well preserved. From the alabaster stalagmite in front, to
the most delicate lime drapery on the walls, there is no prominent "mark
of the beast." The cads of the period have not been permitted to perform
their favourite ceremony of the laying on of hands.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account