Page:Cyclopedia of Western Australia, volume 1.pdf/29

to be found at the entrance to the Belfry Chamber, so named from the roots of trees which, like bell ropes, hang from the roof above. The crowning glory is, however, the Meteoric Shower, thousands of pencil-like stalactites of varying lengths, pendent from the ceiling and each tipped with perfect star-shaped terminals, giving the wonderful effect of a permanently arrested shower of meteors.

The Mammoth Cave, as the name denotes, is remarkable for its immensity and also for its age, as shown by the massive nature of its formations. Among its most interesting developments are the Cactus Tree and the Eagle's Wings, both perfect representations in glistening white of the objects after which they are named. In the same chamber are the Cathedral and Organ Pipes, the latter not only resembling an organ in shape, but giving forth clear and melodious sounds when struck.

The gem of the district from a purely artistic point of view is the Lake Cave. Like many of the others, this is reached by a somewhat precipitous descent through a sort of circular hollow, probably at some time in the far-distant past portion of another chamber, judging from the huge pillars supporting arches with discoloured stalactites that still surround it. The actual entrance is extremely narrow, but, once within, we find ourselves in a vast cavern, almost a perfect dome, the ceiling and sides of which scintillate with myriads of pointed stalactites. The principal feature, however, is the Suspended Table, a huge mass 15 ft. by 7 ft., and about an inch suspended by two large stalactites, and reaching to within a couple of feet of the surface of the subterranean lake from which the cave takes its name. By means of magnesium light the magic beauty of the formation is brilliantly reflected in the calm surface of the water beneath, and the marvellous spectacle, which resembles the dazzling oriental splendours of an Arabian Nights' scene, is in itself sufficient to repay the tourist for the distance travelled to see it. Words are totally insufficient to convey an adequate idea of the sublime magnificence of this great underground treasure-house.

The Bride’s Cave and the Giant's Cave have each their special features. The first, which practically consists of a single chamber, takes its name from a stalagmite in the gloom of the entrance, which to the romantic mind has all the appearance of a charming bride. The latter, as the title implies, consists of a series of gigantic caverns, the principal of which has been called the Fairies' Ballroom.

A great deal of interest attaches to the Golgotha Cave on account of its name, which it owes to the fact that quite recently the skull and part of the skeleton of a human being were discovered in the innermost chamber. The general opinion is that these are the remains of some early Dutch or Portuguese sailor who had either wandered accidentally into the cave or sought shelter from natives or the weather, and in trying to get out again had strayed farther and farther inward until all hope was lost. The chamber in which the remains were found has been termed the Skull Chamber, and at the head of the stairway leading to it there is a large and beautiful stalagmite some 20 ft. in height, appropriately named The Sentinel.

During this year (1911) a cave known as the Moondyne, near Karridale, has been explored and renamed the Coronation Cave. Arrangements are now being