. Annual report of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian Institution; Smithsonian Institution. Archives; Discoveries in science. LURAY CAVERN, PAGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA. 455 has stood before these objects with romantic names, it occurs to him that the fancy of the narrator has quite as much to do with the matter as the resemblance of the objects. But all such doubt vanishes in the presence of creations which call forth si)ontaneously from all beholders the same ex- clamations. ItAvassoiu this chamber. The long, white, trailing masses of alabaster suggested the same idea
. Annual report of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian Institution; Smithsonian Institution. Archives; Discoveries in science. LURAY CAVERN, PAGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA. 455 has stood before these objects with romantic names, it occurs to him that the fancy of the narrator has quite as much to do with the matter as the resemblance of the objects. But all such doubt vanishes in the presence of creations which call forth si)ontaneously from all beholders the same ex- clamations. ItAvassoiu this chamber. The long, white, trailing masses of alabaster suggested the same idea to all, and the absolute, starless night of shade on every side helped to complete the illusion. Just beyond the Bridal Chamber is Giant Hall, where beauty gives i^lace to wonder— the loveliness of Grecian finesse to the overpowering seuse of Egyptian massiveness. Among the objects of special interest at this point are Titania's Veil and Diana's Bath, and, just beyond, the Saracen's Tent. The last-named object attracted a great deal of attention, and vividly recalled the pictures of crusading times, whereiu the conical tent with its ample folds is decorated with the armorial devices of the occupant and surmounted by his The Saracen's Tent. The next object of interest is the Cathedral, with its fantastic frescoe and stone organ. From the ceiling and walls depend thin sheets of stalactite of various lengths, which, upon being struck, give forth tones of great softness and effect. The impression made upon the party wandering through these dark abysses, when Mr. Campbell, without previous warning, played a fiimiliar air, will hardly be forgotten. There is nothing more beautiful in the cave than these scarfs, shawls,. Please note that these images are extracted from scanned page images that may have been digitally enhanced for readability - coloration and appearance of these illustrations may not perfectly resemble the original Smithsonian Institution. Board of Reg
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