The Cave was discovered in 1802, but was little explored till 1812, when it was resorted to for saltpetre. There is, however, no sulphur or volcanic specimen. For many years the traveller (being stopped by the Bottomless Pit!) could only advance three miles. Across this pit a ladder was finally thrown, and Stephen himself fearlessly explored the remaining six miles. Speak of discovering new countries, but to find them beneath the earth! Large bones of men and animals were dug out by the miners in looking for saltpetre. These gave the name to the Cave; but having been all re-buried they cannot now be found. A dog can never be persuaded to enter the Cave any distance, but soon runs howlilng back. Stephen's two companions in many an expedition, a brace of noble pointers, will never follow him beneath the ground, no matter what persuasion or caresses he may use. There are several rivers; I recollect only the names of three: Styx, Lethe and Echo. The fish and crawfish in them are white and perfectly eyeless. The crickets in the Cave however have eyes, and appear much pleased to see our lights. The streams appear to be connected with Green River, for several eyeless fish have been caught in the latter, after a great wise of water in the Cave. Generally the rivers are perfectly placid and still, mostly about twenty feet deep, but when the water rises, as it does after a heavy rain, the guide says they run with terrible swiftness. The water is cold and has a greenish appearance. I was not quite sure, but thought it slightly impregnated with phosphorus. The average height of the ceiling is thirty feet in the avenues, but some of the rooms are fifty, sixty and even seventy feet high, and still more broad. There is little or no feeling of danger; every thing is so roomy, and looks so strong, that one does not dream of fear. The walking is very rough for the ladies, but the air is bracing, and the weaker sex have endured the dangers and fatigues as often and as bravely as the stronger. But remember, ladies, if you go in parties, that the Cave is so dark that one cannot see well what the others do, and the gentlemen necessarily show uncommon gallantry. To the wealthy I say, visit the Mammoth Cave before you waste your strength in the follies of Europe, and perhaps its grandeur will excite in your mind a thirst for a greater existence than that of a petit-maitre at Paris. To the poor I say, go to sleep over this my narrative and dream yourselves far away, floating down the Echo River, or poetizing in the Star Chamber, and you will wake a refreshed if not a wiser man. There are but two freaks of nature in this our beloved America, that should be visited in the same year, or mentioned in the same breath: The Niagara Falls and the "Mammoth Cave." Thus ends the story of a New York "city slicker" who at first rather turned up his nose at our beautiful Kentucky lands. From a bumpy stagecoach ride on a rainy day to the adventures in Mammoth Cave - he seems to have changed a lot. He gained a sense of wonder at what he saw and a great respect for his guide, Stephen. We learned that Stephen had a great sense of humor and a deep knowledge of the cave. I learned that he had two dogs, pointers; I had never seen this mentioned before. I hope this series have whet an appetite in some of you to come visit Mammoth Cave. Words cannot describe its beauty and, unlike 1849, the paths are well lit, the trails well marked and the visitor is quite safe. If you'd like to see some pictures of the cave you can check out various web sites including: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Mammoth+Cave&qpvt=Mammoth+Cave&FORM=IGRE (hundreds of photos old and new or http://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm Thank you for letting me wander from pure genealogy for a tad and I hope you enjoyed the break! Sandi --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.com