The Mines and its WondersKingston, William Henry Giles
History
The Mines and its Wonders
Kingston, William Henry Giles
Miners -- Juvenile fiction; Mines and mineral resources -- Juvenile fiction; Mothers and sons -- Juvenile fiction
The famed cavern in Kentucky is as well worthy of a visit as any
subterranean region. Of late years an hotel has been built near the
entrance, detracting from its once romantic appearance. Visitors first
descend a well-like pit, into which a stream falls, by a flight of
steps, and then passing under a high archway, proceed along a level
road, to what are called the vats, where saltpetre was once
manufactured. Their blazing torches, numerous as they may be, hardly
light up the vast subterranean region. From the large hall they make
their way through a low narrow passage, known as the "Vale of Humility,"
into another hall of enormous extent, the roof so lofty that the torches
scarcely illuminate either the walls or roof. At their feet can be seen
the glitter of water, extending far away into the interior, a bright
stream flowing over a rocky bed into it. Moving on, they in a short
time reach Echo River, on the shore of which a boat is found. When
looking upwards, it appears as if a canopy of black clouds hung over
their heads. On either side can be seen precipitous cliffs, rising
apparently into the sky. Silence and darkness reign around, the smooth
sluggish water alone reflecting the glare of the torches. The visitors
are not disposed to utter a word, until the voice of one of the native
guides suddenly bursts forth into a melancholy chant, which seems as if
echoed by the spirit of his departed brethren. Now the notes rise, now
they fall, as he gives them forth with the full force of his lungs, or
warbles softly, finishing with a melancholy wail, which produces a most
mournful effect. When a pistol is fired off, there comes a succession
of crashing thundering sounds, echoed from every angle of this enormous
vault; backwards and forwards they rush, roaring and reverberating from
wall to wall with terrific crashes. The guides say it is perfectly safe
at all times of the year to traverse the cavern, but there have been
occasions when the waters, rising suddenly, have prevented the return of
explorers. A way, however, was at length discovered through a narrow
passage, the course evidently, at one time, of a stream, up which they
can climb over the mud, and save themselves from being drowned or
starved. This passage has appropriately been called "Purgatory." In
one part the river expands into a lake, the gloomy effect of whose dark
waters, lost in the darkness, is indescribable. Leaving Echo River,
they enter another cavern, known as Cleveland Cabin--a fairy region.
Above their heads, and on either side, the roof and walls are adorned
with delicate flowers, of snowy whiteness, and domes, turrets, spires,
shrubs, and trees, as well as with the forms of birds and beasts of all
descriptions; indeed, figures of every shape which imagination, without
any great exertion, can picture, appear around. The representations of
some are so perfect, that it is difficult to believe that they have not
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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