From The New York Tribune.

upper world and the cold air of the subter THE WYANDOT CAVE OF INDIANA. ranean affected us at first very strongly. SOUTHERN Indiana is a land of subterranean palaces. Numerous caverns, varying in length from a few yards to many miles, are found in the counties of Harrison, Crawford, Orange, Lawrence and Washington. Some of these have been explored, but many still remain, with their mysteries unrevealed, sacred to silence and darkness.

called the "Wyandot Cave et discovered is lowest points. This great purity of atmosphere

But our systems soon accommodated themselves to the change. The uniform temperature of the cave is 530 Fahrenheit-60 colder than Mammoth Cave. The atmos phere is remarkably pure and exhilarating. Our lights burned clearly and steadily everywhere. Carbonic acid and other noxious gases were entirely absent, even from the is partly to be accounted for, I think, by the presence of extensive beds of nitre. The nitrogen, which is consumed in the forma tion of nitrate of lime, must have its proportion of free oxygen disengaged - thus charg ing the air with a larger supply of this exhilarating principle. It is said that nothing ever decays here. We were shown, indeed, the remains of an opossum which had been here ever since the cave was discovered, and perhaps for a hundred years before.

A part of the cave has been known ever since 1820. This is called the "old" cave. The " new cave was discovered in 1851. Of the former I shall say but little; to the latter I devoted most attention.

This has, in respect to beauty and size, but one superior in the world, the Mammoth Cave of Kentucky. The appellation of "Wyandot" is given in honor of the tribe of Indians bearing the same name. I doubt if the Wyandots ever beheld the cave which is called after them. Their home lay further north. However this may be, it is certain that some tribe of Indians made this, in days of yore, their place of abode or retreat. There are spots far within the cavern where, evidently, large fires have been kindled, at some unknown time. Poles, cut from the white oak tree and the pawpaw, are found lying in piles here and there. Footprints, also, on the yielding yet enduring clay, are pointed out, Much of the limestone, especially in the which, from their peculiar shape and succes-old cave, is highly magnesian. From this sion, are thought to mark the ancient visits has been deposited vast quantities of the of the Red Man. A few Indian implements sulphate of magnesia (Epsom salt). Dr. of war, such as arrow-heads and spear-heads, Adams of Corydon, who was the former have also been occasionally found. owner of the cave, once drove a thriving The entrance to the cave is situated on the business here, in the manufacture of this farm of Mr. Henry P. Rothrock, in Craw-salt and saltpetre. Lumps of the sulphate ford County, five miles north-east from of magnesia are sometimes found, varying Leavenworth, a small town on the Ohio from one to ten pounds. The earth yields River. It is half a mile distant from Great from four to twenty pounds to the bushel, Blue River (formerly called Wyandot River), and about 120 feet above its level. The mouth is reached after ascending a lofty hill by a steep, winding path. The surrounding scenery is very picturesque, reminding one of some of the wild regions of New England.

The geological formation in which Wyandot Cave occurs is the mountain limestone, famous everywhere for its cavernous structure. It is in this formation also that we find the Mammoth Cave of Kentucky, Weir's Cave of Virginia, the Grotto of Adelsberg in Styria and the Grotto of Antiparos in Greece. The party in whose company the writer visited the Wyandot Cave, in the month of September, consisted of three ladies and four gentlemen. Provided with candles and fireworks, we passed the outer door about 1 o'clock P. M. A light breeze blew out of the cave, but not sufficiently strong to extinguish our candles. On a very warm day, it is said, this breeze is increased almost to a gale, while in the Winter the wind blows into instead of out from the cave.

The contrast between the warm air of the

and the salt is of the best quality. The old cave has many fine halls and passages; but the most remarkable thing is "The Pillar of the Constitution." This is a splendid stalactitic column, fifteen feet in diameter, and twenty-five feet high. It is regularly reeded from top to bottom, and resembles a vast petrified fountain. This beautiful and stately pillar stands in the centre of the

Circle of the Union," as if to support its immense vaulted roof.

The extreme length of the old cave is three miles, and it extends generally in a northward direction. It is not much visited now. Most persons are impatient to behold the greater wonders and richer beauties which lie beyond the second door. Yet, were those still unknown, the scenes of the old cave would amply reward a visit.

There are two modes of entrance to the new cave: one is by the second door, threefourths of a mile from the main entrance; the other is through an entrance known as "Rothrock's Straits," half a mile beyond. Passing through the second door, we entered

The

• Bats' Lodge 99 a low, smoke-stained merriment. We presently entered the apartment, where, in Winter, the bats as- "White Cloud Room". -a beautiful hall, semble in vast numbers. Climbing "The the ceiling of which bears a fanciful resemRugged Mount," we reached" Coon's Coun-blance to massive, snowy clouds. cil Chamber," just beyond which the cave Bishop's Rostrum "lies a little beyond this, branches into two grand avenues one lead- and is in the shape of a pulpit-being ing southward three miles, and terminating formed of a stalagmite of pure white ᎦᎩᏢ in "Hovey's Point," the other northward sum. The "Cerulean Vault" is a high, four miles, and closing with "Butler's arched room, the walls of which appear Point." Thus the entire length of the cave, tinged with a delicate blue. from Point to Point, is precisely seven miles. But, including the various avenues, the discovered portion amounts to twenty miles. These distances, and all the others I shall mention, are from actual measurement.

Passing many fine halls and avenues, christened with sounding names adapted to the tastes of all classes, we reached the Crawfish Spring so named because in it are found very' peculiar, white, eyeless crawfish. We were so fortunate as to secure some of its curious inhabitants, which we took with us for further examination.

Leaving the southern branch, we proceeded in a north-east direction, over "Hill Difficulty," to the most sublime apartment in all this Temple of Silence, viz., "The Directly above this spring lay the Grand Dome and Monument Mountain." entrance to the Wabash avenue. This This dome has hardly its superior for size extends further north than any other aveand beauty in the world. Standing on the nue. Three of us were ambitious to see the summit of the mountain, which is 175 feet end of the cave. So, climbing with diffihigh, we looked upward; but the top was culty to the entrance, we passed for nearly veiled in black darkness; we cast our glance a mile in a stooping posture. Beyond this around us, and the same unillumined night the roof was much higher, and in a quarter lay beyond the dim light of our lamps. It of a mile the cave ends abruptly in a high was only after we had ignited our fire-works and wide room called "Butler's Point." that we could see, far above us, the bending We probably stood where no mortal had arch of this majestic temple rising 245 feet stood before. We were discoverers. The from the base of the mountain; while floor of this room is composed of a very around us extended a circular wall 1,000 fine and solid clay. Here we obtained some feet in circumference. Within this rotunda beautiful acicular crystals of gypsum, and the ancient Pantheon might be placed, or some of the sulphate of magnesia, fine as Saint Paul's of London find ample room. the softest hair; also we found some brilThe dome is closed at the top by a smooth, liant rosettes of curved crystals of gypsum, elliptical slab beautifully fringed by broad, called by Dr. Locke of Cincinnati Ouloleaf-like, curling stalactites, bearing a close philites," or curled-leaf stone. resemblance to the ornamental foliage of the Joining the rest of our party at the Crawacanthus. The summit of the mountain is fish Spring, we retraced our way, varying it a gigantic stalagmite 120 feet in circumfer- by an occasional excursion into some windence, rising in three points, respectively six, ing avenue, or by passing around some cavefive, and three feet high. These, when encircled island. Our path was diversified viewed from the mountain's base, resemble by rugged hills, rocky passes, dry beds of three persons clad in pure white. Hence defunct streams, and by smooth plains covthe name, "Monument Mount."

At the further end of the Grand Dome is a most delicious spring. Here we left our basket of provisions, designing to take our evening repast beside these pure waters as we should return from our rambles.

ered thick with nitrous earth. Strangers not unfrequently lose their way amid these varied and novel passages. A curious anecdote is told about a man who was lost in the cave for just twenty hours. His light had expired; still he thought he would wind up It is often repeated that is but a step from his watch. once every twenty-four hours. the sublime to the ridiculous. Thus it was This he did five times during his wanderings here but a step from the "Dome" to the in the dark, lengthening out his twenty Auger-Hole." This last is a narrow, hours into five days! Thus darkness, solicylindrical passage, but twenty inches in tude, and terror lend leaden wings to Time. diameter. Woe to the corpulent man who Re-threading the "Auger-Hole,' enters therein! Many a visitor has been reached the beautiful spring and Grand compelled to make this the end of his jour-Dome. Here we dispatched our evening ney. Kind Nature, however, had been mer- meal, seated on broad slabs of stone. Our ciful to the members of our party; and we exercise had given us keen appetites, and we all passed safely through, the difficulties of feasted as heartily as though we were above the way merely furnishing us food for ground instead of 400 feet below its surface.

66

we

It was about 7 1-2 o'clock when we About a mile beyond this is the "Diamond emerged from the cave. The sun had just Avenue," where the eye is dazzled by a propassed behind the western hills, and the fusion of lustrous crystals, which shine upon stars were in the quiet skies. It seemed as the walls and lie scattered on the floor. These though the Grecian fable were true, and we assume many curious shapes, to account for had actually been visiting another, a subter- which has greatly troubled mineralogists. ranean, world. The warm outer air, which Some resemble gorgeous flowers of every at noon we had left with such reluctance, kind; others look like rich clusters of grapes now seemed hot and suffocating. We, as half-hidden among the graceful leaves. well as the face of Nature, appeared to have Beyond this room of wonderful forms we undergone a change. came to "The Flint-Pit," where you see, Early in the morning of the following lying far below, shining black masses of day we were again at the cave's mouth, pre- hornstone. Near this is "The Sieve," pared for further exploration. Having on through which, in rainy seasons, the water the previous day seen most of the interest-pours in great abundance.

ing points of the northern branch, we Going a little farther, we came to " Hovey's resolved to-day to explore the mysteries of Point" the southern termination of the that which led toward the south. cave. In reaching this place, we must have

The first apartment we entered was "The passed under the Great Blue River, and apDining-Room; "similar to and adjoining proached very near to the Ohio itself. It this was the "Drawing-Room." These has been suggested that this cave may conwere plain, unornamented halls, of a large tinue, by some unknown passage, in a southsize, regular in shape, and having ceilings ern direction, until it connects with the as flat and smooth as though finished by a extensive Mammoth Cave of Kentucky. To plasterer. Beyond these the cave again one who has travelled for many miles under divides and the two branches, having pur-ground, the idea does not seem unworthy of sued separate courses for about a mile, unite consideration. We soon acquire the feeling, again thus encircling what is called "The having been checked at so many points, and Continent." Here we took the western yet having pursued our way for miles beyond, branch, designing to visit the eastern as that there is no point at which we can safely we returned. say, "Lo! the end!"

Soon we entered "The Wyandots' Grand On our way back, we passed to the east Council-Room " sufficiently ample, one of the Continent, paying a flying visit to would almost believe, to hold the whole the Fairy Grotto, Neptune's Retreat, and tribe. This we illuminated with Roman Hermit's Cell. Then we entered the Sepcandles. It is about 150 feet high and 250 ulchre, where the great roof of rock hung in in diameter. Many beautiful stalactites and massive folds from a height of 30 or 40 feet to stalagmites are here found. Ascending the within a few inches of the floor. "Purgarough and toilsome "Hill of Science, we tory" lay beyond the Sepulchre. Here we passed within a sublime amphitheatre called were compelled to go through a long passage the "Hall of Representatives." This ap- not more than two or three feet high. But proaches in size the Grand Dome which ex- we were amply repaid for all our toil when cited our admiration so strongly yesterday. we entered the " Pillared Palace." This is Passing the " Alligator " and "Hippopo- a large hall, but only about fifteen feet high. tamus rocks, so called from a fancied like ness to those creatures, we presented ourselves before "The Throne." This beautiful and singular lusus naturæ is formed of stalactites, which shoot over in graceful curves, uniting their delicate, leafy points to form a splendid canopy, and stalagmites, which, rising from below in more solid masses, constitute the body of the throne. The base is encircled with an ornate fringe of drooping We had now seen the most elegant halls, leaves, while the sides are adorned with lilies beautiful avenues, and stupendous domes of and white roses. Victoria herself could this immense subterranean palace, where desire no richer throne. The approach is Night holds her uninterrupted court. Yet, rendered very slippery by the water which as we passed forth from the cool, exhilarat falls from the "Cascades near by; yet we ing air of the cave and its pleasant and novel all gratified ourselves by a seat in the chair scenes, we could not repress a feeling of sor of royalty. We found it would hold two row that we must forsake, perhaps forever, very comfortably. so much that is beautiful and sublime.

It is, however, one of the most beautiful sights on which I ever feasted my vision. Here the stalactites of pure white stone lengthen their arms until they clasp the snowy stalagmites rising from below- thus forming solid but graceful pillars, which seem to yield support to the ponderous roof above. These pillars were ornamented with festoons of leaves and clusters of purple grapes.

liminary excursions, accelerated the departure of the expedition, M. do Castelnau having been recommended to exchange the heated and unwholesome atmosphere of the city for the cooler air of the mountains of Estrella, where he took up his quarters for a short time in a rickety hut, without windows to the frames, yet belonging to the emperor, who has since converted the site into the so-called city of Petropolis. Our naturalist was delighted with the change, his health improving rapidly. Vegetation was also vigorous and various, presenting more than one-half different species from what are met with in the environs of Rio. Palms were less abundant, but arborescent ferns more so; and here they met, for the first time, with the Brazilan pine. Birds and insects were also much more numerous than on the shores of the bay. At this elevation they were also not so much annoyed by musquitoes, but, in exchange, they were attacked by the carapato, or tick, a kind of spider (Ixodes), which burrows itself

M. FRANCIS DE CASTELNAU, chief of an expedition sent by the late Louis Philippe to explore the interior of South America, is known as the author of a work on the United States and upon the Silurian system of North America. So highly were his talents as a naturalist and geographer esteemed by the enterprising but turbulent republic, that he was offered a diplomatic appointment at Lima; but having, as a preliminary step, to solicit the permission of his own government, the king, who always manifested great interest in geographical discoveries, reproached the young naturalist with what he called his desertion, and offered him the charge, which he enthusiastically accepted, of a scientific expedition into the most central and the least known parts of Central America. The events of February, 1848, prevented the immediate publication of the results of these explorations, which were carried on from the year 1843 to 1844; but what is designated as the After a short delay at Sambambaya they "Histoire du Voyage," communicated by the got on to the fazenda, or farm, of Magé, author from Bahia, where he is now acting where they first heard the ferrador, a gigantic as French consul, and corrected by Dr. Wed- toad that made night dismal, notwithstanddell, who, with M. de Castelnau, M. d'Osery, ing the innumerable fire-flies and glowmining engineer, and M. Emile Deville, a worms. These Brazilian fazendas, farms or naturalist, constituted the leading members villages, present all pretty nearly the same of the expedition, has at length made its appearance in the goodly shape of six octavo volumes.

into the skin.

appearance: one or two private residences, a chapel, a venda or public-house, a rancho, the caravanserai of South America, and half From these lengthy but interesting details a dozen huts. Our traveller's route lay we gather that the expedition left Brest on beyond this, through mountain forests, interthe 30th of April, 1843, and, after touching rupted here and there by running streams, at Teneriffe and Gorea, landed at Rio on the which formed charming cascades. The road 18th of June. We have so recently sketched itself was execrable. A descent of five leagues the social condition of the metropolis of Brazil led them to the banks of Parahyba, which from the pages of a clever-observing American they crossed in a bark to the town of same tourist, that we need not return to the subject name. This little town barely consisted of a on the present occasion. -the more especially hundred one-storied houses; nor would it as such of the pages of M. de Castelnau's have scarcely any commerce but that it lay voluminous work as are taken up with an on the way to the mines. There are, howaccount of Rio Janeiro bear reference mainly ever, plantations of cocoas, coffee, sugar, and to botanical excursions made in the environs, to zoological and geological facts, and to agriculture and the state and progress of the public establishments.

maize around. The Parahyba is a tributary to the Parahybuna, which divides the province of Rio Janeiro from that of Minas

Geraes. Both rivers flowed amid dark rocks of granite and gneiss. The bridges had been destroyed in the insurrection of 1842, but were at that time being rebuilt, and a tax equal to about five shillings was levied for permission to cross, government placing

obstacles upon intercourse in new regions mit, vegetation was so magnificent that Dr. where such ought in every way possible to Weddell, the botanist of the expedition, rebe facilitated. mained behind to collect. Topazes and The province of Minas Geraes is celebrated other precious stones are met with in these throughout the world for its mineral riches. mountains. Unfortunately, absorbed in the acquisition of these, the inhabitants have left the land in a sad state of neglect. Advancing into the province, our travellers exchanged the splendid forest-scenery of Rio for the campos of the great upland of Minas Geraes. These socalled campos were in reality hilly, and covered with an herbaceous vegetation, diversified by the lilac flowers of a dwarf Melastoma, the roseate hues of a Pavonia, and the yellow or scarlet blossoms of several pretty leguminous plants. There were also here and there oases of forests, chiefly of Araucarias, the splendid pines of South America.

Ouro Preto, formerly called Villa Rica, and still so designated in the latest maps in our possession, is built upon the most ir regular ground that can possibly be imagined. The president of Minas Geraes resided in a palace which resembled a feudal castle, and was defended by three guns of small calibre. The mining population is given to frequent insurrections against the existing authorities. The province was at that very time divided into two factions, the Caramurus, or Imperialists, and the Chimangos, or Liberals, who carried on a furious warfare against one another. The temperature in the city, at an At the commencement of these uplands is elevation of some 1600 feet above the level of the town of Barbacena, the chief place of a the sea, was quite European, and the society district, which contains 18,000 souls, includ- very agreeable. The only drawbacks to the ing the negroes of the fazendas. The town agreeableness of the place were, that the initself contains 4000 souls, has two or three habitants were always letting off crackers, or streets, as many churches, and a detestable howling in little knots before a Madonna at hostelry. From this region, about 1180 yards the corner of the streets. We have seen that above the level of the sea, the Parahybuna, at Rio they were obliged to get rid of these the La Plata, and the Rio San Francisco, all pious excesses by summary proceedings. The flowing in different directions, take their population of Ouro Preto amounts to from origin. Our travellers added many beautiful 11,000 to 12,000 souls, among whom 600 birds to their collections here, and several slaves. There were formerly 30,000, among snakes; among others, a pretty coral serpent whom 6000 negroes. At that time the pay and two kinds of jararac-a triganocephalous of the slaves engaged in mining operations snake, the most dangerous in Brazil. Am- was only 80 reis, it is now 400 reis per day. phisbenes, or two-headed serpents, were met with even in the houses. An exceedingly pretty frog was also captured, green, with a yellow belly, orange and blue spots on its flanks, and feet veined like marble. The main resources of the expedition in regard to diet were black haricots, manioc flour, the tubercles of a Dioscorea, called in the country cara, and which take the place of potatoes; and preserves, which it is the local custom to eat with salt cheese.

After Bundry excursions to the mining towns around Ouro Preto, our travellers quitted that city on the 17th of December. While there, one of the party, who was very zealous in ornithological pursuits, brought in two birds in triumph. They turned out to be domestic pea-hens. On the 19th, after a very fatiguing mountain ascent, the expedition arrived at the English mines of Catta Branca, at the foot of the peak of Itabiriamong the richest in Brazil. The establishBeyond Barbacena they had the same un-ment is described as having a thorough Engdulating campos, with what our naturalist lish aspect. Houses remarkable for their appropriately designates as bouquets de forêts. exceeding cleanliness, with little flower-garThe high road to Ouro Petro was at times dens in front; 450 slaves are employed, and only to be distinguished by the traces of mules' footsteps. The little town of Queluz lay on the way to the metropolis of the mining district, and before reaching the latter place a dangerous and difficult ascent of the mountains had to be effected. At the sum

they were remarkable for their healthy and robust appearance. They are, indeed, well cared for, and kept in airy and cleanly homes.

On the 22nd, they started for the mines of Morro Velho, through a difficult country