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CHAP. VIII. INTERIOR OF THE CARGO CAVERNS. 201 inverted apex indicated that the beautiful stalactite was still receiving fresh additions to its size and form. Sometimes I noticed small marble-like circles on the floor, at others the pyramid rose several feet high, its summit presenting a thimble-shaped cup filled with water, which, overflowing, spread down the sides. In some parts the crystallisations above and below appeared to have no connection, but in others the upper and lower formations appeared to be imme diately one over the other, the lower structure being formed by the lime-impregnated water, dripping from the centre of the stalactite above. At times they had approached within a few feet of each other, and some were so united as to exhibit the form of a gigantic hour-glass, cut with exquisite sharp ness, and with endless variety of figure. Besides the water dropping constantly from the roof, there were frequent cis terns or hollows in the sides or floors of the grottoes, like pure alabaster baths, filled with water so transparent that several of us stepped more than ankle deep into them, with out perceiving anything but the coral-like stalagmite at the bottom. The water was cold and perfectly tasteless. In many of the chambers I observed names, and dates of the visits of parties, some of high rank and station, either cut in the rock, or written in pencil on the walls. At length, after having been two hours in the cavern, we reached the spacious gallery, said to be 800 feet in length, and designated the Thompson gallery, from its having been first explored by a gentleman of that name about thirty years ago. From this point we retraced our steps, visiting, on our way back, several small and exceedingly beautiful grottoes, situated along the sides of those by which we had passed on our way into the cavern. On reaching the mountain side we proceeded to the house of a neighbouring boer, who had acted as our guide, and after a short rest pursued our difficult way through the