,,! ,,ne!rworld ,,( ,,m5dip ,,ne!rworld ,,( ,,m5dip ,,explorations ,,9 ,,! ,,great ,,cav]ns ,,( ,,som]set1 ,,york%ire ,,d]by%ire1 ,,& ,,else:]e ,,by ,,erne/ ,a4 ,,bak]1 ,m4,a47,,lond47 ,,au?or ,,( ,,moors1 ,,crags1 ,,& ,,caves ,,( ,,! ,,high ,,peak ,,etc4 ,,jo9t-,,editor ,,( ,,! ,,voice ,,( ,,! ,,m\nta9s ,,& ,,h]b]t ,e4 ,,bal* ,,clifton ,j4 ,,bak] ,,son ,,london ,,simpk91 ,,m>%all1 ,,hamilton1 ,,k5t ,,co4 #aijg ,,preface ,! objects ( ?is "w are tw(old3 to describe ! actual incid5ts ( v>i\s int]e/+ episodes 9 ! mod]n sport ( cave explor+1 & to give an acc\nt ( ! sci5tific results ( und]gr\nd inve/igations 9 ! ,m5dip region ( ,som]set4 ,speleology is ! late/ ( ! sport+ sci5ces3 l orology & ,arctic exploration1 x has two sides1 sport & adv5ture be+ ! lure to "s1 :il/ o!rs are *iefly attract$ by ! new light ?r[n by ^! rese>*es on ! geology1 ! hydrology1 & ! natural hi/ory ( ! subt]ranean regions explor$4 ,! *apt]s deal+ ) ! sci5tific results are by ,h4 ,e4 ,bal*1 :o has be5 work+ on ! geology ( ,m5dip1 m especially among ! caves1 = upw>ds ( tw5ty ye>s3 ! acc\nts ( actual exp]i5ces1 9 :i* ! sport+ side is pr$om9ant1 are by ,e4 ,a4 ,bak]1 :o describ$ ! rec5t exploration ( ! ,d]by%ire caves 9 8 ,moors1 ,crags1 & ,caves ( ! ,high ,peak1 #aijc4 ,no attempt is made to trav]se ! gr\nd s p]fectly cov]$ by ,pr(essor ,boyd ,dawk9s 9 8 fasc9at+ volume on ,cave ,hunt+1 & else:]e1 mo/ ( ! "w describ$ "h be+ supplem5t>y to t done by him1 &1 l>gely1 outside ! scope ( 8 aims4 ,! au?ors are indebt$ to ! k9dness ( ! ,editors ( ! ,liv]pool ,c\ri] & ,daily ,po/1 ! ,man*e/] ,gu>dian1 ! ,/&>d1 ! ,york%ire ,po/1 ! ,iri% ,naturali/1 & ! ,climb]s' ,club ,j\rnal = p]mission to use ! sub/ance ( v>i\s articles :i* h appe>$ 9 _! pages1 & to ,m4 ,m>tel1 ,mr4 ,c4 ,blee1 & ,messrs4 ,g\gh = p]mission to reproduce a numb] ( excell5t illu/rations by !m4 ,,cont5ts ,,page ,,! ,,cave ,,di/rict ,,( ,,! ,,m5dips #a ,,! ,,*$d> ,,gr\p ,,( ,,cav]ns #af ,,antiquity ,,( ,,! ,,caves ,,( ,,m5dip #ba ,,cave ,,explor+ ,,z ,a ,,sport #cb ,,explor+ ,,wookey ,,hole #de ,,/r5u\s ,,days ,,9 ,,! ,,ea/wat] ,,swallet #fj ,,swildon',s ,,hole #gj ,,! ,,great ,,cav]n ,,at ,,*$d> #hb ,,five ,,cav]ns ,,at ,,*$d> #ia ,,! ,,burr+ton ,,cav]ns #ii ,,! ,,coral ,,cave ,,at ,,compton ,,bi%op #ajf ,,lamb',s ,,lair #aae ,a ,,cave ,,9 ,,! ,,quantocks #abc ,,cave ,,explor+ ,,at ,,ab]gele #abg ,,cave ,,discov]ies ,,on ,,! ,,wel% ,,bord] #acc ,,! ,,exploration ,,( ,,/ump ,,cross ,,cav]n #ach ,,swallet-,,hunt+ ,,9 ,,d]by%ire #add ,,explor+ ,,new ,,caves ,,9 ,,d]by%ire #aeb ,a ,,visit ,,to ,,mit*el/[n ,,cave #aei ,,index #afi ,,li/ ,,( ,,illu/rations ,,page ,,map ,,( ,,! ,,m5dip ,,di/rict ,,( ,,som]set1 ,,%[+ ,,swallets1 ,,caves1 ,,& ,,outlets #e ,,! ,,great ,,gorge ,,( ,,*$d> #af ,photo by ,,dawkes ,,p>tridge1 ,wells4 ,,romano-,,briti% ,,pott]y1 ,,co9s1 ,,human ,,rema9s1 ,,etc41 ,,wookey ,,hole ,,cave #bb ,photo by ,h4 ,e4 ,,bal*4 ,,hy,,na ,,d5 ,,& ,,badg] ,,hole1 ,,wookey ,,hole #bc ,photo by ,,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,,plan ,,& ,,section ,,( ,,wookey ,,hole ,,cav]n #be ,by ,h4 ,e4 ,,bal*4 ,,! ,,great ,,swallet ,,on ,,bi%op',s ,,lot1 ,,priddy #bh ,photo by ,,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,,/4 ,,&rew',s ,,well1 ,,wells #bi ,photo by ,h4 ,e4 ,,bal*4 ,,pr(ile ,,( ,,! ,,wit* ,,( ,,wookey1 ,,wookey ,,hole ,,cav]n #df ,photo by ,h4 ,e4 ,,bal*4 ,,among ,,! ,,pools1 ,,wookey ,,hole ,,cav]n #dg ,photo by ,h4 ,e4 ,,bal*4 ,,mass ,,( ,,/alagmite1 ,,wookey ,,hole #dh ,photo by ,h4 ,e4 ,,bal*4 ,,9 ,,! ,,fir/ ,,*amb]1 ,,wookey ,,hole ,,cav]n #di ,photo by ,,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,,/alactite ,,t]race1 ,,wookey ,,hole #ej ,photo by ,h4 ,e4 ,,bal*4 ,,great ,,riv] ,,*amb]1 ,,wookey ,,hole #ea ,photo by ,,dawkes ,,p>tridge1 ,wells4 ,,second ,,great ,,*amb]1 ,,wookey ,,hole #eb ,photo by ,,dawkes ,,p>tridge1 ,wells4 ,,entrance ,,( ,,?ird ,,*amb]1 ,,wookey ,,hole #ec ,photo by ,,dawkes ,,p>tridge1 ,wells4 ,,/alactite ,,grotto3 ,,new ,,*amb]s1 ,,wookey ,,hole ,,cave #ed ,photo by ,h4 ,e4 ,,bal*4 ,,/alactite ,,grotto1 ,,wookey ,,hole #ee ,photo by ,,claude ,,blee4 ,,/alactite ,,pill>s1 ,,wookey ,,hole #ef ,photo by ,,claude ,,blee4 ,,new ,,/alactite ,,grotto1 ,,wookey ,,hole #eg ,photo by ,,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,,! ,,grille3 ,,new ,,*amb]s1 ,,wookey ,,hole #eh ,photo by ,,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,,! ,,s\rce ,,( ,,! ,,axe1 ,,wookey ,,hole #ei ,photo by ,,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,,entrance ,,to ,,great ,,cav]n ,,( ,,ea/wat] #fb ,photo by ,,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,,section ,,( ,,ea/wat] ,,cav]n #fc ,by ,h4 ,e4 ,,bal*4 ,,! ,,desc5t ,,( ,,ea/wat] ,,cav]n1 ,,! ,,second ,,v]tical ,,drop #fd ,f ,sket* by ,h4 ,e4 ,,bal*4 ,,! ,,great ,,canyon1 ,,ea/wat] ,,cav]n #fe ,f ,sket* by ,h4 ,e4 ,,bal*4 ,,entrance ,,( ,,swildon',s ,,hole #gb ,photo by ,m4 ,,m>tel4 ,,wat]fall1 ,,swildon',s ,,hole #gc ,photo by ,h4 ,e4 ,,bal*4 ,,entrance ,,( ,,/alactite ,,*amb]1 ,,swildon',s ,,hole #gh ,photo by ,,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,,/alactite ,,curta9s1 ,,swildon',s ,,hole #gi ,photo by ,,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,,/alactite ,,*amb]1 ,,swildon',s ,,hole #hj ,photo by ,,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,,/alagmite ,,pill>s ,,9 ,,g\gh',s ,,great ,,cav]n #hd ,photo by ,,g\gh1 ,*$d>4 ,,! ,,pill>s ,,( ,,solomon',s ,,temple1 ,,g\gh',s ,,caves1 ,,*$d> #he ,photo by ,,g\gh1 ,*$d>4 ,,organ ,,pipes1 ,,g\gh',s ,,caves1 ,,*$d> #hf ,photo by ,,g\gh1 ,*$d>4 ,,niag>a1 ,,g\gh',s ,,cave1 ,,*$d> #hg ,photo by ,m4 ,,m>tel4 ,,9 ,,cox',s ,,cav]n ,,at ,,*$d> #ib ,photo by ,,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,,great ,,rift ,,cav]n1 ,,*$d> ,,gorge #ic ,photo by ,,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,,entrance ,,to ,,lamb',s ,,lair1 ,,h>ptree #aaf ,photo by ,,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,,plan ,,& ,,section ,,( ,,! ,,great ,,cav]n ,,( ,,lamb',s ,,lair #aag ,by ,h4 ,e4 ,,bal*4 ,,! ,,beehive ,,*amb]1 ,,lamb',s ,,lair #aah ,photo by ,,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,,/alactite ,,wall1 ,,lamb',s ,,lair #aai ,photo by ,,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,,entrance ,,to ,,great ,,*amb]1 ,,lamb',s ,,lair #abj ,photo by ,,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,,l>ge/ ,,*amb] ,,9 ,,som]set1 ,,lamb',s ,,lair1 ,,h>ptree #aba ,f ,sket* by ,h4 ,e4 ,,bal*4 ,,/alactites ,,9 ,,entrance ,,gall]y1 ,,lamb',s ,,lair #abb ,photo by ,,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,,! ,,ogo1 ,,ne> ,,ab]gele #abh ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,,bak]4 ,,inside ,,! ,,ogo1 ,,ne> ,,ab]gele #abi ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,,bak]4 ,,9 ,,! ,,ogo1 ,,ne> ,,ab]gele #acj ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,,bak]4 ,a ,,pre-,,glacial ,,cave1 ,,ll&ulas #acb ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,,bak]4 ,,on ,,! ,,ceiriog #acd ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,,bak]4 ,,upp] ,,ceiriog ,,cave #ace ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,,bak]4 ,,l[] ,,ceiriog ,,cav]n #acf ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,,bak]4 ,,9 ,,/ump ,,cross ,,cav]n #adj ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,,bak]4 ,,! ,,pill>1 ,,/ump ,,cross ,,cav]n #ada ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,,bak]4 ,,! ,,*apel3 ,,/ump ,,cross ,,cav]n #adb ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,,bak]4 ,,rickl[ ,,cave ,,9 ,,flood #aef ,photo by ,g4 ,d4 ,,williams4 ,a ,,great ,,pill>3 ,,mit*el/[n ,,cav]n #afj ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,,bak]4 ,a ,,fairy ,,lant]n3 ,,mit*el/[n ,,cav]n #afa ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,,bak]4 ,,! ,,ne!rworld ,,( ,,m5dip ,,! ,,cave ,,di/rict ,,( ,,! ,,m5dips ,a l& ( caves1 ^: palaces ( fanta/ic beauty /ill adorn ! my/]i\s und]world :]e murmur+ riv]s fir/ see ! light4 ,9 ^! words an imag9ative writ] describes ,som]set1 :i* %>es ) ,d]by%ire & ,york%ire ! title ( a l& ( cav]ns4 ,across x ! range ( ! ,m5dips1 a region ( ,old ,r$ ,s&/one & ,c>bonif]\s ,lime/one1 #ajjj feet above tide-level1 /ret*es 9 a huge1 flat-topp$ ramp>t = ne>ly #cj miles1 f ! t[n ( ,frome to ! sea4 ,no piece ( c\ntry 9 ! k+dom (f]s s mu* to explore4 ,an abundant h>ve/ is !re wait+ to be reap$2 = on e side are obvi\s indications ( half-buri$ gateways to ! d>k & secret pa?ways to ! ne!rworld1 & ev]y:]e ^u ! surface ( ! ,m5dip tablel& lie ! op5 pits & holl[s :i* ! local spee* calls swallets1 t is to say1 swall[ holes1 "s ( !m dry1 "s actively engulf+ /reams1 b all te/ify+ to untold ages ( wat] action4 ,?is ,lime/one di/rict lies f> f ! busy hives ( indu/ry1 remote & seclud$ 9 ! v he>t ( lovely ,som]set4 ,only on ! d>ke/ ( nights1 ) ! cl\ds l[ 9 ! sky1 c ! gl>e ( ! lights ( ,bri/ol be se5 reflect$ f> to ! nor?w>d4 ,"o ma9 l9e ( railway1 ! ,great ,we/]n f ,bri/ol to ,exet]1 passes ne> x1 & ev5 t does n intrude beyond ! m>g9 ( ?is ,cavel&4 ,! r5dezv\s = ! cave explor]s ( ! di/rict is usually ! quiet little city ( ,wells1 ly+ calm & seclud$ "u ! s\!rn slopes ( ,m5dip1 9 close proximity to all ! pr9cipal cav]ns4 ,a mile to ! s\?-ea/ rises ! bold & picturesque ,dulcote ,hill1 a fragm5t ( ! mo/ s\!rly anticl9e ( ,m\nta9 ,lime/one 9 ! k+dom4 ,f ?is po9t1 roll+ nor?w>d 9 a great fivefold anticl9e1 ,old ,r$ ,s&/one1 ,l[] ,lime/one ,%ales1 & ,m\nta9 ,lime/one =m ! great mass ( ! worn-d[n /ump ( ! once mighty ,m5dip range4 ,! ext5t ( ! d5udation :i* has tak5 place indicates t ?is range 0 orig9ally at lea/ #ejjj feet high1 yet n[ 9 b a few places is ! height ( #ajjj feet atta9$1 & ?is is rea*$ only by ! ,old ,r$ ,s&/one ridges laid b>e 9 ! prolong$ c\rse ( t d5udation4 ,! fir/ ( ^! high ridges rises boldly to ! nor? ( ,wells1 & a /eep climb ( #ijj feet 9 two & a half miles br+s u to ! summit ( ,p5 ,hill1 or ,rookham1 f :i* a gr& s\?w>d view is to be obta9$4 ,imm$iately bel[1 ! ?ree ca!dral t[]s pi]ce ! blue mi/ hang+ ov] ! little city we h j left4 ,beyond1 ! peat moors ( ! ,brue & ! ,axe /ret* away to ! ,isle ( ,avalon1 sacr$ z ! bir?place ( our ,*ri/ian fai? 9 ,engl&4 ,"h bel[ u is t ,isl& valley ( ,avilion1 ,:]e falls n hail1 or ra91 or any sn[1 ,nor ev] w9d bl[s l\dly2 b x lies ,deep mead['d1 happy1 fair ) or*>d lawns1 ,& b[]y holl[s cr[n$ ) summ] seas4 ,"h1 :]e ,ar?ur's bones are said to h be5 f\nd1 & :]e traditions associat$ ) him ab\nd1 8 memory is kept gre5 9 ! names ( _m well-kn[n spots2 & yond] rises ,cadbury ,camp1 look$ ^u by _m z ! ,camelot ( romance4 ,on ! l[ ridge :i* int]v5es betwe5 ! valleys ( ! ,axe & ! ,brue lies ,w$more1 :]e ,k+ ,alfr$ ga9$ 9 ! ,peace ( ,w$more su* tempor>y respite f 8 foes z all[$ him to ga!r /r5g? = ! great op]ations t result$ at la/ 9 ! conque/ & unity ( ! :ole k+dom4 ,yond]1 too1 are ! m>%es ( ! ,p>rett & ! ,tone1 ar\nd :i* clu/] tales famili> to e s*ool*ild4 ,9 ! m>%es betwe5 ! ,m5dips & ,gla/onbury1 exploration has une>!d a mo/ int]e/+ example ( a swamp or lake village1 ) great /ore ( antiqu>ian mat]ial1 ?r[+ a flood ( light ^u a p]iod ( :i* little 0 kn[n4 ,beyond lies ,s$gemoor1 :]e 9 #afhe took place ! la/ battle ev] f\ght on ,engli% soil2 & ?r\gh\t ?is neighb\rhood ! infam\s ,jeffreys work$ 8 w 9 ! judicial slaught] ( c\ntless ,som]set m54 ,9 ! f> di/ance ! sun%9e gl9ts on ! wat]s ( ! ,bri/ol ,*annel1 :]e1 #fj miles away1 ! bold promontory ( ! ,=el& rises %e] f ! sea2 to ! s\?1 ^u ! f>!/ limits ( our vision1 ,pilsdon & ,lewsdon m>k ! desc5t ( our s\!rn c\nties to ! ,engli% ,*annel2 :il/1 on a cle> day1 betwe5 !m is se5 ! summit ( ,gold5 ,cap1 ! base ( :i* is wa%$ by our s\!rn sea4 ,surely "h is z fair a sc5e z eye c\ld wi% to see4 ,only a pleasant walk away1 ! great *asms ( ,ebbor & ,*$d> h r5t ! rocks asund]1 =m+ two ( ! lovelie/ rav9es 9 ! k+dom4 ,nor?w>d across ! int]v5+ syncl9e ( ,m\nta9 ,lime/one1 pitt$ ) swallets m>k+ ! entrances to _m an unkn[n subt]ranean labyr9?1 are se5 ! ,old ,r$ ,s&/one summits ( ,nor? ,hill1 cr[n$ ) its sev5te5 ,neoli?ic b>r[s1 & ( ,blackd[n beyond1 f ^: b>e top is se5 ! broad e/u>y ( ! ,sev]n spread+ out across ! view1 giv+ a glimpse ( ! coa/ ( ,s\? ,wales 9 ! f> di/ance1 its busy factories %[+ _! p5cil-l *imneys aga9/ ! d>k hills beh9d4 ,9 ! ,*annel ! little isl&s ( ,/eepholm & ,fla?olm m>k ! l9e ( ! orig9al cont9uation ( ! great ,m5dip range into ,s\? ,wales4 ,! lime/one %ores ( ! =m] rise %e] f ! sea1 =m+ an impregnable =tress4 ,"h1 f> bel[ ! level ( ! salt wat] ar\nd1 a supply ( pure wat] is obta9$ f ! ,lime/one1 br\ght1 d\btless1 f ! ,lime/one area ( ,m5dip by way ( "s hidd5 fissure4 ,h>d by1 at ,clev$on1 is ! grave ( t great fri5d ( ,t5nyson1 :o sat "h & li/5$ to ,! moan+ ( ! homeless sea1 ,! s\nd ( /reams t1 swift or sl[1 ,draw d[n onian hills1 & s[ ,! du/ ( cont95ts to be4 ,v truly & accurately 8 words describe ! action t is go+ on1 by :i* ! swallet /reams are und]m9+ & honeycomb+ ^! hills & be>+ _! compon5t rocks away to ! sea4 ,/&+ on ,p5 ,hill & look+ nor?w>d1 a great ea/ & we/ depression is se5 =m+ a broad l[ valley 9 ! tablel& ( ,m5dip4 ,into ?is valley num]\s spr+s & a lib]al ra9fall are = ev] p\r+ _! wat]s4 ,yet n[h]e is !re a surface *annel :i* c c>ry ?is wat] away2 & n[h]e1 save 9 ! small holl[s ( ! ,old ,r$ ,s&/one & ,%ales1 does wat] accumulate4 ,! reason is n f> to seek4 ,! ,c>bonif]\s ,lime/one1 ev5ly /ratifi$ ev]y:]e1 has be5 split by v]tical jo9ts into a s]ies ( gigantic cubes4 ,betwe5 !m1 ! surface wat]s1 lad5 ) c>bonic acid obta9$ f ! atmosph]e & f vegetation1 h = ages made _! way1 enl>g+ !m by bo? *emical & me*anical action1 till !y h become fissures capable ( giv+ passage to an enorm\s quantity ( wat]4 ,s f "o jo9t to ano!r1 f "o b$d+ plane to ano!r1 ! wat] p]colates d[nw>ds until x meets ) "s imp]meable rock b5ea?1 or until x f9ds an outlet at ! level ( ! ,second>y rocks =m+ ! valley bel[4 ,su* imp]meable b$s are f\nd 9 ! ,l[] ,lime/one ,%ales1 & ! result+ outlets are well kn[n 9 ! great ris+s ( ,/4 ,&rew's ,well 9 ! g>d5s ( ! ,bi%op's ,palace at ,wells1 9 ! s\rce ( ! ,axe at ,wookey ,hole1 9 ! ,*$d> ,wat] & o!r l>ge spr+s1 ( all ( :i* m h]eaft]4 ,illu/ration3 ,,map ,,( ,,! ,,m5dip ,,di/rict ,,( ,,som]set1 ,,%[+ ,,swallets1 ,,caves1 ,,& ,,outlets4 ,ref]5ce to ! sket* map ( ! di/rict w %[ t ! majority ( ! m important swallets lie along ! l9e ( ! great depression ref]r$ to4 ,^! comprise by no means all ! swallets ( ,m5dip1 yet !y are ! *ief ones4 ,x is obvi\s t ! :ole ( ! mass ( mat]ial repres5t$ by ?is great depression has be5 remov$ 9 susp5sion by way ( ^! swallets2 & "o is compell$ to ask1 ,h[ long has ?is "w be5 go+ on8 ,:at "t is repres5t$ by s va/ a "w8 ,on ! ?re%old ( ! inquiry we are met by su* an am\nt ( evid5ce be>+ ^u x t ! subject mu/ be dealt ) sep>ately4 ,=1 ^u ! upturn$ edges ( ! ,c>bonif]\s ,lime/one rocks1 :i* c h be5 br\ght d[n to _! pres5t plane ( d5udation only by long-cont9u$ wat] action1 h be5 deposit$1 & /ill rema9 9 situ1 great masses ( ! basem5t b$s ( ! ,second>y rocks1 ly+ 9 su* a mann] z to conv9ce u t swallet action _h prep>$ ! d5ud$ surfaces ^u :i* !y lie4 ,& ^u ?is h+es ! :ole "q ( ! antiquity ( ! cav]ns ( ,m5dip4 ,b :il/ ! age ( our cav]ns is a debatable matt]1 no "o c "q ! accuracy ( ! !ory ( rav9e =mation f ! collapse ( cav]n ro(s1 z evid5c$ by ! in/ances suppli$ by ,m5dip4 ,?r\gh crevices & cracks1 "h1 !re1 & ev]y:]e1 ! p]colat+ wat]s f9d _! way4 ,n[ "s crevice is enl>g$ into a passage2 n[ "s weak po9t 9 ! passage becomes a *amb]2 & on ! wat] ru%es1 /eadily jo9+ =ces & accumulat+1 until on ! level ( ! l[] l& x f9ds an outlet1 & ru%es =? a consid]able /ream4 ,9 its headlong c\rse ! wat] aga9 & aga9 leaps d[n "s great s]ies ( po?oles1 z d[n "s giant /airway1 =m+ _m f9e cascades1 ^: deaf5+ ro> goes on = ev] :]e !re is no e> to he> & :]e no foot/ep ev] treads ! rocky ways4 ,along ! c\rse ( ! l>g] /reams huge *amb]s occur2 = ! ev]-eddy+ wat]1 be>+ s& along 9 its c\rse1 eats out ! sides ( its *annel1 or1 revolv+ /ones 9 its b$1 c>ves out ! po?ole by friction4 ,or "s p5d5t mass ( rock has its support und]m9$ & comes cra%+ into ! /reamway1 only to be brok5 up & c>ri$ away by ! ceaseless en]gy ( ! /ream1 s ev] enl>g+ ! *amb]s upw>ds t[>ds ! light ( day4 ,b :il/ ?is action is go+ on und]gr\nd1 a m pot5t factor is at "w :]e ! subt]ranean /ream fir/ sees ! light4 ,"h v soon ! action ( ! wat] alone gives rise to a little cliff ov]head4 ,n[ ra9 & fro/1 w9d & tempe/1 loos51 bit by bit1 ! fragm5ts ( rock =m+ ! face ( ! cliff1 :i* fall away into ! riv]1 to be brok5 up & c>ri$ away4 ,little by little ! face ( ! cliff rec$es1 along ! l9e ( ! subt]ranean riv]1 until ! fir/ und]gr\nd *amb] is rea*$4 ,! und]m9$ ar*way ( rock is less able to )/& ! ag5ts ( d5udation1 & ! cliff front rec$es apace4 ,su* is ! pres5t /age at ,wookey ,hole1 ! *amb] :5ce ! riv] ,axe issues be+ /ill 9 process ( de/ruction4 ,?us ! "w goes on sl[ly1 yet none ! less surely1 until along ! :ole c\rse ( ! subt]ranean riv] ! ro( ( ! cav]n is de/roy$1 p]haps effectually hid+ ! /ream "u huge blocks ( ,lime/one1 su* z ^? ( ,ebbor ,gorge1 ne> ,wells1 or until ! wat] f9ds ano!r c\rse = itself1 z at ,*$d>1 to beg9 ! :ole /ory ov] aga94 ,e /age is abundantly illu/rat$ by our ,m5dip swallets & caves4 ,! l>ge swallets ( ,ea/wat]1 ?ree & a half miles f ,wells1 ( ,swildon's or ,s)9's ,hole1 a half-mile ne>] ,priddy1 & ! m rec5t swallet ( ,/oke ,lane1 half-way betwe5 ,wells & ,frome1 are excell5t examples ( /reams engulf$ on ! summit ( ,m5dip4 ,! :ole ( ! c\ntry surr\nd+ ! two fir/-nam$ cav]ns is dott$ ) innum]able small pits & holl[s4 ,! great swallet ( ,hillgrove1 ?ree miles nor? ( ,wells1 9 ! exploration ( :i* we are at pres5t engag$1 9 an endeav\r to p5etrate ! labyr9? ( ways to :i* x w und\bt$ly af=d access1 is a f9e example ( an int]mitt5t swallet4 ,"h ?ree ways1 c>v$ deeply ?r\gh ! /ream-borne s&s & clays ( "s unc]ta9 epo* ( geological hi/ory1 conv]ge 9 a deep gl51 beautiful ) its tropical weal? ( f]ns4 ,9 ! bottom ( ! gl5 huge spurs ( ,lime/one /& up boldly1 dipp+ t[>ds ! ,old ,r$ ,s&/one expos$ to ! s\?1 & po9t+ to a great fault1 along ! l9e ( :i* ! ,lime/one wat] is b\nd to accumulate 9 a huge triangul> res]voir1 ! outfl[ f :i* may acc\nt = ! summ] fl[ ( ! ,axe :5 ! majority ( ! swallets are dry4 ,9 w9t] ! conv]g+ torr5ts "h f9d +ress into ! ,lime/one1 b1 ?\gh pits & holl[s ab\nd on e h&1 no foot ( man has ev] yet trod ! hidd5 ways b5ea?4 ,at a dep? ( #aj feet we h rea*$ ! fir/ op5 *annel1 only to h x block$ subsequ5tly by a fall ( ! trea*]\s gravel ?r\gh :i* we h be5 work+4 ,va/ dry swallets are repres5t$ by a great depression :i* we call ! ,bi%op's ,lot ,swallet1 on ! road f ,wells to ,priddy4 ,"h a huge holl[ 9 ! gr\nd1 p]fectly circul> & #cjj y>ds r\nd1 %[s u ! l>ge/ swallet 9 ,m5dip4 ,?\gh ! surr\nd+ l& slopes g5tly to ! edge ( ! great pit1 :i* is #fj feet 9 dep?1 !re is b ! smalle/ trace ( wat] p5etrat+ x4 ,x is ages s9ce ! dra9age ( ! surr\nd+ l& gravitat$ t[>ds x1 = x lies at a consid]able height above ! level ( mo/ ( ! o!r swallets 9 ! neighb\rhood4 ,a mile & a half to ! we/1 a simil> pit occurs call$ ,s& ,pit ,hole4 ,"h too wat] has ceas$ to fl[1 & x rema9s1 ) precipit\s sides1 a problem = u to inve/igate 9 ! ne> future4 ,to ent] ei!r ( ! active swallets ( ,ea/wat] or ,swildon's ,hole1 & to foll[ x to its greate/ dep?1 is to ga9 an insight into ! action ( subt]ranean /reams su* z no o!r me?od c give4 ,! =m] is well illu/rat$ by ! annex$ section1 9 :i* its pr(\nd dep? & its labyr9? ( passages may readily be und]/ood4 ,! difficulties & disappo9tm5ts :i* we enc\nt]$ :5 ,i conduct$ ! op]ations :i* at la/ result$ 9 our effect+ an entrance into ?is cav]n1 ! exi/5ce ( :i* 0 n ev5 suspect$ previ\sly1 ne$ n "h be recapitulat$4 ,altoge!r1 :at ) volunte]s & lab\r]s1 ne>ly a doz5 ( u 7 occupi$ t5 days 9 ! det]m9$ ef=t :i* we made1 & :i* at la/ 0 cr[n$ ) success4 ,f ! po9t ( view ( ! subsequ5t explor] ! read] is ref]r$ to ! ensu+ *apt] ^u ,ea/wat] ,cav]n1 :i* w convey "s idea ( :at ! fir/ explor]s mu/ und]go 9 any su* place :5 to ! ord9>y difficulties ( su* an exploration is add$ ! great unc]ta9ty felt at e /ep tak51 & :5 e b\ld] ^u :i* our weight is to re/ mu/ fir/ be c>efully exam9$4 ,! difficulty ( our "w at ,ea/wat] is practically :at mu/ be exp]i5c$ 9 any new "w und]tak5 9 ! ,m5dip region1 & !re is mu* wait+ to be done4 ,if !re is "o ?+ m ?an ano!r to be le>n$ f ,ea/wat] ,cav]n1 x is ! great importance ( *okes 9 det]m9+ ! l9es ( subt]ranean dra9age4 ,"h !y are se5 9 e /age ( =mation & de/ruction1 & ! *annels :i* h be5 c>v$ by ! arre/$ wat] may be readily recognis$4 ,!re is a fasc9ation 9 exploration "w su* z t at ,ea/wat]1 :]e corridors1 hi!rto untrodd5 by ! foot ( man1 op5 up all ar\nd z y make y\r way ev] d[nw>ds into ! he>t ( ! hills2 & ev5 n[ !re are _m accessible passages into :i* z yet no "o has p5etrat$4 ,ref]5ce to ! section annex$ w %[ an upp] way1 :i* t]m9ates abruptly 9 a *oke ( /ones & gravel1 hold+ up a little wat]1 :il/ all[+ a consid]able quantity to pass4 ,x is a rem>kable fact t 9 all ! labyr9?s ( gall]ies :i* we h explor$ 9 ! pr(\nd dep?s ( ?is cav]n we h n yet alight$ ^u any portion :i* gives access to ! cont9uation ( ?is *annel4 ,!re1 r5d]$ inaccessible by ! b>ri] ( dbris1 is1 )\t d\bt1 a cav]n z ext5sive z t :i* we h prov$ to exi/ 9 ! si/] wat]c\rse h>d by2 & ^! two *annels1 />t+ f practically ! same po9t1 mu/ div]ge widely1 & c]ta9ly d n unite aga9 be=e ! dep? ( #ejj feet is atta9$4 ,f>!r ea/w>d 9 ,m5dip1 too1 are simil> swallet cav]ns4 ,n f> to ! nor?-we/ ( ,/oke ,lane is an int]e/+ cav]n locally kn[n z ,cox's ,hole4 ,x is situat$ 9 ! ,lime/one =m+ ! s\!rn edge ( ! great bas9 9 :i* lies ! ,rad/ock ,coalfield4 ,ow+ to ! exi/5ce ( ?is coalfield1 !re are no deep caves accessible 9 ?is "p ( ,m5dip4 ,yet a good deal ( wat] mu/ be absorb$ ?r\gh ! innum]able fissures into ! dep?s ( ! ,c>bonif]\s ,lime/one und]ly+ ! coalfield1 & x is by no means unlikely t ?is wat]1 heat$ to a high po9t by ! subt]ranean temp]ature1 gives rise to ! hot spr+s at ,ba?4 ,cox's ,hole 0 at a remote p]iod1 :5 ! =m ( ! hill 0 v diff]5t f t pres5t$ n[1 an active wat]-*annel1 evid5tly dra9+ t[>ds ,/4 ,dun/an's ,well4 ,x has two di/9ct entrances1 "o1 ! m we/]ly1 be+ a cavity ( consid]able size4 ,= ab\t #ajj feet ! cav]n consi/s ( a roomy gall]y runn+ m or less horizontally4 ,!n x p9*es 91 until ! height is less ?an a foot1 & only ^? c get along :o are able to compress !mselves into small compass4 ,9 a few feet1 h[ev]1 x wid5s out into a good-siz$ passage1 ) f9e /alactites "h & !re1 especially at a po9t on ! nor!rn side :]e an av5 op5s into a *amb] m ?an #cj feet high4 ,n[ roomy & n[ contract$1 ! passage leads on until1 at a di/ance ( #ajj y>ds f ! entrance1 x becomes s small t !re is consid]able difficulty 9 proce$+4 ,beyond ?is po9t ! cav]n becomes a simple wat]-tunnel1 ( a type common 9 ,york%ire4 ,at #acj y>ds !re is a %>p desc5t1 ! floor is litt]$ ) b\ld]s1 & #bj y>ds f>!r ! passage is *ok$ ) silt4 ,a v small passage1 :i* _h wat] 9 x :5 ,i 0 !re1 is said to be passable at times1 ?\gh ,i am incl9$ to d\bt ?is4 ,an almo/ v]tical asc5t among/ trea*]\s b\ld]s1 h[ev]1 seems an indication ( a possible r\te onw>ds1 :i* may1 ,i tru/1 ) c>e be yet explor$4 ,! la/ #ej y>ds ( ! cave run to ! s\?-ea/--t is1 away f ! direction ( ,/4 ,dun/an's ,well--a beautiful spr+ ris+ f ! ,c>bonif]\s ,lime/one h>d by2 yet ,i feel sure t x mu/ ( necessity be a "p ( ! same wat]way4 ,ei!r x 0 an inlet :i* receiv$ ! wat]s ( "s vani%$ ,old ,r$ ,s&/one spr+1 or x 0 a =m] outlet = ! wat]s ( t well4 ,i am incl9$ to fav\r ! =m] !ory4 ,z to ! pres5t s\rce ( ! wat]s ( ,/4 ,dun/an's ,well !re c be no d\bt :atev]4 ,9 ! valley bel[ ,/oke ,lane1 & ?ree-qu>t]s ( a mile di/ant f ! well & f ,cox's ,hole1 !re is a mo/ int]e/+ swallet1 ( comp>atively rec5t age4 ,x is obvi\sly c]ta9 t1 n s long ago1 ! /ream :i* c\rses d[n ! valley fl[$ un*eck$ d[n its :ole l5g?1 & s rea*$ ! l>g] /ream bel[4 ,slightly ret>d$1 9 all probability1 by "s flood-borne silt1 ! wat] f\nd a little jo9t 9 ! we/]n bank ( ! valley1 & by sl[ degrees s enl>g$ x t x at la/ became capable ( swall[+ ! :ole4 ,ev5 n[ a few h\rs' "w w\ld div]t ! wat] & cause x to resume its =m] c\rse4 ,up/ream is a mill1 ! own] ( :i* has c\rte\sly giv5 e facility = te/+ & = exploration4 ,x 0 f\nd t ! effect ( damm+ ! mill /ream entirely 0 to r$uce ! fl[ at ,/4 ,dun/an's ,well enorm\sly1 & to r5d] ! entrance ( ! swallet passable4 ,mr4 ,m>%all ( ,/ratton-on-!-,fosse ) 8 p>ty made a successful desc5t1 & travell$ a consid]able di/ance1 ma9ly p>allel ) ! valley )\t & to a great ext5t horizontally1 ?r\gh wat]-tunnels ( small size4 ,z no measurem5ts 7 tak5 "o _c say yet h[ f> x is passable1 b he says t !y did n get to ! limits ( possible exploration1 z ! "t :i* !y sp5t !re 0 gett+ dang]\sly ne> ! h\r up to :i* x is possible to dam ! wat]1 & !y mo/ wisely beat a ha/y retreat4 ,! fir/ opportunity w be tak5 by u to make use ( a spell ( f9e wea!r to c>ry ?is exploration to a successful issue4 ,n f> di/ant1 too1 is ano!r swallet1 f :i* ! wat] has be5 div]t$ to be us$ = wat]-supply4 ,?is is 9 ! vic9ity ( a ru9$ hunt+ lodge1 & is said to lead 9 ! same direction z ! ,/oke ,lane ,swallet4 ,! :ole ( ?is di/rict is likely to be v int]e/+1 !re be+ a s]ies ( rem>kable rifts or fissures 9 ! ,dolomitic ,conglom]ate :i* des]ve att5tion4 ,"o ( ^!1 call$ ,fairy ,slats1 has be5 kn[n = _m ye>s1 & is inde$ %[n on ! ,ordnance map2 & ! fact t su* fissures ab\nd has be5 =cibly br\ght home by a disa/] to a new res]voir1 only rec5tly complet$ by ! au?orities ( ,d[nside ,mona/]y1 to supply ! neighb\r+ villages4 ,"h a f9ely design$ bas91 hav+ be5 con/ruct$ ov] "o ( ^! fissures1 _h its massive concrete bottom bur/ out z if x 7 an egg-%ell ! mom5t ! wat] fill$ x1 & 9 a s+le h\r ! :ole fabric 0 absolutely ru9$4 ,"s measure ( ! ext5t ( ! conceal$ fissures may be ga!r$ f ! fact t #ejj1jjj gallons ( wat] 7 absolutely swall[$ up )\t a drop com+ to light 9 ! neighb\r+ valley4 ,an e>ly visitor to ! adjo9+ field report$ t air 0 be+ eject$ ?r\gh ! grass all ar\nd him1 mu* to 8 al>m1 z he 0 q unaw>e ( :at _h occurr$4 ,x w be a mo/ int]e/+ subject = inquiry1 z to h[ f> su* fissures z ^! are ! results ( wat] action or o!rwise1 & x is mo/ desirable to desc5d "o ( !m at ! fir/ opportunity 9 se>* ( evid5ce4 ,at pres5t ,i am incl9$ to attribute _! pres5ce to movem5ts 9 ! ,second>y rocks1 due to ! int]section ( ! di/rict by valleys4 ,! ,conglom]ate mass has p>t$ along ! l9es ( ! pr9cipal jo9ts1 & ! rifts ?us =m$ h become l9es ( dra9age4 ,?is !ory1 9 view ( possible future discov]ies1 may h to be modifi$4 ,above ,/oke ,lane ,swallet1 & evid5tly connect$ ) x 9 "s remote way1 is a cavity )\t a "n1 ! exploration ( :i* w\ld probably be int]e/+1 & w\ld be mo/ likely to yield rema9s ( primitive ,man4 ,mr4 ,m>%all also reports ! exi/5ce ( a fissure ( consid]able size1 :]e1 aft] a v small entrance1 a po9t is rea*$ ) a v]tical desc5t ( great dep?4 ,all ^! ?+s indicate t !re is a spl5did field "h = fur!r "w4 ,inde$ !re are abundant evid5ces ( ?is all ov] ,m5dip4 ,"o ( ! mo/ int]e/+ problems has _h fur!r light ?r[n ^u x by "w rec5tly done by u at ,wookey ,hole4 ,! ,hyna ,d5 & ! ,badg] ,hole are te/imony t a l>ge am\nt ( und]gr\nd action has tak5 place ^u ! ea/ side ( ! rav9e1 yet no?+ has be5 kn[n hi!rto ( any s]ies ( dry *annels ^u t side4 ,rec5tly1 h[ev]1 we h succe$$ 9 ga9+ access1 by way ( ! smalle/ ( fissures1 into :at w turn out mo/ likely to be a portion ( ?is v s]ies4 ,"h is to be se5 a *ok$-up *amb] ( precisely ! same type z ! ,hyna ,d51 b f> deep] 9 ! wall ( ! rav9e4 ,)\t d\bt x conta9s prehi/oric rema9s1 yet its excavation w entail great lab\r4 ,we h already rea*$ a di/ance ( #hj feet f ! entrance1 & only a p>tially *ok$ passage b>s ! way4 ,high up 9 ! rav9e at ,ebbor1 too1 !re is a v promis+ field = fur!r rese>*4 ,?is is imm$iately b5ea? a cliff on ! we/]n side ( ! valley1 :]e we h already done mu* prelim9>y "w4 ,!re is also a v promis+ little cave1 slightly nor? ( ,t[] ,rock 9 ! same gorge & high up 9 its side4 ,"h a n>r[ entrance gives access to a small *amb]1 on ! floor ( :i* is a deep deposit ( cave e>?1 f :i* ,i h obta9$ ,de] bones4 ,at ,dulcote1 aga91 !re is a s]ies ( wat]ways & dry caves ( great int]e/1 :i* 9 !mselves be> corroborative evid5ce ( ! great antiquity ( ! cav]ns ( ! di/rict4 ,f "t to "t ! qu>rym5 h brok5 9 ^u ^! wat]ways1 :i* h be5 lo/ 9 subsequ5t op]ations4 ,n _m ye>s ago a bla/ blew (f ! top ( an almo/ v]tical %aft1 c>v$ out 9 ! ,lime/one by wat] action & desc5d+ to a great dep?4 ,! mass ( rock bl[n (f by ! *>ge turn$ ov] & fell d[n ! %aft1 block+ x at #cj feet f ! surface4 ,x 0 possible to desc5d to ?is po9t & ?r[ d[n /ones1 :i* fell = a consid]able di/ance2 b ! block 0 nev] mov$1 & 9 ! process ( qu>ry+ ! hole became fill$1 & is n[ lo/ 9 ! g5]al level ( ! qu>ry4 ,h>d by1 also1 a cav]n ( consid]able ext5t 0 op5$1 & /ill rema9s4 ,x conta9s no?+ ( peculi> int]e/1 ?\gh :5 ,i 0 fir/ l[]$ into x1 f a hole #fj feet above its floor1 x conta9$ v pretty coral-l spla% /alagmite2 & also1 9 ! mud floor1 ! tubul> l9+s ( calcite1 =m$ f ! drip f above4 ,9 ?is qu>ry1 too1 7 f\nd a consid]able quantity ( ! bones ( ,be>1 ,de]1 ,bos1 ,horse1 etc41 & ^! are n[ 9 ! ,wells ,museum1 :]e !y 7 deposit$ "s ye>s s9ce by ,a4 ,f4 ,som]ville1 ,esq4 ,!re are num]\s o!r m9or caves 9 ?is locality4 ,f>!r up ! same valley1 above ,croscombe1 is a small cave kn[n locally z ,betsy ,camel's ,hole1 & x appe>s to h be5 occupi$ by a woman be>+ t "n = "s ye>s4 ,%e 01 ( c\rse1 c>ri$ away by ! devil1 accord+ to ! same popul> report4 ,x may v well h be5 a rock %elt] at "s /age ( its hi/ory4 ,mr4 ,som]ville in=ms me1 too1 t 9 ,d9d] ,wood !re is a small cave :i* 0 almo/ c]ta9ly a rock %elt]4 ,?is also has nev] be5 explor$4 ,9 fact1 ! :ole di/rict may be describ$ z an unexplor$ field1 & !re is abundant room = will+ help]s4 ,! l&[n]s1 = ! mo/ "p1 are exce$+ly k9d & ready to (f] e facility = sci5tific rese>*4 ,h4 ,e4 ,b4 ,,! ,,*$d> ,,gr\p ,,( ,,cav]ns ,! great gorge ( ,*$d> & its cav]ns =m a subject ( surpass+ int]e/ to ! /ud5t ( ,geology4 ,pres5t+ "s ( ! mo/ /up5d\s cliff sc5]y 9 ,engl&1 ! great wall ( rock on ! s\!rn side ( ! valley t[]s ne>ly #ejj feet into ! air1 defy+ all attempts at mapp+ cont\r l9es2 & ! road :i* trav]ses ! rav9e w9ds1 ) _m a sudd5 turn1 along ! base ( ?is noble cliff1 ev] upw>ds1 until 9 f\r miles ! actual summit ( ! ,m5dip d[ns is rea*$4 ,at ! entrance to ! gorge1 & close to ! cav]ns own$ by ,g\gh1 ! hidd5 riv] bur/s into ! light1 p\r+ =? a /ream ( great volume1 :i*1 aft] s]v+ ! purposes ( v>i\s mill]s 9 ! village1 hurries on to jo9 its si/] /ream f ,wookey ,hole1 ! two !n fl[+ into ! sea ne> ,we/on-sup]-,m>e4 ,x is /range t 9 all ! exploration "w t has be5 done at ,*$d>1 ! und]gr\nd *annel ( ! /ream has n once be5 rea*$4 ,ne> ! entrance 9 ,g\gh's ,cave a fairly deep hole conta9s wat]1 :i* *anges 9 level along ) ! riv] itself1 b no op5 passage leads f x4 ,a v]tical rope desc5t ( #ajj feet f ! upp] & practically unkn[n cav]ns belong+ to ,g\gh br+s ! explor] to :at mu/ be reg>d$ z ! ne>e/ po9t :i* has yet be5 rea*$ to ! subt]ranean riv] ( ,*$d>4 ,z ?is gorge is ! mo/ /up5d\s 9 ! ,m5dip region1 s is ?is /ream ! mo/ consid]able 9 volume4 ,mr4 ,%eldon ( ,wells has gaug$ its m9imum fl[ to be n less ?an ?ree million gallons p] day1 :il/ its torr5t at flood "t mu/ be _m times z mu*1 probably n less ?an eight or t5 millions4 ,illu/ration3 ,,! ,,great ,,gorge ,,( ,,*$d>4 ,photo by ,dawkes ,p>tridge1 ,wells4 ,?is is consid]ably l>g] ?an ! o!r two great outlets ( ! subt]ranean wat]s ( ,m5dip1 ^? ( ,wookey ,hole & ,wells1 ea* ( :i*1 h[ev]1 p\rs =? an enorm\s volume4 ,t x is ! ,*$d> /ream :i* is responsible = ! exi/5ce ( ! gorge itself no "o c d\bt1 & x is a mo/ int]e/+ subject = discussion z to h[ ?is has be5 br\ght ab\t4 ,x is n difficult to det]m9e :at po9ts mu/ m>k ! b\nd>ies ( ! cat*m5t area1 ! wat]s ( :i* dra9 to ,*$d>4 ,! road f ,ca/le ,com=t to ,*>t]h\se on ! nor?-ea/1 ! outcrop ( ,%ales s\? ( ,blackd[n on ! nor?1 & a l9e drawn f ,r[b]r[ ,f>m nor? ( ,priddy to ! gorge itself on ! s\?1 enclose ! :ole area f :i* ! supply is obta9$4 ,?is is some:]e ab\t #ab squ>e miles 9 ext5t4 ,to ?is mu/ be add$1 possibly1 "s wat] f slightly m to ! ea/w>d4 ,x is n[ ! commonly accept$ !ory t ! :ole ( ?is wat]1 or at any rate ! bulk ( x1 f\nd inlet into a s]ies ( cav]ns along ! l9e n[ occupi$ by ! gorge1 & t !n ! processes :i* are s well kn[n to be go+ on gradually enl>g$ ^! to ! po9t ( collapse1 ! fall+ dbris be+ remov$ by ! /ill fl[+ /ream4 ,x is only "r to add t ,m4 ,m>tel1 argu+ f 8 long exp]i5ce1 :i* probably exce$s t ( any man :o has ev] /udi$ ! subject1 sees 9 ! gorges ( ,*$d>1 ,burr+ton1 & presumably ,ebbor1 ! sup]ficial *annels worn by ! escap+ /reams f ! anci5t ,m5dip plateau4 ,he says1 ,! num]\s dri$ valleys 7,burr+ton ,combe1 ,*$d> ,cliffs1 etc471 :i* cut ?r\gh ! circumf]5ce ( ! ,m5dips1 witness1 z ev]y:]e1 to ! anci5t sup]ficial fl[+ (f ( ! riv]s1 & to _! capture by ! natural wells1 successively op5$ & enl>g$ 9 ! cracks ( ! ,lime/one rock4 ,t ev5 small /reams act+ ?r\gh a suffici5t p]iod ( "t are capable ( do+ enorm\s erosive "w x w\ld be idle to d5y1 b ! difficulties 9 ! way ( accept+ ?is !ory z alone suffici5t are too great to admit ( its acceptance4 ,x dem&s t ! wat] ( a v l>ge area c\ld f9d access to ! ea/]n end ( ! rav9e1 :i* itself dem&s t ! g5]al configuration ( ! ,m5dips mu/ h be5 v diff]5t f t pres5t$ n[4 ,?is1 f ! exi/5ce ( ! ,second>y b$s 9 _! pres5t position1 say ne> ,h>ptree1 0 n ! case2 & !re=e1 = ! !ory to hold good1 we mu/ suppose t ! sup]ficial gorge 0 pre-,triassic4 ,z x 0 n fill$ 91 ei!r 9 ,triassic "t or subsequ5tly1 x c\ld n h be5 sup]ficial4 ,( c\rse x may be cont5d$ t ! rev]sal ( ?is l9e ( argum5t demon/rates t ! gorge is po/-,liassic & may !n h be5 a sup]ficial *annel1 b ,i hold ?is to be disprov$ 9 my *apt] on ! antiquity ( ! ,m5dip ,caves4 ,i am1 accord+ly1 =c$ to ! conclusion t ! ,*$d> gorge 0 dur+ ! :ole ( ! ,second>y p]iod a ro($-9 cav]n4 ,! only difficulty :i* arises is a d\bt z to ! ability ( ! /ream to remove s va/ a bulk ( fall+ mat]ial z mu/ be acc\nt$ =2 b :5 we see ! process 9 actual op]ation1 z at ,wookey ,hole1 x is only necess>y to dem& suffici5t "t1 & ! difficulty vani%es4 ,t a "t did arrive :5 ! rate ( collapse m ?an kept pace ) ! de/ructive en]gy ( ! /ream is indicat$ by ! rapid rise :i* takes place 9 ! road ?r\gh ! gorge4 ,?is fav\rs ! cave !ory z oppos$ to ! sup]ficial *annel !ory1 inasmu* z a sup]ficial *annel w\ld probably h ma9ta9$ a m ne>ly equal dep? ?r\gh\t4 ,t ! portion ( ,m4 ,m>tel's !ory :i* expla9s ! abs5ce ( ! /ream f ! gorge is correct is v cle>1 !re be+ obvi\s indications1 notably at ! we/]n end ( ! rav9e1 :]e po9ts ( absorption might be trac$ b5ea? ! high cliffs1 any "o ( :i*1 if excavat$1 w\ld almo/ c]ta9ly lead to ! pres5t *annel ( ! riv] beyond ,g\gh's ,caves4 ,! ,long ,hole above1 z po9t$ out 9 my *apt] ^u ! antiquity ( ! ,m5dip ,caves1 is corroborative evid5ce :i* t5ds to disprove ! sup]ficial valley !ory1 z x is )\t a d\bt an old cav]n ( absorption1 :i* c\ld n h exi/$ _h ! rav9e be5 a sup]ficial valley4 ,ev]yone mu/ lam5t ! rec5t developm5ts 9 ! ,*$d> gorge by :i* ! nor!rn side is be+ hack$ to pieces to provide road metal4 ,!re are ?\s&s ( places :]e ! same /one c\ld be obta9$1 ) almo/ equal ease2 & x does seem pitiful t "o ( ! f9e/ places 9 ! k+dom %\ld be sacrific$ to ! mo/ call\s & sordid comm]cialism4 ,! conditions "u :i* ! "w is be+ c>ri$ on con/itute also a public dang]1 z has n[ be5 exemplifi$ by ! collapse into ! gorge ( a huge mass ( ! rock4 ,! dip ( ! ,lime/one is to ! s\?w>d1 & consequ5tly any "w done on ! nor!rn side is remov+ ! support t holds up ! great mass ^u an incl9$ plane4 ,( necessity ! mass above1 its support gone1 comes hurtl+ d[n to ! roadway1 & x is practically c]ta9 t1 if qu>ry+ op]ations cont9ue1 "s day ! gorge w be entirely clos$ by a gigantic fall4 ,an int]e/+ little tribut>y rav9e & cav]n1 f> up ! gorge1 provides a p]fect example ( ! cave !ory ( ! =mation ( ! gorge itself4 ,ab\t two miles f ! village1 on ! s\!rn slopes ( ! rav9e1 is an ext5sive fir wood4 ,high up on ! opposite side ?is little rav9e is visible1 & x may be rea*$ ) ease4 ,"h sides t g5tly slope give way to precipit\s walls1 betwe5 :i* y walk4 ,moss-gr[n /ones give place to new-fall5 /ones1 & !n y h be=e y ! little rav9e ro($ 92 y pass b5ea?1 & f9d y\rself 9 ! d>kness ( ! cav]n itself1 :i* c be foll[$ = "s di/ance4 ,"h1 at any rate1 !re c be no d\bt z to ! process t has be5 at "w4 ,h4 ,e4 ,b4 ,,antiquity ,,( ,,! ,,caves ,,( ,,m5dip ,:5 we consid] ! "q ( ! age ( our cav]ns1 we are met at ! outset by a mass ( evid5ce =c+ ^u u ! c]ta9ty t !y mu/ be cr$it$ ) a v high antiquity inde$4 ,"h measurem5t by ye>s & c5turies fails1 & ! imag9ation mu/ be call$ 9 to aid u to compute ! epo*s t h successively elaps$ s9ce ! fir/ cave1 to take "o example1 began to be =m$ at ,wookey ,hole4 ,^! evid5ces are ( ?ree k9ds3 hi/orical1 palontological1 & geological4 ,9 ! fir/ place1 !re has be5 obvi\sly little *ange 9 ! g5]al configuration ( our cav]ns s9ce e>lie/ hi/orical times4 ,! d5s & caves ( ! e>? h af=d$ a retreat to ! p]secut$ ( all g5]ations1 & a ready-made home :5 all else has fail$4 ,"h1 too1 ) ! rocky walls beh9d him & 8 protect+ fires at ! entrance1 e>ly man c\ld defy ! savage bea/s t roam$ ! l& 9 ^? f>-(f days4 ,at ,wookey ,hole x 0 only necess>y to scrat* ! v surface ( ! accumulat$ dbris )9 ! m\? ( ! great cave to turn up fragm5ts ( ,romano-,briti% pott]y & a human jaw & rib-bones4 ,^! int]e/+ relics are 9 ! possession ( myself & ,mr4 ,tr\p4 ,f ! v nature ( ! place1 x is obvi\s t ! t5d5cy has be5 to accumulate m & m dbris ^u ! mass ( cave e>? :i* conta9s ^! rema9s4 ,slightly deep]1 yet /ill only 9 ! loose e>? ( ! cav]n m\?1 we f\nd pott]y ( /ill e>li] date1 un:eel$ & crud]4 ,! fact is borne 9 ^u u1 t c]ta9ly = two ?\s& ye>s ?is entrance has rema9$ mu* z x is n[4 ,p]haps a loose rock "h & !re has be5 dislodg$ f ! ov]hang+ cliff outside1 &1 cra%+ to ! /ream b$ bel[1 has !re be5 brok5 up & c>ri$ away by ! riv]4 ,b no "o c d\bt t ! g5]al outl9e is ! same n[ z !n4 ,& f>!r )9 ! cav]n an int]e/+ sidelight is ?r[n on ! sl[ness ) :i* ?+s *ange 9 ! und]world4 ,at ! desc5t into ! fir/ great *amb] a *alk inscription r\ghly made reads ,e ,a #agfi4 ,t inscription has be5 !re un*ang$1 to my k1 = ! la/ tw5ty ye>s1 & ,i h no reason to d\bt its au!nticity4 ,if a *alk m>k rema9s un]as$ = a c5tury & m1 h[ long h ^? solid walls /ood1 & h[ long w !y endure8 ,z ,i h gaz$ ^u t inscription1 ! ?\ght has come1 t su* a place z ?is w\ld be an ideal site = national monum5ts4 ,:5 our abbeys & ca!drals are crumbl$ away1 ^! great subt]ranean halls w rema9 practically un*ang$4 ,& 9 ! caves ( ,*$d> l evid5ces meet ! eye4 ,9 ! loose mat]ial 9 ! ,roman cave !re1 ,roman & ,romano-,briti% rema9s h be5 f\nd 9 abundance2 & "h aga9 we are =c$ to ! conclusion t no *ange has tak5 place s9ce ^? rema9s 7 deposit$4 ,b :5 we consid] ! evid5ces furni%$ by ! rema9s ( ! ext9ct mammalia1 m+l$ ) ^? ( primitive man1 mu* m is x impress$ ^u ! m9d t we are deal+ ) relics ( enorm\s antiquity4 ,! great assemblage ( bones ( ! ext9ct animals :i* occurs at ,banwell ,cave1 & ! numb]less f9ds f ! caves ( ,*$d>1 are indications ( ?is2 b ^? ( ! ,hyna ,d5 ( ,wookey ,hole1 & ! conditions ( _! deposit !re1 af=d u mu* m reliable te/imony4 ,"h are two pr9cipal cavities on ! ea/]n side ( ! rav9e1 repres5t+ two ( ! five riv] levels :i* ! /ream ( ! ,axe has holl[$ = itself 9 ! ,dolomitic ,conglom]ate4 ,^! are bran* or side *amb]s :i* h n be5 totally de/roy$ 9 ! process ( erosion t =m$ ! rav9e at ! exp5se ( ! cav]n4 ,9 ! upp]mo/ cavity1 kn[n z ! ,badg] ,hole 7x 0 ! haunt ( badg]s until a few ye>s ago71 no traces ( ! ext9ct mammalia are to be f\nd1 nor h ,i f\nd def9ite traces ( prehi/oric man4 ,at sev5 feet bel[ ! surface1 h[ev]1 !re is a b$ ( riv] s& ( precisely ! same k9d z t 9 ! upp] *amb]s ( ! great cav]n4 ,9 ! ,hyna ,d5 bel[1 on ! o!r h&1 s ?or\ghly & sy/ematically explor$ by ,pr(essor ,boyd ,dawk9s1 0 f\nd "o ( ! mo/ p]fect assemblages ( ! rema9s ( ext9ct animals ev] discov]$4 ,_m ye>s aft] 8 lab\rs 7 complet$ ,i se>*$ !re aga91 & 0 rew>d$ ) a by no means poor collection ( bones & tee?3 ,mammo? & ,woolly ,rh9oc]os1 ,iri% ,elk & ,re9de]1 ,r$ ,de]1 ,bison1 ,cave ,lion & ,be>1 ,hyna & ,wolf1 ,wild ,goat1 ,wild ,horse1 & ,wild ,bo> h all be5 f\nd4 ,"o ( my e>lie/ trophies 0 a fairly complete skull ( a "y ,be>2 & ,i h repres5tatives ( all ! o!rs4 ,f a small hole 9 ! side ( ! valley h>d by1 :i* ,i ?\ght look$ promis+1 we h obta9$ a l>ge numb] ( ,rh9oc]os tee?1 toge!r ) ^? ( sev]al ( ! o!r k9ds pres5t 9 ! ,d54 ,! exam9ation ( ^! cavities & _! cont5ts demon/rates ! fact t !y 7 ! actual d5s ( "s ( ^! animals4 ,! abundant m>ks ( gnaw+ %[ t ! ,hynas made _! home !re4 ,ov] ! v]tical cliff _m a worn-out bea/ 0 hunt$ to its dea? by ! ,hynas & ,wolves1 & its %att]$ c>cass dragg$ to ?is hole4 ,illu/ration3 ,,romano-,,briti% ,,pott]y1 ,,co9s1 ,,human ,,rema9s1 ,,etc41 ,,wookey ,,hole ,,cave4 ,photo by ,h4 ,e4 ,bal*4 ,illu/ration3 ,,hy,,na ,,d5 ,,& ,,badg] ,,hole1 ,,wookey ,,hole4 ,photo by ,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,x is easy to w&] back 9 imag9ation & br+ ! /ate ( ?+s t exi/$ visibly be=e ! m9d's eye3 to wat* ! unwieldy ,mammo? or ! great ,rh9oc]os roll+ its huge bulk along2 to see ! pack ( c[>dly ,hynas or ,wolves h\nd+ "s worn-out ,bison to its dea?1 ov] ! awful cliff close by _! d51 :i* purpose effect$1 !y !mselves ru%$ headlong d[n ! /eep slope h>d by1 to fight & wrangle ov] ! %att]$ c>cass ( _! prey2 or to see ! ,lion ly+ 9 wait by ! peaceful /ream 9 ! little valley = ! noble ,elk or timid ,de] to come = its accu/om$ dr9k2 & !n to behold savage ,man1 ) 8 weapons ( fl9t or bone1 :5 out on 8 hunt+ exp$itions1 arriv+ at ?is peaceful valley1 & !re = a :ile mak+ 8 qu>t]s 9 ! ,d51 & light+ 8 fires at ! entrance to sc>e ! wild bea/s f _! lair4#a #a ,only a few ye>s s9ce1 ?ree c[s 7 driv5 ov] ! cliff by sev]al unruly dogs1 & ( c\rse 7 in/antly kill$4 ,?us 0 ! trag$y ( long ago re-enact$4 ,h[ long ago ?is /ate ( ?+s exi/$ is a matt] = geological calculation4 ,suffice x t ! e>lie/ hi/orical records %[ u no wild bea/s exi/+ 9 ! l& except ,be>s & ,wolves1 along ) ! ,r$ ,de] :i* is ) u to ?is day4 ,n[ !re is no sign at ,wookey ,hole ( ! "t :5 ! ,be> & ,wolf alone rema9$ & all else _h become ext9ct f ! l&4 ,!re is no trace :atev] 9 ! ,hyna ,d5 ( ! pott]y :i* we f9d 9 ! entrance ( ! great cave4 ,)\t a d\bt1 ! late/ deposits "h are va/ly old] ?an ! mo/ anci5t deposits !re4 ,! comm+l+ ( nor!rn1 temp]ate1 & s\!rn =ms gives evid5ce ( oscillations 9 temp]ature su* z dem& a va/ "t to h tak5 place4 ,yet ! :ole ( ^! rema9s accumulat$ betwe5 ! "t :5 ! entrance to ! ,d5 0 left expos$ by ! gradual de/ruction & retreat ( ! cliff face up ! valley1 & ! infill+ & *ok+ ( ! entrance by ! accumulat+ gravel :i* ev5tually block$ x4 ,x is only )9 ! la/ few ye>s t ! gravel ar* :i* 0 fir/ =m$1 & !n und]m9$ 9 ! se>* aft] bones1 has collaps$1 reveal+ ! true configuration ( ! cav]n4 ,"h we mu/ aga9 po/ulate a great antiquity = our cav]ns1 s9ce ^! deposits exi/ 9 :at is really an insignificant fragm5t ( ! great cav]n1 & are only an incid5tal "p ( ! mat]ial :i* an expos$ cavity is sure to receive4 ,b :5 purely geological evid5ces are tak5 into acc\nt1 ! dem& = "t becomes /ill m imp]ative4 ,! subt]ranean ,axe occupies1 z its pres5t *annel1 va/ *amb]s =m$ by ! excavation ( ?\s&s ( tons ( ! h>d ,conglom]ate1 great halls ov] #gj feet 9 height & ( f9e proportions4 ,! process :i* =m$ ^! is /ill at "w enl>g+ !m1 till 9 ! c\rse ( "t !y mu/ collapse2 yet no *ange is ev] visible1 no signs ( rec5t action c at any po9t be se54 ,! r>ely occurr+ great flood s]ves b to remove "o film ( s& f ! floor & to leave ano!r 9 its place z ! wat]s subside4 ,s sl[ is ! und]m9+ action t no eye c ev] detect a *ange ?\gh ! wat]s rise ev] s high4 ,yet ?is *annel is b "o ( five di/9ct levels :i* ! riv] has occupi$ f "t to "t1 until x has f\nd 9 turn a l[] c\rse1 leav+ its s&s z a record ^u ea*1 "h & !re seal$ d[n b5ea? a mass ( /alagmite4 ,:at untold ages h elaps$ s9ce fir/ ! riv] fl[$ ?r\gh ^! upp] *annels6 ,illu/ration3 ,,plan ,,& ,,section ,,( ,,wookey ,,hole ,,cav]n4 ,b an exam9ation ( ! top ( ! ,m5dips po9ts to a va/] antiquity /ill4 ,! publi%$ horizontal section ,no4 #ag ( ! ,geological ,survey gives an excell5t idea ( ! plateau ( ,m5dip1 :i* /ret*es f imm$iately nor? ( ,wells to ! neighb\rhood ( ,compton ,m>t94 ,?is plane ( d5udation w\ld nev] h be5 rea*$ save by ! long-cont9u$ action ( subt]rane\s /reams1 an assumption support$ by ! exi/5ce ( ! great depression cross$ by ! road f ,wells to ,priddy4 ,t depression ( ne>ly #ajj feet 9 dep? & sev]al miles 9 l5g?1 holl[$ 9 ! h>d ,c>bonif]\s ,lime/one1 "h dott$ ) e kn[n type ( swallet or swall[ hole1 has be5 obvi\sly =m$ by ! sl[ action ( swallet /reams prolong$ ?r\gh va/ p]iods ( "t4 ,e atom ( ! millions ( tons ( solid rock repres5t$ by ?is depression has be5 borne d[n ! c\rse ( ! subt]ranean ,axe4 ,tribut>y to ?is depression a little valley has be5 erod$ across ! ,old ,r$ ,s&/one anticl9e imm$iately to ! nor?1 & 9 x are deposit$ masses ( ,dolomitic ,conglom]ate1 ! compon5t pebbles ( :i* 7 d]iv$ f ! surr\nd+ rocks4 ,! same valley exi/$1 !re=e1 9 pre-,triassic "t1 & z !re 0 obvi\sly no o!r outlet = its wat]1 ! cavities into :i* x fl[$--t is to say1 ! swallets & subt]ranean *annels--mu/ h exi/$ also1 & are !re=e pre-,triassic 9 date4 ,?\gh at fir/ sight ?is appe>s impossible1 inasmu* z ! kn[n c\rse ( ! result+ ,axe ,riv] is ?r\gh ,triassic ,conglom]ate1 ,i propose to %[ t su* a conclusion is necess>y & inevitable4 ,long ago ,i 0 /ruck ) ! fact t at ,wookey ,hole ! ,triassic ,conglom]ate atta9s an abnormal ?ickness1 & measurem5ts h %[n t at ! f> end ( ! cav]n !re is c]ta9ly a ?ickness ( ov] #cej feet ( ?is rock4 ,z !re is no sign ( any approa* to ! ,lime/one aga9/ :i* x mu/ abut1 nor any *ange 9 ! "* ( ! ,conglom]ate itself at ?is po9t1 ,i ?9k t we may fairly conclude t ! total ?ickness ( x mu/ be at lea/ #ejj feet4 ,n[ ?is is a va/ deposit1 f> exce$+ any kn[n to exi/ else:]e1 & x requires a special explanation to acc\nt = x4 ,only "o explanation is possible4 ,! ,conglom]ate is "h fill+ 9 "s great pre-exi/+ valley 9 ! ,m\nta9 ,lime/one4 ,t is j :at ,i %\ld expect4 ,! great ,lime/one cav]n =m$ by ! action ( ! swallet /reams 9 e>ly ,triassic times collaps$1 & =m$ a ,lime/one rav9e1 into :i* 0 roll$ a great accumulation ( fragm5ts ( ! ,lime/one d]iv$ f ! slopes & crags above4 ,) ! :ole ( ?is "p ( ,engl& ^! b$s 7 subsequ5tly subm]g$1 rema9+ s dur+ ! deposit ( ! :ole ( ! ,second>y b$s2 & on _! em]g+ once m f b5ea? ! sea ! l9es ( dra9age 7 re-e/abli%$ along ! old c\rses1 :]e ^! _h n be5 *ok$ ) s$im5t>y mat]ial4 ,=c+ a way ?r\gh ! ,conglom]ate :i* !n imp$$ its fl[1 ! riv] =m$ ^? cavities :i* we see4 ,inde$1 x may well be t ! successive levels cut by ! ,axe ?r\gh ! ,conglom]ate may repres5t /ages 9 ! uplift+ ( ! l&1 ! l[e/ *annel be+ ! la/ & l>ge/1 z x has be5 =m$ dur+ an ext5d$ p]iod ( /ability4 ,b we are n )\t evid5ces ( ano!r sort z to ! exi/5ce ( "s ( our swallet ways at t remote p]iod4 ,! cavities f\nd 9 ! ,holwell qu>ries1 ne> ,frome1 fill$ 9 ) ,rhaetic mat]ial conta9+ bones & tee? ( fi%es2 ^? ( ,gurney-,slade1 ne> ,rad/ock2 & numb]s :i* f "t to "t are laid b>e 9 ! ,lime/one qu>ries1 all fill$ 9 ) ,triassic s$im5t1 %[ t p5etrat+ wat]ways ( consid]able size !n exi/$4 ,!re 01 too1 at ,*>t]h\se-on-,m5dip1 nor? ( ,*$d>1 a fissure1 possibly a swallet1 :i*1 be+ op51 receiv$ an infill+ ( ,liassic mat]ial t is kn[n to ext5d to a dep? ( #cjj feet4 ,_h ^! *annels be5 clos$ by a n>r[ ap]ture tempor>ily block$1 no infill+ b by wat] w\ld h tak5 place :5 ! l& sank b5ea? ! wat]s ( ! ,triassic & ,liassic seas4 ,fur!rmore1 9 ! position ( ! entrances ( _m ( our swallets !re is corroborative evid5ce to ! same effect4 ,! great circul> swallet on ,rookham1 ne> ,wells1 situat$ f> f any exi/+ l9e ( dra9age1 yet )al "o ( ! l>ge/ cavities on ,m5dip1 %[s t great *anges h tak5 place s9ce x 0 an active wat]way4 ,! position ( ! cav]ns ( ,compton ,bi%op & ( ,banwell1 f> remov$ f any /ream or any l9e ( dra9age possible ) ! pres5t cont\rs1 proves t ! configuration ( ! c\ntry has utt]ly *ang$ s9ce !y =m$ ! po9ts ( engulfm5t ( any /reams4 ,! ,coral ,cave 7z we h call$ x7 at ,compton ,bi%op desc5ds abruptly into ! e>?1 & its outlet mu/ h be5 f> bel[ ! level :]e n[ ! ,triassic ,m>l =ms an imp]vi\s b>ri]4 ,! wat]s ( ,banwell ,pond rise ?r\gh ! ,m>l1 =c$ upw>ds ?r\gh b$s :i* d n yield wat] & ord9>ily ret>d its passage4 ,d\btless ! ,m>l :5 x 0 deposit$ cov]$ "s e>li] outlet f ! ,lime/one4 ,! wat]s ( ,/4 ,&rew's ,well1 at ,wells1 are =c$ upw>ds ?r\gh ,dolomitic ,conglom]ate & ov]ly+ ,plei/oc5e gravel1 ! =m] ( :i* 0 d\btless deposit$ ^u :at 0 once a free & unimp$$ outlet f ! ,m\nta9 ,lime/one1 simil> to t ( ,*$d>4 ,! wat] ( ,rick=d1 ne> ,burr+ton1 result+ f ! /reams engulf$ at & ar\nd ,burr+ton1 is =c$ up ?r\gh ! ,second>y b$s1 :i* h be5 simil>ly deposit$ ^u ! pre-exi/+ outlet4 ,all ^! ?+s help to demon/rate t :at ,i cont5d is true1 viz4 t our cav]ns z a :ole are pre-,triassic 9 age4 ,! ,long ,hole at ,*$d>1 high 9 ! cliffs above ,g\gh's ,cave1 l5ds its evid5ce too4 ,contr>y to all ! o!r caves at ,*$d>1 x 0 a *annel ( intake = ! wat] :i* =m$ x4 ,d\btless x is a fragm5t ( a l>g] cav]n1 :i*1 be=e ! gorge ( ,*$d> itself 0 =m$1 exi/$ 9 ! mass ( rock occupy+ ! :ole area4 ,at ! nor!rn end ( ! ,lime/one defile ( ,ebbor1 ne> ,wells1 ! rav9e is c>v$ ?r\gh ,dolomitic ,conglom]ate1 :i* has be5 mu* work$ = iron ore4 ,! fact t ?is ,conglom]ate 0 deposit$ 9 a depression 9 ! l&1 at ! head ( ! pres5t rav9e1 yet )\t ent]+ x1 sugge/s t "h 0 an entrance to a s]ies ( cav]ns1 ! collapse ( :i* produc$ ! gorge4 ,illu/ration3 ,,! ,,great ,,swallet ,,on ,,bi%op',s ,,lot1 ,,priddy4 ,photo by ,bam=?1 ,holmfir? ,illu/ration3 ,,/4 ,,&rew',s ,,well1 ,,wells4 ,photo by ,h4 ,e4 ,bal*4 ,! ,devil's ,pun*b[l1 ne> ! ,ca/le ( ,com=t ,inn on ! ,m5dips1 is1 9 all probability1 a collapse ( ! rem>kable ,lias b$s :i* !re occur into "s pre-exi/+ cavity 9 ! ,m\nta9 ,lime/one bel[1 some:at 9 ! same mann] z ! ,%ake ,holes 9 ! ,glacial ,drift on ! ,york%ire moors 7 =m$4 ,no "o que/ions ! exi/5ce ( ! cavities b5ea? be=e ! deposit ( ! ,drift1 nei!r d ,i d\bt ! exi/5ce ( swallets b5ea? ! ,trias & ,lias be=e ^! 7 deposit$ on ! ,m5dips4 ,! "q naturally arises1 ,:y d we n f9d 9 our cav]ns rema9s ( all ! ages t h elaps$ s9ce t "t8 ,:y are only ,plei/oc5e rema9s discov]$8 ,surely1 because we h n f\nd !m x does n foll[ t !y are nonexi/5t4 ,! rec5t discov]y ( ,plioc5e rema9s 9 a cav]n at ,doveholes1 ne> ,buxton 7,d]by%ire71 is cle> pro( t we may se>* hopefully = simil> rema9s 9 ! ,m5dips4 ,x mu/ be borne 9 m9d1 t ! fur!r we g back 9 "t1 ! m c]ta9 we are to f9d t ! cont5ts ( any ,lime/one cav]n w\ld be completely m9]alis$1 until ! :ole ( ! cont5ts may h become cem5t$ into a solid mass4 ,:]e runn+ wat] is pres5t1 attrition may h de/roy$ !m1 or borne !m onw>ds to ^? great dep?s :]e1 con/antly subm]g$ z !y mu/ be1 we c nev] hope to p5etrate4 ,i am aw>e1 h[ev]1 ( ! exi/5ce1 9 ! ,ea/wat] ,cav]n1 ( v anci5t *okes ( wat]-borne mat]ial1 f :i* ,i h "s hope ( obta9+ rema9s4 ,i might m5tion ! demon/rat$ antiquity ( ! bosses ( /alagmite 9 ,k5t's ,cav]n at ,torquay1 & f x argue ! imm5se age ( ! great masses ( /alagmite 9 ! ,m5dip ,caves1 b1 recognis+ ! v>iable rate ( deposit ( ! c>bonate ( lime 9 diff]5t cav]ns1 & inde$ 9 diff]5t p>ts ( ! same cav]n1 no useful purpose w\ld be s]v$ !reby4 ,! huge ,beehive ( ,lamb's ,lair at ,h>ptree1 ! l>ge boss 9 ! fir/ great *amb] at ,wookey ,hole1 ,g\gh's ,niag>a at ,*$d>1 ! tall & sl5d] pill>s 9 ,cox's ,cave at ,*$d>1 & ! tall] ,s5t9el pill> at ,wookey ,hole1 all dem& = _! =mation a prodigi\s l5g? ( "t1 :i* x is b folly to attempt to compute ) our pres5t in=mation4 ,c]ta9ly _m ?\s&s ( ye>s are requir$ = "s ( !m1 & x %\ld be rememb]$ t we h !n arriv$ m]ely at ! "t :5 ! floor ^u :i* !y /& _h receiv$ its f9al =m1 ! action ( runn+ wat] hav+ ceas$4#b ,:o c d\bt !n1 t1 z we /& 9 ! great wat]ways ( ! pr(\nd dep?s ( our hills1 we are look+ ^u sc5es :i* h v>i$ little s9ce remote ages1 & t 9 "s =m or o!r ^! wat]ways play$ an important "p 9 ! degradation ( ! e>li] & l(ti] ,m5dip range8 #b ,9 #ahid ! initials ,t4 ,w4 7 c>v$ by ,mr4 ,willcox ( ,wells on ! great /alagmite bank 9 ! end *amb] ( ,lamb's ,lair4 ,i add$ #ahid1 t 9 ye>s to come "s measure may be obta9$ ( ! rate at :i* ?is bank is be+ =m$4 ,i make a rule ( nev] mak+ an inscription1 b 9 ?is case ,i ?\ght t ! end ju/ifi$ ! means4 ,x is wor?y ( rem>k 9 ?is connection t ! vet]an ,m4 ,m>tel1 comm5t+ ^u ! cav]ns ( ,m5dip1 says1 ,9 consequ5ce ( ! exi/5ce1 on ! flanks ( ! ,m5dip ,hills1 ( deposits ( ,triassic ,dolomitic ,conglom]ate 7,keup]7 ( ,rhaetian b$s1 & ( possibly ,glacial alluvia1 uncon=mably on ! ,c>bonif]\s ,lime/one1 ! outfl[ ( ! wat] 9 ! ris+s op]ates 9 ?ree ways3 7,a7 by l>ge fissures 9 ! ,lime/one itself1 :5 x fl[s out freely1 z at ,*$d>2 7,b7 ?r\gh ! crevices 9 ! ,dolomitic ,conglom]ate 7! ,axe at ,wookey ,hole1 etc472 7,c7 :]e ! outlet ( ! wat] f ! ,lime/one is hidd5 by alluvia 7,/4 ,&rews ,well1 at ,wells74 ,! consequ5ce ( ?is arrangem5t is t x w be possible--notably at ,wookey ,hole1 :5 ! explorations n[ go+ on h enl>g$ ! new gall]ies rec5tly f\nd--to asc]ta9 :e!r ! ,dolomitic ,conglom]ate is !re %[n 9 long b$s ( anci5t %ores1 regul>ly sup]pos$ on ! ,lime/one1 or r accumulat$ 9 fill$-up pockets1 9 holl[s pre-exi/+ 9 ! ,lime/one2 t is to say1 !re w be a mat]ial v]ification ( ,mr4 ,bal*'s hypo!sis 7already outl9$ by ,boyd ,dawk9s 9 #ahgd7 ( ! v anci5t excavation ( c]ta9 caves ( ! ,m5dip ,hills1 ev5 be=e ! ,keup] p]iod4 ,! lie ( ! ,conglom]ate "u ! vault$ ro(s ( ,wookey ,hole appe>$ to me to fav\r ?is idea4 ,& x is necess>y to wait till =mal pro(s h be5 ga!r$ toge!r "h1 t caves 7 holl[$ out !re be=e ! ,trias4 ,i recall1 on ?is subject1 t long ago ,i conclud$1 ) ,messrs4 ,de ,launey1 ,van d5 ,broeck1 ,b\le1 etc41 t ! =mation ( caves c\ld comm5ce 9 ! mo/ di/ant geological epo*s1 & t ! pockets ( phosphorites1 among o!rs at ,qu]cy & ! ,albanets ( ,c\v9 7,belgium71 te/ify to caves or abysses ( at lea/ ,eoc5e times4 ,h4 ,e4 ,b4 ,,cave ,,explor+ ,,z ,a ,,sport ,we are call$ a nation ( sportsm52 yet ! fir/ criticism we level aga9/ any new sport1 n our own1 is ! "q1 usually unansw]able & always irrelevant1 ,:at is ! use ( x8 ,"o may !n1 ) a c]ta9 %[ ( propriety1 po9t out t cave explor+ is a sport n entirely lack+ 9 utilit>ian or sci5tific objects4 ,x belongs1 9 fact1 to t l>ge class :i* orig9at$ z some?+ else ?an m]e pa/ime4 ,m\nta9e]+ & hunt+ are typical repres5tatives ( t class4 ,! e>lie/ m\nta9e]s 7 geograph]s4 ,cave explor+ 0 fir/ ( all tak5 up z a bran* ( ar*ological & palontological rese>*1 & !n z a g5]al inquiry into ! physical nature ( caves4 ,b a sci5ce t has discov]y z its pr9cipal object1 & h>d%ips & adv5ture z its natural concomitants1 is b\nd to attract z _m sportsm5 z sci5ti/s4 ,! geographical might be call$ ! sport+ sci5ces4 ,& s !re are n[ _m ard5t cave explor]s :o w\ld blu% to be call$ speleologi/s1 _! sole motive be+ ! enjoym5t ( ! game1 & sci5tific results purely a by-product4 ,?us ! sci5ce ( caves has giv5 bir? to a sport t subs]ves its aims 9 ! same irregul> way z rock-climb+ & peak-bagg+ subs]ve ! aims ( geography1 geology1 meteorology1 & o!r sci5ces4 ,speleology itself is1 comp>atively1 a new sci5ce4 ,cave hunt+1 ! se>* = human & animal rema9s1 has be5 an important bypa? ( sci5tific inve/igation s9ce ! days ( ,dean ,buckl& & ! discov]ies record$ 9 ,reliqui ,diluvian1 #ahbc4 ,pr(essor ,boyd ,dawk9s has 9 rec5t decades done /ill m valuable "w = palontology4 ,speleology is a ^w ( bo? wid] & n>r[] mean+2 9 ! wide/ s5se cov]+ all k9ds ( k ab\t caves1 _! geography1 geology1 hydrology1 _! fauna1 _! palontology4 ,b mo/ speleologi/s conf9e _! att5tion to ! physical *>act]i/ics ( caves4 ,?is side ( ! inquiry has practical utilities4 ,at ,vaucluse1 = in/ance1 ne> ,avignon1 ,m4 ,b\vi] 9 #ahgh explor$ ! *annels ( a gigantic siphon t c>ries ! wat]s ( an inaccessible res]voir into ! ,fonta9e de ,vaucluse1 a fam\s ris+4 ,8 object 0 p>tly sci5tific1 & p>tly to det]m9e ! nature ( ?is p]man5t s\rce1 s z to utilise its wat]s to regulate ! level ( ! ,sorgue1 to ext5d ! irrigation sy/em ( ! neighb\rhood1 & to secure wat]-p[] = manufactur+ purposes4 ,! ,katavo?ra ( ,pod-,/5ami 7 enl>g$ by an ent]pris+ eng9e]1 & protect$ by iron grat+s1 aft] _! subt]ranean exits _h be5 explor$1 & s utilis$ to regulate ! dra9age ( ! m>%y pla9s ( ,laiba*1 & to prev5t p]iodical inundations4 ,9 our own c\ntry1 und]gr\nd exploration has br\ght to light valuable wat]-supplies1 & enabl$ u to safegu>d ! public int]e/s by po9t+ out s\rces ( pollution4 ,caves are mo/ abundant 9 ! di/ricts :]e ^? great fissures kn[n z rakes occur1 :i* are ri* 9 m9]als1 especially lead1 calam9e1 copp]1 gypsum1 & fluor-sp>4 ,dur+ ! %ort p]iod 9 :i* cave "w has be5 tak5 up z a sport1 discov]ies h be5 made1 :i* ( c\rse x is impossible to p>ticul>ise1 t may be ! s\rce ( consid]able pr(it 9 ! future4 ,! majority ( ^? engag$ 9 ?is physical exploration ( caves are ,fr5*4 ,france possesses a ,socit de ,splologie1 ! secret>y ( :i*1 ,monsieur ,e4 ,a4 ,m>tel1 au?or ( ,les ,abmes1 is a mo/ indefatigable & c\rage\s explor]1 & ! man :o has made ! sci5ce an important & a liv+ "o4 ,b ,m4 ,m>tel himself aw>ds ! title ( crateur de la splologie to a =gott5 pr$ecessor1 ,dr4 ,adolphe ,s*midl1 :o publi%$ ,die ,grott5 und ,hhl5 von ,adelsb]g1 9 #ahed4 ,9 ?is c\ntry1 al?\gh su* brilliant discov]ies h be5 made ( ext9ct animals & prehi/oric relics ( humanity1 cave explor+ ( ?is k9d is a new pursuit4 ,m4 ,m>tel says1 9 ,irl&e et ,cav]nes ,anglaises1 #ahig3 ,9 %ort1 ! und]gr\nd ( ! calc>e\s regions ( ! ,briti% ,isles may be consid]$ z be+1 topographically1 v insuffici5tly kn[n2 ?is is ! conviction impress$ on me by my own rese>*es 9 #ahic4 ,some?+ has be5 accompli%$ s9ce t date4 ,two or ?ree clubs1 consi/+ *iefly ( climb]s1 & a few speleologi/s work+ indep5d5tly1 h effect$ a ?or\gh exam9ation ( ! great cav]ns ( ! ,peak1 ! extraord9>y sy/em ( und]gr\nd wat]s1 huge cavities1 & pr(\nd abysses 9 ! ,we/ ,rid+1 & ! beautiful cav]ns ( ,som]set4 ,b ! gr\nd t rema9s unexplor$1 ! opportunities = adv5ture & ! possibilities ( discov]y are su* z may probably a/oni% ^? p :o ?9k !re is no?+ ( ! sort left 9 ,old ,engl&4 ,caves are =m$ 9 calc>e\s /rata by ! *emical action ( wat] lad5 ) c>bonic acid1 & by ! me*anical action ( /reams4 ,9 consequ5ce ( ! orig9al /ructure ( ! ,lime/one1 ! jo9ts ( :i* run at "r angles to ! b$d+ planes1 ^! erod$ holl[s h two dom9ant =ms3 ! v]tical pot1 swallet1 or hole1 produc$ by ! wid5+ ( a ma/]-jo9t2 & ! horizontal wat]-*annel1 runn+ 9 ! same direction z ! l9e ( /ratification4 ,b ! /rata be+ commonly tilt$1 ^! pits & abysses are (t5 a long way out ( ! v]tical1 & ! cav]ns t foll[ ! /rata v /eep4 ,_m ( ^! anci5t wat]c\rses are n[ dry1 b o!rs are /ill trav]s$ by /reams1 & pres5t ! explor] ) mo/ =midable ob/acles4 ,! complete exploration ( any cave sy/em w\ld involve ! trac+ out ( all its passages f ! po9t :]e ! /ream or /reams ent] ! e>? to ! po9t ( exit4 ,b ,i "k n a s+le in/ance :]e su* a task has be5 work$ out 9 its entirety4 ,9 _m cases ! /reams ent] ! gr\nd m]ely z small rivulets1 & beg9 to excavate passages practicable to man only at a consid]able dep?4 ,siphons1 or traps1 z !y ought to be call$1 complete or p>tial *okes1 & a v>iety ( o!r causes1 may put insup]able ob/acles 9 ! explor]'s way4 ,take two ( ! mo/ important cave problems /ill await+ solution1 "o 9 ,york%ire1 ! o!r 9 ,som]set4 ,a l>ge beck is precipitat$ into ! abyss ( ,gap+ ,ghyll1 #cfj feet deep1 & em]ges f an op5+ 9 ! hillside1 a mile away1 close to ! m\? ( ,+lebor\gh ,cave1 :i* 0 itself an e>li] exit4 ,sev]al p>ties h desc5d$ ,gap+ ,ghyll1 & foll[$ ! passages at ! bottom to a di/ance ( m ?an #ajjj feet4 ,!n imp5etrable wat]-s9ks1 & muddy *amb]s ) no outlet1 h be5 enc\nt]$1 & ! communication ) ! l[] cav]n has hi!rto prov$ undiscov]able4 ,bo? ! dry gall]ies & ! canals ( ,+lebor\gh ,cave h be5 explor$1 ) great toil & d>+1 to a consid]able di/ance upw>ds1 ) simil> results2 & ?\gh _m speleologi/s are /ill absorb$ 9 ?is problem1 !re is little hope t x w be cle>$ up )\t adopt+ ! dra/ic & co/ly measure ( cutt+ ?r\gh ! ob/ructions4 ,! o!r problem is t ( ,wookey ,hole1 ! cave 9 ,brita9 :i* has ! longe/ hi/ory1 & :i* is /ill yield+ int]e/+ discov]ies4 ,a numb] ( /reams disappe> into ! e>? on ! ,m5dip plateau1 #b miles away & #gjj feet above1 & f9d _! issue 9 ! s\rce ( ! ,axe at ,wookey ,hole4 ,two ( ! ,m5dip swallets h be5 explor$ to a great dep?4 ,swildon's ,hole1 an exquisite s]ies ( t]rac$ gall]ies & /alactite grottoes1 has be5 p5etrat$ to a dep? ( #cjj feet4 ,b a m det]m9$ attempt has be5 made to rea* ! bottom ( ! ,ea/wat] ,cav]n4 ,?is 0 discov]$ 9 #aijb by my fri5d ,mr4 ,bal*1 ( ,wells1 by means ( op5+ ! swallet1 :]e a t9y brook ran away ?r\gh small crevices 9 a ,lime/one rav9e4 ,a f>-ext5d+ cave 0 ?us disclos$1 full ( intricate ramifications1 t expla9 9 a graphic mann] h[ new gall]ies are =m$ & old ones left dry & des]t$1 z ! result ( floods & p>tial *okes4 ,we h1 9 ! longe/ r\te discov]$ 9 ?is complicat$ sy/em1 rea*$ a di/ance ( #bjjj feet f ! entrance & a dep? bel[ ! surface ( #ejj feet4 ,at ?is po9t no absolutely impassable b>ri] has be5 met )4 ,!re is reason to hope t we may /ill advance f>!r into ! my/]i\s region betwe5 x & ,wookey ,hole4 ,b ! =midable difficulties ( ! j\rney hi!r h set a limit to endurance4 ,hundr$s ( feet ( creep+ ?r\gh /eep1 n>r[1 & contort$ passages1 comp>$ ) :i* a s]ies ( dra9-pipes w\ld af=d luxuri\s travell+2 p]p5dicul> drops ( #ej & #ij feet1 ) no conv5i5t l$ges at ! top = lett+ m5 d[n2 &1 9 addition1 ! necessity ( transport+ great quantities ( tackle to ! bitt] end ( x1 h made a twelve h\rs' day und]gr\nd z mu* z we c\ld /&4 ,! difficulty may p]haps be got ov] by means ( a subt]ranean biv\ac4 ,un=tunately1 x w\ld n d to leave ! app>atus 9 position = long be=eh&1 z x w\ld det]iorate s rapidly4 ,9 ,wookey ,hole itself1 we h n yet succe$$ 9 rea*+ a f>!r di/ance ?an #fjj feet f ! cave m\?2 !re a subm]g$ tunnel has /ood 9 ! way4 ,b ,mr4 ,bal* has ?or\ghly explor$ ! upp] passages t honeycomb ! rock above ! kn[n caves2 he has discov]$ a numb] ( promis+ gall]ies1 :i* are be+ sl[ly cle>$ ( dbris2 &1 among !m1 a s]ies ( ! mo/ beautiful incru/$ grottoes 9 ,brita94 ,a season ( dr\ght may reveal an op5+ up ! riv]-c\rse4 ,innum]able simil> problems /ill await solution4 ,"s ( u h be5 engag$ 9 try+ ) pick & cr[b> to eng9e] a way into ! swallets above ,ca/leton1 :i* s5d _! wat]s ?r\gh ! he>t ( ! hills d[n to ! caves 9 ! dale ( ,hope4 ,"o ( ^!1 :i* we h p5etrat$ to a di/ance ( #cej feet1 may turn out to be ! entrance to z wond]ful a *a9 ( cav]ns z ^? ( ,ea/wat]4 ,long ,k9 ,hole1 ,helln ,pot1 & o!r trem5d\s cavities 9 ! ,+lebor\gh di/rict1 /ill promise good sport4 ,( all ! v>ieties ( cave =ms ^! v]tical holes are ! mo/ impressive1 & also ! mo/ p]il\s to explore4 ,no exploit /&s out m f9ely 9 ! record ( t intrepid explor]1 ,m4 ,m>tel1 ?an 8 s+le-h&$ desc5t into ,gap+ ,ghyll1 ! fir/ ev] accompli%$4 ,9 ! ,cev5nes1 h[ev]1 he has rea*$ ! bottom ( abysses /ill m pr(\nd1 ?\gh )\t ! unpleasant accompanim5t ( fall+ wat]4 ,"o ( ! mo/ awkw>d ( ! desc5ts describ$ by him is t ( ! ,av5 de ,vigne ,close 7,ard*e71 #aij mtres 9 dep?4 ,?is /range pit is almo/ a corkscrew 9 %ape1 compris+ five p]p5dicul> drops1 ! bottom ( "o be+ a few feet f ! top ( ! next4 ,to manage ! f9al pit*1 ) a *a9 ( rope ladd]s #dj mtres too %ort1 x 0 necess>y to get six m5 d[n to ! ,salle ,mang] at ! foot ( ! f\r? /age1 o!rs rema9+ z s5t9els at ! head ( ! v>i\s /ages4 ,"s ( ^! wait$ on _! n>r[ p]*es = elev5 h\rs1 9 ! d>k1 ) no?+ to d b li/5 to ! di/ant noises ( _! comrades at "w4 ,"o man1 hang+ at ! end ( a rope1 succe$$ s+le-h&$ 9 fa/5+ a pulley to ! free end ( ! second ladd]1 & s let d[n ! ?ird ladd] to ! requir$ ext5t4 ,?is critical op]ation 0 c>ri$ out "u grave difficulties1 ! n]ves ( ! :ole p>ty hav+ be5 %ak5 a few m9utes e>li] by ! accid5tal fall ( a heavy lamp1 :i* 0 )9 an in* ( kill+ ! m5 b5ea?4 ,eld5 ,hole1 9 ! ,peak ( ,d]by%ire1 a yawn+ cavity #bjj feet deep1 ) an inn] cave #fe feet deep]1 has be5 desc5d$ sev]al times rec5tly4 ,on ! fir/ occasion1 ?r\gh ! inexp]i5ce ( ! p>ty1 ,i _h ! privilege ( sp5d+ n9e h\rs 9 ! hole1 9 a /ate ( unc]ta9ty z to :e!r x 0 9 ! p[] ( ! o!r m5 to get me out4 ,on ! next occasion1 we let d[n a doz5 m5 safely4 ,b !re /ill rema9s ! possibility t excavation might cle> up ! puzzle z to ! connection ( ,eld5 ,hole ) o!r swallets & caves 9 ! vic9ity4 ,! old m9]s believ$ t x _h communication ) ! natural *amb]s 9 ! ,spe$well ,m9e2 & t is a problem :i* w entail exploration 9 collapsible boats along ! flood$ levels4 ,! great *asm 9 ! ,spe$well1 :i* us$ to be reput$ bottomless1 has be5 prov$ to be only #ij feet deep4 ,x has an upw>d ext5sion1 9 ! same /eep rake1 :i* has n be5 climb$1 nor its top s mu* z caught sight (4 ,x atta9s a height1 mo/ probably1 ( at lea/ #djj feet4 ,t is a problem wor?y ! mettle ( our mo/ skilful cragsm54 ,9 ! ,blue ,john ,m9e1 a v]tical fissure has be5 climb$1 by a p>ty prop]ly rop$ up1 to ! height ( #acj feet1 betwe5 walls spl5didly adorn$ ) poli%$ & transluc5t /alagmite4 ,ladd]s may sometimes be rigg$ up1 "o above ano!r1 to rea* holl[s 9 ! ro( ( caves4 ,9 ?is way a h&some grotto 0 discov]$ above ,peak ,cav]n4 ,:5 ^! v]tical fissures are op5 to ! sky1 x is a simple matt] to fix tackle1 & ev5 a w9dlass1 = lett+ m5 d[n4 ,:5 !y op5 9 ! floor ( a well-nigh impracticable gall]y1 z 9 ! ,ea/wat] ,cav]n1 ! difficulties ( secur+ pulleys & ropes are s]i\s4 ,!re our tr\bles are aggravat$ by ! proximity ( deep1 gap+ *asms at ! foot ( ea* pit*1 ly+ 9 wait to receive fall+ bodies4 ,nev]!less1 by an +5i\s arrangem5t ( life-l9e & pulley1 ! entire p>ty gets safely to ! bottom ( ! gulf & back aga91 al?\gh x is usual 9 su* situations to leave a s5try beh9d at ! top4 ,gr&e/ ( all ^! und]gr\nd cavities 9 ,engl& is ! great *amb] ( ,lamb's ,lair1 9 ! ,m5dips4 ,! approa*es & subsidi>y *amb]s ( t m>vell\s cav]n are magnific5t 9 ! ri*ness ( _! incru/ation & _! col\r+2 b ?is mighty hall surpasses ! re/ by f>4 ,floor1 walls1 & ro(1 ( a dome-%ap$ *amb] #aaj feet high1 are a mass ( sculptur$ transp>5cies1 fanta/ic reliefs & gl[+ enamel1 all ! col\rs ( ! ra9b[ be+ produc$ by ! diff]5t ve9s ( m9]als4 ,only a /rong p>ty ( exp]i5c$ climb]s or cave work]s1 fully equipp$1 %\ld v5ture to explore ?is f9e cav]n 9 its pres5t dang]\s /ate4 ,no *apt]s 9 ,les ,abmes are m absorb+ ?an ^? describ+ ! exploration ( und]gr\nd wat]s4 ,by means ( collapsible boats1 ,m4 ,m>tel explor$ ! conceal$ /reams t tumble into ! canyon ( ! ,ard*e4 ,9 #ahij-ia1 ,m4 ,mazauric1 ) enorm\s toil & consid]able dang]1 trac$ out ! labyr9?9e ramifications ( ! ,bonheur at ,bramabiau 7,g>d74 ,! ,t9d\l de la ,vayssire 7,aveyron71 ) its yawn+ abyss & p[]ful subt]ranean torr5t1 & ! ,causse de ,gramat 7,padirac71 bo? entail$ ! desc5t ( a deep *asm & ! navigation ( l>ge /reams4 ,at ,padirac ! explor+ p>ty made _! way 9 f\r boats along a riv]1 ) frequ5t portages caus$ by dykes ( /alagmite1 & discov]$ "s ( ! mo/ exquisite & romantic /alactite sc5]y 9 ! vaults ?r\gh :i* ! riv] fl[s4 ,z a sport1 cave explor+ ranks high4 ,! ex]tion x entails is exce$+ly sev]e4 ,! innum]able ob/acles & difficult problems to be fac$ make incessant dem&s on our inv5tiv5ess1 adaptability1 & pres5ce ( m9d4 ,! exposure1 ! h>d%ips1 ! dang]s t mu/ be enc\nt]$1 =m an admirable discipl9e4 ,^? :o consid] ^! any detraction f ! m]its ( ! sport1 mu/ condemn1 n "o sport1 b a :ole class4 ,runn+ risks1 we mu/ rememb]1 is always foolh>dy1 b to nullify dang] by means ( sci5ce & skill is an aim wor?y ( ! noble/ k9ds ( sport4 ,x w1 ( c\rse1 be object$ t ! lack ( exhil>at+ conditions1 & ( ! /imulus ( fre% air1 deprives ! sport ( ! usual b5efits ( outdoor games4 ,b ! air at ! bottom ( a cave #ajj or m feet deep is usually z pure & sweet1 & n seldom z dry1 ow+ to its free circulation1 z t on ! hills4 ,!n ! d>kness & ! s5se ( imprisonm5t1 y say1 are n conducive to heal?y enjoym5t4 ,b a cave explor]1 en?rall$ by ! manifold int]e/ & excitem5t ( ! pa/ime1 w nev] admit ?is4 ,! v>iety ( ent]ta9m5t x af=ds con/itutes a peculi> *>m4 ,only to judge by ! numb] ( climb]s t h tak5 up cave "w z a pa/ime1 !re mu/ obvi\sly be a natural relation betwe5 ?is sport & rock climb+4 ,c]ta9ly1 !re are _m me?ods common to ! two sports1 & ! exp]t cragsman has an imm5se advantage ov] o!rs :5 he takes to cave explor+4 ,b ! me?ods & appliances ( ! m\nta9e] are re/rict$ by artificial regulations4 ,!re are _m ?+s t mu/ n be done1 ev5 to enable a climb] to asc5d an o!rwise inaccessible peak or to avoid s]i\s p]il4 ,9 cave "w1 on ! o!r h&1 ! difficulties & dang]s are multipli$ s =midably by ! s+ul> conditions1 ( :i* d>kness is b "o1 t su* prohibitions w\ld be absurd4 ,:5 "o may be call$ ^u to climb a wall ( mud1 or a %eet ( slipp]y /alagmite1 or to trav]se wat]-swept rocks ) an unfa?om$ pool or swallet und]nea?1 e safegu>d mu/ ne$s be utilis$4 ,any me*anical means ( accompli%+1 facilitat+1 or exp$it+ a passage is legitimate 9 cave "w2 ropes1 pulleys1 ladd]s ( rope & wood1 w9dlass1 rafts1 boats1 cr[b>1 pick1 %ovel--all ^!1 & an enorm\s v>iety ( o!r ?+s1 h _! place 9 ! cave explor]'s equipm5t4 ,"o might write a volume on ! equipm5t ( cave explor]s4 ,h>dly any o!r sport requires s =midable a v>iety4 ,i mu/ limit myself to a few words4 ,! explor]'s dress %\ld be a boil] suit1 made all 9 "o piece f neck to heel1 & ) no pockets or buttons to cat* 9 ! jagg$ ,lime/one1 pl5ty ( bo? be+ provid$ inside4 ,he mu/ r5\nce any hank]+ aft] wat]pro( g>m5ts1 ! prop] precaution aga9/ ! effects ( wet be+ to we> ?ick wooll5 und]clo?+4 ,8 boots %\ld be nail$ aft] ! mann] ( ^? worn by rock climb]s4 ,c&les are ! be/ illum9ant1 mu* bett] ?an any lamp--acetyl5e1 electric1 or o!r4 ,b a supply ( magnesium wire %\ld be c>ri$1 ) wat]pro($ mat*es 9 wat]-tight boxes2 & a p[]ful limelight1 burn+ e!r in/ead ( hydrog51 = ! sake ( portability1 is a useful auxili>y4 ,boats h be5 us$ 9 "s ( ! caves 9 ! ,peak1 9 ,wookey ,hole1 & 9 ! cav]n ( ,m>ble ,ar*1 explor$ by ,m4 ,m>tel1 9 ,irel&4 ,pl5ty ( rope--n ( ! ,alp9e ,club mat]ial1 b hemp5--is necess>y1 & a few rope ladd]s (t5 come 9 h&y4 ,! only rule ( ! game t ,i %\ld l to insi/ ^u is1 t no damage %\ld be done to ! beautiful features ( a cave4 ,x is a rule obs]v$ by e cave explor] wor?y ( ! "n4 ,! temptation to acquire specim5s mu/ be resi/$4 ,! fir/ ?+ t ! cave explor]1 eag] = discov]y1 has to le>n1 is n to lose himself4 ,9 _m cases no special precautions are necess>y1 b if !re are num]\s bifurcations1 specific measures mu/ be adopt$4 ,(t5 x is suffici5t to /ation a hurricane lamp or a good-siz$ c&le at ! cross roads2 a sur] me?od1 b "o t is r tr\blesome1 is to unreel a ?read z we advance4 ,su* a cav]n z ,goat*ur*1 9 ,burr+ton ,combe1 ,som]set1 is a p]plex+ maze1 :]e "o loses "o's be>+s completely two m9utes aft] look+ at ! compass4 ,! mass ( ! hill is %iv]$ into innum]able fragm5ts1 ( giant size4 ,passages /rik+ (f along ! fractures (t5 lead "o back imp]ceptibly to ! po9t ( div]g5ce4 ,at ! ,ea/wat] ,cav]n1 9 ! same di/rict1 aft] ,i _h already gone f\r times ?r\gh ! enorm\s aggregation ( %att]$ rocks at ! top1 :]e a human body is l a beetle 9 a heap ( macadam1 ,i tri$ 9 va9 to make my way out )\t us+ ! life-l9e4 ,al?\gh !re is b #ajj feet ( x1 "o takes half an h\r to get ?r\gh4 ,! orig9al explor]s sp5t a mu* long] "t 9 discov]+ a practicable r\te4 ,= my own "p1 ,i 0 lo/ 9 a few mom5ts1 & compell$ to return4 ,! imprud5ce ( two m5 9 ! ,bag%awe ,cav]n1 9 ,d]by%ire1 :o w5t too f> 9 advance 9 _! anxiety to be discov]]s1 l$ to an uncom=table exp]i5ce bo? = !m & = _! rescu]s4 ,?is v ext5sive cav]n has a numb] ( ramifications4 ,! two m5 :o 7 foll[+ rea*$ a di/ant & unexplor$ "p ( ! cave1 only to f9d t !y _h miss$ _! comrades1 ! s& & clay on ! cave floor be+ /ill p]fectly smoo? & untrodd54 ,!y fail$ to discov] ! w&]]s 9 ! neighb\r+ passages1 & lo/ _! own way = a "t be=e !y got back1 ?r\gh ! w9d+ tunnels1 l[-ro($ fissures1 & deep canals1 crawl+1 scrambl+1 & wad+ brea/-deep ?r\gh icy wat]1 to ! place :]e !y _h p>t$4 ,!y hop$ ! truants _h f\nd _! way back1 b !re 0 no sign ( !m1 & prep>ations _h to be made = a second j\rney4 ,aft] a fatigu+ que/1 t la/$ sev]al h\rs1 !y f\nd ! miss+ adv5tur]s 9 a remote "p ( ! cav]n1 nurs+ _! la/ %r$ ( c&le & wait+ to be rescu$4 ,! exp]i5ces ( "s y\?ful explor]s 9 ,wookey ,hole1 :o f\nd !mselves on dang]\s gr\nd & all _! mat*es gone1 are describ$ on ano!r page4 ,!re is a romance ab\t cave explor+ t is almo/ unrivall$4 ,! conditions ( ! sport are s weird & excit+1 s /rangely diff]5t f ev]y?+ we are accu/om$ to4 ,to be s ne> to1 & yet s f> f1 ! sc5es ( our ev]yday life2 to be laun*$ on a voyage ( discov]y on an ,engli% riv]1 or to be ! fir/ to gaze on "s miracle ( fanta/ic cry/allisation only a few miles away f a l>ge t[n--^! are among ! attractions ( ! sport1 at lea/ 9 its pres5t /age4 ,!re is no?+ 9 ?is c\ntry to comp>e ) ! prodigi\s caves ( ,k5tucky or ! t]rific subt]ranean defiles ( ,adelsb]g4 ,"o might z well look = ! magnific5ce ( ! ,alps among our ,engli% m\nta9s4 ,yet ! caves & gulfs ( ,d]by%ire & ,york%ire h a gr&eur ( /ructure & div]sity ( "*1 & ! ,som]set caves a brilliance ( cry/all9e deposits1 t are fully z admirable & impressive4 ,e4 ,a4 ,b4 ,,explor+ ,,wookey ,,hole ,:]e ,albion's we/]n hills slope to ! sea1 ,!re is a cave1 & o'er its dismal m\?1 ,:5ce come to quick1 my/]i\s e>s ho>se s\nds ,( giant revelry1 ! ivy grew ,& %ut ! old sepul*ral d>kness 92 ,& by its side a well1 :5ce ev] full ,& ev] ov]fl[+1 sil5t1 deep1 ,& cold z dea?1 ! wat]s creep ,ad[n ! brok5 rocks 9 se>* ( day4 ,above x fr[ns a frett$1 /ony br[1 ,& only f ! sett+ sun e'er came ,)9 t place ! joyfulness ( light4 ,w4 ,w4 ,,smi?1 ,angels & ,m53 a ,poem4 ,h>dly any:]e else 9 ,brita9 is ! m9d borne d[n ) su* a s5se ( incalculable antiquity z at ,wookey ,hole4 ,n[h]e1 c]ta9ly1 is !re any?+ l su* a cont9u\s record f ages inconceivably remote4 ,to t\* fir/ ( all ^u p]iods t are hi/orical & measurable1 we h ! "n ,wookey1 :i* appe>s to be ! "o be/[$ by ! anci5t ,britons2 = x is a recognisable corruption--especially z ! p ( ! di/rict s\nd x1 ,ookey--( ! ,celtic ,ogo1 a cav]n1 ! same ^w1 ,og(1 z ! mod]n ,wel% /ill apply to sev]al caves 9 ! ,pr9cipality4 ,clem5s ,alex&r9us1 9 ! second c5tury ,a4,d41 has a ref]5ce to ! cav]n1 & !re are p]iodical allusions 9 ,lat9 & ,engli% writ]s f t "t to ! pres5t4 ,9 ! ,middle ,ages its fame z "o ( ! wond]s ( ,engl& 0 great4 ,william ( ,worce/] has a qua9t description2 he says1 ,its entrance is n>r[1 & ! ymage ( a man /&s beside x call$ ! ,port]1 ( :om leave to ent] ! ,hall ( ,wokey is to be obta9$4 ,:at became ( ?is janitor is n[ unkn[n1 unless he be repres5t$ by ! recumb5t monoli? /ill to be se5 outside ! portal4 ,ref]5ces to ! antiquities ( ,wookey ,hole occur 9 ,lel&'s ,it9]>y & 9 ,camd5's ,britannia1 & !re is incorporat$ 9 ,p]cy's ,reliques a ballad1 by an eighte5?-c5tury virtuoso1 ,dr4 ,h>r+ton ( ,ba?1 entitl$ ,! ,wit* ( ,wokey1 rec\nt+ an old leg5d ( ! neighb\rhood4 ,9 aunci5te dayes1 tradition %[es1 ,a base & wick$ elfe arose ,! ,wit* ( ,wokey hight4 ,s x beg9s1 & goes on to relate1 9 ! %am antique /yle ( ! day1 h[ a malevol5t old woman 0 = h] misde$s *ang$ to /one by a l]n$ cl]k ( ,gla/on4 ,! ,wit*1 a black1 aquil9e pr(ile 9 /one & /alagmite1 is ) h] cul9>y ut5sils ! *ief attraction to sightse]s 9 ! fir/ great *amb]1 or1 z x is sometimes call$1 ! ,wit*'s ,kit*54 ,illu/ration3 ,,pr(ile ,,( ,,! ,,wit* ,,( ,,wookey1 ,,wookey ,,hole ,,cav]n4 ,photo by ,h4 ,e4 ,bal*4 ,illu/ration3 ,,among ,,! ,,pools1 ,,wookey ,,hole ,,cav]n4 ,photo by ,h4 ,e4 ,bal*4 ,x is impressive en\gh to /& beside ! v mod]n-look+ pap]-mill1 :]e ! infant ,axe1 /ill dazzl$ by its sudd5 entry into ! sunlight1 is h>ness$ to assi/ 9 ! manufacture ( su* workaday commodities z ,bank-note pap]1 & to see be=e "o ?+s t c>ry ! memory back all ^? /ages2 yet x is b ! la/ few pages ( ! volum9\s hi/ory t we are consid]+ n[4 ,pr(essor ,boyd ,dawk9s1 :o won 8 spurs z a palontologi/ by 8 rese>*es at ,wookey ,hole1 discov]$ 9 ! neighb\r+ ,hyna ,d51 :i* is really a bran* ( ! old cav]n1 human & animal rema9s ^: antiquity1 comp>$ ) ! p]iods j review$1 is z ! age ( ,/oneh5ge comp>$ ) t ( a man4 ,9 ! less kn[n passages ( ! ,hole itself1 su* relics h con/antly be5 f\nd 9 ! c\rse ( our inve/igations4 ,pot%]ds1 celts1 bone implem5ts1 ! c>bonis$ emb]s f anci5t he>?s1 all sorts ( refuse ly+ 9 odd corn]s1 h cont9ually br\ght u1 z x 71 face to face ) ! "t :5 man 0 little m ?an ! k+ ( bea/s4 ,:osoev] w\ld read 9 ! deep] *apt]s ( ?is va/ *ronicle mu/ be ref]r$ to ! fasc9at+ pages ( ,cave ,hunt+2 !re w be only an occasional glance at ! human hi/ory 9 ?is record ( a diff]5t class ( exploration4 ,palontological rese>* has n be5 our object4 ,sev]al ( my companions h made "s valuable discov]ies 9 ?is l9e1 & are int5t on mak+ m2 b my own orig9al motive1 & t ( sev]al o!rs1 0 ! sport1 z mu* z ! sci5tific results1 to be enjoy$ 9 endeav\r+ to "w out ! great problem ( ! wat]s t h made !mselves a road ?r\gh ! und]world ( ,m5dip1 & f\nd an escape f bondage at ,wookey ,hole4 ,?is cav]n has be5 kn[n s long & s famili>ly1 t x mu/ h seem$ z if !re 7 no?+ m to be f\nd out ab\t x4 ,x w1 surely1 be a surprise to _m to le>n :at important additions h rec5tly be5 made to ! ext5t ( its kn[n & accessible passages1 & :at progress !re has be5 9 expla9+ ! secrets ( its wat] sy/em4 ,we are1 9 all probability1 on ! br9k ( yet m />tl+ revelations4 ,drayton compla9$1 9 ,polyolbion1 t ! r5[n ( ! ,devil's ,hole 9 ! ,peak ( ,d]by%ire1 !n z 9 ! pres5t day1 _h robb$ ! ,som]set%ire cave ( "s ( its glory4 ,yet ,o*y's dreadful ,hole /ill held h]self disgrac'd ,) ?' wond]s ( ?is ,isle t %e %\ld n be plac'd3 ,b t :i* vex'd h] mo/1 0 t ! ,peaki% ,cave ,be=e h] d>ksome self su* dignity %\ld h4 ,_m ?+s "h br+ to m9d ! ,d]by%ire cav]n1 :i* sev]al ( our p>ty _h explor$ pretty ?or\ghly be=e we did any s]i\s "w 9 ,som]set--! approa* along ! deep wood$ rav9e cut ?r\gh ! ,dolomitic ,conglom]ate1 ! riv] p\r+ out f va/ res]voirs )9 ! e>?1 ! leg5d>y associations1 & ! my/]y %r\d+ ! /ream's subt]ranean c\rse4 ,f ! dra9age area ab\t ,priddy1 #gjj feet above1 on ! top ( ,m5dip1 ^! wat]s f9d _! way d[n ?r\gh a multitude ( *annels4 ,mo/ ( ^! passages are q unkn[n1 b ! two mo/ important1 ( :i* a good deal w be said pres5tly1--! ,ea/wat] ,swallet & ,swildon's ,hole1--h be5 explor$ to a consid]able dep?4 ,9 ! latt] we h got to a dep? ( #cjj feet1 b natural ob/acles & o!r difficulties h prev5t$ u f foll[+ ! /ream-c\rse f>!r4 ,mr4 ,bal* has trac$ ! ,ea/wat] ,swallet1 :i* he op5$ 9 #aijb1 to ! dep? ( #ejj feet bel[ ! po9t ( absorption--almo/1 t is to say1 d[n to ! level ( ,wookey ,hole2 b an enorm\s ?ickness ( rock /ill rema9s unexplor$ betwe5 ! f>!/ po9ts atta9$1 f bel[ upw>ds & f above d[nw>ds4 ,mo/ likely1 :5 we get f>!r1 if we succe$ 9 pass+ ! pres5t ob/acles1 we %all soon f9d ourselves ent]+ ! canals & wat] cav]ns t lie on ! same level z ! great natural res]voirs ( ,wookey ,hole2 9 o!r words1 we are approa*+ ! plane ( saturation4 ,exploration 9 ! ,ea/wat] ,swallet is /ill be+ c>ri$ on1 ?\gh p]=ce v sl[ly2 & concurr5tly !re)1 ef=ts are be+ made1 n )\t success1 to trace ! passages 9 ! l[] cav]n f>!r & f>!r back4 ,illu/ration3 ,,mass ,,( ,,/alagmite1 ,,wookey ,,hole4 ,photo by ,h4 ,e4 ,bal*4 ,illu/ration3 ,,9 ,,! ,,fir/ ,,*amb]1 ,,wookey ,,hole ,,cav]n4 ,photo by ,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,! summ] t\ri/1 conduct$ ?r\gh ! ?ree pr9cipal *amb]s ( ,wookey ,hole by a guide arm$ ) a c ( b5zol9e1 = mak+ /alagmites into tor*es1 comes out hav+ a v imp]fect k ( ! geography ( ! cav]n1 & a totally inadequate idea ( its beauties4 ,i well rememb] h[ little ,i 0 impress$ by my fir/ visit1 "u ^! conditions1 _m ye>s ago4 ,! weak illum9ation seem$ to reveal only ! proportions ( "s r l>ge cell>s1 p]vad$ by oily pools1 into :i* ! cont5ts ( ! c 7 p\r$ & set on fire1 produc+ an une>?ly gl>e ?r\gh ! d>kness & ! wat]s2 & a numb] ( d+y & unconv9c+ natural effigies1 black ) ! accumulation ( soot4 ,our explor+ p>ty 9 ,m>* #aijc saw ^! ?+s "u an illum9ation su* z _h nev] be5 k9dl$ !re be=e1 & ,i = "o 0 q unprep>$ = ! revelation ( brilliance & spaci\sness & beauty t we 7 to witness4 ,wokey ,hole1 says ,bi%op ,p]cy1 has giv5 bir? to z _m wild1 fanciful /ories z ! ,sybil's 7sic7 ,cave 9 ,italy4 ,?r\gh a v n>r[ entrance x op5s into a l>ge vault1 ! ro( :]e(1 ei!r on acc\nt ( its height or ! ?ickness ( ! gloom1 _c be discov]$ by ! light ( tor*es4 ,x goes w9d+ a great way und]gr\nd1 is cro/ by a /ream ( v cold wat]1 & is all horrid ) brok5 pieces ( rock3 _m ( ^! are evid5t petrifactions1 :i*1 on acc\nt ( _! s+ul> =ms1 h giv5 rise to ! fables allud$ to 9 ?is poem1 ! /ory1 t is1 ( ! ble>-ey$ hag :o 0 turn$ into /one4 ,?is qua9t description is true 9 e p>ticul>4 ,! fir/ cav]n1 or ! ,wit*'s ,kit*51 has a weird similitude to ,go?ic ar*itecture4 ,ar* spr+s f ar* up to ! l(ty summit1 & ! walls & vault+ are full ( canopi$ recesses1 ) wild foliations ( gli/5+ calcite wrea!d f ni*e to ni*e4 ,bel[ u1 z we ent]1 a broad deep pool /ret*es away into d>kness4 ,c\ld we foll[ ! g5tly mov+ curr5t 9 a boat1 we %\ld ent] ano!r great vault1 ^: exi/5ce ! ord9>y visitor nev] suspects4 ,!re1 9 a small passage beyond ! wat]1 ,mr4 ,bal* discov]$ human rema9s4 ,:il/ we pe]$ into ! gloom1 ! limelight 0 burn+ up1 & n[ x fla%$ across ! cav]n to :]e ! black sc[l+ head ( ! ,wit* ov]%ad[s t]races1 bas9s1 & wild imag]ies ( spectral /alagmite4 ,a gl[6 a gleam6 ,a broad] beam ,/>tles ^? realms ( endless night1 ,:ile bats :irl r\nd on slant+ w+1 ,a/oni%$ at ?is awful ?+4 ,! rocky ro('s reflect$ rays ,are caught up 9 ! wat]ways1 ,& e jewell$ /alactite ,is ba!d 9 t /up5d\s light1 ,"o mom5t only2 !n ! caves ,are plung$ aga9 9 ,/ygian waves2 ,! fairy dream has pass$ away ,& night resumes h] anci5t sway4 ,! ,vic> ( ,:itep>i%1 ne> ,salisbury1 wrote ^! expressive l9es aft] see+ ,wookey ,hole light$ up ) magnesium4 ,our beam ( light 0 less transitory1 & gave u ample leisure to contemplate ! glories ( ?is magnific5t *amb]4 ,its walls = ! mo/ "p are col\r$ a ri* r$1 :i* absorbs light readily & makes photography a sl[ bus9ess4 ,! fir/ exposure took half an h\r4 ,aga9/ ! w>m r$1 ! pe>ly /reaks ( /alactite & /alagmite %9e 9 exquisite relief4 ,!re is a sup]b mass ( /alactite ne> ! ,wit*2 to say tru?1 ! eye is conf\nd$ by ! wild gr\p+ ( fanta/ic piles ( drip/one ar\nd t unc\? head2 ! col\rs ( ! rocks & ! fla%+ cry/allisations are reflect$ 9 ! pellucid wat]1 & confus$ aga9 ) our glimpses ( ! riv]-b$1 smitt5 by ! mov+ %aft ( light4 ,on ! ne>] side ( ! cave1 :]e a n>r[ ar* leads into an incru/$ grotto1 a g5tle /ream has deposit$ a fairy-l s]ies ( fonts & /\ps1 end+ 9 a pure :ite %eet ( drip/one1 ov] :i* ! wat] murmurs4 ,! surface ( all ^! fabrications is diap]$ ov] ) a network ( delicate pe>ly ridges2 s t "h y see a mass1 z x 71 ( poli%$ bra9 coral1 & !re madrepores & alcyon>ia1 :]e ! deposits h cont9u$ _! gr[? "u wat]4 ,"s ( ^! effloresc5ces are l petrifi$ filam5ts ( wat] we$4 ,! f\l scurf & soot t cov]s ! ,wit*'s cook+ app>atus & o!r accessories w\ld1 d\btless1 disappe> "u a fre% deposit ( pri/9e :ite1 w\ld ! guides b cease = a twelvemon? to dr5* !m 9 b5zol9e1 = ! delectation ( su* z love conundrums 9 /one4 ,/ill1 ^! ?+s are b a small "p ( ! sc5]y1 :5 all is light$ up z we 7 able to light x4 ,our "w done1 a ,b5gal fire 0 set (f1 & ! glimpses x gave u along ! wat]way to ! inaccessible *amb] beyond add$ va/ness & my/]y to ! sc5e4 ,illu/ration3 ,,/alactite ,,t]race1 ,,wookey ,,hole4 ,photo by ,h4 ,e4 ,bal*4 ,illu/ration3 ,,great ,,riv] ,,*amb]1 ,,wookey ,,hole4 ,photo by ,dawkes ,p>tridge1 ,wells4 ,! next *amb] is a l(ti] vault1 & ! ar*+ is m decid$ly ,go?ic 9 its sugge/iv5ess4 ,two l[ ar*es at ei!r side =m ! portals1 f> above :i* a s]ies ( po9t$ ar*es spr+ to a height ( #gj feet1 _! summits conv]g+ 9 a polygonal cleft1 l ! lant]n ( "s ca!dral dome4 ,!n we make our way across ! s&banks1 betwe5 ! pools1 into ! l>ge/ *amb] ( all1 ) a ro( ( enorm\s span1 ^: bread? dw>fs its height1 ar*+ ov] ! sleep+ riv] & ! broad slopes ( s&1 :]eon grotesque ,lime/one monoli?s take ! lik5ess ( prehi/oric mon/]s sleep+ by ! wat]side4 ,?r\gh ! cle> wat] we c disc]n a subm]g$ ar* communicat+ ) m di/ant cav]ns4 ,!re is a tradition1 com+ d[n f ! m$ival hi/orians1 t unfa?omable lakes lie beh9d ! b>ri]4 ,?is is probably true 9 s f> z x po9ts to ! exi/5ce ( enorm\s res]voirs ( wat] beyond ! accessible p>ts ( ,wookey ,hole1 ! !ory be+ confirm$ by ! behavi\r ( ! silt at flood "t4 ,7 ! hat*es belong+ to ! pap]-mill op5$1 & ! wat] l[]$ a few feet1 an attempt might be made to solve ^! problems4 ,mr4 ,bal* did1 9 fact1 at a "t :5 ! wat] 0 p>tially l[]$1 make 8 way into two unexplor$ *amb]s1 f$ by tunnels subm]g$ a foot or s bel[ ! surface4 ,illu/ration3 ,,second ,,great ,,*amb]1 ,,wookey ,,hole4 ,photo by ,dawkes ,p>tridge1 ,wells4 ,illu/ration3 ,,entrance ,,( ,,?ird ,,*amb]1 ,,wookey ,,hole4 ,photo by ,dawkes ,p>tridge1 ,wells4 ,! old] & ! new] caves & passages ( ,wookey ,hole lie at five levels1 "o above ! o!r l five /oreys1 ! topmo/ ( all repres5t+ ! olde/ *annel ( ! subt]ranean ,axe1 :i* has 9 ! c\rse ( ages =sak5 fir/ "o & !n ! o!r1 bor+ fre% passages 9 ! ,conglom]ate4 ,( ^! five /oreys1 "o alone1 ! ne!rmo/1 is kn[n to ! un9itiat$ visitor4 ,portions ( ! o!r f\r _h be5 explor$ f "t to "t by ,mr4 ,bal*1 :o 9 #aijc made su* discov]ies ( unkn[n cont9uations z fill u ) hopes ( p5etrat+ deeply into ! my/]i\s region beyond4 ,climb+ into ! ,upp] ,s]ies f a spot ne> ! ?re%old ( ! ,wit*'s ,kit*51 we made our way ea/w>d ov] dry rocks1 & came spe$ily to ! junction ) ano!r passage f ne>] ! cave m\?4 ,only a ?9 leaf ( rock sep>ates ! two1 = x is *>act]i/ic ( all ^! upp] passages t !y run almo/ p>allel to ea* o!r :il/ ris+ to o!r levels4 ,altoge!r1 we d\bl$ back on our orig9al direction ?ree or f\r times1 creep+ ?r\gh holes 9 ! walls p>tition+ ! corridors1 & asc5d+ to ! top ( sev]al l(ty bridges1 =m$ by fragm5ts t h fall5 f ro( & walls & w$g$ !mselves securely4 ,! con/ruction ( ^! bridges is (t5 m>vell\s to see4 ,9 "o case a numb] ( rocks =m an irregul> ar*1 at ! top ( :i* a key/one w$ges ! :ole clu/] toge!r4 ,obvi\sly !y mu/ h fall5 & come toge!r practically at ! same in/ant4 ,?is 0 :at happ5$ h>d by ) two great b\ld]s t fell d[n ! rift & caught ea* o!r 9 mid-air4 ,ano!r impressive natural /ructure is kn[n to explor]s ( ,wookey ,hole z ! ,spur & ! ,w$ge4 ,! huge horizontal peak ( ,lime/one project+ into ! *asm br+s to m9d a fam\s passage 9 ,mr4 ,rid] ,hagg>d's ,%e4 ,?is spot 0 ! sc5e ( a droll adv5ture t befell "o ( my companions ye>s ago4 ,) sev]al o!r boys1 he w&]$ into ^! passages1 :5 sudd5ly ! "o c&le !y _h ) !m w5t out4 ,a boy _h be5 commission$ to br+ a supply ( mat*es1 b x 0 asc]ta9$ t he _h only "o left1 :i* on be+ /ruck promptly w5t out4 ,9 ?is em]g5cy1 ! lads c\ld d no?+ b sit /ill until help arriv$4 ,!y _h no food1 & 9 try+ to feel ! "t1 !y broke ! h&s ( ! only wat*4 ,!y comput$ t !y _h be5 9 durance ?ree days :5 ! rescue p>ty rea*$ ! spot1 b ! protract$ & hungry p]iod ( wait+ turn$ out to be only eight h\rs4 ,_! re/+-place 0 ! flat back ( ! p9nacle1 ) a #fj-;foot drop on "o side & jagg$ rocks on ! o!r4 ,9 two places 9 ^! gall]ies !re are f9e displays ( /alagmite on ! wall1 9 ! =m ( corrugat$ %eets1 ! ridges ( :i*1 /a9$ r$ ) f]r\s deposits1 hang /raight d[n l a s]ies ( organ pipes4 ,! walls gli/5 "h & !re ) m9ute cry/als4 ,b ! mo/ /rik+ sight is :]e ! ,dolomitic ,conglom]ate1 ( :i* ! walls are compos$1 appe>s 9 clean-cut sections4 ,"o ( ^!1 :i* has be5 successfully photograph$1 %[s ! diff]5tly col\r$ pebbles1 *iefly ,m\nta9 ,lime/one ) a few ( ,old ,r$ ,s&/one1 emb$d$ 9 ! matrix1 & surr\nd$ ) di/9ct lay]s ( cem5t1 all z brilliantly def9$ z ! conc5tric r+s ( an agate4 ,h>d by is a corn] :]e ,mr4 ,bal* discov]$ ! bones ( a man2 !y 7 m9]alis$1 b x 0 impossible to tell _! p]iod1 or ev5 :e!r !y repres5t$ an int]m5t1 or 7 m]ely ! rema9s ( "s w&]] f 8 tribe :o _h p]i%$ 9 ?is =lorn spot4 ,sleep+ bats hung f _m a coign1 & w\ld n be awak5$ ev5 :5 lift$ d[n4 ,big cave spid]s crawl$ ov] ! walls 9 ! p>ts adjo9+ ! op5 air1 :]e ! breeze f\nd its way 91 al?\gh we c\ld n see ?r\gh ! n>r[+ crevices4 ,"h & !re ! cocoons ( ! spid]s hung f ! ro( 9 :ite1 woolly balls4 ,at ! f>!/ po9t rea*$ 0 a settlem5t ( jackdaws1 ) a numb] ( untidy-look+ ne/s1 & !re we c\ld he> a ?ru% s++ 9 ! trees outside2 = we 7 close to ! ma9 cliff1 & ! riv] 0 fl[+ out b5ea? our feet1 "u a great ?ickness ( rock4 ,illu/ration3 ,,/alactite ,,grotto3 ,,new ,,*amb]s1 ,,wookey ,,hole ,,cave4 ,photo by ,h4 ,e4 ,bal*4 ,illu/ration3 ,,/alactite ,,grotto1 ,,wookey ,,hole4 ,photo by ,claude ,blee4 ,by ! natural fall+ 9 ( ! ro(1 ! fir/ great *amb] ( ,wookey has brok5 ?r\gh into ! gall]ies above1 & c]ta9 passages ( ! ,upp] ,s]ies n[ op5 high up 9 ! vault ( ! ,wit*'s ,kit*54 ,"o ( ^! op5+s has be5 kn[n = ye>s2 ano!r1 :i* we reconnoitr$ c>efully 9 ,m>* #aijc1 has n[ _h its b>ri] ( cave e>? cut ?r\gh1 ) ! result t a gr\p ( /alactite *amb]s ( wond]ful beauty has be5 disclos$1 ) untold possibilities ( fur!r advance4 ,box+ ,day #aijc 0 sp5t 9 an exploration ( ^! new *amb]s4 ,climb+ on my %\ld]s1 ,mr4 ,bal* got h&-hold 9 a *9k ( ! ,lime/one1 & pull$ himself up #aj feet4 ,"h a /alagmite peg held ! rope ladd] :il/ we clamb]$ aft]1 ent]+ a cross gall]y t gives access by ano!r %ort scramble to ! lovelie/ ( ! new grottoes4 ,:5 ! discov]y 0 made1 ,mr4 ,bal* & 8 assi/ants _h to keep wat* & w>d day & night1 until a door _h be5 fitt$ up1 & e hole & crevice securely block$2 = ! entire village 0 quickly on ! sc5e1 & irretrievable damage might h be5 committ$4 ,! grotto is irregul> 9 %ape1 & ! incru/ations are dispos$ )\t ord] or sy/em4 ,f e nook & corn] 9 ! sup]imp5d+ rocks bundles ( /alactite spe>s are ?ru/2 bosses & pill>s spr+ f ! floor1 & sometimes meet ! desc5d+ %afts4 ,( all ^! frail pill>s1 ! f9e/1 ris+ on ! v edge ( ! rift we _h asc5d$1 seems to support ! :ole pond]\s ro(1 l ! fragile column left by a dext]\s ar*itect1 to *eat ! eye1 9 "s ca!dral ve/ibule4 ,c]ta9 ( ^! hang+ %afts are %ap$ l ! b>b$ head ( a spe>1 a slant+ /alactite hav+ int]cept$ & coalesc$ ) ! dripp+ calcite f an in* or two away4 ,a creamy1 br[ni% yell[1 ) a gold5 lu/re l t ( amb]1 is ! prevail+ t9t2 b1 "h & !re1 plaques ( dazzl+ :ite %9e out aga9/ ! burn+ magnesium4 ,crawl+ 9 & out among ! /alagmite p$e/als1 griev\sly afraid ( injur+ ! diaphan\s fabric1 we em]g$ 9 a v l[ *amb] ( great area1 "r across :i* a grille ( transluc5t rods1 ea* a foot high & rang$ 9 regul> l9e1 fills ! n>r[ space betwe5 ro( & floor4 ,?is extraord9>y & /rangely beautiful rail+ is "s #cj feet long1 & only 9 "o spot is x possible1 by d9t ( c>eful wriggl+1 to pass betwe5 ! rods into ! f>!r p>ts ( ! *amb]4 ,mr4 ,bal* entreat$ me n to attempt ?is4 ,:5 he tri$ x1 a =tnight ago1 he _h inde$ got ?r\gh to ! s]ies ( caves beyond1 b1 9 return+1 a projection _h caught him at ! l[e/ spot1 :]e ! *amb] is only n9e in*es high1 & he _h /ruggl$ h>d = tw5ty m9utes be=e he c\ld move an in*4 ,two ( u1 not)/&+ ?is advice1 v5tur$ ?r\gh4 ,aft] dra9+ (f a pool ( wat] t 0 held back by a ?9 rim ( drip/one1 we trav]s$ ! l[ *amb] & a %ort tunnel beyond1 climb$ a v]tical cleft1 & ent]$ ano!r l[ *amb] ( imm5se l5g? & bread?1 ^: v>i\s ext5sions we explor$ until ! accumulat$ deposits ( b\ld]s & cave e>? /opp$ our advance = ! "t be+4 ,9 return+ ?r\gh ! tunnel & ! l[ *amb] ) ! grille1 we tri$ successfully to dive "u ! ar*way & wriggle into ! op5+ head =emo/1 9 spite ( two oppos+ /umps ( /alagmite4 ,by ^! tactics we escap$ ! wor/ ( ! squeeze4 ,illu/ration3 ,,/alactite ,,pill>s1 ,,wookey ,,hole4 ,photo by ,claude ,blee4 ,illu/ration3 ,,new ,,/alactite ,,grotto1 ,,wookey ,,hole4 ,photo by ,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,:il/ engag$ 9 ?is excursion1 we _h he>d ! s\nd ( hamm]+ some:]e away 9 ! he>t ( ! rock4 ,x 0 our ?ree fri5ds attempt+ to break into a promis+ gall]y1 :i* ought to cross ! ve/ibule ( ! ma9 cav]n & connect ! two gr\ps ( upp] caves4 ,we 7 n long 9 jo9+ !m2 & n[ ) pick1 hamm]1 & cr[b> we attack$ ! b>ri] 9 =ce4 ,! *ief ob/acle 0 a great flat rock /&+ on end across ! unexplor$ op5+1 & propp$ up by a heap ( b\ld]s1 :i* we gradually sma%$ up or remov$ to "o side4 ,/ill ! big fell[ w\ld n budge1 & we _h to sap 8 f\ndations by degrees4 ,yet ?is huge rock 0 b a fragm5t t _h fall5 f ! edge ( a va/ & ?reat5+ leaf ( rock1 :i* n[ hung ov] our heads l a mon/r\s guillot9e4 ,! upp] caves are wat]less1 & x soon became desirable to s5d "o ( our numb] to fet* u a dr9k4 ,pres5tly we he>d a pla9tive cry f ! di/ance3 8 c&le _h gone out1 & he _h =gott5 ! mat*es4 ,go+ to ! rescue1 ,i f\nd him grop+ ab\t on a %elf ( rock1 #cj feet f ! floor1 h>d by ! ,spur & ,w$ge2 he _h lo/ 8 be>+s altoge!r4 ,on 8 return1 we made ano!r onslaught ^u our rocky adv]s>y1 ! five ( u sitt+ on 8 %\ld] & pu%+ aga9/ ! wall1 :il/ our lead] wax$ grimly faceti\s z to :at w\ld happ5 to u if ! %ock br\ght d[n ! guillot9e4 ,sl[ly & pa9fully we tilt$ ! mass ( rock ov]1 b only a few in*es1 leav+ j room en\gh = a ?9 man to crawl beh9d4 ,squirm+ eag]ly into ! op5+1 ,i look$ "u1 & 0 disappo9t$ to see t1 if wide1 x 0 /ill heap$ "r to ! cr[n ( ! ar* by ! rubbi% flung !re long ago by ! riv]4 ,nev]!less1 ,mr4 ,bal* 0 n dissatisfi$4 ,?\gh p>ts ( ^! anci5t wat]ways are *ok$ ) dbris1 x is unlikely1 nay impossible1 t ! ma9 *annels %\ld n rema9 op54 ,our day's "w _h tak5 u on ano!r /age 9 our sl[ j\rney4 ,! lab\r ( remov+ ! new ob/acle w be consid]able1 b ! result is sure4 ,9 #aijd we _h ! pleasure ( escort+ t vet]an speleologi/1 ,monsieur ,e4 ,a4 ,m>tel1 ?r\gh ! old & ! new caves at ,wookey ,hole4 ,ab\t ! same "t ef=ts 7 made anew to =ce a way into unexplor$ t]ritory1 ) n un9t]e/+ results4 ,_m h\rs 7 sp5t "o day by ?ree ( u 9 a hole t we _h discov]$ j )9 ! doorway ( ! cav]n1 a ?+ t _h mo/ unacc\ntably escap$ obs]vation hi!rto1 ?\gh "r "u our noses4 ,! op5+ po9t$ 9 ! direction ( ! l[] cave m\?1 :]e ! ,axe comes out2 b x c]ta9ly did n look v promis+4 ,crawl+ 91 we f\nd ourselves 9 a /eeply desc5d+ passage1 almo/ completely *ok$ by /ones & cave e>?4 ,b at ! end ( ! fir/ portion x 0 notic$ t ! floor dropp$ sudd5ly1 indicat+ a *amb] or gall]y bel[4 ,an aft]noon 0 sp5t 9 ! labori\s task ( %ift+ rocks1 small /ones1 & e>?1 & pass+ up ! fragm5ts1 great & small1 f h& to h&1 until !y c\ld be plac$ 9 safe positions ne> ! m\? ( ! hole4 ,ev5tually1 an anci5t *annel ?r\gh ! solid rock 0 disclos$1 & at ! end ( #fj feet or s a broad l[ *amb] appe>$1 floor$ ) rocks & e>?1 & ro($ 9 ) solid rock at a height ( #ab or #ad in*es4 ,pu%+ on1 ! lead] spe$ily f\nd he 0 jamm$ betwe5 floor & ceil+1 & c\ld g no f>!r )\t m eng9e]+2 b an eld] w& 0 procur$1 a c&le ti$ to ! end ( x1 & ?is r\gh-&-ready tor* be+ pu%$ =w>d1 x 0 possible to see "s #ce feet ahead into ! l[ *amb]1 9 ! dep?s ( :i* a r[ ( spiky /alactites /ret*$ across l an alaba/] grat+4 ,to explore ?is *amb] ?or\ghly1 x w be necess>y to holl[ out a passage 9 ! s(t floor4 ,9 all likelihood1 x crosses ! pres5t riv]-c\rse at a level only a few feet high]4 ,quantities ( pott]y1 bones1 tee?1 & fragm5ts ( *>coal 7 f\nd 9 digg+ out ! ob/acles4 ,x seems mo/ probable t ! hole 0 /opp$ up by human ag5cy 9 prehi/oric ages2 p]haps x 0 a place ( sepulture4 ,! ob/acles 7 c>efully w$g$ toge!r1 & _! removal caus$ mu* difficulty4 ,x is n pleasant to lie on "o's back 9 a hole1 ^: ro( is only a few in*es above "o's face1 & h a block ( ,lime/one roll$ f end to end ( "o's frame1 )\t all[ance = projections 9 ei!r4 ,9 all sev]al tons ( mat]ial 7 %ift$ & c>ri$ out ( ! way4 ,mu* ( ! pott]y _h designs ( a primitive "* work$ on ! surface2 ! m elaborate 0 ,romano-,briti%4 ,consid]able sections ( amphor & o!r vessels h s9ce be5 piec$ toge!r4 ,illu/ration3 ,,! ,,grille3 ,,new ,,*amb]s1 ,,wookey ,,hole4 ,photo by ,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,illu/ration3 ,,! ,,s\rce ,,( ,,! ,,axe1 ,,wookey ,,hole4 ,photo by ,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,next day ,i made a curi\s f9d at a po9t f>!r 94 ,:]e ! pa? f ! entrance rises ov] a big accumulation ( rocks1 j be=e x rea*es ! fir/ great *amb]1 a hole 9 ! floor _h be5 notic$4 ,x _h n be5 explor$1 b 0 wait+ = someone capable ( /&+ an exceptionally h>d squeeze4 ,! dep? be+ unc]ta91 ,i _h a rope ti$ on1 & aft] a brief /ruggle manag$ to get ?r\gh ! fir/ hole1 into a crook$ passage ( no great l5g?1 :i* br\ght me d[n to a small bell *amb]4 ,?is _h simply be5 produc$ by ! pil+ up ( huge quantities ( rocks & /ones on ! floor ( ! orig9al cav]n1 ! :ole /ructure hav+ s9ce become ?or\ghly cem5t$ & solidifi$ by ! gr[? ( /alagmite4 ,!re 7 _m tee? ly+ ab\t1 b ! mo/ int]e/+ object 0 a wood5 b[l1 slightly flatt5$ out1 & resembl+ ! top ( a man's skull 9 %ape & size4 ,x felt s(t1 l a piece ( cork1 b 0 p]fectly s\nd4 ,:at its age w\ld be "o c\ld n tell )9 a c5tury or two4 ,x is n[ 9 ! possession ( ,mr4 ,tr\p ( ,wells4 ,e4 ,a4 ,b4 ,,/r5u\s ,,days ,,9 ,,! ,,ea/wat] ,,swallet ,f two to ?ree miles nor? ( ,wookey ,hole1 on ! top ( ! ,m5dip tablel&1 is a broad1 %all[ valley1 surr\nd$ on e side by high] gr\nd4 ,x is a grey1 desolate tract1 ) few trees dott$ ov] its surface1 b a ?ick belt ( wood on ! s\?1 ! d>k gre5 ( :i* 9 summ]1 & ! black /ems 9 w9t]1 make ! grey l&scape seem ! m arid1 gaunt1 & desolate4 ,! ru9$ eng9e h\se ( a des]t$ lead m9e does n add to ! attractiv5ess ( ! sc5]y4 ,b t is soon lo/ to sight 9 ! va/ness ( ! roll+ tablel&1 :i* swells up 9 ! di/ance to #ajjj feet above ! sea on ,p5 ,hill to ! ea/1 & aga9 to ! same height at ,priddy ,n9e ,b>r[s on ,nor? ,hill1 ! g5]al br[n t9ts ( ! hea!r & brack5 %[+ t ! ,old ,r$ ,s&/one comes to ! surface on ^! & ! o!r sali5ces ( ! plateau4 ,)9 ?is %all[ bas9 ! rock is ,lime/one1 & ! causes ( ! exi/5ce ( a valley )\t any visible outlet = its dra9age are at once manife/4 ,9 _m places ! surface ( ! gr\nd is scor$ & pitt$ by innum]able depressions ( div]se %apes & sizes2 r\ndi% bas9s1 /eep funnels1 craggy tr\ghs ) /reams runn+ 9 & disappe>+1 & m]e dimples1 grass-l9$ & p]fectly dry4 ,?r\gh ^! swallets1 or swall[ holes1 ! :ole ( ! dra9age f9ds a v5t1 & all ! mat]ial excavat$ by ! =ces ( nature 9 ! process ( holl[+ out ?is valley1 has be5 c>ri$ (f 9 ! same way4 ,! "w is /ill go+ on4 ,at ,ea/wat] a little /ream1 fl[+ d[n a long rav9e1 sudd5ly comes aga9/ a ,lime/one cliff1 & beg9s to burr[4 ,less ?an a mile away1 ano!r /ream1 big en\gh to be call$ a brook1 p\rs into a cleft 9 ! gr\nd & is se5 no m4 ,?is second swall[ is kn[n z ,swildon's ,hole1 ,swildon be+ a corruption ( ,s)94 ,ye>s ago1 9 ! c\rse ( a lawsuit1 x 0 prov$ t ! wat]s ab\t ! village ( ,priddy1 :i* /&s on ! edge ( ?is upl& valley1 f9d _! way into ! ,axe1 unit+ _! /reams some:]e 9 ! he>t ( ! hill betwe5 ?is po9t & ,wookey ,hole4 ,:5 !re 7 /orms on ! hilltop1 or ! upl& wat]s 7 f\l$ artificially1 ! ,axe came out turbid4 ,t ! area dra9$ by ! und]gr\nd ,axe is a l>ge "o is prov$ by ! size ( ! riv]1 :i* mu/ be =m$ by ! junction ( a good _m /reams ( ! volume ( ,ea/wat] & ! ,swildon brook4 ,probably t area ext5ds z f> ea/ z ,hillgrove1 :]e a s]ies ( swallets 9 a woodl& rav9e are n[ be+ enl>g$ by ,mr4 ,bal*1 ) a view to an exploration ( ! und]ly+ cav]ns4 ,9 #aija ,mr4 ,bal*'s p>ty made a desc5t into ,swildon's ,hole1 & got to a dep? ( #cjj feet bel[ ! po9t ( absorption1 :i* is at ! same level z ! ,ea/wat] ,swallet & t at ,hillgrove--t is1 #ghj feet above ! sea4 ,difficulties hav+ be5 put 9 ! way ( a m complete exploration by ! own] ( ! field 9 :i* ! swallet is situat$1 he turn$ 8 att5tion to ! neighb\r+ /ream ( ,ea/wat]1 :i*1 un=tunately1 runs away ?r\gh holes imp5etrable to man1 & !re=e _h n promis$ s easy a r\te into ! unkn[n4 ,undet]r$ by ! obvi\s difficulties1 ,mr4 ,bal* set to "w e>ly 9 #aijb1 &1 z he describes1 made 8 way at la/ into ! op5 passages und]nea? ! swallet4 ,9 ! c\rse ( two or ?ree visits he rea*$ a po9t ne>ly #ejj feet bel[ ! cave m\?1 & di/ant ab\t #bjjj feet 9 horizontal measurem5t4 ,illu/ration3 ,,entrance ,,to ,,great ,,cav]n ,,( ,,ea/wat]4 ,photo by ,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,illu/ration3 ,,section ,,( ,,ea/wat] ,,cav]n4 ,he invit$ a l>ge p>ty to desc5d ) him on ,m>* #ah?1 #aijc1 = a m elaborate exploration4 ,besides ! lead]1 ,mr4 ,bal*1 exp]i5c$ cave explor]s came f ,ox=d1 ,d]by1 ,holmfir?1 ,gla/onbury1 & ,wells4 ,driv+ up f ,wells e>ly 9 ! morn+1 we donn$ our ov]alls at ! m\? ( ! swallet4 ,ev]y?+ 0 9 read9ess = ! adv5ture1 & at elev5 o'clock or !reab\ts ! fir/ man desc5d$ ! artificial hole1 #bj feet deep1 into ! enorm\s accumulation ( loose rocks t ext5ds = m ?an #ajj feet into ! head ( ! cav]n4 ,! blocks =m+ ! sides ( ?is %aft1 & _m ( ^? beyond its foot1 _h be5 c>efully und]p9n$ ) timb]4 ,ev]y?+ bore witness to ! lab\r & p]sev]ance sp5t 9 eng9e]+ an entrance4 ,! baggage hav+ be5 let d[n by a rope1 we pu%$ on ?r\gh ! confusion ( rocks by a maze ( passages resembl+ ! intricacies ( ! well-kn[n ,goat*ur* ,cav]n1 at ,burr+ton1 al?\gh ! rocks1 in/ead ( be+ huge rectangul> masses1 7 %att]$ into ! mo/ irregul> =ms & sizes1 leav+ holes betwe5 sc>ce big en\gh = a human body to squeeze ?r\gh4 ,! fir/ explor]s 7 two h\rs 9 f9d+ a way ?r\gh ?is bewild]+ labyr9?4 ,"s ( our m5 w5t head =emo/1 o!rs crawl$ on _! backs ) feet 9 front4 ,! rocks 7 wat]-worn & jagg$1 & (t5 s rott5 ) ! action ( wat] lad5 ) c>bonic acid1 t a f+] c\ld be ?ru/ 9 up to ! hilt1 z into clay4 ,we =m$ ourselves into a *a9 to h& on ! luggage2 ?is 0 a try+ bus9ess1 = we 7 tak+ d[n m ?an #ejj feet ( rope1 besides a pick1 a %ovel1 a bucket1 v>i\s /eel pulleys1 an ample /ock ( c&les1 & provisions = ?ree meals1 to hum\r :i* ?r\gh ^! unaccommodat+ passages 0 worse ?an coax+ "o's own body along4 ,bo? horizontal & v]tical op5+s occurr$ "h & !re1 & _h to be avoid$ c>efully1 "o ( ! mo/ important ( ^! be+ a flood-way =m$ by ! /ream ent]+ ! swallet4 ,x 0 curi\s to f9d a )y /ick mak+ desp]ate ef=ts to put =? leaves 9 ! d>kness1 & succe$+ 9 produc+ a long :ite spr\t4 ,sudd5ly ! noise ( fall+ wat] 0 he>d1 & ! lead+ m5 call$ = ! rope ladd]4 ,! masses ( loose rock end abruptly4 ,to ! "r a /eep tunnel1 call$ ! #chj-;foot way1 c>ries a small /ream d[n2 to ! left is a l>ge1 irregul> *amb]2 & beyond x1 ! ma9 passages ( ! cav]n4 ,! ladd] be+ secur$1 ea* man resign$ himself to ! inevitable dr5*+1 & desc5d$ into ! rugg$ cave at ! head ( ! #chj-;foot way4 ,a cam]a 0 got d[n s f>1 b mo/ ( ! app>atus 0 left at ! p>t+ ( ! ways4 ,our road 0 n[ decid$ly easi]4 ,! wat]-*annel 0 rugg$1 b ! ro( rose fairly high1 & !re 7 few b\ld]s4 ,a l>ge tunnel1 cut 9 ! solid rock1 br\ght d[n a tribut>y /ream on ! "r2 on ! o!r side1 a horizontal tunnel 0 m>k$ d[n = fur!r inve/igation4 ,! real t]m9ation ( ! #chj-;foot way has n be5 discov]$4 ,at pres5t !re is no pass+ beyond a *oke ( /ones & gravel t fills x ne>ly to ! ro(2 b ,mr4 ,bal* proposes to remove ?is4 ,we return$ to ! horizontal tunnel4 ,x l$ into an ext5sive slop+ *amb] ^: %ape is peculi>ly *>act]i/ic ( ?is cav]n4 ,ro( & floor1 r\ghly p>allel1 are incl9$ at an angle ( fifty degrees4 ,= a long di/ance !re 0 space to creep along "u ! ro(1 !n ! space grew less1 & at l5g? ! lead+ m5 %\t$ t !y c\ld get no f>!r4 ,be+ r slight] 9 build ?an ^? :o 7 9 front1 ,i made an ef=t to pass !m1 & succe$$ by clamb]+ along at a high] level4 ,a hole betwe5 "s *oke-/ones & a /alactite gave me admittance to a cont9uation ( ?is extraord9>y *amb]4 ,!n1 dropp+ into a dry wat]-*annel1 ,i wriggl$ d[nw>d & d[nw>d1 foll[+ ! noise ( "s dislodg$ /ones t rattl$ away to a consid]able dep?4 ,at la/ ,i f\nd x impossible to get any f>!r1 ?\gh two m feet w\ld h l$ me into a sudd5 wid5+ t look$ r promis+4 ,! next man beh9d 0 unable to get )9 #ej feet ( ?is po9t4 ,illu/ration3 ,,! ,,desc5t ,,( ,,ea/wat] ,,cav]n1 ,,! ,,second ,,v]tical ,,drop4 ,f ,sket* by ,h4 ,e4 ,bal*4 ,illu/ration3 ,,! ,,great ,,canyon1 ,,ea/wat] ,,cav]n4 ,f ,sket* by ,h4 ,e4 ,bal*4 ,aft] an exce$+ly pa9ful j\rney back to ! m\? ( ! tunnel1 we sat d[n to lun*1 be=e re-asc5d+ ! rope ladd]1 & c>ry+ our baggage ?r\gh a s]ies ( awkw>d holes & pits1 all delug$ ) wat]1 into ! big *amb] at ! head ( ! ma9 passages4 ,9 ?is *amb]1 ^: walls1 floor1 & ro( are =m$ ( gigantic blocks seem+ly on ! po9t ( collaps+1 is an op5+ 9 ! ro(1 ?r\gh :i* a /ream comes tumbl+ 94 ,at ! f>!/ corn] !refrom a l>ge op5+ leads to ! bottom ( a *imney or av54 ,great quantities ( clay on walls & ro( %[ t ?is cav]n has frequ5tly be5 fill$ ) wat] ?r\gh ! *ok+ up ( ! l[] exit4 ,! /ream runs away into ! rocky floor at ! l[] end ( ! cave1 & a few feet above x is a flood-way1 a %ort1 l[ tunnel1 ?r\gh :i* we crawl$4 ,!n beg9s "o ( ! mo/ int]e/+ portions ( ! cav]n4 ,9 "o ( ^? broad1 l[-ro($ fissures1 incl9$ at ! same angle ( fifty degrees z ! g5]al dip ( ! /rata1 & =m$1 9 fact1 by ! wid5+ ( a b$d+-plane 9 ! ,lime/one /rata1 a deep1 w9d+ *annel has be5 cut by ! /ream we h j pass$4 ,x has be5 call$1 f its lik5ess1 ! ,canyon4 ,= a consid]able di/ance our pa? lies d[n ! ,canyon1 & ) our heavy burd5s we f9d ! passage f> f easy4 ,z f> z possible1 we keep ne> ! top ( ! rav9e1 /raddl+ across4 ,sometimes1 h[ev]1 !re is no help = x b to drop "r to ! bottom4 ,be=e we rea* its t]m9ation1 we h to climb out on ! smoo?1 slop+ floor ( ! ma9 fissure1 & wriggle =w>ds ly+ on our sides or on our backs4 ,foot-hold & h&-hold be+ s+ul>ly sc>ce h]eab\ts1 we %all f9d ?is "o ( ! mo/ tr\blesome places 9 return+4 ,on ! "r1 we h a glimpse ?r\gh a hole "h & !re ( ano!r great l[-ro($ fissure slop+ at ! same angle2 !n !re are cross roads1 ) a tunnel on ! left admitt+ to a /alactite *amb]1 & a passage on ! "r lead+ to ! l[] end ( ! ,canyon4 ,we n[ rea*$ ! mo/ con/rict$ portion ( ! ma9 *annel4 ,x is a l[1 r\ndi% tunnel1 ) an ,s curve at ! di/ant end4 ,a good deal ( our locomotion might be lik5$ to crawl+ ?r\gh dra9-pipes2 we 7 n[ com+ to a sort ( trap4 ,! ,s b5d has to be tak5 ) ! body ly+ on its "r side4 ,once 9 x1 ! explor] _c turn r\nd1 s9ce ! diamet] e way only j admits a human body1 & ! ?ree curves are close toge!r4 ,my c&le w5t out half-way ?r\gh1 & to unjam my arm & get x d[n = ! wat]pro( mat*es 0 a difficult & protract$ op]ation4 ,mov+ ! luggage ?r\gh 0 a v sev]e task1 ! wid? ( ! hole at "o spot be+ only n9e & a half in*es4 ,we issu$ into a good-siz$ passage4 ,imm$iately on ! left a twi/+ fissure w5t d[n to ! head ( ! fir/ p]p5dicul> drop2 b1 leav+ ?is = a :ile1 we sp5t ne>ly an h\r explor+ ! l(ty *amb] /raight ahead ( u4 ,x rises to an unkn[n height 9 a v]tical fissure1 n>r[+ gradually4 ,at ! bottom is a deep cutt+1 :i* "s ( u pass$ by back & knee "w1 at a height above ! floor4 ,on ! left1 t is ! ea/]n1 wall are op5+s into a p>allel tunnel ) good /alactites4 ,at ! f> end bo? ?is tunnel & ! passage itself are block$ ) clay & gravel4#c ,on our second visit1 a day or two lat]1 ,i explor$ a tunnel 9 ! o!r wall #aj feet f ! floor4 ,x l$ into ano!r ( ! va/ slop+ fissures already describ$1 :i* ,i 0 too mu* exhau/$ to explore v f>4 ,^! fissures1 all incl9$ at ! same angle1 & ei!r p>allel or else ly+ 9 "o plane1 are mo/ impressive features ( ! ,ea/wat] ,cav]n2 _! ext5t is evid5tly enorm\s1 & x seems z if only a few frail pill>s ( jamm$ /ones s]v$ to prev5t ! great mass ( ! hill f settl+ d[n & cru%+ ro( & floor toge!r4 ,on a m m9ute survey x may turn out t ^! are all portions ( "o huge fissure1 m]ely p>tition$ (f by diff]5t *okes4 #c ,rec5tly1 ,octob] #aijf1 ,mr4 ,bal* dug ?r\gh an ob/ruction "h & ent]$ a va/ fissure *amb]1 :i* he climb$ to a height ( #aej feet3 x has a rem>kable %aft z its outlet4 ,x 0 f\r 9 ! aft]noon :5 we ent]$ ! twi/+ fissure lead+ to ! fir/ v]tical desc5t1 & two ( ! p>ty _h n[ to return4 ,?r\gh an ov]sight 9 n br++ a %ort rope = h>ness+ ! pulley1 ne>ly two h\rs 7 sp5t 9 rigg+ up ! tackle1 ! situation be+ awkw>d = lett+ m5 d[n safely4 ,we 7 ensconc$ 9 a little *amb]1 ! b\ld] floor ( :i* op5$ into ! top ( a n>r[ rift wid5+ d[nw>ds1 :]e1 ab\t #fj feet b5ea?1 ! walls funnell$ into a yawn+ pit #fj feet deep4 ,?is pit _h be5 explor$ previ\sly1 & 0 f\nd to be *ok$ at ! bottom2 x =m$ a safe & c]ta9 receptacle = any?+ lo/ or dislodg$ by p]sons desc5d+ ! cliff above x4 ,! configuration ( our hole 0 su* t only "o man at a "t c\ld get a /eady pull on ! life-l9e1 :i* ran ov] a pulley4 ,a manilla rope 0 !re=e let d[n f ! same belay+-p91 = a man to climb up & d[n by1 s f> z he 0 able1 ! life-l9e be+ us$ m]ely z a safegu>d4 ,"o by "o ! explor]s dropp$ ov] into ! abyss4 ,! la/ ?ree or f\r _h ! be/ ( x1 s9ce1 ) a haul+ p>ty bel[1 full use c\ld be made ( ! pulley4 ,we 7 n[ draw+ nigh to ! f9al tug ( w>4 ,a qu>t] ( an h\r ( indescribable wriggl+ br\ght u to a n>r[ & l(ty rift1 into :i* z _m ( ! p>ty z x w\ld accommodate w$g$ !mselves1 "r ov] ! second v]tical drop4 ,mu* ! same tactics 7 resort$ to "h1 save t1 in/ead ( a fix$ pulley1 ea* man 9 turn _h a l>ge /eel pulley belt$ to him1 ?r\gh :i* ran #bjj feet ( rope1 "o end fix$ to a w$g$ b\ld] b5ea? u1 ! o!r end 9 ! h&s ( ! haul+ p>ty4 ,a #ij-;foot manilla 01 z be=e1 all[$ to hang free1 z a guide-rope1 ov] ! crags1 & enabl$ ea* man to d some?+ = himself & assi/ ^? above4 ,only f\r m5 essay$ ?is la/ desc5t4 ,! gigantic cavity into :i* we n[ dropp$ is "o ( ! mo/ savage & impressive ?+s x has ev] be5 my lot to see4 ,at ! top1 ov] ! heads ( ! haul+ p>ty1 x runs up into ! rocky mass ( ! hill z a v]tical *imney1 "u ! m\? ( :i* lay :at appe>$ to be a deep black pit4 ,we alight$1 "o by "o1 on a slop+ %elf t trav]s$ ! side ( ! cavity at a consid]able height4 ,creep+ along ?is l$ge1 we saw at ! end ( x a huge cav]n\s op5+ desc5d+ into d>kness1 ) a mighty rock w$g$ across x l a bridge4 ,! black1 gaunt walls on ea* side ( u 7 craggy & rift$2 _! surfaces gli/5$ ) /ream+ wat]4 ,our l$ge end+ abruptly1 we dropp$1 h& ov] h&1 on ! rope1 to ! edge ( a l>ge po?ole1 into :i* a /ream 0 ru%+4 ,at ?is po9t a tunnel goes (f to ! left1 &1 z x _h n be5 explor$1 ,i 0 ask$ by ,mr4 ,bal* to proce$ d[n x4 ,two ( u crept & clamb]$ & slid d[n a v dirty wat]c\rse1 till1 at a di/ance ( p]haps #ej y>ds1 we f\nd ourselves atop ( a high clay bank1 closely ov]hung by rocks1 ) a /ream rumbl+ along to ! s\?-s\?-we/4 ,i got )9 #aj feet ( ! wat]1 b )\t a rope to get u up aga9 we w\ld n v5ture f>!r4 ,we _h n[ be5 9 ! cave n9e & a half h\rs1 & 7 too mu* fatigu$ to und]take new "w4 ,x 0 asc]ta9$1 beyond reasonable d\bt1 t a f9e s]ies ( po?oles t exi/ 9 ! cont9uation ( ! great cavity mu/ dra9 into ! /ream j discov]$4 ,beyond ^? po?oles1 to pass :i* involves mu* h>d "w1 is ano!r cavity1 & beyond t :at8--at pres5t no "o c tell4 ,all we "k is1 t ! wat] f9ds its way ultimately into ! va/ res]voirs inside ,wookey ,hole2 b :e!r !re are o!r va/ cavities1 or m]ely n>r[ crevices & impassable clefts betwe51 is a "q t w require lab\rs almo/ ,h]culean to solve4 ,9 scrambl+ back along ! l$ge 9 ! big cavity ,i gave ! f9al %ove to a dang]\s loose rock weigh+ some?+ l six hundr$weight4 ,x fell into ! rav9e b5ea?1 & hurtl$ onw>ds t[>d ! *a9 ( po?oles1 mak+ ! :ole grim place r+ ) a cra% ( e*oes4 ,x took u two h\rs & a half to return to ! cave m\?1 al?\gh we 7 un5cumb]$ ) app>atus1 = we _h left ! ropes & pulleys 9 place = ano!r desc5t4 ,gett+ sev5 m5 up ! high] ( ! two v]tical pit*es 0 a t\gh und]tak+ at ! end ( an ardu\s day1 & :5 we return$ ?r\gh ! fam\s ,s tunnel m ?an "o explor] seem$ dispos$ to snat* a sleep on its procru/ean b$4 ,we _h be5 twelve h\rs und]gr\nd :5 we revisit$ ! glimpses ( ! moon4 ,x _h be5 propos$ to cont9ue ! exploration next day1 b no "o 0 fit = su* a repetition ( exhau/+ lab\rs4 ,! day foll[+1 a p>ty ( ?ree 0 mu/]$ to recov] ! app>atus t _h be5 left 9 ! dep?s4 ,two ( u rea*$ ! head ( ! ne!rmo/ pit*1 & aft] h\rs ( sev]e "w got ev]y?+ up to ! m\? ( ! swallet4 ,once m we drove back ov] ,m5dip 9 ! d>k4 ,all ar\nd u on ! desolate plateau 0 imp5etrable gloom1 b 9 ! nor!rn sky1 & x seem$ b a few miles away1 ! lights ( ,ba? & ,bri/ol fl>$ across ! heav5s l two imm5se conflagrations4 ,nev] does "o feel ! sublimity ( ! op51 w9dy e>?1 ! />ry sky1 & ! free s5se ( space1 s pr(\ndly z aft] /riv+ = a long day to break ?r\gh ! b>ri]s t %ut u out f ! regions ( my/]y "u ! hills4 ,e4 ,a4 ,b4 ,,swildon',s ,,hole ,an insignificant crevice1 a hole sc>cely wide en\gh to tempt a dog or fox1 alone gives admittance to :at is p]haps ! wilde/ & mo/ magnific5t cav]n 9 ,brita94 ,swildon's ,hole1 x has already be5 /at$1 lies at ! same level1 #ghj feet above ! sea1 z ! ,ea/wat] ,swallet & t ( ,hill ,grove4 ,x lies 9 a sep>ate tr\gh1 )9 ! same bas9 z ! ,ea/wat] /ream1 ) ^: wat]s x unites some:]e 9 ! b[els ( ! rocky hills1 to fl[ out ( ,wookey ,hole z ! riv] ,axe1 ( :i* x may be consid]$ z ! pr9cipal fe$]4 ,a few ye>s ago ! actual swallet 0 visible1 ! brooklet runn+ away into holes "u a bank ( e>? & rock cr[n$ ) foliage4 ,m rec5tly1 9 ord] to make a small fi% pond1 ! l&[n] has made a dam above ! swallet1 :i* is entirely conceal$ by ?is means1 an entrance rema9+1 h[ev]1 into ! maze ( cavities & wat]ways ?r\gh a n>r[ crevice at ! side4 ,mr4 ,bal* 0 ! fir/ p]son to recognise ! importance ( ,swildon's ,hole z a *ief fe$] ( ! ,axe1 & 9 #aija he made prep>ations to explore x4 ,b ?r\gh "s delay1 ?ree memb]s ( 8 p>ty 7 ! fir/ to ent] ! cave1 )\t him--namely1 ,messrs4 ,tr\p & ,h4 & ,f4 ,hiley4 ,a %ort :ile aft]1 ,mr4 ,bal* 0 able to c>ry out a m ext5d$ exploration4 ,!n = "s "t no "o ent]$ ! swallet1 :i* gradually became *ok$ ) /ones & litt] br\ght d[n by ! /ream4 ,v few _h ev] he>d ( ! cave1 & h>dly anyone realis$ t "o ( ! mo/ beautiful pieces ( und]gr\nd sc5]y 9 ,brita9 0 ly+ !re unse51 & "o ( ! mo/ important ( hydrological problems rema9+ q unsolv$4 ,! next visit took place ab\t ,*ri/mas #aijd4 ,mr4 ,tr\p1 :o _h be5 "o ( ! fir/ 9 ! cave1 took ! lead ( our p>ty4 ,my o!r companions 7 ,messrs4 ,bam=? & ,e4 ,e4 ,b>nes1 b we expect$ to be jo9$ "s h\rs lat] by ,mr4 ,bal* & ,mr4 ,slat]4 ,:5 ! fir/ explor]s ent]$ ?is cav]n "s little :ile ago1 !y met ) s]i\s difficulties ow+ to ! pres5ce ( anci5t *okes or dams t held back pools ( wat]1 b !y 7 assi/$ by ! dryness ( ! wea!r4 ,we1 on ! contr>y1 made our desc5t aft] a p]iod ( heavy ra9s1 & ! volume ( wat] t accompani$ u d[n 0 tw5tyfold z great4 ,we _h "o advantage1 h[ev]3 ! orig9al discov]]s 7 ) u to po9t ! way4 ,) luggage r$uc$ to a m9imum1 two ropes1 pl5ty ( illum9ants1 food1 & two cam]as1 we pass$ ?r\gh ! un9vit+ entrance1 & attack$ me?odically a close-pack$ mass ( dbris t _h be5 wa%$ into a n>r[ gut s9ce ! =m] visit4 ,:il/ we lay at "w1 ! s\nd ( fall+ wat] 9 ! dep?s bel[ broke on our e>s1 a musical b om9\s salutation4 ,! ob/acle wa/$ two h\rs ( valuable "t4 ,wriggl+ ?r\gh at la/1 feet =emo/1 our legs came out ov] ! rift1 a n>r[ *asm "s #bj feet deep1 ) ! head /ream ( ! cav]n tumbl+ 9 ov] a *oke-/one at "o end4 ,our goods 7 let d[n c>efully into ! h&s ( ! fir/ man1 :o lodg$ !m 9 a %elt]$ spot :il/ we scrambl$ ha/ily d[n ?r\gh %[]s ( spray4 ,n[ began a pa9ful advance into ! dep?s4 ,along ! tilt$ b$d+ planes1 d[n ! p]p5dicul> jo9ts ( ! ,lime/one1 wid5$ by ! wat] into broad1 l[ *amb]s & deep %afts & canyons1 we =g$ ahead1 hugg+ ! /ream1 :i* grew l>g] & angri] z tribut>ies came swi%+ 9 f walls & ro(4 ,at "o po9t ! wat] swept horizontally along a /raight canal1 b 0 /opp$ at ! end by a rec5t *oke1 & n[ tumbl$ ?r\gh a hole 9 ! wall into a huge po?ole4 ,?r\gh ?is lay our road4 ,illu/ration3 ,,entrance ,,( ,,swildon',s ,,hole4 ,photo by ,m4 ,m>tel4 ,illu/ration3 ,,wat]fall1 ,,swildon',s ,,hole4 ,photo by ,h4 ,e4 ,bal*4 ,! wat] p\r$ d[n a /aircase ( simil> bas9s1 :]e to keep cle> ( ! /ream 0 impossible4 ,s f> we _h kept tol]ably dry1 b z we clung to ?is wat]y ladd] ,i prick$ up my e>s at ! rem>k1 ,w y h y\r back or y\r /oma* 9 x8 ,cr\*+ on all f\rs1 ) back press$ aga9/ ! l[ ro(1 & look+ betwe5 my legs1 ,i wat*$ ! p]=mances ( my comrades1 z ea* 9 turn w5t ?r\gh ! f9al ar*way4 ,n "o escap$ a sev]e wett+4 ,b ,i 0 go+ to be m wily--at lea/1 ,i ?\ght s4 ,) h&s & knees 9 ! ru%+ /ream1 ,i squirm$ ha/ily b cauti\sly ?r\gh4 ,i seem$ to be gett+ on fam\sly1 & gave a spurt4 ,t mom5t ! rocks end$2 !y 7 und]cut4 ,i f\nd myself slid+ d[n a wat]fall #aj feet high1 & fl\nd]+ 9 a big pool at ! bottom4 ,dr5*$ we 72 b :at bett] prep>ation c\ld we h = ! tr\bles ahead8 ,?is "p ( ! cav]n %[s traces ( enorm\s *anges 9 ! c\rse ( ! /ream1 :i* has plan$ d[n great masses ( /alagmite1 ! gr[? ( ages1 :5 ?is section ( ! tunnels 0 dry or all b des]t$ by ! /reams1 :i* f\nd a way d[n by ! horizontal canal or "s high] *annel4 ,betwe5 ?is fir/ wat]-*ute & ! second lies ! mo/ n]ve-try+ "p ( ! j\rney to ! f>!/ po9t hi!rto atta9$4 ,x is a succession ( l(ty rifts1 giv+ into ea* o!r at "r angles1 ! wat] sweep+ f "o to ! next ?r\gh curv+ fissures & sudd5 falls4 ,= a :ile we kept above ! canyons on a wat]-worn %elf1 all t rema9$ ( a l[1 flatti% *amb] t suffic$ = ! small /reams ( old] times4 ,?is giv+ out1 we scrambl$ along ! cliffs ( ! canyons1 :i* seem$ 9 ! gloom )\t top or bottom1 be/raddl+ ! rift1 or ) feet on "o side & back to ! o!r pu%+ on f hold to hold4 ,! ,lime/one grips w\ld h be5 amply suffici5t = ?is mode ( progression _h !y n be5 dr5*$ & slipp]y4 ,bel[ u ! wat]s rac$ & bell[$4 ,at ! junctions ( ! canyons !y s\nd$ on all sides at once2 ! invisible holl[s all r\nd seem$ to be alive ) angry voices1 mad to be at u4 ,:at if a ?und]/orm bur/ ov] ,m5dip n[8 ,su* ?\ghts w\ld occur1 al?\gh we knew we c\ld climb into safety on ! upp] %elves ( ! canyon2 = ) a wat]-*ute above & ano!r bel[1 a little flood w\ld make u fa/ prison]s4 ,at ! ,well1 ! /ream tumbles sudd5ly into a deep r\nd pit1 9 :i* x is *urn$ to foam be=e be+ driv5 out ) accel]at$ spe$ along a rugg$ gorge to ! second /aircase ( po?oles4 ,%r$s ( magnesium ribbon dropp$ into ! ,well lit up su* a turmoil ( wat]s z "o might see 9 "s gigantic turb9e go+ at full spe$4 ,two ( u n[ w5t ahead to report on ! condition ( ! next /age4 ,! gorge 0 too wide = climb+1 b we f\nd a foot+ on ! rocks 9 ! b$1 !n squirm$ ?r\gh a n>r[ fissure1 & began to desc5d ! po?oles4 ,^! 7 deep bas9s1 ) high walls on ! upp] side :]e ! /ream p\r$ 91 & ! o!r side brok5 d[n by ! =ce ( ! torr5t4 ,bel[ !m lay ! second wat]-*ute1 a big fall pit*+ into a hole und]nea? a l[ ar*1 & slid+ out into a turbul5t pool4 ,x 0 a sort ( culv]t1 ) v little head-room above ! wat]4 ,_h we n come ?r\gh s _m tribulations already1 & _h we n kn[n ( ! glories t await$ u 9 ! great /alactite *amb] beyond ?is la/ trial1 we %\ld c]ta9ly h be5 turn$ back by ?is ob/acle4 ,aft] "s little hesitation we resolv$ to attempt x1 & w5t back to ! head ( ! ,well = our companions4 ,"o ( ! cam]as _h already be5 left beh9d2 x 0 decid$ to leave ! o!r "h4 ,! lead] w5t d[n ! wat]-*ute on 8 back2 ! re/ adopt$ all ! o!r attitudes possible %ort ( a complete head]4 ,b x made little diff]5ce2 all got a mo/ effectual dr5*+4 ,runn+ ! gauntlet b5ea? ano!r tribut>y1 :i* came swi%+ 9 j ov] our heads1 we pu%$ on into a high & ample *amb]1 :]e 9 times gone by a volume ( wat] _h accumulat$ 9 a sort ( gigantic ci/]n4 ,! rocky ro( 0 flat & smoo?1 its cracks & fissures fr+$ ) me&]+ lacework ( /alactite4 ,9 front1 ! rocky mole t once held up ! res]voir 0 clov5 into a s]ies ( ,lime/one s]acs1 betwe5 :i* ! /ream f\nd its way d[n into ! remot] cavities4 ,masses ( clay1 "s #ae feet ?ick1 deposit$ by ! anci5t wat]s1 /ill flank$ ?is rugg$ portal into ! unkn[n4 ,bones ( %eep1 cattle1 horses1 & less] mammals lay ab\t 9 pr(usion1 en\gh to recon/ruct :ole skeletons2 ) !m 7 ! relics ( animals n[ ext9ct on ,m5dip1 de] & o!r creatures4 ,high] up %]ds ( ,samian pott]y _h be5 f\nd1 br\ght d[n by ! /ream f ! rubbi% heaps ( long ago4 ,:at /ruck ! imag9ation z /ill m wond]ful 0 t 9 ?is sunless spot1 #cjj feet bel[ ! surface1 !re 7 creatures t liv$4 ,empty snail %ells 7 abundant1 b yet m pl5tiful 7 t9y snails t 7 actually crawl+ ov] ! clay1 fe$+1 no d\bt1 on wat]-borne vegetable matt]4 ,gossam]-l webs /ret*$ across _m *9ks 9 ! ,lime/one1 b ! microscopic spid]s we c\ld n see4 ,:at flies did !y live on8 ,surely n ! caddis1 ^: corpses lay ab\t 9 pl5ty on e %oal4 ,f ?is *amb] ! /ream quickly desc5ds into ! great ,wat] ,rift1 "o ( ! mo/ wond]ful ?+s 9 ! :ole cav]n4 ,x is b a few feet wide1 b its height is enorm\s4 ,! walls g up l m\nta9 cliffs1 b are lo/ 9 gloom in/ead ( mi/4 ,"h trem5d\s *anges _h tak5 place s9ce ! =m] exploration4 ,at t "t ! rift 0 block$ up 9 "o place by a va/ b>rage ( rock & /alagmite1 t came d[n to ! /ream & =bade human progress save by "o /rait & difficult way4 ,at a height above ! wat] a hole asc5d$ sev5 feet into ! b>ri]1 its orifice all b clos$ by a fr+e ( /alactites4 ,contriv+ to ent]1 ! explor]s crept up ?is pipe1 & d[n a correspond+ "o on ! o!r side1 com+ out on a cliff face ov]hang+ ! cont9uation ( ! ,wat] ,rift1 to atta9 ! bottom ( :i* 0 an ab/ruse gymna/ic problem4 ,a little f>!r on !y rea*$ ! utmo/ limit ( _! j\rney1 :]e ! /ream beats viol5tly aga9/ ! t]m9ation ( ! rift1 is hurl$ sideways1 & f9ds an outlet ?r\gh a l[ crevice1 :5ce x tumbles 9 a #dj-;foot cat>act into an unkn[n pool4 ,our ma9 object to-day _h be5 to desc5d ?is #dj-;foot pit*2 t 0 ! reason :y we _h encumb]$ ourselves ) two long ropes4 ,b n[ all 0 diff]5t4 ,9 ! %ort int]val t _h elaps$ s9ce ! =m] visit1 ! /r5g? ( ! ungov]nable torr5t _h swept away ! :ole ( ?is va/ /ructure1 ! "w ( ?\s&s ( ages--= ! ,pyramids are rec5t erections comp>$ ) ^! products ( unimag9ably sl[ cry/allisation4 ,h>dly a ve/ige rema9$2 & n[ ! curr5t da%$ unimp$$ f end to end ( ! ,wat] ,rift1 & ! incessant ?und] ( ! cat>act deaf5$ e>s already attun$ to ! noise ( ! high] falls & canyons4 ,probably ! removal ( /ones & dams by ! =m] p>ty1 9 mak+ _! way d[n1 _h contribut$ l>gely to ?is extraord9>y ev5t4 ,no?+ c\ld be done 9 ! face ( su* a volume ( wat]4 ,we turn$1 accord+ly1 out ( ! ma9 passage into a l(ty gall]y or transept t bran*es (f to ! we/1 ! g5]al direction ( ! cav]n be+ due s\?4 ,to say x bran*es (f is slightly incorrect1 = x is really ! c\rse ( a tribut>y brook1 & q possibly may h be5 9 remote times ! *annel ( ! ma9 /ream4 ,at all ev5ts its %ape & magnitude indicate t x 0 once a v important section ( ! cav]n4 ,scrambl+ cauti\sly along ! sides ( ! toppl+ fragm5ts ( ! mole1 we cross$ a deep gap & ent]$ ! gall]y4 ,at ! portal a great holl[ corbel ( /alactite /ood out f ! wall1 l an enorm\s /\p1 its huge rims curv$ ov] l ! petals ( a fl[]4 ,x /ood !re 9 solit>y gr&eur1 b x 0 a tok5 ( transc5d5t glories beyond4 ,a few m /eps1 & we saw t we 7 on ! ?re%old ( a fane m beautiful ?an any made ) h&s4 ,! rocks to "r & left 7 %eet$ ) cry/all9e enamel1 its surface p[d]$ ?ickly ) a m9ute spla% deposit1 s frail t x gave "o a tw+e to cru% ! lovely effloresc5ce z we mov$4 ,"o c\ld n g a /ep )\t de/roy+ hundr$s ( ^! delicate spicules1 ! "w ( untold ages ( wat] action4 ,m great corbels /ood out f ! walls z we advanc$2 !y 7 ri*ly m\ld$ ) conc5tric r+s ( /alagmite1 & ^! aga9 7 c>v$ & *as$ ) wond]ful reliefs4 ,f ! corbels sprang huge pill>s "r to ! ro(1 pill>s #dj feet 9 height2 & f _! capitals %9+ curta9s hung d[n 9 ample folds1 heavy z ,p>ian m>ble1 & z lovely 9 hue4 ,"o w\ld h call$ !m :ite1 _h we n se51 hang+ f a cleft high up 9 ! l(ty walls1 a mass ( curta9s z :ite z arragonite1 ! :ite/ ?+ !re is4 ,s dazzl+ 0 _! immaculate purity t ! ri* creamy surface ( ! o!r incru/ations %[$ dusky 9 comp>ison4 ,we 7 vet]an cave explor]s1 yet x seem$ to u t all ! caves we _h ev] se5 9 ,brita9 c\ld no m vie ) ?is ?an p>i% *ur*es ) ca!drals4 ,at ea* turn !re 0 a new & m en?rall+ vi/a3 m pill>s1 ampl] curta9s1 pi]s & ar*es ( ,ori5tal magnific5ce1 flut$ & m\ld$ into wilde/ fantasies4 ,x /ruck "o ) a curi\s wond] to ?9k t all ^! spl5d\rs _h la9 "h unbeheld by liv+ eye1 unt\*$ by a gleam ( light1 until "o casual ye> 9 ! tw5tie? c5tury4 ,b ! photograph] 0 ex]cis$ by o!r feel+s4 ,he 0 "h1 b :]e 0 8 cam]a8 ,x _h seem$ a ,h]culean lab\r to br+ t mu*-endur+ in/rum5t d[n to ! #cjj-;foot level1 b he decl>$ t ! task 0 n sup]human1 &1 fur!rmore1 he 0 det]m9$ to d x4 ,he c\ld n d x alone1 h[ev]2 t 0 obvi\s4 ,! exp$ition1 !re=e1 came d[n out ( ! /alactite gall]y4 ,two w5t ?r\gh ! wat]-*ute1 two rema9$ j outside x1 to assi/ 9 ! la/ & mo/ dang]\s /age ( ! transportation4 ,we wait$ a long "t2 9 fact1 we _h leisure en\gh to explore an int]e/+ side gall]y :il/ ! o!rs made _! way to & f ! head ( ! ,well4 ,at la/ _! welcome %\t 0 he>d4 ,/&+ 9 ! wat]1 ) light held l[ "u ! ar*1 we caught sight ( a h&1 & !n ( a wad+ & mu*-crumpl$-up man1 lugg+ ! cam]a1 :i* he kept out ( ! foam+ wat] ) admirable skill4 ,we grabb$ x1 & put ! preci\s in/rum5t 9 a place ( safety2 t5 m9utes lat] ! fla%light 0 at "w1 tak+ our brea? away ) its gorge\s revelations4 ,! photograph] _h 8 tr\bles ev5 "h1 ?\gh n su* z to be comp>$ ) ^? ( ! wat] cav]ns we _h rec5tly trav]s$1 :]e at ?is mom5t two ( our p>ty1 foll[+ u d[n1 7 engag$ 9 photograph+ ! canyons & ! falls1 "u difficulties t few cam]as h ev] be5 confront$ )4 ,"h !re 0 no m>ble pavem5t suitable to ! spl5d\rs ( ! walls2 no?+ = ! cam]a to /& on b an in* or two ( slipp]y l$ge1 ) a dep? ( mud 9 ! middle t none ( u c>$ to fa?om4 ,! only place t c\ld be f\nd at "o spot = ! fla%light 0 ! top ( my un=tunate head1 :i* ,i g5]\sly put at ! photograph]'s disposal4 ,on x 0 laid a piece ( /one1 on :i* ! gun-cotton 0 spread & spr9kl$ ) ! p[d]1 :i*1 :5 x w5t (f1 made me %ut bo? eyes = fe> ( ! %[] ( sp>ks1 & s ,i miss$ ! glori\s blaze ( light t illum9$ ! cav]n4 ,illu/ration3 ,,entrance ,,( ,,/alactite ,,*amb]1 ,,swildon',s ,,hole4 ,photo by ,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,illu/ration3 ,,/alactite ,,curta9s1 ,,swildon',s ,,hole4 ,photo by ,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,^! /ately columns1 so>+ vaults1 & sweep+ m>ble drap]ies 7 /rangely out ( proportion to ! n>r[ness ( ! place4 ,b n[ ! s9u\s aisle broad5$ out1 & ! /yle ( ! ar*itecture 0 *ang$ entirely4 ,we 7 at ! junction *amb] :]e1 9 ! remote pa/1 two big /reams came d[n f ! yawn+ passages to ! left & "r1 & met "h1 probably z ! ma9 /ream ( ! cav]n4 ,! ro( is a spaci\s dome1 hung ) respl5d5t c&elabra4 ,b ! unique feature ( ! place1 ! ?+ t impresses itself on ! memory z "o ( ! mo/ dazzl+ creations ( ! wond]-work+ calcite1 is ! /alagmite bridge4 ,bridge1 ,i say1 b x is m ?an a bridge1 = its complicat$ ar*es support a beautiful piazza1 ) a huge array ( drip/one t]races1 cry/al bas9s1 massive p$e/als1 & obelisks ( /alagmite1 :i* all b fills ! *amb] & ext5ds "s di/ance up ! alcoves beh9d4 ,/&+ on "o ( ! great hemisph]es ( drip/one1 "o c\ld put "o's head among ! p5dul\s %afts above1 & see h[ ea* 0 m>vell\sly twi/$1 m\ld$1 & fanta/ically emboss$ & gemm$ ) fla%+ cry/als4 ,! spla% =mation cov]$ ev]y?+ b5ea? ! ro(1 save portions ( ! poli%$ floor1 ) millions ( t9y spicules4 ,we _h to move ab\t cauti\sly1 n only = fe> ( do+ damage1 b to avoid gap+ pitfalls 9 ! bridge1 ! surface ( :i* 0 smoo? z ice4 ,illu/ration3 ,,/alactite ,,*amb]1 ,,swildon',s ,,hole4 ,photo by ,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,:il/ we 7 at "w photograph+ a di/ant %\t 0 he>d1 & soon ! two m5 :o _h foll[$ u d[n arriv$ at ! big *amb]4 ,b our p>ty 0 aga9 r$uc$ to its orig9al f\r by ! dep>ture ( two o!r memb]s1 :o 7 to g back by ! aquatic r\te 9 ord] to pick up c]ta9 articles t _h be5 deposit$ on ! way d[n4 ,we ourselves hop$ to get to ! surface by ano!r & a dri] c\rse4 ,at ! previ\s exploration two m5 _h miss$ ! re/ ( ! p>ty1 & f\nd _! way1 aft] div]s adv5tures1 ?r\gh ! ramifications ( ! cav]n1 to :at !y describ$ z a great /alactite *amb]1 :i* 0 presumably our gall]y4 ,:5 !y rea*$ x1 h[ev]1 no "o 0 !re1 nor any trace ( human pres5ce2 ei!r ! explor]s _h f9i%$ _! "w & dep>t$1 or ! pair _h miss$ _! way altoge!r4 ,x 0 believ$ t !y _h come d[n to ?is v spot by ! gall]y jo9+ ?is "o on ! nor?1 & we purpos$ foll[+ t passage out4 ,b ?is1 z we pres5tly discov]$1 0 all wrong4 ,two ( u n[ w5t (f on an explor+ trip into ! great passage runn+ we/4 ,at once we enc\nt]$ a s]ies ( huge ob/ructions4 ,?is passage 0 ( ! usual rift patt]n1 &1 save = holes & crevices betwe51 0 :olly block$ up by l>ge masses ( tumbl$ rocks4 ,"o ( u climb$ to ! top ( ! ,cyclopean pile1 :il/ ,i attempt$ to make my way along at ! middle height1 b ev5tually f\nd x easi] to crawl ?r\gh ! culv]ts & wat]-gaps1 reg>dless ( mud & wet4 ,ev5 among ! pil$-up rocks !re 7 *>m+ little nooks adorn$ ) ri* incru/ations4 ,:5 ! rocks end$ ! op5 tunnel began to asc5d rapidly2 !n1 aft] a :ile1 we came to ano!r tunnel jo9+ x on ! nor?4 ,?is1 ?\gh small]1 0 ! m important passage2 ! o!r %ortly came to an end 9 a l(ty grotto1 b\ntifully tape/ri$ ) curta9s & tassels ( /alactite4 ,we climb$ ! nor!rn passage1 ?r\gh sev]al brilliant displays ( incru/ation1 & rea*$ a level approximately #gj feet bel[ ! surface1 by an]oid2 !re we c\ld get no f>!r4 ,b1 unkn[n to ourselves1 we _h br\ght back important in=mation4 ,we _h notic$ my/]i\s bits ( /r+ at two po9ts 9 ?is s]ies4 ,:5 we report$ ! discov]y to ! two m5 left beh9d1 !y at once saw its significance4 ,! two m5 ^: r\te d[n to ! /alactite *amb] _h caus$ s mu* p]plexity _h us$ a ball ( /r+ to m>k _! way out--^! 7 ! relics4 ,our casual trip _h1 p]haps1 sav$ u f a night ( bl9d w&]+ 9 ! unkn[n bran*es ( ! great tunnel on ! nor?4 ,all be+ 9 read9ess = our dep>ture1 we n[ proce$$ to take up ?is provid5tial ?read4 ,x 0 n an easy task4 ,(t5 n an in* ( /r+ rema9$ undecay$ = _m hundr$s ( feet toge!r1 & (t5 we nos$ ! walls & floor1 eag]ly b 9 va91 = dropp+s ( c&le grease left by our pr$ecessors4 ,! way 0 dry1 t 0 a relief1 aft] six or sev5 h\rs 9 wet clo!s2 b x 0 a tight] squeeze ?an ! o!r1 & ! %>pness ( ! turns 0 (t5 aggravat$ by a portcullis ( cry/als on our backs1 & a *eval de frise ( /alagmite spe>-heads aga9/ our /oma*s4 ,all ! :ile we wond]$ :e!r we %\ld really f9d ! exit1 or :e!r we %\ld h to return & und]take ! canyons aft] all4 ,mr4 ,bal* comp>$ our task ( f9d+ ! desir$ exit to an attempt to asc5d f ! m\? ( a riv] to "s unkn[n po9t ^u "o ( its tribut>ies1 ) no?+ to indicate :i* way to take4 ,?is puts ! position cle>ly en\gh1 ,i ?9k4 ,!re 0 no /r+ to be f\nd 9 ! high] p>ts4 ,at la/ ! man 9 front disappe>$ feet =emo/ ?r\gh ! uglie/ hole we _h yet se51 out ( :i* ! noise ( wat]s s\nd$ om9\sly4 ,a *e]+ cry came back to u2 he _h f\nd ! rift1 :]e we _h desc5d$ sev5 h\rs ago into ! r\te ?r\gh ! canyons4 ,a few m y>ds ( det]m9$ wriggl+1 & ! c&le left by ! o!r two m5 hove 9 sight4 ,we f\nd !y _h got out two h\rs ago4 ,! />s 7 %9+ f a cle> sky1 & a ke5 fro/ 0 on ! fields1 b ! excitem5t & ! success ( our adv5ture 7 /imulant en\gh to keep out ! cold4 ,e4 ,a4 ,b4 ,,! ,,great ,,cav]n ,,at ,,*$d> ,! ultimate goal ( our rese>*es at ,*$d> has be5 ! discov]y ( ! und]gr\nd riv]-c\rse4 ,n _m y>ds bel[ ! entrance to ,g\gh's1 or ! ,great ,cav]n1 a l>ge body ( wat] wells up at ! foot ( a cliff1 spread+ out into a beautiful m]e1 half encircl$ by crags2 fl[s on !nce ?r\gh ! village1 p]=m+ a great deal ( indu/rial "w on its way2 &1 f9ally1 proce$s a mile or two f>!r z ! ,*$d> ,wat]1 to jo9 its bro!r1 ! ,axe1 :i* has a simil> orig94 ,b less is kn[n ab\t ! d>ksome c\rse ( ! ,*$d> ,wat] ?an ab\t ! /ream fl[+ out ( ,wookey ,hole4 ,) its tribut>ies1 x has d\btless be5 ! pr9cipal ag5t 9 ! =mation1 n only ( ! caves1 b also ( ! fam\s ,*$d> gorge1 :i* be>s e evid5ce ( hav+ be5 produc$ by ! gradual de/ruction ( a s]ies ( cav]ns4 ,yet ?is important /ream has actually n be5 met ) hi!rto at any s+le po9t ( its c\rse und]gr\nd1 & we h any?+ b complete in=mation z to its s\rces on ! upl&s ( ,m5dip4 ,! own]s ( ! ,great ,cav]n1 ! ,messrs4 ,g\gh ,bro!rs1 tell me t !y int5d to bla/ away ab\t #aj feet ( rock imm$iately ov]ly+ ! exit ( ! riv]4 ,:5 ! /ream is v full1 wat] (t5 bur/s =? "h f cracks & jo9ts sev]al feet above ! normal level1 & !y imag9e t !re mu/ be a *amb] ( "s height j )94 ,?is1 h[ev]1 9 my op9ion1 is n a necess>y inf]5ce1 s9ce e cavity & crevice beh9d ! outlet w\ld at su* times be heavily *>g$ ) wat]1 "u pressure1 & ! l>ge cavities might be a long way back4 ,x is curi\s t ! wat] 9 a l[ tunnel rec5tly discov]$ 9 ,cox's ,cav]n1 :i* lies "s di/ance f ,g\gh's1 & at a l[] level1 rises & falls 9 unison ) ! movem5ts ( ! wat]-level ( ! riv] outside1 al?\gh t always rema9s #aj feet high]4 ,cox's ,cav]n is occasionally flood$1 yet ! wat] nev] rises to a po9t )9 #aj feet ( ! riv] level4 ,obvi\sly ! subt]ranean connection mu/ be ( a complicat$ & r\ndab\t =m4 ,at ! "t ( my fir/ s]i\s attempt to explore ! caves ( ,*$d>1 :5 our p>ty conta9$ ,dr4 ,norman ,%eldon1 ,mr4 ,j4 ,o4 ,morl&1 & ,mr4 ,h>ry ,bam=?1 two ( :om h n s9ce be5 able to jo9 u 9 ,som]set1 ,i _h n ! advantage ( kn[+ ,mr4 ,h4 ,e4 ,bal*1 & we 7 utt]ly unaw>e ( ! great "w he _h be5 do+ 9 ! cave region adjo9+ ,wells4 ,on ! o!r h&1 we receiv$ invaluable assi/ance f ! bro!rs ,g\gh1 :o are n only proprietors ( %[ caves1 b take a s9c]e int]e/ 9 und]gr\nd exploration4 ,_! fa!r1 :o di$ 9 #aijb1 0 ! discov]] ( ! cav]ns t be> 8 "n1 & 0 actively at "w pu%+ 8 way f>!r & f>!r into ! rocky bosom ( ! hill up to ! ye> ( 8 dea?1 at a good old age4 ,illu/ration3 ,,/alagmite ,,pill>s ,,9 ,,g\gh',s ,,great ,,cav]n4 ,photo by ,g\gh1 ,*$d>4 ,illu/ration3 ,,! ,,pill>s ,,( ,,solomon',s ,,temple1 ,,g\gh',s ,,caves1 ,,*$d>4 ,photo by ,g\gh1 ,*$d>4 ,! ,great ,cav]n 0 discov]$ 9 #ahih4 ,! p>ts op5 to visitors ext5d 9 a g5]ally ea/]ly direction = "s #fjj y>ds1 & consi/ ( natural *amb]s & passages1 connect$ "h & !re by artificial tunnels4 ,we began "w e>ly 9 ! morn+1 c>ry+ into ! cav]n a l>ge quantity ( ropes1 ladd]s ( wood & rope1 & pl5ty ( illum9ants1 includ+ a #bjjj-;c&le-p[] limelight1 :i* ) its l5s or cond5s] is "o ( ! mo/ valuable aids 9 subt]ranean "w4 ,_m op5+s are se5 ov]head & 9 ! walls ( ! cav]n z ! visitor advances1 "s ( :i* end abruptly1 :il/ o!rs lead into small grottos & gall]ies4 ,"o ( ! mo/ conspicu\s *imneys1 or p]p5dicul> caves1 has at its base a peculi> /aircase ( /alagmitic bas9s1 =m$ by ! deposits ( a calc>e\s spr+ t is n[ dri$ up4 ,^! bas9s are kn[n z ! ,fonts4 ,our conductors _h be5 9 ! habit ( climb+ ab\t #ej feet up ?is l(ty *asm1 ov] ! cru/ ( /alagmite1 & a wire rope _h be5 fix$ to assi/ visitors 9 asc5d+ to a broad1 deep l$ge4 ,above ?is po9t ! rocks 7 mu* /eep]4 ,no "o _h ev] succe$$ 9 see+ ! top1 & at fir/ we ?\ght x w\ld be impossible to asc5d any high] )\t "s sort ( app>atus4 ,we s5t = a ladd]1 & mean:ile ,dr4 ,%eldon & ,i tri$ to clamb] ov] ! jutt+ ar* ( rock t =m$ ! fir/ ob/acle--a cave-pit* 9 a gully or *imney we %\ld call x 9 climb+ p>lance4 ,to our surprise1 we succe$$ 9 rea*+ ! cont9u\s *annel or gutt] above x1 :i* asc5d$ at a high angle1 ) %e] walls to "r & left1 & ! o!r side ( ! huge %aft ov]hang+ x4 ,! holds 7 %all[ & slipp]y1 & ) "o h& grasp+ a c&le we f\nd ! ord9>y difficulties ( a rock-climb multipli$ enorm\sly4 ,half-way up my c&le w5t out1 b my companion 0 n[ well ahead1 & ,i grop$ my way aft] him ) confid5ce4 ,:5 a %\t f bel[ ann\nc$ t ! ladd] _h be5 hoi/$ up to ! plat=m above ! ,fonts we 7 )9 a few y>ds ( ! top4 ,at a height ( #abj feet 7by ! an]oid7 above ?is plat=m & ( #agj feet above ! floor ( ! cav]n we f\nd ! %aft completely block$ up ) dbris & clay4 ,we 7 9 a subt]ranean pot1 or swallet1 ( l>ge dim5sions1 =m$ 9 remote ages by a big /ream1 :i* _h work$ ?r\gh its ,lime/one b$1 & cont9u$ its pa? at a deep] level4 ,:e!r ?is 0 ! ma9 /ream t n[ fl[s 9 an unkn[n c\rse hundr$s ( feet bel[1 or only a tribut>y1 x is at pres5t impossible to tell4 ,mr4 ,bam=?'s limelight 0 n[ project$ up ! *asm1 reveal+ gr& masses ( sup]9cumb5t rock on ! f>!r side1 :il/ ! view d[nw>ds1 pa/ our fri5ds into ! d>k bottom ( ! pit1 0 v curi\s4 ,rop+ ourselves toge!r = ! desc5t1 we kept ne> ea* o!r = fe> ( a slip1 & took ! utmo/ precautions n to dislodge any /ones on ! heads ( ^? und]nea?4 ,! limelight 0 a great advantage1 al?\gh _m d>k rea*es _h to be c>efully inspect$ ) a tap] be=e we c\ld secure foo?old4 ,:5 we got to ! critical bit at ! bottom we f\nd ! ladd] plac$ ready = u4 ,n f> f ! entrance to ! ,fonts is ! m\? ( a l[ passage on ! o!r side1 ) a hole at ! f> end ( x1 t our guides ?\ght mu/ communicate ) ! und]gr\nd riv] :i*1 !y conjecture1 has its *annel n f> bel[ ?is spot4 ,we crawl$ into ?is burr[ & fix$ ourselves 9 ! conf9$ space r\nd ! black pit1 :i* we f\nd1 by ?r[+ 9 /ones1 _h wat] 9 x4 ,) a rope r\nd my wai/ ,i climb$ d[n ! fissure1 ^: sides 7 ( %>ply corrugat$ rock ?\gh !y look$ l wet clay4 ,ab\t #cj feet d[n ! hole grew s n>r[ t ,i c\ld n turn r\nd2 ,i c\ld j rea* ! wat] ) my foot1 b f\nd t x 0 q a small pool4 ,ano!r well1 ne>] ! cave m\?1 0 explor$ aft] our fur!r op]ations _h be5 c>ri$ out4 ,x 0 situat$ at ! extremity ( ano!r burr[1 b 0 mu* l>g] 9 circumf]5ce4 ,/eadi$ by ! rope1 ,i climb$ to ! bottom & f\nd a l>ge pool ( great dep? ab\t #cj feet bel[ ! edge4 ,no curr5t 0 p]ceptible1 & its connection ) runn+ wat] is h>dly probable4 ,"s ye>s lat]1 a p]fect skeleton ( a man 0 exhum$ f ! clay b5ea? ! /alagmite 9 ?is burr[2 accompany+ x 7 num]\s fl9t flakes4 ,"s peculi>ities indicate t ! f9d 0 t ( a man ( e>ly ,neoli?ic age4 ,x is %[n by ! ,g\gh ,bro!rs at ! entrance ( _! cave4 ,:ile "s ( ! p>ty 7 photograph+ ! %[ place1 a l(ty dome-%ap$ cav]n ) its %eet ( /alagmite p\r$ ov] ! cliff l a petrifi$ wat]fall1 two ( u retrac$ our /eps f ,/4 ,paul's1 z ?is beautiful sight is nicknam$1 to ! bran* lead+ to ! o!r pr9cipal %[s4 ,solomon's ,temple is a wond]ful grotto1 wall$1 ro($1 & floor$ ) gleam+ :ite & ivory calcite1 & set at ! top ( ano!r great fall ( /alagmite :i* has fl[$ on & on 9 a g5tle /ream & cov]$ ! floor ( a l(ty cav]n ) dimpl+ waves ( cry/al4 ,nor are ^! all its attractions1 = on turn+ r\nd ! spectator sees on ! opposite cliff a broad & volum9\s %eet ( /alagmite1 rippl+ d[n1 sp\t+ & foam+ ov] ! rocks l a wat]fall1 b /ill z m>ble & :ite z froz5 sn[4 ,we _h se5 all ^! ?+s be=e1 h[ev]1 & 7 anxi\s to move on to new gr\nd aga94 ,illu/ration3 ,,organ ,,pipes1 ,,g\gh',s ,,caves1 ,,*$d>4 ,photo by ,g\gh1 ,*$d>4 ,illu/ration3 ,a ,,/alagmite ,,fall1 ,,g\gh',s ,,cave1 ,,*$d>4 ,photo by ,m4 ,m>tel4 ,9 ! =k betwe5 ! ma9 passage & ?is big cav]n is a l>ge irregul> op5+1 ) disord]ly blocks ( ,lime/one heap$ up on its floor4 ,we pick$ our way across ^!1 & at a height ( #dj feet rea*$ ! edge ( an abrupt rock "s f\r y>ds high4 ,we dropp$ ov] on to an e>?y floor1 & go+ a little f>!r f\nd ourselves 9 a domical *amb] ) ?ree l[ exits4 ,fir/ ( all explor+ t on our left1 we _h a look at a slant+ %aft fill$ ) a ruckle ( big %att]$ blocks w$g$ insecurely1 above :i* are two small *amb]s incru/$ ) /alagmite1 b ) no app>5t exit4 ,we climb$ d[n aga91 & tri$ ! ?ird op5+4 ,x l$ ?r\gh a s]ies ( caves & n>r[ clefts into a l>g] *amb]1 all ma9ta9+ ! same ea/]ly direction1 & !re we f\nd two possible ways onw>d4 ,! fir/ ( ^! br\ght u 9 a few mom5ts to ! br9k ( a /eep cliff1 :i* seem$ to be "o wall ( a consid]able cav]n4 ,we pref]r$ to wait = ! limelight be=e v5tur+ to let a man d[n into ?is unkn[n abyss1 & mean:ile to exam9e ! o!r passage4 ,a few m9utes' crawl+ br\ght u to a great pit1 :i* s\nd$ v deep :5 we ?rew 9 "s fragm5ts ( rock4 ,app>5tly x 0 ! *asm t _h be5 describ$ to u z #cjj feet deep by "o ( our guides :o _h desc5d$ "p ( ! way4 ,we approa*$ ! edge ) respect1 & z a prelim9>y /ep let d[n a rope ladd] into ! upp] "p1 :i* is /rangely twi/$4 ,at a dep? ( #bj feet ,i f\nd a possible l&+-place2 ! second man jo9$ me1 & by d9t ( c>eful manoeuvr+ ! ?ird got d[n to ! same spot4 ,) an #hj-;foot rope ti$ on1 ,i n[ explor$ ! next section ( ! *asm1 & 0 delight$ to f9d t !re 0 j en\gh rope to rea* a slope ( big rocks at ! bottom4 ,a little m scrambl+ br\ght me into a va/ *amb]1 ! floor ( :i* 0 pil$ up ) enorm\s blocks1 :ile ! l[e/ "p seem$ to (f] two possible r\tes onw>ds4 ,"o ( ^! prov$ to be a m]e holl[1 b ! o!r 0 evid5tly ! *annel ( a /ream1 & app>5tly l$ onw>ds into fur!r caves4 ,b ! ro( 0 extremely l[1 & x 0 q impossible to wriggle ?r\gh4 ,"o ( my companions1 :o _h n[ jo9$ me1 also fail$ to squeeze ?r\gh ! op5+1 & we decid$ to leave x until ! hole c\ld be enl>g$ ) pick & %ovel4 ,! alleg$ #cjj feet 0 f\nd by an]oid to be exactly #ajj feet4 ,9 a corn] ( ?is l(ty cav]n 0 a /eep fissure :i* seem$ to be well wor? explor+4 ,! bottom half ( x 0 completely wall$ 9 by an enorm\s flake ( ,lime/one t _h come d[n f ! ro(1 & look$ z if a t\* w\ld s5d x tumbl+ on ! heaps ( rock at ! bottom ( ! cave4 ,we scrambl$ up ! fissure at ! back ( ?is1 & rea*$ a promis+ gall]y2 b1 to our disgu/1 ?is 0 entirely block$ up ) clay & mud at ! top1 & x 0 impossible to proce$4 ,ga9+ ! summit ( ! huge ,lime/one flake1 we lit up ! cave ) magnesium wire1 & 7 deeply impress$ by its height & ! gr&eur ( ! %att]$ crags bri/l+ on walls1 ro(1 & floor4 ,ev]y?+ 0 black1 save "o long1 dripp+ cascade ( /alagmite on ! wall ov] aga9/ u2 its unsulli$ :it5ess %one weirdly out ( ! gloom z ! fi]ce light fell on x4 ,j at t mom5t voices 7 he>d1 & f a r5t 9 ! rocky wall 9 front ! intol]able beam ( ! se>*light came "r 9 our faces4 ,! rema9d] ( ! p>ty _h foll[$ u up1 & rea*$ ! spot :]e we _h fir/ look$ ov] into ! deep *asm4 ,reveal$ 9 all its ext5t by ?is p5etrat+ light1 ! cave rem9d$ u /rongly ( ! enorm\s *amb] t we _h explor$ a few mon?s e>li] 9 ! l[e/ "p ( ! ,blue ,john ,m9e 9 ,d]by%ire4 ,on ! way back "o ( ! acetyl5e lamps fell d[n ! pit by :i* we _h ent]$1 & 0 completely sma%$4 ,) no o!r mi%ap1 we made our way ?r\gh ! tortu\s passages & among/ ! *aos ( tumbl$ rock masses back to ! cav]n "u ,solomon's ,temple4 ,two ( u explor$ ! op5+s above ,/4 ,paul's a few days lat]4 ,a #cj-;foot ladd] 0 plac$ aga9/ ! corn] ( ! /alagmite fall1 & a y>d or two ( scrambl+ took u to ! top4 ,on ! left 0 an asc5d+ vault1 ) op5+s to "r & left4 ,tak+ ! latt] to beg9 )1 we f\nd x gradually tr5d d[nhill & dw9dle away into a s]ies ( holes sc>cely big en\gh to let a human body pass4 ,squeez+ ?r\gh ) a good deal ( tr\ble1 ,i rea*$ a flatti% cave ) a floor ( rock & /alagmite all crack$ & fissur$4 ,! :ole ( ?is "p seem$ to h be5 %iv]$ by "s l>ge movem5t ( ! rocky /rata4 ,"o ( ! fissures gave entrance to a passage und]nea? ! floor2 b ?is spe$ily n>r[$1 & :5 x 0 impossible to get f>!r ,i f\nd myself "r und]nea? my companion1 :o 0 hold+ my rope & pay+ x out z ,i advanc$ f 8 orig9al position 9 ! out] passage4 ,no o!r exit be+ discov]able on ?is side1 we cross$ to ! passage on ! "r1 & aft] a few y>ds ( crawl+ "u a depress$ ro( we f\nd ourselves on ! l>ge/ expanse ( /alagmite ei!r ( u _h ev] met )4 ,x _h fl[$ d[n f fissures high up on our left & spread ov] a wide1 rocky slope2 x _h !n contract$ & p\r$ ov] a cliff imm$iately on our "r4 ,we /ill kept ! rope taut1 & mov$ ab\t cauti\sly1 = ! cry/all9e floor 0 extremely slipp]y1 & ! cliff imm$iately b5ea? u w\ld h made ! slighte/ accid5t s]i\s4 ,a broad flat ro( ( rock ov]hung ! floor ( /alagmite closely1 & 0 cov]$ ) ?9 pipes & re$s ( /alactite4 ,we soon asc]ta9$ t we _h return$ by a diff]5t r\te to ! cr[n ( ! petrifi$ cascade 9 ,/4 ,paul's1 al?\gh a craggy p>tition sep>at$ u f our r\te up ! ladd]4 ,we explor$ ! edges ( ?is huge surface ( /alagmite1 :i* we c\ld n measure1 hav+ no bett] light to guide u ?an a few tap]s1 b :i* c\ld n be mu* less ?an #ajj feet wide4 ,:]e ! deposits came d[n ?r\gh crevices at ! top !y _h settl$ 9 jewell$ & diap]$ masses ( ! mo/ fanta/ic patt]ns4 ,our situation 01 h[ev]1 too prec>i\s = l+]+ 9 ?is /range spot1 & )\t ano!r man to back "o up x 0 impossible to explore ! hole at ! top4 ,we gave up our que/ reluctantly & return$ t[>ds our ladd]1 incru/$ f head to foot ) ! ?ick1 pla/ic clay4 ,a conv5i5t knob ( /alagmite enabl$ u to give ! rope a hit* :il/ we scrambl$ d[n to ! top ( our ladd]4 ,"o o!r passage f ! ma9 cav]n 0 explor$1 ) a curi\s clu/] ( v]tical cavities ne> its extremity4 ,! end ( ! passage 0 coat$ 9 e direction ) t9t$ deposits1 among :i* we notic$ beautiful specim5s ( ! bran*+ /alactites t 7 call$ anemolites by ! explor]s ( ! ,blue ,john cav]ns1 :o ?\ght !y _h acquir$ _! abnormal %apes ?r\gh ! irregul>ity ( evaporation caus$ by air curr5ts4 ,i climb$ #cj or #dj feet up "o ( ! op5+s 9 ! ro(1 :il/ ,dr4 ,%eldon explor$ ano!r4 ,at ! top we f\nd no exits big en\gh to af=d a man passage4 ,a wid] cavity 9 ! middle ( ! ro( look$ m promis+4 ,a ladd] 0 adju/$1 b fell %ort2 b my companion1 ) consid]able risk ( a dang]\s fall1 clamb]$ up to ! rocky slope & ov] ! piles ( jagg$ blocks t well-nigh fill$ x4 ,?is too fail$ to af=d u a passage1 & ! d>+ climb] _h great difficulty 9 com+ d[n1 be+ =c$ to ?read ! rope & let himself d[n on x to ! ladd]4 ,dur+ ! op]ation a flake ( rock came hurtl+ d[n & hit ! ladd]1 b luckily did no?+ worse ?an sma% a rung4 ,^! cavities 9 ! ro( 7 extremely int]e/+1 & no d\bt are connect$ toge!r & h a common orig9 9 "s neighb\r+ fissure or wat]way4 ,,five ,,cav]ns ,,at ,,*$d> ,! ,*$d> gorge1 :i* is ! deepe/ & n>r[e/ defile1 & on its s\? side pres5ts ! l(tie/ face ( absolutely v]tical rock 9 ,engl&1 is n dissimil>1 ?\gh f> sup]ior 9 height & gr&eur1 to ! ,w9nats pass 9 ,d]by%ire4 ,! huge *asm runs ea/-nor?-ea/ across ! dip ( ! ,lime/one b$s1 :i* are tilt$ up t[>ds ! saddle ( ,m5dip2 "o ( its sides1 consequ5tly1 is =m$ ma9ly ( %elv+ rock1 & ! o!r is almo/ cont9u\sly precipit\s4 ,if1 z may be assum$ ) confid5ce1 ! orig9al cause ( ! rav9e 0 a /ream or /reams fl[+ ?r\gh a *a9 ( cav]ns1 "o w\ld naturally expect to f9d op5+s on ! abrupt side ?r\gh :i* ! und]gr\nd wat]s 7 successively tapp$1 & foll[$ ! tr5d ( ! /rata to a l[] level4 ,?is view is confirm$ by obs]vation4 ,except at ! jaws ( ! defile1 :]e bo? sides are equally high & precipit\s1 !re are no caves on ! nor!rn side1 b on ! s\? op5+s bo? l>ge & small are frequ5t1 "s n>r[ & l(ty--slitt]s1 !y are call$ locally--! o!rs l[ & wide1 accord+ z !y orig9at$ 9 a v]tical jo9t or a b$d+ plane4 ,!y occur at v>i\s levels1 "s on inaccessible %elves high up 9 ! cliffs1 o!rs along ! base4 ,b ! l>g] numb] ( ^! op5+s h 9 ! lapse ( "t become silt$ up ) clay & dbris1 s t ! entrance is ei!r completely mask$ or x is impossible to p5etrate f> )\t toilsome "w ) pick & %ovel4 ,aft] explor+ ! ,great ,cav]n our p>ty ( f\r devot$ "s "t to an exam9ation ( ^! op5+s1 s f> z c\ld be done )\t excavat+4 ,!re are ?ree important cav]ns 9 close proximity to ! ,great ,cav]n1 or ,g\gh's4 ,! be/ kn[n is ,cox's1 a small b exce$+ly beautiful /alactite cav]n 7see frontispiece74 ,no "o int]e/$ 9 caves w\ld ?9k ( visit+ ,*$d> )\t see+ ! ,great ,cav]n1 nor w\ld any su* p]son dream ( miss+ ,cox's4 ,ea* is ! complem5t ( ! o!r z a piece ( und]gr\nd sc5]y4 ,! spaci\s vaults & va/ /alagmite falls ( ! "o fill "o ) a s5se ( p[] & maje/y2 ! o!r is a gem ( fanta/ic ar*itecture1 embelli%$ ) ! mo/ lawless & fairy-l designs ( ! subt]ranean artific]1 & unique 9 "o respect--! weal? & div]sity ( ! m9]al deposits t h dy$ its multi=m incru/ations ) lum9\s t9ts4 ,no sane man1 h[ev]1 w\ld attempt to describe ,cox's ,cav]n 9 detail1 & a photograph c give only col\rless glimpses ( its kaleidoscopic beauties4 ,! cav]n seems1 at fir/ sight1 to be a solit>y freak ( nature1 hav+ no connection ) ! g5]al sy/em ( caves & /reams4 ,b s9ce ! visit j ref]r$ to1 sev]al new passages h be5 op5$1 among !m ! int]e/+ wat]-tunnel ) its ebb & fl[ correspond+ to ! movem5ts ( ! ,*$d> ,wat] outside1 :i*1 z already describ$1 fl[s at a high] level4 ,( ?ree o!r good-siz$ fissures or anci5t *annels radiat+ f ! same l>ge *amb]1 two aft] a :ile dw9dle away almo/ to no?+1 b ! ?ird has indications ( a *annel /rik+ d[nw>ds1 :i* x might be wor? :ile to cle> ( rubbi%4 ,all ^! passages 7 *ok$ ) clay until q rec5tly4 ,illu/ration3 ,,9 ,,cox',s ,,cav]n ,,at ,,*$d>4 ,photo by ,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,illu/ration3 ,,great ,,rift ,,cav]n1 ,,*$d> ,,gorge4 ,photo by ,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,! next cave also is ( m9or int]e/ to ! speleologi/1 al?\gh x conta9s _m curi\s sights4 ,x is call$ ,g\gh's ,old ,cav]n1 & its entrance is close to ! m\? ( ! ,great ,cav]n4 ,x is an asc5d+ cleft1 app>5tly n l9k$ at pres5t ) ! o!r caves1 al?\gh x 0 once probably a slop+ av5 dra9+ into ! big s]ies ( cav]ns t h be5 gradually cut back by ! fall+ 9 ( ! defile4 ,:oev] likes su* ?+s may f9d "h pl5ty ( ^? freaks & alleg$ similitudes t puzzle & delight ! ord9>y sightse]4 ,on a /alagmite excresc5ce nicknam$ ! ,ribs ( ,beef we _h ! luck to see a f> m int]e/+ ph5om5on4 ,! calcite mass 0 clu/]$ ov] ) a numb] ( motionless black objects1 :i* we f\nd to be roo/+ bats1 hang+ head d[nw>ds by _! claws4 ,!y 7 n di/urb$ 9 ! lea/ by our pres5ce1 & "o t 0 lift$ (f g5tly j %[$ 8 tee? & claws1 & clung on aga9 z fa/ z ev] :5 replac$ on ! rock to resume 8 pati5t sleep4 ,a photograph ( ?is curi\s sight 0 obta9$ by means ( ! fla%light4 ,at ! head ( ! cave are sev]al incru/$ grottoes1 :]e ! process ( deposition is /ill go+ on1 ro( & walls /ream+ ) moi/ure4 ,?is "p is n unlike ! %[ places 9 ! ,bag%awe ,cav]n 9 ! ,peak ( ,d]by%ire4 ,9 _m respects ! ,roman ,cave is mu* m int]e/+4 ,its m\? is situat$ ab\t #aej feet up ! cliffs1 almo/ imm$iately ov] ! cave j describ$4 ,quantities ( ,roman pott]y1 co9s1 bones1 & o!r rema9s1 h be5 discov]$ !re1 %[+ x to be "o ( ! places t %elt]$ fugitives aft] ! evacuation ( ,brita9 by ! ,roman legions4 ,! entrance is a broad anticl9al ar*1 & ! ma9 passage1 high-ro($ & asc5d+ gradually1 runs ea/ = p]haps a furlong4 ,!n ! floor1 :i* has be5 cov]$ ) e>? & /ones1 becomes rugg$ & rock-/rewn1 & sudd5ly we creep ?r\gh a l[ly portal into a high & gloomy *amb]1 ! %ad[y corn]s ( ^: ro( our lights are too feeble to explore4 ,to all appe>ances ?is 0 ! end ( ! cav]n2 b we _h be5 told t ! passage takes a turn "h & goes on ne>ly a qu>t] ( a mile f>!r4 ,we scann$ e "p ( ! walls z f> up z we c\ld see1 b no accessible op5+ disclos$ itself4 ,9 a recess on "o side a numb] ( fall5 rocks 7 pil$ up & w$g$ betwe5 ! conv]g+ walls4 ,to exam9e ! cavity f a vantage spot1 we climb$ ) a good deal ( difficulty to ! top ( ^!1 & !re1 to our a/oni%m5t1 a wide passage slop$ up at "r angles to ! "o we _h ent]$ by4 ,a curi\s slit 9 ! wall op5$ into a p]p5dicul> fissure t 0 situat$ "r 9 ! ro( ( ! latt]1 & ?r\gh ! hole we caught a glimpse ( our fri5ds foll[+ u up4 ,?ree m5 n[ pu%$ on up ! new passage & ent]$ a *amb] ^: sole exit 0 a small & un9vit+ hole4 ,we crawl$ & scrap$ ?r\gh1 & on ov] %>p /ones till at la/ we c\ld get no f>!r4 ,we _h evid5tly d\bl$ back ov] ! ma9 cav]n1 & t we c\ld n be f> f ! op5 air 0 %[n by ! pres5ce ( a bewild]$ bat1 :o flew to & fro 9 ! conf9$ space & hit u 9 ! face sev]al times4 ,& 9 ! extreme recess ( ?is n>r[ bran* a /eady draught ( air blew 9 ?r\gh a crevice & ne>ly put ! lights out4 ,?r\gh an ov]sight we f\nd ourselves at ?is po9t r$uc$ to two tap]s & a bit1 & to economise we kept only "o alight at a "t1 s z to h en\gh = ! return j\rney4 ,all w5t well1 h[ev]1 & ! sole difficulty we met ) 0 9 gett+ d[n ov] ! w$g$ blocks 9 ! big *amb]1 a climb t prov$ extremely awkw>d :5 tak5 ! rev]se way4 ,9 _m p>ts ( ?is cav]n we notic$ prodigi\s quantities ( mo?s on ! walls1 z well z _m huge spid]s4 ,b a m int]e/+ ?+ 0 ! vegetation naturalis$ 9 ! caves1 examples ( :i* we f\nd 9 o!r ,m5dip cav]ns z well4 ,x w be advisable to h !m exam9$ by a botanical speciali/4 ,all ,i c say ab\t !m n[ is t !y consi/ ( extremely sl5d] bran*+ t5drils1 "s :ite & transluc5t1 o!rs br[ni%1 ?9 z cotton4 ,x 0 late 9 ! aft]noon :5 we ent]$ ! ,roman ,cav]n2 x 0 d>k n[1 & ! />s 7 out4 ,return+ 9 advance ( ! o!rs1 ,i sat d[n j )9 ! maje/ic gateway ( ! cav]n1 a flatt5$ ar* ab\t #ajj feet wide re/+ on enorm\s rocky jambs1 & look$ out across ! deep wood$ abyss :]e ,*$d> lay1 its lights reflect$ "h & !re by ! d>k wat]s ( ! m]e1 t[>ds ! craggy heights ( ,m5dip opposite1 j s9k+ d[n t[>ds ,s$gemoor4 ,! ,great ,be> 0 %9+ brightly "r 9 front--x almo/ spann$ ! bread? ( ! cave m\?2 & ! solemnity ( ! place & ! h\r c\ld n b br+ to m9d ! mis]able fugitives :o sat 9 ?is =lorn asylum1 hemm$ 9 by foes1 & look$ out on ! same giant con/ellation ?rice five hundr$ ye>s ago4 ,! place is admirably adapt$ = def5ce4 ,a re> attack 0 ( c\rse impossible1 :il/ a frontal attack by way ( ! cliffs w\ld be easily repell$2 & a tol]able wat]-supply 0 to be f\nd inside ! cav]n4 ,! huge natural glacis ( ! =tress is cov]$ to-day ) a d5se tangle ( ivy & o!r climb]s1 ?r\gh :i* we made our way he$fully1 = a slip w\ld h be5 easy 9 ! d>k1 & a t]rible fall ! consequ5ce4 ,next morn+ we /roll$ up ! defile & look$ at ! m\?s ( sev]al caves t are n[ *ok$ up4 ,two furlongs above its entrance ! rav9e makes a d\ble curve l a gigantic figure ?ree4 ,! two cresc5ts ( beetl+ ,lime/one1 ) _! jutt+ horns1 t appe> to ! a/oni%$ behold] und]nea? l t[]+ pyramids & slim aiguilles1 rise to a v]tical height ( #dcj feet1 &1 be+ absolutely unassailable1 !y fill a crag climb]'s m9d ) admiration temp]$ by regret4 ,:at enhances _! gr&eur1 :ile x s(t5s ! savage aspect ( ! %e] & l$geless precipice1 is ! b\ntiful vegetation cl++ :]ev] x c f9d a hold1 d>k %r\ds ( ivy & d>k] masses ( yew /&+ out aga9/ ! grey rock 9 beautiful relief4 ,w\ld ! indomitable scrambl]s :o haunt ,lakel& at ,ea/]1 we ask$ ourselves1 h =c$ a way up ^! trem5d\s *imneys if ! ,*$d> cliffs _h be5 pit*$ some:]e 9 ! latitude ( ,wa/dale8 ,we w5t s f> z to reconnoitre "o allur+ fissure1 #bjj feet or m 9 l5g?1 b ! gap betwe5 its base & ! fir/ feasible lodgm5t 0 insup]able4 ,n f> away a long talus ( scree m>ks ! foot ( an easy ?\gh r s5sational way to ! cliff top4 ,pass+ x by1 we /opp$ at ! m\? ( a v]tical fissure t op5s on to ! roadway4 ,x exp&s slightly inside1 & ! ro( so>s high] & high]2 !n ! floor breaks away1 & ! two m5 :o desc5d$ ! next #hj feet _h to be /eadi$ by ! rope4 ,! walls 7 wet & s(t1 be+ incru/$ ) a /icky calc>e\s sub/ance4 ,at ! bottom ( ! precipit\s slope ! magnesium ribbon reveal$ ! enorm\sly l(ty walls ( a n>r[ *amb]1 ^: f>!r ext5t 0 block$ up by an accumulation ( rocks & dbris4 ,return+ to ! op5 air1 we asc5d$ to ! cliff top1 &1 skirt+ ea* promontory & r\nd+ ! edge ( e bay1 proce$$ t[>ds ! m\? ( ! defile on ! look\t = op5+s4 ,n f> f ! highe/ po9t we _h notic$ f ! road a s]ies ( d>k cavities4 ,"o man scrambl$ along a l$ge to ! upp]mo/ ( ^!1 & f\nd t x 0 m]ely a %all[ ni*e1 & ano!r1 on a l$ge "s #ej feet l[]1 prov$ to be only #bj feet deep4 ,he made a det]m9$ ef=t to rea* ano!r fissure on ! same level z ! la/ b sund]$ f x by a wide space ( cliff :i* 0 cov]$ ) d5se brambles4 ,hold+ on to ! prickly /ems1 & fight+ 8 way ?r\gh1 he got ne> en\gh to see into ! fissure1 b 0 q unable to ent] x = a clos] exam9ation4 ,an op5+ 9 ! cliffs at a l[] po9t1 b /ill "s #bjj feet above ! road1 l$ a long way into ! recesses ( ! ,lime/one /rata1 mak+ two wide curves to ! "r1 b ma9ta9+ a g5]ally ea/]ly direction4 ,! passages 7 v l[1 n>r[1 & awkw>dly %ap$1 involv+ a great deal ( unpleasant crawl+2 & :5 we rea*$ ! /alagmite grotto at ! end we f\nd t x _h be5 pillag$ ( e bit ( calcite t c\ld be remov$4 ,?is cav]n1 ! ,long ,hole1 mu/ h be5 ! *annel ( a /ream t once fl[$ f some:]e on ! o!r side ( ! gorge1 ?r\gh ! mass ( rock t has n[ be5 swept away by ! =ces ( dis9tegration4 ,?\gh sev]al hundr$ feet long1 x is b ! tail end ( ! cav]n t once exi/$4 ,! rema9d] ( our "t 0 devot$ to two ( ! ,burr+ton cav]ns1 on ! opposite side ( ! ,m5dip ,hills1 & to a fruitless se>* = a l>ge *asm or swallet hole into :i* ! dra9age f ! n[ ab&on$ lead m9es on ! top ( ,m5dip us$ to fall & ultimately f9d its way to ,*$d>1 :]e x poison$ ! tr\t /ream4 ,a score or m ( ye>s ago ,i saw ^! m9es1 /ill 9 work+ ord]2 b n[ ! dri$-up pools & ! wild]ness ( refuse1 ) fragm5ts ( ru9$ build+s1 look z old almo/ z ! rema9s ( ! ,roman m9es4 ,( ! important op5+ t we s\ght !re is n[ no trace2 x may h be5 fill$ up int5tionally & ! /ream all[$ to rev]t to its old *annel1 :5ce x _h be5 turn$ artificially4 ,h>d by1 9 ! ,long ,wood ne> ,*>t]h\se1 & else:]e1 !re are small] swallets t we 7 already acqua9t$ )2 & !re are o!rs at ,priddy1 ! wat]s ( :i* f9d an exit f>!r to ! ea/4 ,! gr\nd we 7 on is well kn[n to read]s ( ,walt] ,raymond's romances1 & we 7 mu* int]e/$ :5 x 0 po9t$ out t ! lonely h\se fac+ u 0 ! actual ,ubley ,f>m t figures 9 ,two ,m5 o' ,m5dip4 ,e4 ,a4 ,b4 ,,! ,,burr+ton ,,cav]ns ,burr+ton ,combe is a small] ,lime/one defile on ! nor? side ( ,m5dip--t is to say1 ! opposite side to t ( ,*$d>4 ,x is small]1 & because ( its proximity to ,*$d> x has to suff] disadvantage\s comp>isons4 ,any:]e else ! gr&eur ( ,burr+ton ,combe1 ! magnific5ce ( its crags1 ) d>k1 hea!r-clad ,black ,d[n l[]+ beh9d !m1 & ! beauty ( ! copses t lurk 9 its corn]s & clamb] up its precipices1 w\ld excite ! admiration ( guide-books & attract cr[ds ( t\ri/s4 ,l ! ,*$d> defile1 ,burr+ton ,combe 0 d\btless =m$ by ! gradual de/ruction ( a s]ies ( cav]ns1 & !re rema9s ( t s]ies a numb] ( caves or op5+s ( block$-up caves on ei!r side ( ! rav9e4 ,( ^! ! mo/ important & ! only "o well kn[n to speleologi/s is ,goat*ur* ,cav]n1 :i* 0 explor$ by ,pr(essor ,boyd ,dawk9s 9 #ahfd4 ,! next 9 importance is ,avel9e's ,hole1 discov]$ 9 #agif1 b n explor$ till #ahbj1 :5 ab\t fifty human skeletons 7 f\nd ly+ side by side ) _! weapons1 a /alagmitic cru/ seal+ bones & implem5ts to ! floor4 ,?is cav]n has s9ce _h its m\? silt$ up by dra9age f ! road1 s t tr\blesome excavation w h to be und]tak5 be=e x c be ent]$ aga94 ,x w\ld well repay a ?or\gh exploration1 = x is report$ t a natural pit1 cov]$ by a slab1 has nev] yet be5 desc5d$1 & leads probably into important cavities4 ,foxe's ,hole is int]e/+ = its curi\s bosses ( tuface\s /alactite4 ,a ne>ly v]tical cave1 ,plumley's ,d51 has be5 /opp$ up ) a plug ( timb] & /ones at ! dep? ( #hj feet1 9 consequ5ce ( a fatal accid5t to a man :o tri$ to desc5d x 9 #ahge4 ,at a level probably a few feet bel[ t ( ! caves ^: de/ruction 0 ! orig9 ( ! ,combe1 a good road ) a grassy m>g9 n[ asc5ds t[>ds ! top ( ,m5dip1 :]e x jo9s ! old ,roman road t runs f ,sev]n ,sea to ,old ,s>um1 along ! cr[n ( ! ridge4 ,our waggonette :5 we left ! ,ba? ,arms at ,*$d> 0 pil$ up ) ropes1 cam]as1 gas cyl9d]s1 cond5s]s = ! se>*light1 & an incr$ible am\nt ( ne$ful & sup]flu\s ?+s1 = we 7 q unable to say :at w\ld be want$4 ,climb+ to ! m9iature m\nta9 pass across ,m5dip at ,%ipham 0 h>d "w = ! horse1 & we walk$ up ! hill4 ,dr4 ,%eldon & ,mr4 ,bam=? 7 my companions4 ,our clo!s1 /ill ri*ly daub$ ) ! clay & mire ( ! ,*$d> cav]ns1 made our appe>ance bo? bus9ess-l & picturesque4 ,! nor? side ( ! ,m5dips is v diff]5t f ! bleak & craggy slopes on ! s\?4 ,f ! broad b>e top ( ! hills d[n to ! valley /ret*es1 almo/ cont9u\sly1 a deep mass ( trees t looks 9 ! di/ance l a wall ( dusky v]dure4 ,we drove betwe5 or*>ds :]e great bu%es ( mi/letoe grew on ne>ly e tree1 till we 7 )9 a few hundr$ y>ds ( ,burr+ton village2 !n1 turn+ t[>ds ,m5dip1 we drove ?r\gh m or*>ds1 till sudd5ly ! rocky entrance ( ! ,combe appe>$ & we he>d ! cl9k ( pick & cr[b> 9 ! ,lime/one qu>ry n f> f ,plumley's ,d54 ,half-way up ! gorge makes a sudd5 b5d t[>ds ! ea/1 a little bel[ :i* po9t a %all[] rav9e comes 9 on ! o!r side4 ,ab\t #abj feet above ! b$ ( ?is dry rav9e is ! entrance to ,goat*ur* ,cav]n4 ,we coax$ ! horse ov] ! /ony turf & up ! rav9e till ! r\ghness ( ! gr\nd & ! ?ickness ( ! bramble bu%es /opp$ him4 ,at ?is po9t we 7 met by ! "l ( ! manor1 ,mr4 ,james ,gibson ( ,lang=d1 :o is ! own] ( ! ,burr+ton caves4 ,8 m5 assi/$ u to get our app>atus up to ! cave m\?1 & aft]w>ds convoy$ u & ! luggage ?r\gh\t ! less difficult p>ts ( ! cav]n4 ,a few ye>s ago ! entrance to ,goat*ur* ,cav]n 0 an insignificant hole1 ?r\gh :i* adv5tur\s boys us$ to crawl z f> z ! fir/ consid]able *amb]1 :]e ,pr(essor ,boyd ,dawk9s f\nd a few rema9s ( ext9ct animals4 ,ow+ to ! depr$ations :i* 7 made by neighb\r+ villag]s 9 se>* ( specim5s ( calcite1 ,mr4 ,gibson rec5tly _h ! entrance enl>g$ & clos$ ) a padlock$ gate1 ! public be+ admitt$ only on c]ta9 days ( ! week or by appo9tm5t4 ,x is a pity ?is /ep 0 n tak5 be=e _m ( ! f9] /alactites _h be5 c>ri$ away4 ,9 ?is long *amb]1 ! floor ( :i* is cov]$ ) %eets & bosses ( drip/one1 we ent]$ "s ( ! funnel-%ap$ op5+s 9 ! ro( by means ( a ladd]1 b soon p]ceiv$ t no discov]ies 7 to be made t way4 ,at ! end ( ! *amb] a precipit\s hole goes d[n to ! left1 & fix$ ropes are us$ = gett+ into ! l[] gall]ies4 ,we f\nd ourselves at once ent]+ on a maze ( passages1 :]e ! pres5ce ( our guides sav$ valuable "t4 ,s intricate & bewild]+ are ^! ramifications t ,mr4 ,bal* tells me t he discov]$ a passage "s ye>s ago t l$ him ev5tually to a mu* deep] "p ( ! cav]n ?an _h ev] be5 rea*$ be=e1 b e attempt to r$iscov] ! passage s9ce has fail$4 ,9 spite ( our ef=ts to exam9e e bran* ( ! v>i\s passages1 we also miss$ ?is important l9k4 ,x w\ld seem t ! solid mass ( ! hill has be5 %iv]$ "h into va/1 r\ghly cubical fragm5ts1 betwe5 :i* lie ! irregul> passages & n>r[ *amb]s ( ! cav]n4 ,_m tempt+ gall]ies lead ! explor] on & on till !y dw9dle to a m]e rabbit hole1 or till he f9ds himself w$g$ 9 ! cleft betwe5 two enorm\s surfaces ( rock4 ,disord]ly accumulations ( b\ld]s & spl9t]s cov] ! floor2 !re is h>dly a level spot any:]e1 & x is desirable to explore e y>d c>efully ) a tap] or a lant]n to avoid ! consequ5ces ( a ra% /ep4 ,we crawl$ on h&s & knees & worm$ along ?r\gh insignificant holes1 mak+ our way into spots t _h probably n be5 inspect$ be=e2 b we always came back to ! ma9 *annel1 :]e our guides 7 wait+1 hav+ made no notewor?y f9d4 ,assembl+ aga9 9 a m roomy *amb]1 ab\t #adj feet bel[ ! entrance1 we all proce$$ along a tunnel t %[$ evid5t traces ( ! action ( a /ream to ano!r *amb]1 :]e ! s\nd ( runn+ wat] came up f a grim-look+ *asm4 ,only two ( u w5t beyond ?is po9t4 ,! re/ secur$ ! rope1 :il/ we climb$ d[n ! /eep hole into a l>ge cav]n ?r\gh :i* ! /ream runs f ! swallet hole 9 ! rav9e outside on its way to ,rick=d ,ris+1 :]e x issues 9 consid]able volume4 ,! /ream has a some:at puzzl+ c\rse aft] leav+ ! cav]n1 = x runs und]gr\nd a?w>t ,burr+ton ,combe & ?r\gh ! solid hill opposite1 ,burr+ton ,ham4 ,?is /ream1 z ,pr(essor ,boyd ,dawk9s po9t$ out1 0 d\btless ! orig9at+ cause ( ,goat*ur* ,cav]n1 runn+ 9 at ! pres5t m\?1 :i* is n[ dry4 ,! rav9e outside has s9ce be5 holl[$ out to a fur!r dep? ( #abj feet1 & ! /ream f9ds its way 9 at a l[] level4 ,! ,pr(essor also describes a v pretty exp]im5t4 ,hav+ tak5 ! temp]ature ( ! /ream be=e x ent]s ! cave1 he te/$ x aga9 aft] x _h run "s di/ance und]gr\nd1 f9d+ t x 0 "h sev]al degrees cool]4 ,x is obvi\s t a cold] /ream mu/ h jo9$ x at "s unkn[n po9t midway4 ,! ne!rmo/ s]ies ( *amb]s & passages are n v diff]5t f ^? above1 _! %ape rugg$ & irregul>1 & _! floor heap$ up ) fragm5ts ( all sizes4 ,we rea*$ no l[] po9t ?an t atta9$ by previ\s explor]s--t is1 #bbj feet bel[ ! entrance1 z measur$ by an]oid4 ,squeez+ ) difficulty ?r\gh ! deepe/ fissure1 ,i f\nd myself 9 a small cave1 :5ce1 turn+ r\nd1 ,i only p]ceiv$ "o exit4 ,x look$ & felt s small t ,i despair$ ( pu%+ ?r\gh & turn$ to g back1 :5 x sudd5ly occurr$ to me t ?is 0 ! hole ,i _h come 9 by1 & !re 0 no o!r way out4 ,su* little incid5ts (t5 happ5 9 cave "w1 b mo/ (t5 9 su* a complicat$ network ( tunnels & fissures z ! ,goat*ur* ,cav]n1 :]e we 7 q conv9c$ t an important passage ran due ea/ until ! compass assur$ u t ! direction 0 we/4 ,clamb]+ up a /eep bank ( /iff clay out ( ! l[e/ cave1 we rea*$ a vault$ grotto ) a cascade ( /alagmite fl[+ d[n "o side4 ,on ! edge ( ?is a slop+ passage disclos$ itself1 l9$ ) /alagmite1 & we asc5d$ x 9 ! expectation ( f9d+ some?+ new4 ,x br\ght u by an easy scramble back to ! upp] cave1 :5ce we _h desc5d$ on ! rope2 & ) little m deviation f ! ma9 passages we made our way back to ! cave m\?1 :]e a well-e>n$ lun* 0 wait+4 ,b little "t 0 wa/$ 9 exam9+ ! silt$-up entrance to ,avel9e's ,hole & ano!r cave m\?1 & ! next halt 0 made at ,plumley's ,d54 ,ty+ two ,alp9e ropes toge!r1 a pair ( u desc5d$ ?is anci5t po?ole z f> z ! artificial pile ( dbris t blocks x up4 ,"o man 0 hit r sev]ely by a dislodg$ /one--a s]i\s dang] 9 caves ( ?is sort--& 9 return+ he dropp$ & sma%$ 8 acetyl5e lamp4 ,! hole is effectually plugg$1 a tree & a quantity ( /one hav+ be5 flung 9 aft] ,plumley's fatal mi%ap2 & until ,mr4 ,gibson c>ries out 8 proposal to remove ! /ones t block x1 ! #bjj feet :i* are said1 on d\btful au?ority1 to lie beyond c nev] be explor$4 ,mr4 ,gibson also proposes to bore a new entrance f ! ,combe into ! l[] s]ies ( caves at ,goat*ur*4 ,above ,plumley's ,d5 a magnific5t rib ( ,lime/one1 l ^? at ,matlock1 spr+s ne>ly to ! hilltop2 & ov] ! way a picturesque pile ( crag comes out to meet x1 & is kn[n z ! ,rock ( ,ages1 f ! tradition t ,toplady1 ! div9e1 tak+ %elt] "u x f a /orm1 compos$ 8 fam\s hymn !re4 ,/ill pilot$ by our k9d ho/1 we walk$ across ,burr+ton ,ham & saw ! brook :i* we _h he>d babbl+ amid ! sil5ce ( ,goat*ur* ,cav]n fl[+ out1 a /rong body ( wat]1 at ,rick=d ,ris+1 aft] a subt]ranean c\rse ( ab\t two miles f its s\rces high up on ,black ,d[n4 ,rick=d ,ris+ is 9 ! ,second>y b$s1 b a %ort mile up ! beautiful ,combe at ^: outlet x lies1 a ,lime/one ridge comes d[n to ! road4 ,h>d by ! extremity is a hole 9 ! rocky gr\nd1 n[ almo/ entirely *ok$ ) /ones1 b n s _m ye>s ago an op5 pit4 ,x is kn[n z ! ,squire's ,well4 ,"h1 9 times ( cont9u\s ra91 a body ( wat] issues =?1 (t5 flood+ ! road4 ,x seems to be connect$ ) ! wat]-*annels t fe$ ,rick=d ,ris+1 to :i* x acts z a safety valve4 ,to op5 x w\ld n be a v s]i\s affair1 & might discov] some?+ int]e/+4 ,at ! back ( ,m5dip ,lodge1 on ! hill imm$iately we/ ( ,burr+ton ,combe1 ! hilltop is cut up by innum]able rav9es end+ 9 swallets1 ! wat] ( :i* comes to light aga9 9 a l>ge /ream 9 ! ,yeo valley ne> ,upp] ,lang=d1 ab\t a mile away4 ,sev]al ( ^! swallets look z if !y w\ld repay ! tr\ble ( a little excavation2 & ! size ( ! /ream at ! po9t ( issue indicates ! exi/5ce ( l>ge cavities 9 ! l9e ( its subt]ranean c\rse4 ,e4 ,a4 ,b4 ,,! ,,coral ,,cave ,,at ,,compton ,,bi%op ,a cave j discov]$ ne> ,compton ,bi%op1 on ! skirts ( ,m5dip1 furni%es valuable evid5ce 9 corroboration ( ! !ory t ! ,lime/one cav]ns ( ?is region 7 =m$ at a p]iod enorm\sly ant]ior to t g5]ally accept$4 ,x is situat$ a little way up ! slope ( ,wav]+ ,d[n1 only a %ort di/ance above ! upp] limit ( ! r$ m>l laid d[n 9 ! ,triassic age1 uncon=mably on ! d5ud$ edges ( ! ,c>bonif]\s ,lime/one4 ,we _h be5 engag$ 9 "s explor+ "w 9 ! ,*$d> caves1 ! results ( :i* 7 ( a negative k9d1 b none ! less important1 z modify+ ! l9es ( co/ly excavation4 ,accompani$ by ! ,messrs4 ,g\gh1 ! proprietors ( ! great cave at ,*$d>1 we proce$$ late 9 ! day to ,axbridge1 :]e ,mr4 ,bal* jo9$ ! p>ty4 ,our goal 0 a c]ta9 cav]n1 explor$ ab\t a c5tury ago1 & describ$ by ! antiqu>y ,phelps1 b n[ little kn[n4 ,?is purpose 01 h[ev]1 n c>ri$ out t day1 = 9 mak+ inquiries ab\t ! cave z we pass$ ?r\gh ! village ( ,cross1 we got w9d ( a cav]n t _h nev] yet be5 explor$1 & 0 !re=e treasure-trove to su* ard5t cave work]s4 ,two ye>s ago1 9 bla/+ = /one to l9e a dr9k+-place = cattle1 a f>m] _h bl[n a hole into ! top ( a subt]ranean cavity4 ,two #cj-rung ladd]s 7 la%$ toge!r1 s we le>n$1 & a bold c\ntryman1 secur$ by a c>t-rope1 desc5d$ into ! my/]i\s holl[1 alight+ on a slope ( %ift+ /ones & e>?1 :5ce he c\ld see a second *asm1 black z ,tophet & ( unkn[n pr(undity1 yawn+ b5ea? him4 ,no "o w\ld v5ture on ?is fur!r desc5t2 a rock 0 roll$ aga9/ ! op5+ to prev5t %eep or incauti\s p]sons f tumbl+ 91 & !re = ! "t be+ 0 an end ( ! matt]4 ,our fir/ task 0 to )draw ?is =midable plug4 ,x 0 a s\nd1 unfissur$ block ( ,m\nta9 ,lime/one1 weigh+ p]haps half a ton4 ,we ?\ght t six m5 ) a rope ought to move x easily2 b we c\ld n make x budge4 ,a spade & a cr[b> 7 fet*$1 ) :i* we lab\r$ dilig5tly = an h\r2 b ! only effect 0 to drop ! /one deep] into ! hole4 ,a sl$gehamm] 0 n[ obta9$ f ! ne>e/ smi?y1 & "o aft] ano!r we attack$ ! foe ) might & ma94 ,at l5g? x yield$4 ,pieces flak$ (f1 & at la/ x split2 ! fragm5ts tumbl$ into ! *asm1 & ! rock1 dim9i%$ to half its =m] size1 0 roll$ away4 ,! job _h tak5 two h\rs & a half1 & x 0 n[ d>k4 ,mr4 ,bal* & ,i ca/ lots = ! hon\r ( ! fir/ desc5t3 x fell to me4 ,an ,alp9e ,club rope 0 ti$ on z life-l9e1 :il/ a #gj-;foot cotton rope 0 to be us$ = l[]+ & lift+4 ,slung 9 a bight ( ! latt]1 ,i 0 c>efully let d[n ov] ! cliff-l face bel[ ! entrance4 ,! cavity =m$ "p ( a huge *ok$ swallet1 :i* ext5d$ up into ! hill above ! po9t :]e we _h be5 work+1 & ran away obliquely und]nea?1 s t ,i 0 com+ d[n f a hole p]=at+ "o corn] ( ! ro(4 ,ov] aga9/ ! hole 0 ! /eep slope ( e>? & scree already m5tion$1 /eep almo/ z a wall1 & ! scree s loose t x seem$ to be 9 a /ate ( susp5d$ animation4 ,z soon z "o came into contact ) ! trea*]\s /uff1 an avalan*e ( /ones 0 laun*$1 & ,i s\ght 9 va9 = a spot :]e x w\ld be safe to unrope & await ! next man4 ,! cliff d[n :i* ,i _h be5 l[]$ 0 und]cut by a wide ar*way1 ?r\gh :i* ,i look$ into a black1 =bidd+ pit gap+ at ! bottom4 ,) n[h]e to re/1 & ) ! risk ( fall+ /ones1 x 0 obvi\sly wis] to f9i% ! desc5t be=e ano!r man />t$4 ,ty+ ! loose rope r\nd me 7= x 0 necess>y to sw+ out "u ! ar*71 ,i 0 let d[n sl[ly1 & began to slip ov] a smoo?1 greasy rock-face into ! unkn[n cavity4 ,at #fj feet f ! gr\nd ,i alight$ at ! top ( a slope ( /ones1 & 0 able to remove ! ropes & scramble to ! bottom4 ,light+ "s magnesium wire1 ,i f\nd myself 9 a bell-%ap$ *amb] ab\t #fe feet high1 op5+ above by ! precipit\s ar*way into ! upp] cavity1 & on ! o!r side into an asc5d+ vault runn+ nor?-we/4 ,all ar\nd 7 ! indelible m>ks ( wat] action 9 ! remote pa/4 ,on ! upp] side ! rocks 7 c>v$ & pitt$ z by ! swirl+ ( a viol5t torr5t4 ,b !re 0 n[ no sign ( runn+ wat]1 only ! drip1 drip f ! moi/ ro(2 & ! outlet ( ! anci5t /ream at ! bottom ( ! cav]n 0 block$ up by a deep accumulation ( dbris4 ,among ! c\ntless fragm5ts /rewn all ov] ! floor ,i f\nd a l>ge /one cov]$ ) a mass ( dog-too? cry/als1 cle> z diamonds & l>ge z walnuts4 ,b at ! v bottom ( ! place 0 some?+ ev5 m lovely1 myriads ^u myriads ( exquisite spicules ( c>bonate1 "s little m ?an specks ( r$1 orange1 & amb]1 b ?\s&s l wee t5drils ( coral ?ree-eigh?s ( an in* 9 l5g?4 ,!y 7 ! gr[?1 ?r\gh age aft] age1 ( a spla% deposit f ! ro( or f ! /ream t _h disappe>$4 ,su* a =mation is n r>e 9 wat] cav]ns2 b 9 su* beauty ( %ape & hue x is r>e inde$1 = ^! t5d] little cry/al fl[]s took all mann] ( =ms1 blossom+ (ttimes into wrea?s & clu/]s l a m9iature coral4 ,"o ( ! mo/ exquisite & mo/ puzzl+ features 0 t ! dots & spicules 7 (t5 arrang$ 9 set patt]ns1 symmetrical & ev5 geometrical1 9 t9y circles1 squ>es1 & triangles1 by ! rhy?mic action ( ! wat]s t _h left ?is beautiful record ( _! passage4 ,we nam$ ! cave ! ,coral ,cav]n4 ,z ! desc5t _h n be5 direct1 & !re might be difficulty 9 recov]+ ! ropes if once let g1 x seem$ mo/ prud5t t no "o %\ld foll[ me d[n = ! pres5t4 ,climb+ ! slopes ( rocks & scree t l$ up ?r\gh a l(ty vault to ! nor?-we/1 ,i rea*$ a height ( consid]ably m ?an #ajj feet above ! floor ( ! ,coral ,cav]n1 ! pres5t floor ( :i* is #ij feet bel[ ! po9t ( entrance4 ,! op5 way !n came to an end abruptly1 9 a t9y grotto1 at a di/ance ( #bdj feet f t po9t4 ,b h>d by !re 7 funnel-l cavities p5etrat+ ! ro(1 & h9t+ at ! proximity ( a ,second>y swallet hole on ! hillside close ov]head4 ,evid5tly1 :5 ! cave 0 9 work+ ord]1 9 times ( indef9able remot5ess1 a big /ream _h run d[n ?is /eep vault$ passage1 & unit$ ) ! ma9 /ream at ! bottom1 bo? !n pursu+ _! way into ! fissures ( ! rock1 & ultimately f9d+ an exit into ! op5 air at "s po9t n[ buri$ "u ,triassic deposits4 ,enorm\s slabs ( ,lime/one1 smoo?1 & fitt+ close ov] ea* o!r l boil]-plates1 =m$ ! slop+ floor ( ?is tunnel on "o side4 ,^! too 7 a conspicu\s te/imony to p[]ful wat] action4 ,at pres5t ! r$ m>l ( ! ,trias comes ne>ly up to ! artificial entrance ( ! cavity4 ,x is obvi\s t :5 ! cave 0 occupi$ by a /ream1 its wat]s mu/ h f\nd a v5t "s di/ance bel[ ! upp] limit ( ! m>l2 :5ce x necess>ily foll[s t ! m>l has be5 laid d[n "h s9ce t p]iod4 ,mu* evid5ce has be5 ga!r$ 9 ! c\rse ( our cave "w 9 ! ,m5dips to %[ t _m ( ! cav]ns are old] ?an ! va/ accumulations ( ,dolomitic ,conglom]ate & o!r deposits ( ,triassic age1 b n[h]e is ! pro( put s cle>ly & concisely z by ! new cave at ,compton ,bi%op4 ,my /ay und]gr\nd 0 cut %ort by ! fe> t ! o!rs w\ld gr[ impati5t4 ,i 0 haul$ up )\t mi%ap1 save t at "o po9t ! cotton rope /uck fa/ 9 a cleft1 & ,i _h to pull myself up h& ov] h& on ! life-l9e4 ,two m5 !n w5t d[n1 ) ! result we _h dread$--! rope c\ld n be got back to ! la/ man )\t extreme difficulty4 ,only aft] ty+ on /one aft] /one1 & mak+ _m a ca/ 9 va91 did we ultimately re/ore communication4 ,he came up2 ! gu>dian block 0 pu%$ back into its place2 & at a late h\r we /ruck d[n ! hillside home4 ,a day or two lat] we set out once m to f9d ,phelps's ,cav]n4 ,x op5s on ! v cre/ ( ! ridge lead+ up to ,crook ,hill1 or1 z x is m commonly kn[n to-day1 ,crook's ,peak1 a %>p ,lime/one spur1 runn+ s\?-ea/ f ! we/]n extremity ( ,wav]+ ,d[n4 ,at ! foot ( ! hill1 ne> ! road1 we came across a small cave1 call$ ! ,fox's ,hole1 :i* we se>*$ ?or\ghly = any cont9uation upw>ds or d[nw>ds1 b 9 va94 ,aft] a great deal ( jamm+ & squeez+1 we got 9 to a di/ance ( #ej feet1 :]e a l[ *amb] has holes betwe5 wall & floor t _h act$ z a wat]-s9k to "s anci5t sy/em ( cavities4 ,b ! floor 0 heap$ ) /ones1 & 9 spite ( our ef=ts to cle> ^! out1 we did n discov] a s+le hole big en\gh to ent]4 ,?is small cave is1 d\btless1 b ! tail end ( ! cav]n t once exi/$ "h2 &1 inde$1 ! l>ge cav]n at ! hilltop mu/ be little m ?an a fragm5t ( :at x 04 ,crook's ,peak seems to be ! m]e skeleton ( a hill4 ,to acc\nt = ! pres5ce ( su* a cav]n at ! summit1 "o mu/ po/ulate a l>ge dra9age area 9 days gone by1 & a g5]al configuration entirely opposite to ! pres5t4 ,! high] "p ( ! hill is b a ,lime/one %ell enclos+ ^! anci5t1 & n[ wat]less1 cav]ns4 ,! big cav]n is kn[n z ,d5ny's ,hole4 ,desc5d+ ! slop+ side ( an op5 pit1 we f\nd ourselves "u an ar* ( mighty span1 ! cr[n ( :i* 0 =m$ by ! rock-wall on ! o!r side4 ,"u ?is ar* ! floor slop$ precipit\sly into ! jaws ( ! cav]n2 !n ! ro( came close d[n1 & ! f>!r passages w\nd onw>ds z l[ tunnels1 desc5d+ /eeply into ! entrails ( ! hill4 ,x is easy en\gh to get to a consid]able dep? & di/ance 9 ! l>ge/ ( ^!1 b ! j\rney is n specially int]e/+1 = ! place has be5 loot$ by adv5tur\s ru/ics1 & s]i\s exploration is at pres5t br\ght to a /&/ill by ! enorm\s quantities ( loose /ones fill+ e cavity 9 ! floor4 ,com+ back to ! cave m\?1 we 7 /ruck by ! gr&eur ( ! ve/ibule1 :i* has e appe>ance ( be+ ! rema9s ( a great subt]ranean *amb]1 ! pit-l entrance1 ?r\gh :i* we look up to ! sky & ! sun%9e1 be+ ! remnant ( a cave-tunnel1 once p]haps ( v consid]able l5g?4 ,phelps _h allud$ to ano!r *amb]1 ( "s beauty1 to be atta9$1 at ! exp5se ( div]s wr5*es & abrasions1 by a c]ta9 tortu\s passage lead+ out ( ! ve/ibule4 ,aft] dilig5t se>* we f\nd a hole 9 ! floor at "o corn]1 b x seem$ to be only a foot or two deep4 ,kick+ ab\t = "s "t1 ) body half 9 & half out ( ! hole1 ,i manag$ to %ift "s loose /ones1 & felt space bel[4 ,b ! space prov$1 on exp]im5t1 at lea/ z excell5t a place ( torm5t z ,phelps's description _h be5 able to d ju/ice to4 ,! passage d\bl$ back ^u itself at once1 & twi/$ "h & !re l a corkscrew4 ,only by ob/9ate wriggl+ 7 we able to worm a way d[n to ! l[ cavity at ! bottom4 ,two bl9d passages />t$ !refrom1 & 9 "o wall 0 a long1 horizontal slit1 ) "s big place beyond1 z we judg$ f ! s\nd ( ! /ones we ?rew 94 ,9 v>i\s cauti\s attitudes we ins]t$ ourselves into ! slit4 ,! drop inside1 ?\gh fe>ful to anticipate1 0 a matt] ( only a few feet4 ,! cave we f\nd ourselves 9 0 a sort ( d\ble *amb]1 ) ve/iges ( a p>tition across ! middle2 ! :ole 0 "s #dj feet 9 l5g?4 ,at "o end 0 a pool ( wat]1 /agnant at pres5t1 or ne>ly s4 ,close by1 a l[ fissure slop$ d[nw>ds to a v]tical hole or pot t s\nd$ deep2 b we c\ld n get ne> x = ! spikes ( /alactite t gu>d$ x on all sides4 ,?is *amb]1 :i* we ?\ght mu/ communicate ) ! s]ies rea*$ by ! ma9 passage f ! ve/ibule1 seems to h be5 h>dly ev] visit$4 ,we he>d a /ory ( a lady's pet dog t _h be5 lo/ "h = a week1 & 0 n f\nd1 al?\gh a tempt+ rew>d 0 (f]$1 until a f>m]1 :o told u ! /ory1 explor$ ! corkscrew tunnel lead+ to ?is cave4 ,he f\nd ! poor bea/ %iv]+ on ! edge ( ! slit we _h come 9 by1 afraid to jump4 ,ev5 ! f>m]1 :o ?\ght he knew all ! ramifications ( ?is p]plex+ cav]n1 did n seem to h rea*$ ?is *amb]1 ! natural ornam5ts ( :i* %[$ no trace ( specim5-hunt+4 ,return+ to daylight1 we exam9$ a cave v5t 9 ! gr\nd h>d by1 :]e a vap\r 0 /eam+ up into ! *illy air4 ,! p5etrable portion 0 j big en\gh to accommodate ! six feet two ( our talle/ man4 ,) "s "t left on our h&s1 we decid$ n[ to walk on to ,loxton1 ! next village1 :]e ano!r cave 0 situat$ on a ,lime/one hilltop4 ,!re 7 only two miles to walk1 s we did n ?9k x wor? :ile to d(f our cave panoply4 ,great 0 ! speculation t our unexampl$ appe>ance excit$ 9 ! p we met4 ,we c\ld n be tramps--9 fact1 we h>dly look$ respectable en\gh2 & yet our rucksacks1 ropes1 & cam]as gave u an air ( di/9ction t 0 puzzl+ 9 ! extreme4 ,faces cr[d$ to ! w9d[s at e h\se we pass$1 & at ,loxton we _h to run ! gauntlet ( satiric obs]vation4 ,z we ask$ our way to ! qu>ry at ,loxton1 ! g5]al conclusion 0 t we 7 9 que/ ( a job !re4 ,?is cave mu/ h be5 a v int]e/+ "o long ago1 b n[ x is l ^? at ,compton ,bi%op1 only a remnant2 & besides :at has be5 de/roy$ by natural d5udation1 a great deal has be5 damag$ by ! gradual approa*es ( a ,lime/one qu>ry on ! side ( ! hill4 ,?is has expos$ ! outlets ( sev]al passages4 ,a labyr9? ( l[ gall]ies rema9s1 ) a few l>g] holl[s "h & !re2 b ( :atev] beauty !y once possess$ !y h long be5 d5ud$ by ! deva/at+ village boy1 :o has f\nd ! intricacies ( ,loxton ,cav]n a p]fect p>adise4 ,x does n foll[ t ! cave w\ld necess>ily n pay = a ?or\gh exploration4 ,if "s ( ! l[] rea*es 7 c>efully exam9$1 entrances w\ld v likely be f\nd into /ill ne!r cav]ns1 ( :i* ^! dry *annels 7 at "o "t ! fe$]s4 ,b ! "w w\ld be peculi>ly difficult on acc\nt ( ! smallness ( ! op5 spaces1 & ! result unc]ta94 ,yet ! ,lime/one ( ! ,m5dips is s ?ick--! ?icke/ 9 ,engl&--& ! p>ts t h be5 explor$ are s honeycomb$ ) cavities & passages1 t e gateway into ?is /range und]world promises m or less rew>d4 ,x is some:]e 9 ! neighb\rhood ( ,loxton & ,banwell t ! fam\s ,gulf 0 discov]$ 9 ! days ( ! old lead m9]s4 ,9 driv+ an ext5sive level ?r\gh a hill1 at a po9t #hj fa?oms bel[ ! summit1 !y came ^u a gigantic rift4 ,a man 0 let d[n on a long rope--s tradition reports--& :5 he _h desc5d$ to ! full ext5t ( x he 0 unable to see ei!r walls or bottom ( ! trem5d\s abyss4 ,we are probably on ! track ( ?is mon/] cavity1 an exploration ( :i* w entail lab\r & =titude4 ,t & ! exploration ( ! swallet at ,hillgrove1 :5 x is op5$1 are ! two mo/ fasc9at+ problems await+ u 9 ! imm$iate future4 ,e4 ,a4 ,b4 ,,lamb',s ,,lair ,a few ye>s ago ! ,great ,we/]n op5$ :at !y call$ ! ,wr+ton ,vale ,light ,railway up ! valley ( ! ,yeo1 :i* bord]s ,m5dip on ! nor?4 ,a few miles beyond its pres5t t]m9us lie ! two ,h>ptrees1 9 ! he>t ( a seque/]$ c\ntryside ( great pa/oral beauty4 ,"h1 :]e n[adays all ! pursuits are agricultural1 a great deal ( m9+ 0 c>ri$ on 9 ye>s gone by1 ! relics ( :i* are /ill visible 9 ! surface work+s1 gr[n ov] ) grass4 ,9 ! upl& rav9es ( ,lamb's ,bottom1 ne> ! top ( ! ,m5dip plateau1 ^! are v num]\s1 & seem to be ! "w ( bo? lead m9]s & se>*]s = black oxide ( manganese4 ,e>ly 9 ! eighte5? c5tury a cav]n ( prodigi\s size & beauty 0 discov]$ 9 ?is locality2 b1 by "o ( ^? curi\s accid5ts :i* are by no means infrequ5t 9 ! hi/ory ( caves1 x 0 lo/1 & its site rema9$ unkn[n = a hundr$ & tw5ty ye>s4 ,its fame1 h[ev]1 0 *]i%$ by ! c\ntry folk1 & ! tradition ( its fabul\s wond]s induc$ a "l ( ! manor1 a qu>t] ( a c5tury ago1 to (f] a heavy monet>y rew>d1 :i* l$ to its r$iscov]y 9 ! ye> #ahhj4 ,?is new exploration made "s noise at ! "t1 & a fair numb] ( p v5tur$ on a desc5t4 ,! difficulties 7 smoo!d d[n consid]ably4 ,ladd]s 7 fix$ 9 ! %aft1 :i* 0 /r5g!n$ by timb] supports1 & 9 difficult p>ts ( ! l[] gall]ies2 solid b$s ( arragonite 7 cut ?r\gh1 & a heavy /ructure ( timb]1 c>ry+ a w9dlass1 0 built out on ! v]ge ( an abyss1 to make accessible ! floor ( ! ,great ,*amb]4 ,lamb's ,lair is ev5 allud$ to1 ?\gh incorrectly1 9 ! f\r? edition ( ,murray's ,guide--t = #ahhb--;&1 = a :ile1 great 0 ! r5[n ( its unp>allel$ beauties4 ,!n1 z usually happ5s ) cave sc5]y :5 !re is any difficulty or any p]il involv$1 ! novelty & ! popul>ity ( ,lamb's ,lair wan$2 & n[ = a long p]iod ! cave has be5 d]elict1 ! timb] erections h become rott5 & dang]\s1 & ! only visit dur+ _m ye>s previ\s to ! "o ,i am ab\t to describe ne>ly result$ 9 a cata/rophe4 ,illu/ration3 ,,entrance ,,to ,,lamb',s ,,lair1 ,,h>ptree4 ,photo by ,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,illu/ration3 ,,plan ,,& ,,section ,,( ,,! ,,great ,,cav]n ,,( ,,lamb',s ,,lair4 ,our p>ty ( f\r _h be5 engag$ 9 "s ardu\s "w ne> ,wells1 & a desc5t into ,lamb's ,lair meant a long drive across ,m5dip1 ne>ly to ,ea/ ,h>ptree4 ,we 7 dropp$ by our waggonette1 ) a great pile ( app>atus1 at a gate into a field4 ,! field 0 "p ( ! ,lamb's ,bottom rav9e1 & we _h "s difficulty 9 locat+ ! entrance to our cav]n among ! innum]able work+s & natural depressions t cut up ! surface4 ,at l5g? we caught sight ( ! end ( a ladd] /ick+ out f a hole t 0 buri$ 9 bru%wood1 & /raightway we f\nd ourselves on ! br9k ( ! #fj-;foot %aft4 ,! upp]mo/ ladd] 0 brok5 six feet f ! top1 & s 0 ! second2 nei!r 0 fit to be tru/$4 ,we support$ ! brok5 "p ( ! top ladd] ) a =k$ bran*1 & ,i took up my /ation on a l$ge #ae feet d[n1 to /eady ! ?+s z !y 7 l[]$4 ,ea* man 0 rop$ = ! desc5t1 = ! crazy ladd]s1 ! decay$ woodwork1 & ! loose /ones 9 ! %aft all ?reat5$ disa/]4 ,at la/ all our p>aph]nalia 0 safe at ! bottom1 & n[ a muddy progress began ?r\gh a n>r[1 dripp+ cleft into a l[ tunnel1 t br\ght u1 aft] _m w9d+s1 to ! top ( a f\r? ladd]4 ,?is "o 0 n s high1 b x 0 q z %aky z ! o!rs1 & a memb] ( ! p>ty got a na/y bl[ on ! %\ld] f a beam connect$ ) x1 t gave way :il/ we 7 pass+ ! luggage f h& to h&4 ,desc5d+ /ill ?r\gh an irregul> passage1 we sudd5ly ent]$ a roomy vault ) /alactites on ! ro(4 ,"h ! glories ( ,lamb's ,lair beg94 ,9 a few mom5ts we %all be at ! ?re%old ( ! incomp>able ,beehive ,*amb]1 & !nce1 to a po9t f> beyond :at we c atta9 to-day1 ! poetry & wit*]y ( cave sc5]y are at _! f9e/4 ,/umbl+ ov] ! irregul>ities ( ! cry/al floor1 we see dimly1 by ! light ( our c&les1 great lum9\s arcs b5d+ ov] our heads2 & !n1 cat*+ sight ( a regul>ly %ap$ hemisph]e ris+ out ( ! d>kness & dw>f+ ! cave ) its enorm\s proportions1 we realise t ?is is ! ,beehive ,*amb]4 ,:5 ! limelight is br\ght 91 & its fi]ce beams play ^u ! wild arcades & gro9+ ( ?is fanta/ic vault1 we are a/\nd$ by ! weal? & brilliance & extraord9>y v>iety ( ! incru/ations3 n a rib1 n a corn] ( b>e rock rema9s visible2 e in* ( floor & walls & ro( has be5 ?ickly coat$ ) ! calc>e\s enamel4 ,! ,beehive itself1 #ab feet high & enorm\s 9 gir?1 is n m a/oni%+ = its size ?an = ! regul>ity ( its %ape4 ,x is probably ! l>ge/ boss ( /alagmite 9 ,engl&4 ,! sides are /reak$ ) :ite & yell[ b&s1 :i* enhance ! weird symmetry & poli% ( its appe>ance2 &1 on ! summit1 wide en\gh = a man to walk ab\t1 we notic$ t a numb] ( /alactites1 fall5 f ! vault above1 _h become emb$d$ 9 its mass1 & 7 sl[ly be+ cru/$ ov] ) ! ceaseless deposits4 ,all ov] ! *amb] !re is a cont9u\s patt] ( wat]-drops1 c>ry+ on ! "w ( ! ages1 & lay+ film aft] film ( lu/re on ! imag]ies ( ?is hidd5 %r9e1 :i* man has visit$ s r>ely4 ,to "r & left ( ! ,beehive ! unev5 floor desc5ds into deep recesses--:i* we see z we draw nigh to be rocky por*es adorn$ ) ! mo/ magnific5t incru/ations--lead+ into two passages4 ,^! two por*es1 ! ar* by :i* we h ent]$1 & ! wild vault+ t rises to an apex ov] our heads amid a pr(usion ( gli/5+ /alactites1 are ! dom9ant features ( ?is piece ( fairy ar*itecture4 ,b :o c c\nt or describe ! gleam+ volutes & scrolls t w9d ov] ! walls 9 brilliant confusion1 ! clu/]$ corbels :5ce r&om ribs spr+ t[>ds ! ro(1 ! lace-l fr+e ( delicate /alactites t hangs f e ridge1 or ! gnome-l f+]s & gh\li% faces1 />+ & po9t+ d[nw>ds1 t "o seems to disc]n amid ! disord]$ sculpture ( ro( & walls8 ,a brok5 bottle ( p>aff9 & "s pieces ( cotton-wa/e1 evid5tly ! relics ( ! la/ p>ty :o _h us$ !m to light up ! ,beehive ,*amb] ye>s ago1 7 ly+ 9 a corn] j z !y 7 left4 ,9 "o ( ! gall]ies ,i notic$ ! m>ks ( f+]s & ! impress ( ! clo!s ( a man :o _h crawl$ along ! clay floor--z fre% z if he _h be5 !re an h\r ago4 ,?is *angelessness ( ev]y?+ fills "o ) a c]ta9 awe2 b :at impresses "o z /ill m wond]ful is t all ?is consummate beauty & gr&eur %\ld lie conceal$ & unkn[n 9 ! mid/ ( mod]n ,engl&1 only a few miles away f important cities1 b unvisit$ by a s\l = long p]iods ( ye>s1 :ile ! c\ntry p seem h>dly aw>e ( ! cave's exi/5ce4 ,7 ! cave easily accessible1 "o c h>dly "q t cr[ds ( sightse]s w\ld be attract$1 & mu* ( ! *>m w\ld be dispell$1 ev5 if its treasures 7 n ransack$4 ,= ! pres5t ^! are p]fectly safe4 ,illu/ration3 ,,! ,,beehive ,,*amb]1 ,,lamb',s ,,lair4 ,photo by ,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,illu/ration3 ,,/alactite ,,wall1 ,,lamb',s ,,lair4 ,photo by ,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,f ! ,beehive ,*amb] a passage w9ds d[nw>d "u "o ( ! glori\s por*es already describ$1 & on & on betwe5 walls ( calcsp> & arragonite1 t[>d ! *ief wond] ( ,lamb's ,lair1 ! ,great ,*amb]4 ,! orig9al passage 0 l[ & difficult1 & e>ly explor]s cut a deep] way ?r\gh solid b$s ( arragonite1 ^: miracul\s :it5ess gli/5s on e side z we advance4 ,s enorm\s is ! ?ickness ( ?is compact & f9e-gra9$ v>iety ( ! calcium c>bonate1 ) its delicate l9es ( cry/allisation %[+ transp>5tly :]e x is %att]$1 t fully ?ree & a half feet are %[n 9 section1 a wall ( sn[y brilliance2 & "o _c judge h[ mu* m is hidd54 ,! tunnel wid5s into an ar* ( r$di% rock1 cov]$ ) sp>ry reliefs2 !n sudd5ly we f9d ourselves /epp+ on a plank1 & out ( ! d>kness ahead />ts up ! gaunt %ape ( a w9dlass4 ,we h rea*$ ! spot :]e ! gall]y breaks into ! upp] "p ( ! ,great ,*amb]2 "u our feet is a black void1 & fur!r progress is =bidd54 ,! gall]y ends on a slop+ bevel1 #aj feet wide1 t dips /eeply into ! *asm4 ,on ?is bevel1 :i* ov]hangs by _m feet ! rec$+ wall ( ! ,great ,*amb]1 a timb] plat=m 0 erect$ a qu>t] ( a c5tury ago4 ,x is a sort ( cantilev]1 ) ! w9dlass re/+ on ! long arms4 ,we mov$ "h ) utmo/ caution1 h>dly v5tur+ to place a foot on ! "t-worn /ructure )\t hold+ on to ! rocks at ! side4 ,on ! la/ occasion t ! cav]n 0 visit$1 "s ye>s ago1 a fatal accid5t 0 av]t$ almo/ by a miracle4 ,! rope broke :ile ,mr4 ,bal* 0 desc5d+2 he fell ab\t #fj feet1 on to ! brok5 rocks b5ea?1 *eck+ 8 fall by cat*+ at a tangle ( l9e t 0 hang+ ne>4 ,8 h&s 7 cut to ! bone1 & he lay at ! bottom /unn$ = a qu>t] ( an h\r1 & has h>dly ceas$ to feel ! effects ( ! %ak+4 ,naturally1 he n[ felt little incl9ation to v5ture ano!r desc5t1 especially z he told u t ! rickety /ate ( ! plat=m has fill$ him ) grave d\bts z to its safety if weight 7 put on x4 ,at pres5t1 beyond ! />k %ape ( ! w9dlass1 d>kness reign$4 ,we flung blocks ( arragonite out into ! void4 ,!re 0 an int]val ( sil5ce1 !n a cra% on ! h>d floor1 & ! missile bur/ into fragm5ts4 ,:5 ! ray ( our #bjjj-;c&le-p[] se>*light fla%$ across ! abyss1 we f\nd ourselves look+ into a *amb] ^: weird maje/y held u spellb\nd4 ,its height is #aaj feet1 & ! walls curve gradually ov] 9 an irregul> dome4 ,h>dly a squ>e foot ( ?is mighty wall-space is blank4 ,/ripes & reticulations & p5dul\s lacework run all ov] x 9 en*ant+ disord]4 ,"h a sn[-:ite flood ( calcite drops f an unse5 cleft1 !re a cascade ( _m col\rs ripples d[n f ro( to floor4 ,!re are great %eets ( opal9e enamel1 curta9s droop+ 9 massy folds1 silk5 fabrics wr9kl$ ov] ! face ( ! rock1 all giv+ "o ! s5se ( motion sudd5ly arre/$1 & ( light & col\r captur$ f ! ra9b[ & sleep+ "h 9 ! d>kness1 wait+ ye> aft] ye> = our lamp to awak5 x to life & beauty4 ,illu/ration3 ,,entrance ,,to ,,great ,,*amb]1 ,,lamb',s ,,lair4 ,photo by ,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,illu/ration3 ,,l>ge/ ,,*amb] ,,9 ,,som]set1 ,,lamb',s ,,lair1 ,,h>ptree4 ,f ,sket* by ,h4 ,e4 ,bal*4 ,! cyl9d] ( oxyg5 & ! e!r saturator 7 pu%$ out z f> z we d>$1 & ! cam]a 0 set up on ! edge ( ! plat=m1 to secure at lea/ a glimpse ( ?is hall ( wond]s4 ,we 7 told :at lay beyond4 ,ano!r gall]y1 begemm$ z ri*ly z ! "o beh9d u1 leads on & on1 until a high *amb] is rea*$1 into :i* wat] p\rs ov] a %eet ( sn[y /alagmite1 #fj feet high4 ,we c\ld n desc5d into ! ,great ,*amb]1 b we int5d$ to light x up4 ,a t9ful ( ,b5gal fire 0 put into an iron sauc]1 hang+ f a /r+ by iron wires2 & ?is ) a light atta*$ 0 l[]$ ?r\gh ! hole 9 ! plat=m1 :]eon we lay ext5d$ at full l5g? look+ ov] into ! gulf4 ,!re 0 a fizz1 & !n ! fi]ce radiance swept f side to side ( ! huge vault1 /a9+ ! %eets & curta9s & cascades ( :ite a spl5did crimson4 ,! walls sp>kl$ blood-r$ z if set ) rubies1 & ! blue-black %eets ( calcite m>k$ by oxide ( manganese 7 empurpl$ by ! gl[4 ,we fl$ be=e ! pung5t cl\ds ( smoke t rose into our gall]y1 back to ! ,beehive ,*amb]1 leav+ t glori\s hall once m to solitude & sil5ce4 ,! only o!r "p we explor$ 0 ! w9d+ tunnel t beg9s "u ! second por* 9 ! ,beehive ,*amb]4 ,x goes f> away d[n1 & is knee-deep 9 mire = a consid]able di/ance4 ,at la/1 :5 x seems z if ! ,great ,*amb] itself _c be f> away1 ! passage ends 9 a *oke4 ,we _h be5 9 ! cav]n ab\t five h\rs1 :51 aft] mu* h>d "w1 we got our app>atus back to ! foot ( ! %aft4 ,climb+ ahead up ! rickety ladd]s1 ! brok5 rungs ( :i* 7 cak$ ) mud & clay1 & keep+ hold ( ! life-l9e all ! :ile1 ,i f\nd our driv] wait+ = u at ! top1 = we 7 an h\r late4 ,sev]al dang]\s /ones 7 %ift$ 9 pull+ up ! luggage1 & "o man bel[ n only receiv$ a na/y bl[1 b n>r[ly escap$ de/ruction by ano!r /one t he j succe$$ 9 w>d+ (f 8 face4 ,we h s9ce regrett$ t we did n te/ ! plat=m & w9dlass by a r\gh-&-ready me?od1 & !n desc5d by a long ,alp9e rope4 ,! %>p l$ges und]nea? might1 h[ev]1 h r5d]$ ?is dang]\s4 ,we _h n se5 ev]y?+1 b we _h se5 en\gh to recomp5se u abundantly = ! toil1 ! slight risk1 & ! dirt4 ,murray says t ,lamb's ,lair is ! f9e/ cave 9 ,som]set2 ,i w\ld confid5tly v5ture fur!r1 & say t = transc5d5t beauty x has n its equal 9 ,engl&4#d ,e4 ,a4 ,b4 #d ,mr4 ,james ,mc,murtrie1 !n manag] ( ,e>l ,waldegrave's e/ates1 0 responsible = ! exploration ( ?is cav]n aft] its r$iscov]y 9 #ahhj4 ,he _h x survey$ & plans made2 he _h ! w9dlass erect$1 b w5t d[n himself be=e x 0 fix$4 ,v great cr$it is due to him = ?is valuable "w1 :i* x is hop$ w n be r5d]$ less valuable by all[+ ! artificial %aft z well z ! w9dlass to be p]man5tly de/roy$ ?r\gh neglect & decay4 ,! plan & section conta9$ "h 7 ! result ( indep5d5t measurem5ts1 :i* fully confirm$ ! results ( 8 previ\s survey4 ,illu/ration3 ,,/alactites ,,9 ,,entrance ,,gall]y1 ,,lamb',s ,,lair4 ,photo by ,bam=?1 ,holmfir?4 ,a ,,cave ,,9 ,,! ,,quantocks ,at ,bridgewat]1 :]e we _h arriv$ "o w9t] morn+ at sunrise1 aft] a melan*oli\s j\rney 9 unw>m$ c>riages across ! flood$ moors beyond ,gla/onbury1 n a p]son _h he>d tell ( a cave 9 ! ,quantocks4 ,b ! in=mation we reli$ on1 ?\gh a c5tury old1 0 def9ite en\gh to w>rant ! hire ( a trap to convey u & our app>atus to a c]ta9 lonely cross-road1 sev5 miles away1 9 a corn] ( ! broad p>i% ( ,bloomfield4 ,climb+ /eadily ?r\gh ,enmore1 we f\nd ! cross-road on a hilltop #hjj feet above ! sea1 h>d by a homely tav]n1 :]e we got cid] = ourselves & fe$ = ! horse4 ,to our we/ 0 ! ,beacon on ,co!r/one ,hill1 & two miles f>!r ! ,fire ,signal ,pits on ,w's ,neck 7#abfa feet71 ! highe/ ( ! ,quantock ,hills4 ,b ( ! r$-de] c\ntry t lay ar\nd u we saw little1 & less z ! day wore on1 = a cold sea-mi/ came roll+ up f ! ,bri/ol ,*annel1 & w\ld h giv5 u tr\ble 9 f9d+ our cave1 _h n a guide appe>$ provid5tially4 ,x 0 a tatt]$ & wea!r-beat5 c\ntryman1 :o em]g$ f ! tap-room & ann\nc$ t he 0 ! only p]son :o knew any?+ ab\t ! cave4 ,he dilat$ 9 gl[+ t]ms on its beauties--,x be v ornam5tal1 sur1 v ornam5tal4 ,fox by "n & fox by nature1 s he describ$ himself--= he 0 bo? g>rul\s & egoti/ical--he 0 fond ( burr[+ into holes4 ,t he 0 a poa*] to boot1 we _h no reason to disbelieve aft] a few m9utes' conv]sation4 ,he l$ u by a v]itable fox's pa? ov] fields & h$ges1 ?r\gh a mi/-dr5*$ sp9ney1 d[n to a d+le1 :]e beetle-br[$ rocks ov]hung ! entrance to ! cave4 ,a ru/y iron gate b>r$ ! way1 & 0 padlock$4 ,reyn>d propos$ to make a j\rney ( sev]al miles1 at our exp5se1 to procure ! key2 b a brok5 l9k 9 ! *a9 sav$ u "t & cid]4 ,!re is n mu* ,lime/one on ! ,quantocks1 & caves are a r>ity4 ,at ?is spot an outli] ( ,c>bonif]\s ,lime/one lies 9 close contact ) b$s ( ,greywacke ,slate--a v unusual conjunction1 :i* prep>$ u = some?+ new & /range 9 ! way ( cry/allisations4 ,desc5d+ a few y>ds beyond ! entrance1 ! ma9 passage rises a little1 & !n drops gradually t[>ds a /agnant pool1 beyond :i* x is impossible to get4 ,! l5g? ( ?is portion is only #adj feet1 & ! direction f nor?-ea/ to s\?-we/4 ,c]ta9 n>r[ passages1 h[ev]1 bore into ! ,lime/one on ! nor?1 & ext5d _! ramifications mu* f>!r4 ,only "o ( ^! seems to h be5 kn[n be=e our visit4 ,9 ! ma9 passage1 ne> ! pool1 is se5 ! special wond] ( ,holwell ,cave1 a brilliant display ( arragonite cry/als all ov] ! ro(4 ,arragonite usually occurs 9 massive deposits ( sat9 sp>1 di/+ui%$ by a p]fection ( :it5ess :5 newly split1 a :it5ess t gr[s d+y v soon if y try to keep specim5s4 ,"h x occurs 9 q ano!r =m--! coralloid1 kn[n z flos f]ri2 ?\s&s ( filam5ts or spicules ramify+ f c5tres1 & look+ z s(t z cobweb1 ?\gh z brittle z bl[n glass4 ,?is delicate product is (t5 t+$ ) a p9k /a9 l t ( fluor-sp>4 ,&rew ,crosse1 ! electrician1 :o 0 c>ry+ on 8 rese>*es 9 ! neighb\rhood :5 ,holwell ,cav]n 0 f\nd ab\t #ahjj1 ?\ght t ! cry/al might h be5 di/ort$ by sl[ degrees into ^! fanciful %apes ?r\gh ! invisible action ( electric en]gy1 an ag5t to :i* mo/ my/]i\s natural processes h be5 attribut$ "s "t or ano!r2 b ! fibr\s arragonite1 sci5ti/s tell u1 is by no means abnormal4 ,x all lies on ! ,greywacke "p ( ! ro(2 ! adjo9+ ,lime/one has no arragonite1 b is incru/$ ) ! usual %eets & bosses ( calcite1 mutilat$ some:at by visitors :o h tak5 away mem5tos4 ,a9't x ornam5tal1 sur8 said our conductor2 b 8 exclamations 7 /ill m en?usia/ic :5 ! magnesium ribbon lit up ! millions ( arragonite cry/als t cov]$ ! ro( ) a gli/]+ effloresc5ce4 ,!n ! fla%light blaz$ out1 z our cam]a got into action1 & ! old man 0 spee*less ) amazem5t4 ,he _h kn[n ! cave1 boy & man1 all 8 life1 b nev] be=e _h he1 or anyone else = t matt]1 gaz$ ^u all its beauties4 ,sev]al photographs 7 secur$--among !m ! portrait ( a sleep+ bat cl++ to ! gro9+ ( calcite--& !n ! cave grew too smoky = fur!r "w4 ,s we w5t (f to explore4 ,fir/ we climb$ into an op5+ high up 9 ! nor? wall4 ,x seem$ to run p>allel ) ! ma9 passage1 & soon we beheld daylight 9 front4 ,ere we rea*$ ! op5 air1 h[ev]1 we came to a /eep drop1 & f\nd t ! bran* _h simply br\ght u back to ! ve/ibule ( ! cav]n4 ,ano!r op5+1 ne> ! entrance1 runn+ due nor?1 prov$ m int]e/+1 lead+ ev5tually to a bell *amb]1 floor$1 wall$1 & ro($ ) poli%$ c>bonate4 ,someone _h rea*$ ?is po9t tw5ty ye>s ago1 s dates & initials te/ifi$2 b !re 7 virg9 passages bran*+ (f to left & "r = u to inve/igate1 z f> z bodies ( speleological slimness 7 admissible4 ,a squeeze ?r\gh a crevice 9 ! ea/ wall l$ into a p>allel tunnel1 depress+ly l[ & pa9fully n>r[1 :i* seem$ to run on indef9itely to ! nor?4 ,! s(t clay floor %[$ x 0 at times ! pa? ( a heavy /ream4 ,nor?w>d1 x %rank to a m]e dra9-pipe2 s\?w>d x l$ by "o jo9t & culv]t to ano!r1 all at "r angles1 into o!r /raight *annels1 all go+ 9 ! same g5]al direction4 ,my companion /uck fa/ a little way beyond ! fir/ tunnel2 ,i pu%$ on l a weevil into ! maze ( p]=ations1 b met ! same fate at la/1 n giv+ 91 h[ev]1 until ,i _h be5 held z 9 a vice at "o po9t = a good five m9utes1 ) boot jamm$1 c&le out1 & no room to get my h& to ! pocket :]e ! wat]pro( mat*es 7 safely /[$ away4 ,x 0 /ill possible to see a long way ahead1 by c&lelight & magnesium2 & we made out t nor? ( ! kn[n cave lies a :ole network ( dry wat]ways1 ! pr9cipal *annels runn+ due nor?1 r\ghly p>allel to ! ,lime/one esc>pm5t 9 :i* ! cave m\? op5s1 & all connect$ toge!r by rectangul> bran*es4 ,"o *annel br\ght u )9 view ( daylight2 b ! crevice 0 too small = any?+ b a rabbit1 & we _h to return by ! same ardu\s & abrad+ passages we _h come by4 ,z old ,fox w\ld h said1 ! ?+s we saw 7 v h&some1 b we c\ld n tempt him to ent] ?is uncom=table region4 ,e4 ,a4 ,b4 ,,cave ,,explor+ ,,at ,,ab]gele ,travell]s on ! ,nor?-,we/]n to ,holyhead or ,sn[donia are famili> ) sev]al cave m\?s t =m a prom95t feature 9 ! ,lime/one cliffs above ,"l ,dundonald's ca/le1 ne> ! /ation ( ,ll&ulas4 ,! mo/ conspicu\s is a va/ antre ne> ! cliff-top2 & leg5d has x t ?is op5s into passages runn+ = great di/ances1 & ev5tually desc5d+ b5ea? ! sea4 7,wel% cave-my?s are n less extravagant ?an ^? ( ,d]by%ire & ,som]set1 :]e /ories ( dogs1 geese1 & o!r animals t h made long pilgrimages und]gr\nd & come into daylight aga9 dive/$ ( fea!rs or hair1 are /ill pi\sly *]i%$ by ! cr$ul\s47 ,! "n atta*$ to ?is gr\p ( caves1 ,tanyrogo--"u ! cave--is d]iv$ f ! ,celtic ogo or og(1 a cav]n1 & is almo/ id5tical ) ! orig9al "n ( ,wookey ,hole 9 ,som]set4 ,a p>ty ( explor]s f ,liv]pool & ,colwyn ,bay h rec5tly c>ri$ out "s rese>*es 9 ! ,tanyrogo caves1 & 9 ^? at ,/4 ,george1 on ! o!r side ( ,ab]gele2 & :ile v]ify+ _! disbelief 9 ! suppos$ ext5t ( ! subt]ranean gall]ies1 h asc]ta9$ _m int]e/+ facts z to ! =mation & ! geological hi/ory ( bo? s]ies4 ,a grassy t]race runs along ! cliff face to ! gap+ portal ( ! ,ogo1 ! bigge/ ( ! ,tanyrogo caves1 :i* looks seaw>d & comm&s a magnific5t view ov] ! coa/ & ! ,iri% sea4 ,! prehi/oric m5 :o d\btless liv$ "h once %[$ n only good ta/e 9 ! *oice ( a site = _! resid5ce1 b a judici\s eye = milit>y possibilities2 ! place is all b impregnable1 save by />vation1 ! only access be+ by ?is n>r[ l$ge1 :i* a h&ful ( m5 c\ld def5d aga9/ an army4 ,spann$ by a noble ar* is a colossal ve/ibule1 rock-floor$ & dry4 ,b ?is impos+ entrance is a deception--!re is no?+ beyond to comp>e ) its %ape & magnitude4 ,we sw]v$ to ! left1 & at once f\nd ourselves tread+ a floor ( wet clay1 :i* began to asc5d1 & soon /eep5$ into a high bank lead+ up t[>ds ! ro(4 ,creep+ "u an ar*1 we f\nd ourselves 9 a transv]se fissure t may h run z f> z ! leg5ds pleas$1 b grew too n>r[ 9 a few feet = any human be+ to p5etrate f>!r4 ,a few rudim5t>y /alactites & a cru/ ( pure :ite calcite adorn$ "o small grotto2 ! re/ 0 b>e rock walls & rugg$ ar*es1 spr++ "h & !re high into ! d>kness1 9 fissures t mu/ rea* v ne>ly to ! summit ( ! cliff4 ,a bran* passage dw9dl$ away /ill m quickly1 & s did a m9or op5+ t looks l a side door to ! ma9 entrance4 ,! rock /ructure ( ! cave ar*es is display$ 9 v beautiful ways 9 ?is cav]n1 b ! mo/ int]e/+ feature is ! remnant ( an old cave floor4 ,! cav]n 0 evid5tly =m$ 9 pre-,glacial times1 & ! va/ quantities ( clay t plug x up almo/ entirely n[ mu/ h be5 c>ri$ 9 by ! ice4 ,aft] ! glaci]s _h rec$$1 ! normal ag5cies began _! "w aga92 a /alagmite floor 0 =m$ by ! drip ( wat] f ! ro(1 deposit+ a lay] ( calcite2 ?is 9 ! c\rse ( "t 0 brok5 d[n aga91 & n[ leaves a k9d ( high-wat] m>k all r\nd ! walls ( ! cavity4 ,illu/ration3 ,,! ,,ogo1 ,,ne> ,,ab]gele4 ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,bak]4 ,illu/ration3 ,,inside ,,! ,,ogo1 ,,ne> ,,ab]gele4 ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,bak]4 ,! l9e ( ! fissure creat+ ! upw>d *asms inside ! cave c be trac$ 9 ! ext]nal configuration ( ! cliff2 9 sundry v]tical op5+s 9 ! face1 & 9 ! clean-cut walls1 :]e %e] masses h fall5 away1 brok5 at ! jo9ts4 ,simil> jo9ts & fissures play$ a "p 9 ! =mation ( a l[] ti] ( caves1 :i* we explor$ next4 ,! fir/ 0 only a y>d or two wide1 b v l(ty1 & its floor 0 compos$ ( a level b$ ( s& & clay4 ,?is gradually rose z we walk$ into ! d>kness1 until ! cave end$ m abruptly ev5 ?an ! la/4 ,we notic$ pebbles ( ,bunt] s&/one 9 ! floor1 & ! next cave produc$ _m m examples ( ! same /one1 :i* mu/ h be5 br\ght f a long di/ance1 ! ne>e/ /rata correspond+ to x be+ 9 ,wirral4 ,at ! back ( ?is next cave a bank ( cave e>? & b\ld] clay 0 pil$ "r up to ! ro(1 s /eeply t x 0 n too easy a climb to ! summit4 ,arriv$ !re1 we f\nd no possible egress2 b a horizontal tunnel1 a sort ( squ9t or hagioscope probably m ?an =ty feet long1 gave u a peep ?r\gh ! rocky cliff out to ! sunlight4 ,we set out =?) to discov] ! outside orifice ( ?is curi\s hole1 & f\nd x came out on a l$ge 9 ! face ( ! cliff1 h>d by an op5 plat=m :i* _h a v que] look ab\t x4 ,on exam9ation ?is prov$ to be ! floor ( an old cave t _h be5 de/roy$ by ! qu>rym54 ,half-emb$d$ 9 ?ick clay 7 a numb] ( /alagmite p$e/als1 & a floor ( /alagmite und]nea? sev]al feet 9 dep?1 surm\nt+ a ?ick b$ ( b\ld] clay /uck full ( ,bunt] pebbles4 ,x 0 obvi\s t ! qu>rym51 com+ across ?is mass ( useless mat]ial1 _h n tr\bl$ to attack ! solid lay] ( /alagmite above x4 ,! rema9s ( /alactites & /alagmite curta9s /ill adh]$ to ! neighb\r+ cliff4 ,! spot is well wor? visit+1 if only to see ?is rem>kable illu/ration ( sev]al consecutive *apt]s 9 ! hi/ory ( a cav]n4 ,! de/ructive "w ( ! ,lime/one qu>ry1 hav+ be5 *eck$ at ?is p>ticul> po9t1 exposes ! :ole ?+ z 9 a diagram2 & ! actual evid5ces are !re j z !y 7 produc$ by ! =ces act+ 9 successive epo*s--! m\? ( ! orig9al cave1 =m$ p]haps 9 pre-,triassic times2 ! masses ( drift ?ru/ 9 by ! glaci]s2 & ! new cave floor1 ) its gr[? ( /alagmites4 ,s9ce ! caves lie at a height ( sev]al hundr$ feet above sea-level1 x is fairly c]ta9 t ! mov+ glaci]s ex]t$ an upw>d z well z a horizontal =ce1 %ov+ ! pla/ic masses ( clay & dbris into ! asc5d+ passages1 & caulk+ up1 no d\bt1 a good _m tribut>y gall]ies t are n[ unkn[n4 ,! caves look nor?1 & ! mat]ial pu%$ into !m mu/ h come f seaw>d2 !re is1 fur!rmore1 no rock 9 ! adjo9+ di/ricts t c\ld h yield$ ?is k9d ( pebbles3 s t x appe>s ! /ream ( glaci]s :i* fl[$ across f ,lanca%ire & ,*e%ire1 imp++ aga9/ ! contr>y fl[ ( ice f ,sn[donia1 mu/ be held responsible = ! pres5ce ( ^! d5se deposits4 ,all along ! mead[-l&s betwe5 ! ,lime/one hills & ! sea a s]ies ( ris+s or big spr+s are noticeable f ! railway1 =m+ l>ge pools4 ,^! are ! outlets ( ! dra9age t has be5 absorb$ by ! ,lime/one /rata1 ?r\gh :i* ! wat] has f\nd its way until1 meet+ ) an imp]meable lay] ( rock1 or rea*+ ! plane ( saturation at sea-level1 x has be5 =c$ to ! surface4 ,illu/ration3 ,,9 ,,! ,,ogo1 ,,ne> ,,ab]gele4 ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,bak]4 ,! ,/4 ,george's ,caves are situat$ on & ab\t a wood$ hill ( ,lime/one ne> ! village1 :i* adjo9s ! l[-ly+ l&s ( ,morfa ,rhuddlan1 ! sc5e ( a murd]\s battle 9 ! ye> #gie4 ,! ,celt1 ) 8 /rong hi/orical imag9ation1 su* a factor 9 national solid>ity1 /ill rememb]s1 ?\gh confus$ly p]haps1 "s incid5ts ( t calamit\s fight4 ,! old woman :o po9t$ out ! situation ( ! caves drew our att5tion to ! dit* & ramp>t :i* run r\nd ! hillcre/1 :]e x is n protect$ by cliffs4 ,!re1 %e said1 ! r\t$ ,wel% tribes _h entr5*$ !mselves & f\ght desp]ately on until e man 0 put to ! sword4 ,! wood on ! hilltop is full ( graves1 %e told u1 & weapons (t5 come to light !re4 ,a great ma/]-jo9t or fissure runs across ! hill t[>ds ! battlefield1 & 9 x lie ! caves1 or r ! cave1 = s f> z we c\ld make out !y are all p>ts ( "o /ream-*annel4 ,at ! top ( a cliff t is n[ be+ work$ = lime is a small orifice1 a m]e fox's hole1 block$ up aga9/ ,ma/] ,reyn>d or ! badg]s t (t5 f9d a home 9 ^! small caves4 ,a hundr$ feet b5ea? x is a l>g] op5+1 :i* is said to give entrance into sev]al good-siz$ *amb]s2 b t also has be5 c>efully built up ) fragm5ts ( ,lime/one by ! qu>rym54 ,we 7 driv5 accord+ly to seek ! outlet ( ! cave1 & ?is we f\nd by foll[+ ! smoo?1 /raight esc>pm5t1 produc$ by ! fault1 9 a wood close to ! ma9road4 ,a l>ge /ream once issu$ f ! cave m\?1 b has s9ce become engulf$ 9 "s int]nal swallet1 & em]ges a few y>ds l[] d[n1 well+ out f a funnel ( cry/al wat] "s #ae feet deep4 ,! cave itself dis*>ges a /ream only 9 flood-"t4 ,!re1 too1 we 7 /opp$ f p5etrat+ f> by ! b$s ( clay t gradually rose to ! cave ro(2 b 9 ?is in/ance ! deposits _h be5 made by ! /ream1 & 7 n ! results ( glacial action pu%+ upw>ds4 ,9 fact1 ?is is a cave ) q a mod]n hi/ory1 "o /ill 9 work+ ord]1 & us$ z a wat]way at ! prop] times & seasons by ! /ream t made x4 ,! ,tanyrogo ,caves1 on ! o!r h&1 h ceas$ = untold ages to be actual wat]-*annels1 hav+ be5 depriv$ long ago by d5udation above & beh9d !m ( ! great] "p ( _! dra9age area4 ,& s9ce t remote epo* !y h gone ?r\gh ! s]ies ( vicissitudes s pla9ly record$ 9 _! pres5t physiognomy4 ,illu/ration3 ,a ,,pre-,,glacial ,,cave1 ,,ll&ulas4 ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,bak]4 ,,cave ,,discov]ies ,,on ,,! ,,wel% ,,bord] ,! o!r day1 a ,liv]pool fri5d1 :o has a bungal[ 9 ! ,ceiriog ,valley1 close to ,(fa's ,dyke1 told me he _h f\nd a cave !re1 :i* _h nev] be5 explor$1 b 0 reput$ to g six miles und]gr\nd1 to ! neighb\rhood ( ,oswe/ry4 ,he invit$ me to come d[n & explore x1 & ,i readily agre$1 on ! condition t he 0 to seize ! opportunity to make 8 db z a cave explor]4 ,on ! side ( ! valley :]e ! cave lies ! hill falls /eeply to ! ,ceiriog1 & ! d5sely-wood$ cliff ( ,lime/one t ba!s its foot 9 ! riv] is l a bit ( ,dov$ale4 ,n s ! o!r side ( ! valley1 :]e diff]5t /rata crop out1 & ! hills1 ) all _! trees1 rise m g5tly to ! br[ ov]look+ ,llangoll54 ,! cave m\? is ab\t #bj feet above ! riv]1 9 a cliff fac+ due nor?1 9 :i* ! ,lime/one is tilt$ at an angle ( #de degrees4 ,x is recess$ )9 a l(ty ar*1 b ! entrance itself is l[1 compell+ u to creep = ! fir/ few y>ds4 ,aft] two or ?ree b5ds1 ! ro( z well z ! floor rises1 & ! passage op5s into a *amb] ^: floor is heap$ up to a height ( #aj feet ) fall5 dbris1 ?ickly pla/]$ ) mud4 ,at fir/ ! cave runs due s\?1 b ! ma9 axis ( ?is *amb]1 :i* is l(ty & measures ab\t #bj feet by #bj1 runs ea/-s\?-ea/4 ,! ro( rises ab\t #bj feet high] ?an ! c5tral heap ( dbris4 ,wat] drips occasionally1 b !re are no /alactites4 ,at ! f> end ! passage turns s\?-ea/1 &1 ?\gh l(ty1 is n>r[1 ! walls be+ p>allel1 & tilt$ at an angle ( #bj degrees f ! p]p5dicul>4 ,!n a second *amb] wid5s out1 #ej feet long by #f feet broad1 z muddy z ! =m]4 ,ris+ #aj feet1 ! passage cont9ues to ! ea/-s\?-ea/1 b ! walls conv]ge = a "t1 =c+ u to crawl1 ext5d$ on our sides4 ,!n x op5s out aga91 & we climb ov] m heaps ( dbris litt]+ ! floor1 & all b$aub$ ) ?ick1 t5aci\s clay4 ,n[ ! passage becomes l(ti] b n>r[]1 & progress has to be made by keep+ ne> ! ro(1 ! walls slop+ at an angle ( #cj degrees f ! v]tical1 op5+ at "o po9t into a small *amb] ) a false floor ( jamm$ rocks1 !n imm$iately clos+ aga91 & s cont9u+ = a di/ance ( #fj feet4 ,! n>r[ness is s great t "o goes ahead only by d9t ( a cont9u\s /ruggle aga9/ friction4 ,up to ?is1 my fri5d _h kept close at my heels1 foll[$ by 8 man4 ,b "h ! only way visible 0 d[n a /ill n>r[] rift b5d+ (f to ! left1 & ! latt] f\nd 8 own diamet] great] ?an t ( ! cave4 ,we left him1 & pu%$ ob/9ately =w>d1 ?\gh we _h n se5 a sign ( any p]son's =m] pres5ce = a long di/ance4 ,ne>] ! cave m\? mat*es & c&le-grease & ! m>ks ( crawl+ _h be5 pl5tiful1 local adv5tur]s hav+ got 9 ne>ly #ajj feet4 ,illu/ration3 ,,on ,,! ,,ceiriog4 ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,bak]4 ,illu/ration3 ,,upp] ,,ceiriog ,,cave4 ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,bak]4 ,already we _h /ruck ! wat] 9 two or ?ree places1 b _h n f\nd x 9 ! ma9 passage4 ,n[ we cross$ a long pool or runnel ( /agnant wat]1 :i* came 9 f "u ! rocks to ! s\?-ea/1 & climb$ into a tight little curv+ tunnel t l$ back to x 9 a semi-circle4 ,beyond x1 ,i f\nd myself 9 a rift *amb]1 ) ! wat] com+ 9 f "u ! rocks at "o end1 & fl[+ out 9 l mann] at ! o!r4 ,!re seem$ to be no egress1 till sudd5ly ,i notic$ t ! ni*e 9 :i* ,i 0 sitt+ 0 ! end ( a small horizontal hole or dry wat]-pipe1 /rik+ (f at "r angles4 ,b my companion _h f\nd ! tunnel too mu* = him4 ,! sides bri/l$ ) po9ts ( rock1 & press$ 9 s close t "o c\ld only wriggle ?r\gh by fractions ( an in*1 /ret*$ at full l5g? on ! left side4 ,n[ he made a /\t attempt to get ?r\gh und]nea?1 9 ! wat] tunnel4 ,i he>d ! s\nd ( wall[+1 & !n my fri5d's head & %\ld]s came spla%+ 9 at ! bottom ( ! cave1 8 body dragg+ aft] ?r\gh wat] & mud4 ,b aga9 he /uck fa/1 & ann\nc$ t he w\ld give ! ?+ up4 ,x 0 n wise to g on f> alone1 = fe> ( be+ left by any accid5t )\t a light2 b 9 ord] to make a reconnaissance = future "w ,i pu%$ ?r\gh ! wat]-pipe1 & to my delight f\nd myself 9 ano!r horizontal tunnel runn+ p>allel to ! ma9 *amb]4 ,crawl+ ahead1 fir/ ov] a clay-l9$ floor1 & !n ov] spl9t]s ( ,lime/one mix$ ) /alagmites1 ,i em]g$ pres5tly into an op5 passage1 #be or #cj feet high1 ) ! /ream peacefully repos+ 9 "o long pool at ! bottom4 ,x appe>$ to g on indef9itely1 & ,i might h gone f>!r1 b = ! pres5t det]m9$ to leave (f ! exploration at ?is po9t4 ,! p>allel tunnel seem$ to be go+ /raight back t[>ds ! cave m\?1 & x look$ z ?\gh x might =m a %ort cut home4 ,z a matt] ( fact1 ?is 0 a "r bran* /rik+ (f f ! po9t :]e our man _h /uck fa/4 ,by crawl+ 9 8 direction & %\t+1 ,i made him he>1 & at la/ saw 8 light ?r\gh a *9k only ?ree in*es wide4 ,fall5 blocks ( ,lime/one *ok$ ! tunnel at 8 end1 :]e x leaves ! ma9 passage ne> ! ro(1 & 9 its pres5t /ate ?is bran* ( ! cave 0 practically invisible4 ,we %ift$ sev]al big /ones1 h[ev]1 & 9 a few m9utes my fri5d jo9$ me1 pleas$ en\gh to f9d a way out t sav$ ! discom=ts ( 8 rec5t j\rney4 ,he _h _h ! mis=tune to array himself 9 :ite flannels1 & n[ ! /ate ( 8 g>m5ts 0 s deplorable t he /raightway hid himself 9 ! riv]1 l ! pseudo ,m>quis ( ,c>abas1 until m pres5table clo?+ c\ld be fet*$4 ,illu/ration3 ,,l[] ,,ceiriog ,,cav]n4 ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,bak]4 ,a vet]an cave-hunt] f ,liv]pool gladly jo9$ me 9 a second visit to ! ,ceiriog ,cav]n4 ,our ho/ c\ld n be ) u1 b s5t a village y\? z 8 sub/itute4 ,?is "y man 0 v ke5 & plucky1 &1 z ?+s turn$ out1 sav$ ! situation1 = my speleological fri5d1 to 8 int5se *agr91 fail$ to get ?r\gh ! n>r[ entrance to ! p>allel tunnel1 & ! two ( u _h to f9i% ! job by ourselves4 ,climb+ along ! walls ( ! wat]-rift1 we soon f\nd x be/ to wade /raight ?r\gh ! /ream b$1 & f9ally1 :5 ! space grew m & m re/rict$1 to crawl ?r\gh ! wat]4 ,t[>d ! end ( ! rift a small tunnel broke away to ! left1 & ! wat] di/urb$ by our advance fl[$ into x & away d[n a small swallet4 ,wriggl+ ?r\gh1 he$less ( a wett+1 we came into a small *amb] ) f\r exits1 ea* ( :i* we explor$1 m>k+ (f ea* ) a cross or arr[ to prev5t our los+ ! r\te back4 ,e bran* l$ ev5tually to o!r po9ts ( div]g5ce1 & ultimately to small tunnels or pipes1 ?r\gh :i* ! wat] fl[s 9 ra9y wea!r into ! head ( ! cav]n4 ,hav+ consci5ti\sly exam9$ e "o1 )\t f9d+ ! my?ical passage to ,oswe/ry1 we return$ to ! tunnel ( ! swallet4 ,"o ( ! bifurcations1 x 0 int]e/+ to discov]1 l$ back unexpect$ly into ! wat]-rift4 ,!re 7 numb]less *9ks & fissures1 & holes 9 ! ro(1 lead+ into ?is network ( passages1 all v int]e/+ z a concise example ( ! :ole hi/ory ( ! =mation ( a cave2 b ! f>!/ po9t rea*$ 01 by measurem5t1 only a little m ?an #ejj feet f ! entrance4 ,only 9 places 7 !re /alactites1 & ^? small ones4 ,!re 7 /alagmite curta9s on ! walls at "o or two spots1 & pat*es ( v :ite amorph\s tufa4 ,curi\s filam5ts ( cave-we$1 :ite & br[n1 )\t a ve/ige ( leaves1 ab\nd$ ?r\gh\t ! cav]n4 ,n f> above ! cave m\? ,i came across ! exit ( ! wat]1 a beautiful spr+1 p\r+ d[n into ! ,ceiriog1 a few y>ds away4 ,on ! top ( ! hill1 9 a disus$ ,lime/one qu>ry1 !re 7 traditions ( a cave op5+ t _h be5 cov]$ by a l&slip = "s ?irty ye>s4 ,a man 0 set to "w digg+ x out1 & a small fissure 0 disclos$1 ! old *annel ( a tribut>y lead+ into ! middle ( a cave runn+ nor?-nor?-ea/ & s\?-s\?-we/4 ,! total l5g? 0 #agb feet4 ,! wat] app>5tly ent]$ at ! top ( ! left passage & ran away into a l[ b$d+ cave to ! "r4 ,! floor is wet clay at pres5t1 b !re are traces ( l>ge /alagmites1 includ+ "o h&some beehive2 & ! ro( is cov]$ ) beautiful :ite & amb] /alactites4 ,our fur!r attempts to uncov] op5+s into ! ,lime/one only br\ght u d[n to ! solid rock1 & we f\nd no?+ to confirm ! rum\r t a cave exi/s :i* c>ri$ a /ream d[n to ! ,ceiriog1 #hjj feet bel[4 ,,! ,,exploration ,,( ,,/ump ,,cross ,,cav]n ,! explor]s :o h done s mu* "w 9 ,d]by%ire & ,som]set%ire h also c>ri$ out ext5d$ explorations 9 "s ( ! m remote caves ( ,york%ire4 ,rec5tly a p>ty c>ri$ out f>!r inve/igations ?an any previ\s explor]s 9 ,/ump ,cross ,cav]n1 on ! moors betwe5 ,:>f$ale & ,nidd]dale4 ,?is cav]n1 :i* is nam$ aft] ! anci5t b\nd>y m>k ( ,kn>esbor\gh ,=e/1 & is situat$ ne> ! summit ( ! moors1 #acbf feet above sea-level1 #d-a_/b miles f ,pateley ,bridge & #aa-a_/b f ,skipton1 0 discov]$ 9 #ahdc by m9]s se>*+ = lead1 z 0 ! case ) sev]al ( ! ,d]by%ire cav]ns4 ,! ,gre5h[ lead m9es are n f> (f1 & ! gr\nd 9 _m p>ts h]eab\ts is riddl$ ) old work+s4 ,no place c\ld look m unlikely = caves ?an ! flat field on ! top ( ! hill1 :]e a few /eps lead d[n to a doorway into ! gr\nd1 close to ! r\gh road to ,grass+ton & ,appletreewick4 ,! p>ty ( five1 besides myself1 ,messrs4 ,b4 & ,f4 ,wightman1 ,j4 ,w4 ,puttrell1 ,j4 ,cr(t1 & ,h4 ,bam=? 7all memb]s ( ! ,kyndwr ,club71 drove up f ,bolton ,abbey ,/ation by way ( ,burnsall1 & ?r\gh v>i\s delays did n rea* ! cave m\? till n9e o'clock on ,saturday ev5+4 ,) our photographic & o!r app>atus we desc5d$ at once to a level gall]y #ej feet or s bel[ ! surface1 :5ce sev]al passages bran* (f1 & !re we made a halt4 ,to give a cle> g5]al idea ( ! /ructure ( ?is cav]n is n easy4 ,x consi/s ( a numb] ( gall]ies runn+ 9 diff]5t directions at diff]5t levels1 ) a few int]communications1 & _m cont9uations t h gradually become *ok$ ) clay & /alagmite & h = ages be5 impassable4 ,desc5d+ ! /eep /airway 9 a nor!rly direction "o soon rea*es ! fir/ ( ! natural passages1 :i* be>s to ! we/4 ,a gall]y goes (f to ! "r1 we/-s\?-we/1 & bifurcates1 b is un9t]e/+1 ! e>? & clay t %[ its proximity to ! surface r5d]+ x v dirty4 ,9 ! opposite direction1 ea/-nor?-ea/1 ! corridor :]e we _h plac$ ! luggage & made our g5]al r5dezv\s cont9ues to a di/ance ( #abj feet1 & !n dw9dles away into a l[ /alactite grotto4 ,be+ s inaccessible & s little kn[n1 ! v>i\s *amb]s h nev] yet be5 *ri/5$1 except ) ! vague & g5]al names ( ,upp] ,cav]ns & ,l[] ,cav]ns1 :i* h little mean+ ow+ to ! intricate con=mation ( ! s]ies4 ,f our r5dezv\s two important tunnels1 call$ ! ,l[] ,cav]ns1 g (f 9 a we/]ly direction f ! bottom ( a natural %aft #bj feet deep4 ,^! 7 left = ! pres5t :il/ we w5t into ! ,middle ,cav]ns1 :i* /rike (f to ! nor? f ! same spot1 & aft] _m turns & twi/s approa* ! surface 9 ! rav9e ( ,dry ,gill1 s\?-ea/ f ! entrance to ! caves4 ,_m *amb]s & passages op5 out f ?is s]ies1 ! l>ge/ & mo/ beautiful be+ call$1 v inappropriately1 ! ,top ,cav]n4 ,z x leads ev5tually to a *>m+ piece ( cave sc5]y t we agre$ to call ! ,b[l+ ,alley1 x might well be nam$ aft] ?is4 ,illu/ration3 ,,9 ,,/ump ,,cross ,,cav]n4 ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,bak]4 ,illu/ration3 ,,! ,,pill>1 ,,/ump ,,cross ,,cav]n4 ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,bak]4 ,i w n[1 z cle>ly z ,i c1 foll[ ! /eps ( ! p>ty 9 _! exploration ( ^! ,middle ,cav]ns1 & proce$ aft]w>ds ) !m into ! o!r s]ies4 ,desc5d+ gradually1 & pass+ _m nooks & corn]s :]e exquisite recesses are wrea!d ab\t by ! ivory-:ite incru/ations on wall1 ro(1 & floor1 we /ay$ to dr9k a c]emoni\s glass f ! icy wat]s ( ,jacob's ,well1 a cry/al pool curta9$ 9 ) masses ( /alactite1 & !n pass$ on to "o ( ! *ief %[ places se5 by ! public1 be>+ ! mode/ "n ( ! ,*apel4 ,its great attraction is ! s]ies ( massive pill>s ( transluc5t :ite t seem to uphold ! ar*+ ro(4 ,9 few ( ! cav]ns t ,i h explor$ is !re any?+ to comp>e ) ! /atel9ess ( ?is pure colonnade1 ! cyl9drical %afts ( :i* are a good deal long] ?an a man's height1 & modell$ fanta/ically by ! irregul> deposit ( ! calc sp>4 ,"o column 9 ?is "p ( ! cave measur$ ?ree feet 9 circumf]5ce4 ,a peculi> beauty 0 ! transp>5cy ( ! mat]ial1 a pure glassy :ite ?r\gh :i* ! light ( a c&le %one cle>ly1 :il/ a light inside conv]t$ ! hang+ folds & clu/]s ( /alactites into a beautiful species ( lant]n4 ,on ! walls 7 folds & ridges ( sn[y /alagmite1 & f ! ro( hung /alactites ( all %apes & sizes1 myriads ( ?readlike gr[?s hang+ 9 a lacy fr+e4 ,onw>ds ! arcad+ & ! array ( pill>s ext5d$ into a roomy vault1 ! end ( :i* /ruck upw>ds1 z already expla9$1 s\?-ea/w>ds1 t[>d ,dry ,gill4 ,?\gh a p]ceptible draught comes ?r\gh f ! op5 air1 & ! heaps ( clay-coat$ blocks %[ t a swallet is n f> (f above1 no way c be =c$ ?r\gh )\t excavation4 ,augm5t$ by ! arrival ( two or ?ree local fri5ds1 ! p>ty desc5d$1 aft] lun*1 into ! ,l[] ,cav]ns4 ,unlike ! o!r passages1 ) _! cont9ual w9d+s & p]plex+ bran*es1 ^! two s]ies ( l>ge vaults1 n>r[ tunnels1 & almo/ impracticable crevices ma9ta9 a we/]ly direction ?r\gh\t1 & ! few bran*es /rike (f decisively to ! "r or to ! left4 ,two ( u1 be+ delay$ by "s trifl+ accid5t1 miss$ ! o!rs at ! bottom ( ! %ort v]tical desc5t1 &1 unaw>e t !re 7 two s]ies ( passages1 crept on along ! fir/ t op5$4 ,?is _h ! appe>ance ( an old /ream-b$1 ! gr\nd be+ litt]$ 9 places ) blocks ( ,lime/one1 9 o!rs clayey1 & 9 "s p>ts smoo!d d[n by ! ru% ( a torr5t4 ,high 9 places1 x (t5 dw9dl$ to a v l[ passage1 ?r\gh :i* we crept & wriggl$ aft] ! mann] ( ! s]p5t1 (ttimes ex]t+ no little /r5g? to pu% b5ea? ! projections ov]head4 ,"h a %aft ( glassy /alagmite1 unit+ floor & ro(1 tri$ to b> ! way1 & !re x 0 impossible to advance )\t scrap+ aga9/ ! vitre\s ?reads t hung l hairs f ! dripp+ rocks4 ,we %\t$ to ! o!rs :o we ?\ght 7 ahead ( u1 b got no reply1 & aft] tw5ty m9utes ( ?is pa9ful progression began to ?9k ( return+4 ,notic+ a holl[ 9 ! "r wall1 ,i ask$ my comrade to wait :ile ,i exam9$ x4 ,inside 0 a bl9d passage & ! r\nd orifice ( a small tunnel1 into :i* ,i ?ru/ my head & %\ld]s & !n crawl$ =w>d4 ,x 0 n an invit+ hole1 be+ wet & an exce$+ly tight fit1 & ,i 0 on ! po9t ( return+ :5 a voice 0 he>d fa9tly 9 ! di/ance4 ,li/5+ int5tly & creep+ on aga91 ,i he>d ! voice m di/9ctly1 & %\t$4 ,! voice repli$ f bel[4 ,i quickly realis$ t we two _h miss$ ! o!rs1 :o 7 foll[+ a l[] s]ies ( passages some:]e b5ea? u4 ,unable to turn r\nd1 & too f> advanc$ to return up ?is slipp]y tunnel1 ,i saw !re 0 no?+ = x b to pu% on1 head d[nw>ds4 ,9 a y>d or two1 to my unspeakable relief1 ! hole grew big en\gh to turn r\nd 91 j be=e ,i got to ! end ( x1 & saw ,messrs4 ,cr(t & ,puttrell1 #ab feet bel[ me1 hold+ out _! h&s & invit+ me to drop4 ,! leap 0 a little s5sational1 b ,i _h my turn ( enjoym5t 9 witness+ ! grace ) :i* my comrade f above1 :o 0 n[ c\rte\sly invit$ to foll[ me ?r\gh ! wat]-pipe1 took ! jump on to ! clay floor ( ! l[] tunnel4 ,we return$ lat] to ! o!r we/]ly passage1 at ! top ( ! wat]-pipe4 ,exam9+ e op5+ c>efully1 we notic$ _m simil> communications betwe5 ! two s]ies1 evid5tly prov+ t ! upp] 0 a v anci5t /ream c\rse t _h be5 tapp$ successively until ! l[] tunnel sup]s$$ x z a wat]way4 ,pu%+ ahead1 we soon realis$ t we _h arriv$ at ! ri*e/ "p ( ! :ole cav]n1 ?\gh also ! mo/ inaccessible4 ,! ro( came d[n bri/l+ ) spikes & %afts ( ! pure/ calcite2 ! floor 0 "o mass ( cry/allisation1 ridg$ all ov] ) ! rippl+ l9es t =m z ! cru/ gr[s "u wat]4 ,?is exquisite sc5e 0 cont9u$ = hundr$s ( feet1 v>i\s & indescribable z a dream1 :il/ our m>* onw>d ov] ! %>p cry/als ( ! floor & ?r\gh ! portcullis t clos$ e *amb] 0 z pa9ful z a nightm>e4 ,lovelie/ ( all 0 a long tunnel t once held _m pools ( wat]1 half-encru/$ ov] ) a film ( c>bonate4 ,only "o ( ^! lucid mirrors rema9$1 b ! dri$-up bas9s 7 z beautiful n[ z ev]1 ) ! bottom & sides cov]$ by a coral9e gr[? delicate 9 col\r z 9 =m4 ,at ! end 0 a small dome-l *amb]1 :]e we ext5d$ ourselves = a h>d-e>n$ re/ be=e fac+ ! toils & tribulations ( ! j\rney back4 ,illu/ration3 ,,! ,,*apel3 ,,/ump ,,cross ,,cav]n4 ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,bak]4 ,we ?\ght ?is exp$ition to ! l[] s]ies _h exhau/$ ! pr9cipal beauties ( ,/ump ,cross ,cav]n1 b we 7 wrong4 ,on our way to rejo9 ! o!r m5 9 ! ,middle ,cav]n we 7 mu* impress$ by two l>ge curta9s ( /alactite1 "o ( !m fold$ & wr9kl$1 & ! o!r hang+ /raight d[n )\t a curve1 b bo? /rip$ ) deep b&s ( crimson1 orange1 & gold5 yell[ :5 a piece ( magnesium 0 burnt beh9d !m4 ,^! 7 equal 9 ext5t & brilliance to any?+ ,i h ev] se51 ev5 9 ,cox's ,cav]n at ,*$d>4 ,a r\nd tunnel1 ribb$ & gro9$ ) gli/5+ drip/one1 & a broad l[ ar* set ) pill>s & /r+-l /alactites /ret*$ f top to bottom1 l$ into ! long1 wide *amb] t we dubb$ ! ,b[l+ ,alley1 on acc\nt ( ! /umps & p$e/als ( /alagmite t /ud ! floor betwe5 ! pill>s4 ,beyond x a %ort passage leads into a grotto to ! "r1 & a v difficult "o cont9ues "s di/ance to ! left4 ,x 0 n[ pa/ ?ree 9 ! morn+4 ,tir$ & batt]$ to ! po9t ( exhau/ion1 b delight$ ) an exploration t f> exce$$ 9 int]e/ all we _h look$ =1 we return$ to ! cave m\?4 ,an unpleasant-look+ bull :i* _h ) great suspicion wat*$ u make our nocturnal entry into ! regions bel[ _h1 greatly to our relief1 got tir$ ( wait+1 & ! coa/ 0 cle>4 ,out ( ! ev]la/+ sil5ce & ! %ad[s1 lit s r>ely by ! gl>e ( ! magnesium & ! beams ( ! limelight1 we return$ aga91 ) ! surprise t nev] fails1 to ! light ( ! heav5s4 ,dusk 0 on ! f>-ext5d+ moors & hills1 daylight 0 creep+ on ov] ! sky1 a pair ( l>ks salut$ u ) a hil>i\s song4 ,our driv] 0 soon awake at ! little inn1 two furlongs away1 & 9 ! fre%ness ( ! morn+ we crawl$ d[n ! break-neck road to ,appletreewick1 ,bolton ,woods & ! ,:>fe gr[+ 9 light be=e u2 & !n at an exhil>at+ pace roll$ up ! dale to ! ,r$ ,lion at ,burnsall4 ,,swallet-,,hunt+ ,,9 ,,d]by%ire ,,giant',s ,,hole ,,& ,,manifold ,betwe5 ,sp>r[pit & ! head ( ! ,w9nats ! old road f ,*apel-en-le-,fri? to ,ca/leton skirts :at is1 geologically1 "o ( ! mo/ important localities 9 ,d]by%ire4 ,x runs along ! side ( a %all[ upl& valley1 ab\t #abjj feet above tide-level & two miles long1 :i* is b\nd$ on two sides by ! curve ( ,ru%up ,edge & on ! o!r two by ,eld5 ,hill1 ,w9dy ,knoll1 & o!r ,lime/one acclivities4 ,"o ( ! great faults ( ! ,p5n9e *a9 trav]ses ?is valley longitud9ally1 ! ,yor$ale /rata hav+ be5 ?r[n d[n to ! level ( ! ,lime/one1 s t ! middle ( ! valley is ! b\nd>y betwe5 ! ,yor$ale rocks1 %ale grits1 & mile/one grit on ! nor?1 & ! ,lime/one plateau ( ,mid-,d]by%ire on ! s\?4 ,! valley is completely encircl$ by high] gr\nd2 !re is no egress = /reams on ! surface4 ,accord+ly o!r modes ( dra9age are to be look$ =1 & !y w be discov]$ 9 a num]\s s]ies ( swallets situat$ along ! l9e ( ! fault1 ! wat] t runs ov] ! imp]vi\s %ales p]=at+ ! ,lime/one z soon z x comes 9 contact ) x4 ,?is %all[ valley1 9 fact1 is ! ga!r+ gr\nd = ! wat]s t p\r into ! abyss ( ! ,spe$well ,cav]n1 trav]se ,peak ,cav]n1 & make _! way to ! op5 air at ,russet ,well & o!r spr+s at ,ca/leton4 ,t su* is ! case has long be5 prov$ by obs]vations ( ! temp]ature & col\r ( ! wat]s1 & by trac+ *aff & o!r ?+s ?r[n into ! upl& /reams4 ,b !re exi/ h>dly en\gh data to e/abli% ! !ory ( ! ,fr5* speleologi/1 ,m4 ,m>tel1 t ,peak's ,hole ,wat] comes f ,p]ryfoot1 & ! wat] ( ,russet ,well f ,coalpit ,m9e1 ne> ,sp>r[pit4 ,all t is def9itely kn[n is t ^! wat]s run ?r\gh ! massive ,lime/one = di/ances v>y+ f two to ?ree miles & reappe> 9 ,ca/leton1 #fjj feet b5ea?4 ,:e!r !y unite into "o or two l>ge /reams1 :i* =m consid]able *amb]s & cav]ns 9 ! inaccessible region beyond ! f>!/ kn[n p>ts ( ,spe$well & ,peak ,cav]ns1 is an int]e/+ "q1 t tempts "o to answ] boldly 9 ! affirmative1 s9ce ! action ( und]gr\nd /reams 9 ,som]set & ,york%ire seems to ju/ify ! assumption1 if we take into acc\nt ! ext5t ( ! v]tical jo9ts eat5 away by ! wat] 9 its desc5t ( #fjj feet1 & ! effects ( p]iodical floods4 ,9 ,som]set1 9 a situation exactly simil>1 two caves ( #fjj feet fall & #bjjj feet horizontal measurem5t h rec5tly be5 discov]$ by op5+ simil> swallet-holes4 ,is !re any hope ( f9d+ su* hypo!tical cav]n or cav]ns "h by explor+1 & if necess>y op5+ artificially1 any ( ! swallets betwe5 ,p]ryfoot & ,giant's ,hole8 ,! inve/igations rec5tly c>ri$ out by a fri5d & myself d n make u hopeful t if !re are su* cav]ns !y w ev] be made accessible4 ,we began our "w at ,giant's ,hole1 :i* op5s 9 ! bottom ( a little gorge betwe5 ,peak's ,hill & ,middle ,hill4 ,! brooklet t runs 9 at ! cave m\? 0 v l[1 & we pass$ almo/ dry%od ov] ! r\gh /ones t cov] ! /ream-b$ = "s #fj feet4 ,giant's ,hole has an ar*$ entrance ab\t sev5 feet high1 & ! fir/ "p ( ! cave reta9s ! same =m4 ,!n ! walls contract1 & ! cave takes ! %ape ( a deep & n>r[ canyon1 cut ?r\gh solid rock1 ) ! /ream c\rs+ along at ! bottom ov] little falls & wat]slides & ?r\gh pools t are n easy to pass )\t a wett+4 ,"o hundr$ & fifty feet f ! entrance to ! cave is a l(ty rift1 ne> ! top ( :i* an upp] gall]y turns we/1 ! g5]al direction ( ! ma9 passage be+ s\!rly4 ,pass+ ?is1 we foll[$ ! /ream d[nhill = ano!r fifty or sixty y>ds1 & 7 !n br\ght to a /&/ill by a p>tial *oke4 ,at ?is po9t a quantity ( /ones & gravel comes )9 two feet ( ! ro(1 & ! wat] is damm$ back 9 a pool a foot deep1 s t !re is b>ely a foot ( cle> space betwe5 wat] & ro(4 ,return+ to ! /eep climb to ! upp] gall]y1 we scal$ ! wet & slipp]y rocks1 & f\nd ourselves on a %elf ov] ! canyon4 ,! %elf gave +ress to ! gall]y1 :i* rose g5tly 9 a we/]ly direction1 ) frequ5t twi/s & turns1 & !n turn$ nor?4 ,9 #aej feet x divid$4 ,we scrambl$ on2 b all ! bran*es evid5tly approa*$ ! surface ( ! gr\nd1 becom+ e>?y1 & we soon f\nd x impossible to get any f>!r4 ,?is upp] level1 :i* = our purposes 0 ( less int]e/ ?an ! l[]1 is incru/$ ) deposits ?r\gh\t its l5g? ( #hj or #ij y>ds4 ,!re are /alagmite curta9s & %eets ( tufa on ! walls1 ! old] rocks on ! floor are cem5t$ toge!r ) a cru/ ( poli%$ /alagmite1 & "s ( ! b\ld]s are cov]$ ) %9+ enamel4 ,we f\nd x be/ to use an ,alp9e rope 9 gett+ back to ! l[] level1 ! l$ges und]nea? n be+ easy to f9d by c&lelight4 ,outside ! sun 0 %9+ brightly1 & ! light t /ream$ 9 at ! cave m\?1 ?r\gh ! f]ns & fl[]s & grasses t encircl$ x1 0 /a9$ a fairy-l gre54 ,cont9u+ our way ?r\gh ! gorge betwe5 ! %>p ,lime/one knoll ( ,peak's ,hill & ! bulki] ,middle ,hill1 we foll[$ a /ream t comes d[n f ,ru%up ,edge1 p]=ates ! ,lime/one base ( ,peak's ,hill1 & comes out on ! o!r side at a small cave4 ,9 ?ree furlongs ?is /ream is swall[$ "u a cliff "s #bj feet high1 ! +ress at pres5t be+ ?r\gh a s]ies ( holes1 :]e ! wat] makes an int]mitt5t ro>+1 almo/ l ! ?rob ( a hydraulic ram1 z if a siphon 7 mom5t>ily dis*>g+4 ,old] rifts are se5 9 ! same l9e ( cliffs1 & c be p5etrat$ = #cj feet1 b are n[ des]t$ by ! wat] save at flood-"t4 ,f>!r on is a deep depression 9 ! hillside1 big en\gh to engulf a h\se4 ,x is suppos$ locally to h be5 produc$ by ! fall+ 9 ( a cave ro(1 b x is m probably an indep5d5t swallet1 "o ( a s]ies1 ne>ly all funnel-%ap$ & long out ( work+ ord]1 t lie along a high] level 9 ! ,lime/one ?an ^? t occupy ! l9e ( dem>cation f ! %ales4 ,! bigge/ ( !m is ,bull ,pit1 :i* we come to lat]4 ,next to ! la/ pair ( l>ge op5+s into :i* /reams are runn+1 & :i* may be call$ ! ,peak's ,hill ,swallets1 s9ce _! wat]s rise out ( ,peak's ,hill1 we come to a l>ge irregul> s]ies ( tr\gh-%ap$ holl[s conv]g+ on ano!r swallet at ?is same geological bord]-l9e4 ,! op5+s "h are all little ones4 ,b ! next swallet has a cave above x1 into :i* we ent]$4 ,x does n g f>1 b x has two asc5d+ bran*es t c be trac$ to two small depressions 9 ! ,lime/one :]e t9y afflu5ts h p]colat$ & cut = !mselves little tunnels 9 ! rock4 ,! next swallet beyond ?is has b a small op5+1 al?\gh ! holl[ cut out by its rivulets ?r\gh ! %ales is hundr$s ( squ>e y>ds 9 area4 ,an abrupt cliff walls 9 ! holl[ on ! ,lime/one side1 only a few paces f :i* are nak$ pat*es ( ,yor$ale rocks1 cle>ly def9+ ! b\nd>y ( ! two s]ies4 ,we n[ came to "o ( ! mo/ int]e/+ op5+s t we h met )4 ,x lies ab\t #bjj y>ds nor? ( ,bull ,pit4 ,z (t5 happ5s1 imm$iately above ! swallet1 9 ! ,lime/one1 is a deep *asm almo/ p]=at+ ! esc>pm5t4 ,at ! base ( ! esc>pm5t is a r\nd$ ar*way ) a turbul5t /ream runn+ 94 ,aft] secur+ a photograph we ent]1 & make our way d[n /ream easily = a little di/ance2 !n ! cave twi/s & n>r[s1 & at a di/ance ( #dj feet or s we are disappo9t$ to f9d ! *annel too conf9$ = u to =ce our way f>!r4 ,outside we _h obs]v$ t ! bas9-%ap$ area _h be5 flood$ n long ago1 & inside ! vegetable dbris t 0 pla/]$ ov] ! walls & ro( %[$ t ! swallet mu/ h be5 completely *ok$ dur+ ! rec5t wet wea!r4 ,b ! peculi>ity ( ?is swallet 0 t ! solid mass ( rock ?r\gh :i* ! /ream _h c>v$ its way 0 n ord9>y ,lime/one1 b beautifully ve9$ & cry/all9e l m>ble1 & its surface smoo? & poli%$4 ,x _h v mu* ! same appe>ance z ! m>moris$ ,lime/one f\nd 9 ! neighb\rhood ( intrusive lavas1 su* z ^? ne> ,tideswell4 ,by ! action ( ! wat] x _h be5 sculptur$ into fanta/ic %apes2 9 "o place a corn] _h be5 cut ?r\gh & a small pill> left1 jo9$ to ! rock at top & bottom4 ,we scrambl$ ) "s difficulty into ! *asm beh9d ! swallet4 ,at ! bottom1 on ! same side z ! exi/+ swallet1 0 ! broad & l(ty ar* ( a cave1 :i* w5t only a few y>ds 91 o!rwise x w\ld h brok5 ?r\gh ! esc>pm5t4 ,"r above ! key/one ( ! ar* 0 a wea!r$ gr\p ( /alactites hang+ f a l$ge1 & "u !m ! brok5 /alagmite floor ( a t9y grotto4 ,x is a r>e ?+ to f9d su* deposits 9 ! op5 air1 & d\btless x indicates t ! *asm 0 =m$ by ! de/ruction ( a l>g] cave4 ,a ?ick deposit ( e>?y mud cov]$ ! floor1 & at "o side a big hole p5etrat$ ?is to a dep? ( six feet1 ! "w ( a /ream t _h p]haps n run = ages4 ,?is deposit1 ?\gh dry1 0 s s(t t ,i ne>ly sank ?r\gh into ! hole4 ,we f\nd f\r birds' ne/s 9 ?is cave m\?1 ) eggs & "y 9 !m1 & 7 disappo9t$ n to come across ! egg ( a cuckoo t flew out ! mom5t be=e we ent]$4 ,9 ! wiry grass n f> away f ! top ( ! cavity we discov]$ a l>k's ne/ ) two eggs 9 x4 ,bull ,pit lies 9 ! wood j above ?is op5+1 ne>] ! road4 ,x is a great op5 abyss1 wall$ on ?ree sides by crags ( ,lime/one ne>ly a hundr$ feet high1 & ) trees gr[+ all r\nd ! edges4 ,?is1 no d\bt1 is a v anci5t swallet t has n be5 9 op]ation = ages--belongs1 p]haps1 to ! same p]iod z ,eld5 ,hole1 :i* op5s #bjj or #cjj feet high]1 a mile away1 on ,eld5 ,hill4 ,a little way on1 ne> ,p]ryfoot1 we come 9 sight ( ano!r v anci5t cavity1 on ! side ( ,gautries ,hill4 ,x is a gap+ pit ab\t #gj feet deep1 ) a noble ar* inside1 spann+ ! entrance to a broad cave4 ,at pres5t ! cave m\? is silt$ up ) s& & clay4 ,all ^! rocky op5+s are ! lurk+-places ( beautiful f]ns & mosses2 ! fea!ry fronds ( ! ,lime/one polypody1 ! late primroses1 v>i\s saxifrages1 & ! delicate foliage ( h]b rob]t mak+ a brave %[4 ,! wild] birds take refuge !re4 ,a cr[ flew out ( ! hole on ,gautries ,hill1 & "o day on approa*+ ,eld5 ,hole ,i 0 />tl$ by a d5se cl\d ( jackdaws1 m ?an a hundr$1 sudd5ly ru%+ out4 ,f>!r d[n1 f #ej to #ajj feet l[]1 a ho/ ( />l+s _h built _! ne/s on ! walls ( ! *asm4 ,di/urb$1 !y came fly+ up 9 twos & ?rees1 beat+ ! air 9 pa9ful ef=ts to w+ _! way /raight up & out ( ! hole4 ,at ,p]ryfoot a /ream is engulf$ :i* ,m4 ,m>tel consid]s to be ! s\rce ( ,peak's ,hole ,wat]1 & to be id5tical ) ! /ream t fl[s ?r\gh ! inmo/ passages ( ,peak ,cav]n4 ,x n[ runs into a cleft t is too small to be explor$4 ,b at a comp>atively rec5t date x 0 swall[$ 9 a numb] ( l>ge fissures 9 a cresc5t-%ap$ wall ( ,lime/one #ajj y>ds away4 ,mo/ ( ^! op5+s are impracticable1 b at ! extreme ea/ ,i _h already reconnoitr$ a promis+ cleft :i* we n[ proce$$ to exam9e ?or\ghly4 ,?is complicat$ swallet1 ) ! passages beh9d x1 is kn[n locally z ,manifold4 ,go+ ea/ = #ce feet1 ! fissure divides1 "o passage /rik+ up t[>ds ! surface & ! o!r turn+ s\?4 ,we soon _h to crawl1 ! passage be+ v l[1 n>r[1 & l9$ ) objectionable /ones4 ,aft] #cj feet m we came to a wid] place1 ) a sort ( *imney on "o side4 ,"h 0 ! sole m>k ( humanity t we f\nd 9 ?is cave1 a /ake t _h app>5tly be5 us$ to climb into ! *imney4 ,no?+ 0 ga9$ by climb+ x1 s we squeez$ our way along ! ma9 passage4 ,n[ ! tunnel grew into a high b n>r[ canyon :]e we c\ld /& upright1 !n x dw9dl$ to a tunnel aga91 g5]ally desc5d+1 b occasionally ris+ 9 :at 0 once a siphon4 ,we pass$ "o or two bran*es1 at ! mo/ important ( :i* ! pr9cipal tunnel curv$ to ! left & desc5d$ a little m /eeply ov] "s small l$ges & bas9s brimm+ ) wat]4 ,we began to feel sangu9e ab\t ! wi%$-= cav]n1 b pres5tly ! diamet] ( ! tunnel grew s small t we c\ld n advance ano!r y>d4 ,my companion 0 "s di/ance beh9d ) 8 c&le out1 & ,i w\ld n make a move until he _h got x relight$1 ! consequ5ces ( bo? c&les go+ out at once be+ unpleasant & possibly dang]\s4 ,= a long way we c\ld n turn r\nd1 & _h to crawl feet =emo/4 ,j aft] repass+ ! junction my companion %\t$ t we 7 go+ wrong4 ,he did n recognise ! passage4 ,i rema9$ at ! junction :il/ he w5t f>!r & asc]ta9$ t x 0 ! "r *annel aft] all4 ,!n ,i exam9$ ! bran*4 ,x asc5d$ #bj feet & !n divid$1 ! left bran*1 :i* 0 e>?y1 pla9ly /rik+ up to ! surface1 ! "r bran* go+ back t[>ds ! swallet4 ,und\bt$ly !re mu/ be q a labyr9? ( dry wat] *annels to correspond ) ! num]\s s]ies ( op5+s 9 ! cliff1 b ! "o we explor$ seem$ to be ! l>ge/ & mo/ practicable4 ,v tir$ & hot1 n to m5tion ! dirt1 we made our way back to ! exit1 glad to feel t our day's "w 0 done4 ,! "o ?+ t _h impress$ u mo/ dur+ our explorations 0 t all ^! swallets & wat] *annels are cut ?r\gh solid rock4 ,only :5 ! rocks are %att]$ or dis9tegrat$1 z 9 ! cases allud$ to 9 ,som]set1 w\ld !re be any possibility ( enl>g+ a swallet artificially4 ,& ?\gh we _h p5etrat$ to a di/ance ( #djj feet at ,manifold we _h n f\nd ! passages gr[+ m roomy nor enl>g$ by ! accession ( tribut>ies4 ,s f>1 ! prospect ( op5+ up ! l>ge fissures & *amb]s t mu/ surely exi/ deep] 9 ! rock seems unfav\rable1 unless ! ma9 *annel ( ,giant's ,hole c be unblock$4 ,e4 ,a4 ,b4 ,,explor+ ,,new ,,caves ,,9 ,,d]by%ire ,! new & excit+ game ( cave-explor+ has be5 pursu$ s /r5u\sly dur+ ! la/ f\r ye>s t "o w\ld almo/ ?9k ! possibilities ( fre% discov]ies _h be5 exhau/$4 ,:5 a little :ile ago1 !re=e1 rum\rs came 9 ( a big cav]n 9 ,la?kill ,dale1 s big t p 7 said to h be5 lo/ 9 its recesses1 !y 7 receiv$ n a little incr$ul\sly4 ,b aft] ! usual all[ances _h be5 made = exagg]ation & my?1 & ! alleg$ casualties r$uc$ to ! mis=tunes ( a %eep-dog :o sp5t f\rte5 days 9 ! cav]n1 probably rock-b\nd on a l$ge1 x /ill appe>$ t !re 0 some?+ wor? explor+4 ,accord+ly two fri5ds1 ,messrs4 ,w4 ,h4 & ,g4 ,d4 ,williams1 :o 7 resid+ ne> ,matlock1 k9dly und]took to f9d ! cave or caves1 & see :at 0 to be done2 & a native ( ,middleton 0 commission$ to make fur!r inquiries4 ,fir/1 a lett] arriv$ ) ! disappo9t+ intellig5ce t !re 0 no cave on ! ,la?kill1 no?+ b old m9e work+s3 b h>d on its heels came a wire to say t a cave _h be5 locat$ & 0 be+ explor$ t5tatively4 ,!n fur!r messages arriv$ ) m5tion ( ano!r op5+1 b :i* 0 ! reput$ great cav]n 0 a "q to be settl$ only by a regul> exploration4 ,a day 0 fix$ = ! campaign1 & my section ( ! p>ty drove up e>ly 9 ! morn+ f ,bakewell ,/ation on ! ,midl&4 ,our fri5ds 7 wait+ at ! head ( ,rickl[ ,dale1 a mile bel[ ! little village ( ,?ornya%1 & we proce$$ )\t delay d[n t /reamless canyon1 fir/ ov] smoo? gre5sw>d betwe5 ! grim ,lime/one walls1 !n hopp+ f po9t to po9t ( huge1 close-pack$ fragm5ts1 until we rea*$ ! upp]mo/ cave m\?4 ,x has a v impos+ entrance1 solid pi]s support+ a massive l9tel1 ab\t #bj feet wide4 ,x op5s 9 ! we/ cliff ( ,rickl[ ,dale1 at a height ( #fij feet above sea-level1 & is evid5tly ! s\rce at times ( a l>ge /ream4 ,rickl[ ,dale is really ! upp] "p ( ,la?kill ,dale1 above ! junction ) ,cales ,dale1 & ! head /reams ( ! ,la?kill orig9ally fl[$ d[n x f ! neighb\rhood ( ,monya%4 ,b at a lat] p]iod1 seem+ly1 ! /ream betook itself to an und]gr\nd c\rse1 until x em]g$ into ! op5 f ?is cave4 ,at ! pres5t "t ! cave is swept by wat] only :5 ! deep] cavities ( ! rock ov]fl[4 ,?is happ5$1 = in/ance1 a few weeks ago1 :5 ! cave dis*>g$ a consid]able /ream1 & 0 = ! "t be+ q imp5etrable to man4 ,z ! ,messrs4 ,williams _h be5 into ?is cav]n a day or two be=e1 we left x = ! pres5t1 9 ord] to try "s unexplor$ op5+s f>!r d[n ! dale4 ,on ! same side ( ! dale !y _h detect$ ! entrance to some?+1 :e!r cave or m9e !y knew n1 cov]$ 9 by /ones & e>?4 ,) pick & cr[b> an entrance 0 soon expos$1 n mu* l>g] ?an a badg]'s hole1 & we crept ?r\gh4 ,at once x became evid5t t ! hole 0 n a natural "o2 x 0 no self-cave1 z ! c\ntry p say1 b an ord9>y level or a s\gh dra9+ a lead m9e4 ,a pool ( wat] fill$ ! tunnel f side to side1 /ret*+ away into ! di/ance2 & z we pref]r$1 if wad+ 7 necess>y1 to po/pone x z long z we c\ld1 we left ?is alone = ! pres5t1 & w5t on ) our que/ at two o!r spots 9 ! entrance to ,cales ,dale4 ,ne$less to say1 we _h miss$ no opportunity ( cross-exam9+ ! inhabitants ( ! di/rict1 b ! results _h be5 absurdly inaccurate & conflict+4 ,already a cr[d ( ru/ic onlook]s _h ga!r$ r\nd1 b ! only individual among !m :o knew any?+ ab\t ! region inside 0 ! a=e-m5tion$ %eep-dog1 :o c\ld tell u no?+4 ,he1 too1 0 ! only "o :o %[$ any incl9ation to jo9 our und]gr\nd p>ty4 ,9 ! upp] ,cales ,dale ,cav]n1 z we nam$ x1 he actually w5t ahead ( u1 & put our c&les 9 jeop>dy ) ! spirit$ wagg+ ( 8 tail4 ,?is cave is d\btless a v anci5t *annel ( ! ,cales ,dale ,wat]1 :i* n[ runs ?r\gh hidd5 crevices till x meets ! ,la?kill2 ! span ( its antiquity may be gaug$ by ! fact t ,cales ,dale has be5 cut #bjj feet deep]1 & ! cave left high & dry1 s9ce x 0 a regul> /ream-c\rse4 ,i say dry 9 a comp>ative s5se1 = we quickly f\nd ourselves confront$ by a %ort passage ( extreme dampness4 ,! ma9 *annel runs we/ = #aej feet1 & !n divides1 bo? bran*es dw9dl+ rapidly to m]e wat]-pipes4 ,b ne> ! entrance a bran* /rikes (f to ! "r4 ,al?\gh ! ro( came d[n on our backs z we crawl$1 we manag$ to keep j above ! surface ( a %all[ pool t lay 9 ! middle3 b a second pool 0 almo/ entirely mopp$ up by our j\rney to & fro4 ,! passage end$ 9 a *amb] :]e two c /& upright4 ,e bit ( ?is little nook is cov]$ ) a creamy-:ite & br[ni% coat+ ( amorph\s c>bonate4 ,x is l a small empty %r9e1 ) heavy curta9s fl[+ ov] its walls1 _! folds & ridges fleck$ ) innum]able scaly projections1 l "s delicate frill+4 ,! re/ ( ! cave is devoid ( *>m1 ?\gh !re are int]e/+ masses ( :ite tufa on ! walls1 z s(t z putty4 ,at ! bottom ( ! dale1 almo/ exactly "u & p>allel to ?is upp] cave1 is a l>g] "o1 :i* we call$ ! ,l[] ,cales ,dale ,cav]n4 ,x is entirely conceal$ by bu%es & nettles1 & we _h to remove a mass ( blocks & detritus be=e we laid b>e ! two entrances4 ,ev5 !n1 room c\ld n be made = ! broad-%\ld]$ memb] ( ! p>ty to get 94 ,at ! end ( #ae feet ( v tight wriggl+ !re 0 m head room4 ,we 7 9 a /raight tunnel1 ar*$ z ev5ly z a culv]t1 ! floor cov]$ ) ! gravelly deposits ( a /ream4 ,evid5tly x is a *annel /ill us$ frequ5tly by ! ,cales ,dale ,wat]4 ,x ran due we/ = #cjj feet1 ) room 9 mo/ places = u to crawl on h&s & knees3 !n x b5t "o po9t to ! nor?4 ,"h ! /ream _h ?r[n up a l[ dam1 beh9d :i* x _h bor$ a s]ies ( holes on ! s\? side1 ?r\gh :i* mo/ ( x gets away4 ,soon a wall ( rock1 %ap$ l ! /eps ( a weir1 confront$ u1 at ! top ( :i* we f\nd ourselves 9 a wide1 irregul> *amb]1 ! height ( ^: ro( v>i$ f #f feet to #ah feet4 ,we call$ x ! ,pot ,hole ,cav]n1 because ( ! numb] ( wat]-worn cavities 9 ! ro(4 ,! bigge/ ( ^! cavities appe>+ to give entrance to an upp] gall]y1 ,i climb$ into x ) ! aid ( a comrade's %\ld]4 ,x conta9$ a pretty grotto1 l9$ ) incru/ations1 b l$ to no?+4 ,deep horizontal fissures yawn$ on e side ( ! ,pot ,hole ,*amb]1 & v]tical jo9ts split ! int]pos+ /rata4 ,all ! exits1 h[ev]1 came to an end spe$ily except two1 "o ext5d+ a po9t ea/ ( s\?1 ! o!r a po9t ea/ ( nor?4 ,i explor$ ! nor!rn bran* be=e my fri5ds arriv$4 ,x _h sev]al %ort ramifications1 9 "s ( :i* !re 7 trails ( rabbits1 & o!r evid5ces ( a communication ) ! surface1 su* z pieces ( sodd5 wood & deposits ( soil2 b x gave +ress = b>ely #ej feet4 ,! o!r bran* seem$ m important1 & z we 7 tir$ out & hungry1 we left x until we _h return$ to ! dale = re/ & lun*1 a wa/e ( "t1 un=tunately1 = x ran only = #ajj feet f>!r4 ,illu/ration3 ,,rickl[ ,,cave ,,9 ,,flood4 ,photo by ,g4 ,d4 ,williams4 ,we crept ov] a pavem5t ( fractur$ blocks1 into a broad1 l[ passage t seem$ to h be5 hewn by giants out ( ! solid ,lime/one4 ,all ar\nd 7 ! m>ks ( a p[]ful1 swirl+ curr5t1 t _h split & torn ! rocks asund]1 & bor$ its way ?r\gh _! jo9ts2 yet n a gra9 ( s& or a speck ( mud 0 visible on _! clean$ & poli%$ surface4 ,fissures & passages twi/$ away at ! side1 b return$ 9 a few y>ds to ! ma9 corridor4 ,9 ! ro( 7 disc]nible ! clean-cut holl[s :5ce slabs ( ,lime/one _h fall5 t /ill cumb]$ ! floor4 ,! l>ge *amb] t we rea*$ f9ally 0 be/rewn & heap$ up ) su* masses1 & all ! ways ( egress save "o 7 entirely block$ up4 ,?is v soon came to an abrupt t]m9ation 9 a bell-%ap$ cavity1 floor$ ) a cru/ ( /alagmite4 ,b !re 7 n>r[ fissures1 a few in*es only 9 wid?1 runn+ away 9 _m directions2 a /rong draught made ! c&les gutt]2 & ! occasional pres5ce ( great volumes ( wat] 0 made evid5t by ! damage done to "s ( ! incru/ations4 ,!re 0 no sign or s\nd ( fl[+ wat] n[2 ! sil5ce 0 z pr(\nd & impressive z ! d>kness4 ,yet ?is rock-/rewn *amb] 0 once ! bir?place ( a riv]4 ,hi!r1 f c\ntless fissures1 ! /reamlets ga!r$ toge!r & p\r$ ?r\gh ! hidd5 places ( ! hill1 n[ 9 a rippl+ brook1 & n[ 9 a torr5t1 cra%+ & r5d+4 ,at pres5t ! ,cales ,dale /ream f9ds its way to ! ,la?kill riv] by /ill m secret *annels4 ,b at no infrequ5t times1 ev5 yet1 ! torr5t ?und]s ov] ! wat]fall 9 ! ,pot ,hole ,cav]n1 ! swallet is inundat$1 & a flood p\rs on ?r\gh ! long tunnel1 & s into ! op5 /ream-c\rse 9 ! dale1 n[ dri$ up & cov]$ ) vegetation4 ,pro(s ( ?is 7 legible all ar\nd u4 ,return+ up ! dale1 we clos$ ! m\? ( ! artificial level1 & w5t back to ! ,rickl[ ,cav]n4 ,al?\gh ! portal is s maje/ic1 ! passage becomes any?+ b commodi\s at ! end ( a few paces4 ,once m we _h to crawl ov] h>d1 wat]-worn rock1 deeply fissur$ & ?r[n out ( ! horizontal2 our gall$ knees & elb[s c\ld sc>cely be induc$ to g at all1 & ! pace 0 mis]ably sl[4 ,!n ! ro( came d[n s close 9 a horizontal fissure ( huge ext5t1 t !re 0 no?+ = x b to wriggle4 ,my fri5ds _h asc]ta9$ t #bhj feet ( ?is "w leads into a l(ty *amb]4 ,x is "o ( ^? long1 v]tical fissures1 n wide b enorm\sly high1 t are common 9 ! ,ca/leton caves4 ,!re 7 indications ( gall]ies ov]head1 b we 7 too mu* exhau/$ to attempt climb+ )\t a ladd]4 ,only "o exit 0 practicable1 :i* l$ 9 #bj feet into j su* ano!r holl[1 b /ill wid] & ugli] ( aspect4 ,fill+ ! cavity to a height ( #cj feet 0 a m\nta9 ( %att]$ rocks1 flung toge!r pell-mell & w$g$ loosely4 ,:5 we climb$ x1 ! light ( our c&les %[$ t ! /ructure 0 holl[1 & h>dly m durable 9 appe>ance ?an a h\se ( c>ds4 ,"s ( ! rocks 7 held by po9ts & corn]s1 sw++ on _! long axes2 a t\* s5t o!rs clatt]+ d[n1 z we crept ) ! utmo/ caution up ! adjo9+ wall4 ,x 0 z if ! int]ior ( ! hill _h be5 r5t ap>t by an e>?quake1 & ! headlong /ream ( rocks caught sudd5ly & held by ! clos+ 9 ( ! fracture4 ,we clamb]$ to ! summit ( ?is holl[ mass ( ru91 & lit "s magnesium wire4 ,! =mless walls w5t up into a d>k void above u1 _! l$ges fr+$ ) gli/5+ spikes & t5drils ( transp>5t /alactite1 reveal$ by ! gl>e4 ,!re _h be5 visitors "h be=e4 ,scrat*$ on ! walls1 b p>tially coat$ ov] by a cry/all9e enamel1 7 ! initials ,h4 ,b4--,r4 ,a41 & ! date #ahag2 o!r scrawls 7 indeciph]able4 ,no d\bt ?is 0 ! cave ^: leg5d>y r5[n _h rea*$ our e>s4 ,gett+ d[n our %att]$ /aircase 0 a m =midable job ?an ! asc5t4 ,"o /one1 z big z a table1 rock$ l a see-saw :5 we set foot on x4 ,/alactites 7 n num]\s 9 ^! caves1 :i* are n only v humid1 b cont9ually swept by wat]4 ,animal rema9s 7 pl5tiful1 all rec5t1 bones be+ c>ri$ 9 by bea/s ( prey & deposit$ by floods4 ,z ?is process mu/ h be5 go+ on = ages1 ! two ,cales ,dale cav]ns w\ld probably yield good results to palontological rese>*4 ,a comic incid5t *e]$ my fatigu$ comrades :5 we rega9$ ! op5 air4 ,9 ! morn+ ,i _h br\ght my family up f ,bakewell ,/ation = a day 9 ! c\ntry1 a "w ( sup]]ogation t n[ plac$ me 9 a curi\s pr$icam5t4 ,! waggonette _h gone (f to pick !m up = ! e>ly tra91 &1 to my di/ress1 ,i f\nd ! driv] _h reliev$ u ( all ! luggage1 includ+ ! rcksack :i* held my clo!s1 n to m5tion boots1 pipe1 & railway ticket4 ,! alt]native />$ me 9 ! face ( proce$+ to t[n 9 slimy ov]alls or 9 attire ( dang]\s slightness4 ,b ! broad-%\ld]$ fri5d came to ! rescue ) 8 cave jacket1 a g>m5t t fell ab\t me l a baggy greatcoat1 hid+ ! wor/ de=mities1 & ) batt]$ hobnail]s at "o extremity1 & a cap t _h m /iff clay ?an clo? 9 x at ! o!r1 ,i made ! be/ ( my way home "u ! cov] ( d>kness4 ,a ,,visit ,,to ,,mit*el/[n ,,cave ,mit*el/[n ,cave1 ! l>ge/ ev] discov]$ 9 ! ,briti% ,isles1 is n situat$ at ! t[n ( t "n1 9 c\nty ,cork1 b #aj miles away1 9 ,tipp]>y1 on ! road to ,cahir4 ,its entrance is 9 a small ,lime/one hill 9 ! broad vale ( ! ,blackwat]1 midway betwe5 ! ,knockmeald[n ,m\nta9s & ! ,s&/one ridges & tables ( ! ,galtees4 ,! cave 0 laid op5 9 ! c\rse ( qu>ry+ op]ations 9 #ahcc1 f :i* "t to ! pres5t ! "w ( exploration has gone on progressively1 if at long int]vals1 & may1 p]haps1 cont9ue until ! ext5t ( ! passages kn[n is consid]ably enl>g$4 ,x seems n[ to be entirely =gott5 t ! spot has be5 fam\s f "t immemorial = a wond]ful /alactite cav]n4 ,9 ,octob] #aggg1 ,ar?ur ,"y 0 tak5 into a cave1 kn[n z ,skehe5>9ky1 aft] ! t[nl&1 b ! old ,iri% "n ( :i* 0 ,oonak>eagli%a4 ,! op5+1 he says1 is a cleft ( rock 9 a ,lime/one hill1 s n>r[ z to be difficult to get into x4 ,i desc5d$ by a ladd] ( ab\t tw5ty /eps1 & !n f\nd myself 9 a vault ( #ajj feet long & #ej or #fj high3 a small hole1 on ! left1 leads f ?is a w9d+ c\rse (1 ,i believe1 n less ?an half an ,iri% mile4 ,he goes on to describe ! beautiful sc5]y ( ! cave1 :i*1 he says1 is mu* sup]ior to ! ,peak ,cav]n 9 ,d]by%ire1 & ,"l ,k+sbor\gh1 :o has view$ ! ,grot d',aucel 9 ,burgundy1 says t x is n to be comp>$ ) x4#e ,! odd ?+ is t ! v exi/5ce ( ?is cav]n seems to h be5 =gott5 s9ce ! discov]y ( its mu* f9] neighb\r4 ,yet ! trees & bru%wood gu>d+ its m\? are 9 full view ( ! well-frequ5t$ entrance to ! o!r cave2 & ,dr4 ,ly/] ,jameson1 :o 0 ) ,monsieur ,m>tel on 8 visit 9 #ahie1 told me "s ye>s ago t an op5+ _h be5 po9t$ out to him into a l[] s]ies ( caves1 :i* ,i h little hesitation 9 id5tify+ ) ,"y's cav]n & ! cave m\? ,i allude to4 #e ,ar?ur ,"y's ,t\r 9 ,irel&2 ed4 by ,a4 ,w4 ,hutton4 #b vols4 ,bell1 #ahib4 ,see pages #dfd-dfe1 vol4 i4 ,illu/ration3 ,a ,,great ,,pill>3 ,,mit*el/[n ,,cav]n4 ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,bak]4 ,illu/ration3 ,a ,,fairy ,,lant]n3 ,,mit*el/[n ,,cav]n4 ,photo by ,e4 ,a4 ,bak]4 ,dr4 ,c4 ,a4 ,hill & ,i visit$ ! spot 9 ,augu/ #aije1 int5d+ to g ?r\gh all ! accessible p>ts ( ! huge s]ies n[ kn[n collectively z ,mit*el/[n ,cave1 & also to exam9e ! s]ies ref]r$ to by ,dr4 ,jameson1 :o _h be5 unable to und]take _! exploration4 ,our impression 0 t little or no?+ 0 kn[n ( ! latt] s]ies1 & x 0 n until aft] our return f ,irel& t we 7 />tl$ & puzzl$ by turn+ up an acc\nt 9 ,! ,po/*aise ,companion 7#ahje ed41 pp4 #cja1 #cjb7 ( a cave 9 ?is place already kn[n & celebrat$ ?irty ye>s be=e ! discov]y ( ! ,mit*el/[n ,cave4 ,! explanation probably is t ! guides f9d "o cave a m pr(itable inve/m5t ?an two4 ,to %[ ! second 7or r ! fir/1 s9ce ! o!r is ! usurp]7 w\ld involve twice z mu* lab\r1 b w\ld h>dly br+ 9 twice ! income4 ,s9ce #ahcc1 !n1 ! orig9al cav]n has be5 suppress$1 s successfully t ev5 ! omnisci5t ,baddeley nev] suspect$ t !re are two s]ies1 al?\gh he _h read ,"y's description & confus$ x ) ! o!r4 ,dr4 ,hill let me d[n a few feet into ! old cave-m\?1 j su* a n>r[ slit z ,"y depicts2 b we f\nd t ! rock 0 cut away imm$iately b5ea?1 & )\t m haul+ p[]1 ! only way to get d[n 0 to use a long ladd]1 & ?is we c\ld n obta94 ,! guide told u t ! hole l$ into no?+ ( any int]e/1 & t ! entrance _h be5 us$ z a receptacle = deceas$ dogs & o!r excreta4 ,?is effectually took away any wi% to pursue our rese>*es 9 t direction = ! pres5t4 ,/ill1 ! old cave ought n to be lo/ sight (2 & we propose1 if no "o else und]takes ! "w1 to explore ! l[] s]ies on "s future visit to ,irel&4 ,! unsci5tific explor]s ( a hundr$ ye>s ago may h left discov]ies to future work]s z important z ^? :i* rema9$ = s _m ye>s aft] ! e>ly explorations 9 ! neighb\r+ great cave4 ,:at 0 done 9 ! latt] dur+ ! fir/ ye> aft] ! discov]y may be read 9 an article by ,dr4 ,apjohn 9 ! ,dubl9 ,p5ny ,j\rnal = ,decemb] #bg1 #ahcd1 an article reproduc$ f ! ,dubl9 ,geological ,j\rnal1 vol4 i4 ,dr4 ,apjohn c>ri$ out a mo/ elaborate & pa9/ak+ survey to po9ts consid]ably beyond ! second great cavity1 n[ kn[n z ! ,h\se ( ,lords1 b fail$ to rea* ,o',le>y's ,cave1 ! key ( ! f>!r ramifications1 or to explore ! tunnels connect$ ) ,! ,riv]4 ,8 plan1 work$ out to scale1 & %[+ ! diff]5ces ( level ) great m9ut5ess1 rema9$ ! only map ( ! cave until ,m4 ,m>tel's survey 9 #ahie4 ,mean:ile v>i\s adv5tur]s _h got to m di/ant po9ts1 p>ticul>ly to ! long *a9 ( cav]ns runn+ ea/ to ,brogd5's1 at ! end ( :i* ,m4 ,m>tel's *>t /ops4 ,! ,fr5* explor] does n seem to h brok5 any fre% gr\nd2 b 8 plan1 :i* appe>$ 9 ,! ,iri% ,naturali/ = ,april #ahif1 ) an acc\nt ( 8 visit1 0 a brilliant a*ievem5t1 especially :5 ! %ort "t at 8 disposal is consid]$1 six h\rs = ! :ole ( ! cav]n4 ,p>ts ( ?is *>t 7 only ha/ily sket*$ 91 ei!r f a rapid survey or f in=mation suppli$ by ! guide1 z ,m4 ,m>tel expla9$ to me 9 a conv]sation "s "t ago1 & errors ( detail 71 "u ^! conditions1 unavoidable4 ,= in/ance1 ,o',le>y's ,cave is mu* l>g] ?an appe>s on ! plan1 & ! ,*imney is n situat$ at ! f> end ( a passage1 b actually op5s 9 ! floor ( ,o',le>y's ,cave4 ,! caves runn+ ea/1 aga9--,o',callaghan's & ,brogd5's--are n su* a simple s]ies ( /raight passages z !y seem on ! *>t2 our guide _h consid]able difficulty 9 ?read+ 8 way among ! v>i\s bifurcations4 ,z w transpire lat]1 !re is a my/]y connect$ ) ! "n ( ,cu/'s ,cave1 ! real ,cu/'s be+ 9 a totally diff]5t "p ( ! s]ies1 & a diff]5t *amb] altoge!r 9 %ape4 ,un=tunately we did n g prep>$ to c>ry out any survey1 believ+ t all ?is _h be5 done2 s t we c at ! mo/ po9t out "s places :]e ! exi/+ plans are at fault4 ,we 7 also un=tunate 9 n be+ prep>$ to take a l>ge numb] ( photographs1 ! acc\nts we _h read n lead+ u to anticipate ! actual gr&eur & ext5t ( ! sc5]y4 ,m4 ,m>tel comp>es ! ,mit*el/[n ,cave ) su* fam\s cont95tal cav]ns z ^? ( ,adelsb]g1 ,padirac1 ,d>gilan1 & ,han-sur-,lesse1 & x comes (f b poorly 9 su* a comp>ison4 ,i h se5 8 lant]n slides ( ^! caves1 & aft] explor+ all ! mo/ beautiful caves discov]$ z yet 9 ,engl&1 ,i v5ture to say !re is n "o ,engli% cave t w\ld n come (f badly if set beside any ( ^!4 ,comp>$1 h[ev]1 ) o!r ,briti% cav]ns1 t ( ,mit*el/[n c hold its own easily2 ?\gh individual *amb]s may be surpass$1 !re is no?+ l ! same ext5t ( brilliant subt]ranean sc5]y any:]e else 9 ^! isl&s4 ,! t\ri/ portion ( ! cav]n1 a fraction ( ! :ole1 b yet a consid]able ext5t ( und]gr\nd passages1 is des]v$ly mu* frequ5t$4 ,! spaci\s vault1 nicknam$ ! ,h\se ( ,commons1 vies 9 dim5sions & dignity ) ^? 9 ! ,peak ( ,d]by%ire1 b x is f> surpass$ by ! ,h\se ( ,lords4 ,sev5te5 massy columns ( pure :ite /alactite1 surm\nt+ enorm\s cones ( t]rac$ /alagmite1 t[] f floor to ro( ( ?is impressive dome1 "s #adj feet 9 span & #gj feet high4 ,! gr&eur ( its height is lo/ some:at ?r\gh ! m\nta9 ( fall5 blocks t rises f ! entrance almo/ to ! apex ( ! ro(4 ,beh9d ?is va/ accumulation a sort ( ambulatory runs r\nd "u ! walls1 op5+ "h & !re into side *apels & irregul> cavities1 all b\ntifully adorn$ ) ! fairy-l "w ( ! ,lime/one c>bonate4 ,! s-call$ ,t[] ( ,babel is a maje/ic pill> ris+ f ! summit ( a pyramidal mass ( /alagmite1 #dj feet 9 circumf]5ce1 t be+ also ! measure ( its total height4 ,a cr[d ( o!r ,lime/one freaks1 "s aptly & "s incongru\sly nicknam$1 & _m extremely beautiful1 are f\nd 9 ?is *amb]4 ,! cavities & passages t lie to ! nor?-ea/ ( ! fir/ great *amb] are n (t5 visit$4 ,!y />t f ,sadli]'s ,cave1 :i* is n l>ge b bewild]+ly picturesque1 & conta9s a sup]b pill>1 ,lot's ,wife1 almo/ ( ! prodigi\s size ( ! ,t[]4 ,! ,k+/on ,gall]y is a /raight rift1 ne>ly #cjj feet long1 b only two or ?ree feet wide1 ) %eets ( sn[y :ite sweep+ d[n ! walls1 & break+ into :ole g>l&s ( scrolls & p5nons & curta9s1 :i* 9 places h be5 ?r[n "r across ! gall]y1 divid+ x into l(ty cells4 ,manholes1 actually1 _h to be cut ?r\gh ^! diaphan\s p>titions to create a passage4 ,f ! cave at ! end1 a l[] passage1 ! ,s& ,cave1 comes back 9 a p>allel direction to ! po9t ( junction1 & f ! quantities ( f9e s& on its b$1 0 evid5tly an important /ream-c\rse aft] ! ,k+/on ,gall]y 0 dra9$ ( its wat]s4 ,x has "o unique feature1 ! succession ( p>allel rifts1 call$ ! ,closets1 :i* are connect$ toge!r by r5ts 9 _! divid+ walls4 ,"s ( ^! are extremely n>r[1 & by c&lelight x is impossible to see any limit to _! height1 dep?1 or l5g?4 ,simil> wid5+s ( ! ma/] jo9ts & degradation ( ! ,lime/one sep>at+ !m1 are a special feature ( ! ,mit*el/[n ,cave1 & ! key to its gr\nd-plan1 ) its maze ( "r-angles4 ,! great ea/]n vault1 ! ,g>ret1 :i* is only #ai feet bel[ ! level ( ! entrance1 does n fall1 z /at$ by ,m4 ,m>tel1 t[>ds a s]ies ( *ok$ swallets1 t orig9ally c>ri$ ! wat]s f>!r d[n1 b rises t[>ds inlets f ! surface4 ,its frett$ ro( has fall5 9 at ! upp] end4 ,a little to ! s\? is a nameless s]ies ( *>m+ ve/ibules1 grottoes1 & tunnels1 me&]+ t[>ds ! insignificant lakelet call$ ! ,riv]4 ,"h we sp5t ! :ole ( our fir/ day4 ,x is possible1 we le>n$1 to rea* ! ea/]nmo/ s]ies ( cav]ns by ?is r\te1 :i* also takes "o into ! squ>e cavity designat$ z ,cu/'s ,cave on ,m4 ,m>tel's *>t4 ,we *ose ! o!r way1 t is1 ?r\gh ! passage f ! ,h\se ( ,lords to ! ,ca!dral4 ,9 ! tangle ( contr>y passages into :i* ?is leads we lo/ ourselves sev]al times1 9 ! abs5ce ( ! guide1 & only recov]$ ! ?read by c>eful obs]vation ) ! compass4 ,ev5tually we f\nd ! way into ,o',le>y's ,cave1 :i* /ruck u z "o ( ! mo/ impressive *amb]s 9 ! :ole cav]n4 ,x is n only mu* l>g] ?an is %[n on ! plan1 b diff]5t 9 %ape4 ,app>5tly x is ! mo/ rec5t ( all 9 =mation1 al?\gh ?is may be only an appe>ance caus$ by ! fall+ 9 ( ! ro(4 ,unlike ! o!r p>ts1 :]e e bit ( dbris is seal$ d[n by a gli/5+ lay] ( /alagmite1 ?is great cavity is heap$ high ) loose fragm5ts1 z free f incru/ation z if ! ceil+ _h collaps$ ye/]day4 ,s wild & va/ is ! configuration ( ,o',le>y's ,cave t1 /&+ on ! l[] side & look+ across a depression 9 ! middle to ! asc5d+ gr\nd opposite1 "o fanci$ oneself1 9 ! dim c&lelight1 gaz+ across a valley to a range ( hills 9 ! di/ance4 ,we sp5t "s "t va9ly se>*+ = ! horizontal tunnel suppos$ to end at ! ,*imney1 & be=e ! guide jo9$ u 7 lucky en\gh to hit ^u a /r+ ( *amb]s t seem nev] to h be5 ent]$ be=e4 ,^! run1 s f> z we c\ld make out )\t actual measurem5t1 "r ov] ! ,o',callaghan s]ies4 ,9 fact !re 7 op5+s 9 ! floor :i* we might h explor$ b = ! aggressive & t5aci\s clay b$aub+ ev]y?+1 app>5tly lead+ d[n to ^! ne!r passages4 ,brilliant drap]ies swept d[n to ! bold masses ( /alagmite bel[ ! walls1 & long cry/all9e w&s hung f ! ro( 9 ?\s&s1 s t we c\ld n move )\t committ+ havoc 9 ?is p5dul\s =e/4 ,conduct$ by ! guide1 we n[ desc5d$ ! ,*imney into ! tortu\s passages lead+ to ! ,scot*man's ,cave1 :i* lies "u ,o',le>y's4 ,x is a small b v beautiful *amb]1 giv+ "o ! idea t x has be5 holl[$ out 9 a m\nta9 ( ,p>ian m>ble4 ,n[ we /ruck into ! long s]ies runn+ ea/ ?r\gh ,o',callaghan's ,cave to ! f>!/ po9t yet rea*$4 ,?is 0 "o ( ! pr9cipal *annels by :i* ! anci5t wat]s desc5d$1 f op5+s n[ unkn[n & inaccessible1 to ! labyr9? ( =sak5 wat]ways we _h left beh9d4 ,our guide1 :o a/oni%$ u by ! rapidity ) :i* he got ov] difficult gr\nd1 0 unable to make v spe$y progress "h4 ,! ramifications are extremely h>d to unravel1 & he _h only be5 9 ?is "p twice be=e1 9 #ahie ) ,m4 ,m>tel1 & tw5ty-five ye>s e>li]1 z a boy1 ) 8 fa!r4 ,ev5tually1 aft] _m w&]+s1 we rea*$ ,brogd5's ,cave1 :]e hi!rto all direct progress _h /opp$4 ,on ! s\? side 7n on ! nor?1 z %[n 9 ! *>t7 is ! ,*apel1 :i* ,m4 ,m>tel rightly describ$ z ! mo/ beautiful ?+ 9 ! :ole cav]n4 ,x is an ar*$ recess1 canopi$ ) /alagmite ( ! pure/ & mo/ delicate lu/re4 ,:il/ my companion re/$1 ,i jo9$ ! guide1 :o 0 hunt+ = ! passage to a cave :]e 8 fa!r _h tak5 him ?irty-five ye>s ago4 ,we discov]$ ! op5+ at la/1 & aft] wriggl+ & squirm+ r\nd innum]able twi/s & corn]s1 we dropp$ ov] a l[ cliff1 beyond :i* a %ort wriggle br\ght u into a long & l(ty cave1 magnific5tly wall$ & pill>$ ) sn[y calcite4 ,floor1 walls1 & ro( 7 a spotless :ite1 wr\ght into intricate reliefs & embroid]ies by ! fl[ ( ! freaki% /alagmite4 ,! guide /at$ t ?is 0 ,cu/'s ,cave1 & ! "o beyond1 :]e our progress /opp$1 he call$ ! ,demon's ,cave4 ,m4 ,m>tel's *>t %[s a ,cu/'s ,cave ( a totally diff]5t %ape & size1 ne> ! ,riv]2 &1 z !re is no m5tion extant ( any cave beyond ,brogd5's1 ,i take x t ?is1 ! real ,cu/'s1 0 unkn[n to him4 ,un=tunately ,i _h foll[$ ! guide )\t br++ ! plan or a compass1 unaw>e t we 7 go+ s f> f ! kn[n p>ts ( ! cav]n2 & n[1 to my disgu/1 ! guide 0 unable to f9d ! way out4 ,twice he desc5d$ into a hole at our end ( ! cave1 & em]g$ ) ! intellig5ce1 ,x's n !re1 sir4 ,we ransack$ e op5+ 9 wall & floor1 b fail$ to hit on any exit :atev]4 ,! guide grew al>m$1 & ru%$ (f to ! f>!r end ( ! cave1 wond]+ if we _h completely lo/ our s5se ( direction4 ,he tri$ :i/l+2 b ! hundr$s ( feet ( rock betwe5 u & our companion 7 well able to gu>d _! anci5t sil5ce4 ,tir$ ) ^! ex]tions1 he next propos$ t we %\ld put out ! lights & re/ = a :ile4 ,:e!r 8 idea 0 to husb& ! only provisions we _h1 ,i c\ld n say2 b at any rate ! situation did look s]i\s1 s9ce rescu]s might h tak5 days to discov] our position 9 ?is remote corridor1 ( ^: v exi/5ce1 probably1 our guide 0 ! only man 9 ,irel& t knew any?+4 ,b :]e !re is a way 91 !re is a way out1 z ,i v well knew f sev]al simil> exp]i5ces2 & aft] a pretty bad half-h\r1 we did manage to recov] ! trail1 & got back to our fri5d1 :o _h be5 completely my/ifi$ by our disappe>ance1 & 0 almo/ z reliev$ z we by our return4 ,aft] _m h\rs ( fatigu+ "w1 we 7 glad to foll[ our guide back ?r\gh ! labyr9?9e passages1 by ! mo/ direct r\te to ! op5 air4 ,our *ief regret 0 t we _h reli$ too mu* on ! complet5ess ( previ\s surveys1 & _h n tak5 mat]ials = correct+ ! map4 ,we _h secur$ _m photographs ( ! e>li] *amb]s1 b _h n tak5 ! cam]a into ! inn]mo/ cavities1 :]e photography w\ld be mo/ pr(itable4 ,m4 ,m>tel's dictum c /ill be endors$ t !re is a great field = rese>* 9 ! ,mit*el/[n ,cav]n4 ,,index ,ab]gele1 #abc4 ,abmes1 ,les1 #cd1 #ci4 ,adelsb]g1 #dc1 #afb4 ,albanets ( ,c\v9 7,belgium71 #ca4 ,alfr$ 7,k+71 #c4 ,alps1 #dc4 ,anemolites1 #ij4 ,angels & ,m5 7quotation71 #de4 ,antiquity ( cav]ns1 #ah1 #ba1 #be4 ,apjohn 7,dr471 #afa4 ,arragonite1 #aai1 #abd4 ,ar?ur 7,k+71 #b4 ,attrition1 effect (1 #bi4 ,avalon1 ,isle (1 #b4 ,avel9e's ,hole1 #ii1 #ajc4 ,av5 de ,vigne ,close 7,ard*e71 #cg4 ,avignon1 #cc4 ,axbridge1 #ajf4 ,axe1 ! riv]1 #b1 #c1 #e1 #g1 #bc1 #be1 #bf1 #bg1 #ca1 #cf1 #df1 #eg1 #gj1 #hb4 ,badg] ,hole1 #ac1 #bc4 ,bag%awe ,cav]n1 #db1 #ic4 ,bal* 7,mr471 #ca1 #cf1 #cg1 #dh1 #fa1 #ga1 #hc1 #aja4 ,bam=? 7,mr4 ,h471 #ga1 #hc1 #he1 #ajj1 #ach4 ,banwell ,cave1 #bb1 #bh1 #aac4 ,b>nes 7,mr471 #ga4 ,ba?1 #aj1 #fi4 ,bats1 #ed1 #ic1 #abe4 ,be>1 #ad1 #bc1 #bd4 ,beehive1 #cj4 ,beehive ,*amb]1 ,lamb's ,lair1 #aag4 ,betsy ,camel's ,hole1 #ad4 ,bi%op's ,lot ,swallet1 #h4 ,bi%op's ,palace at ,wells1 #e4 ,bison1 #bc1 #bd4 ,blackd[n1 #c1 #ag1 #ii1 #ajd4 ,blackwat]1 #aei4 ,blue ,john ,m9e1 #ch1 #hh1 #ij4 ,bonheur 7,g>d71 #ci4 ,bos1 #ad4 ,b\le 7,m471 #ca4 ,b\vi] 7,m471 #cc4 ,b[l+ ,alley1 #aci4 ,bramabiau 7,g>d71 #ci4 ,bri/ol1 #a1 #b1 #fi4 ,bri/ol ,*annel1 #c4 ,brogd5's ,cave1 #aff4 ,brue1 #b1 #c4 ,buckl& 7,dean71 #cc4 ,bull ,pit1 #adg1 #adh1 #adi4 ,bunt] ,s&/one1 #abi4 ,burr+ton1 #ag1 #bh1 #db1 #fb1 #ig1 #ii1 #ajb1 #ajd4 ,buxton1 #bi4 ,cadbury1 #c4 ,calam9e1 #cc4 ,cales ,dale1 #aed1 #aee1 #aef4 ,camd5's ,britannia1 #df4 ,camelot1 #c4 ,canyon1 #fd1 #fe1 #gb1 #gc1 #ha1 #aej4 ,c>bonic acid 7action (71 #d4 ,c>bonif]\s or ,m\nta9 ,lime/one1 #a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 #e1 #g1 #aj1 #aa1 #bf1 #bh1 #bi1 #ec1 #ajf4 ,cascades1 #f4 ,ca/le ( ,com=t1 #ag1 #bi4 ,ca/leton1 #cg1 #add1 #aeg4 ,causse de ,gramat 7,padirac71 #dj4 ,cave-e>?1 #ba4 ,cave ,hunt+1 #dg4 ,cave ,man ( ,*$d>1 #he1 #hf4 ,ceiriog ,valley1 #acc4 ,cev5nes1 #cg4 ,*apel-en-le-,fri?1 #add4 ,*>t]h\se1 #ag1 #bg1 #ig4 ,*$d>1 #c1 #g1 #af1 #ag1 #ah1 #ai1 #bb1 #bh1 #bi1 #cj1 #ca1 #hb1 #if4 ,*$d> ,wat]1 #e1 #hb1 #ib4 ,*okes1 #i1 #cd1 #fc4 ,clem5s ,alex&r9us1 #de4 ,clev$on1 #d4 ,coalpit ,m9e1 #ade4 ,compton ,bi%op1 #bh1 #ajf1 #aac4 ,compton ,m>t91 #be4 ,copp]1 #cc4 ,coral ,cave1 #bh1 #aje4 ,corridors1 #i4 ,co!r/one ,hill1 #abc4 ,c[s h\nd$ ov] cliff1 #bd4 ,cox's ,cav]n1 #hc1 #ib4 ,cox's ,hole1 #aj1 #aa4 ,cr(t 7,mr4 ,j471 #ach4 ,crook's ,peak1 #aaj1 #aaa4 ,croscombe1 #ad4 ,cross1 #ajf4 ,crosse 7,&rew71 #abd4 ,cu/'s ,cave1 #afb1 #afd1 #aff4 ,dang]s ( exploration1 #da1 #dc4 ,d>gilan1 #afb4 ,dawk9s 7,pr(4 ,boyd71 #bc1 #ca1 #cc1 #df1 #ii1 #aja1 #ajb4 ,de ,launey 7,m471 #ca4 ,de]1 #ad1 #bc1 #bd1 #gd4 ,demon's ,cave1 #aff4 ,d5ny's ,hole1 #aaa4 ,d5udation1 #b1 #e4 ,d]by%ire1 #a1 #bi1 #db1 #dc1 #dd1 #ia1 #ach4 ,devil's ,hole1 #dg4 ,devil's ,pun*b[l1 #bi4 ,d9d] ,wood1 #ae4 ,dolomitic ,conglom]ate1 #ab1 #ac1 #bc1 #be1 #bf1 #bg1 #bi1 #ca1 #dh1 #ec1 #aaj4 ,dov$ale1 #acc4 ,doveholes1 #bi4 ,d[nside ,mona/]y1 #ab4 ,drayton1 #dg4 ,dulcote1 #b1 #ad4 ,ea/ ,h>ptree1 #aaf4 ,ea/wat]1 #g1 #h1 #i1 #cj1 #cf1 #cg1 #db1 #dh1 #fj1 #gj4 ,ebbor1 #c1 #g1 #ac1 #ag1 #bi4 ,eld5 ,hill1 #adi4 ,eld5 ,hole1 #ch1 #adi1 #aej4 ,engli% ,*annel1 #c4 ,enmore1 #abc4 ,eoc5e1 #ca4 ,exet]1 #a4 ,exploration 7dang]s (71 #da1 #dc1 #gb4 ,ext9ct animals1 #bb1 #bc1 #cd1 #gd4 ,fairy ,slats1 #ab4 ,fauna ( caves1 #cc1 #gd4 ,fissures1 #e1 #ab1 #bg1 #cc1 #ci1 #ff1 #gc1 #he1 #hg1 #hi1 #id4 ,fla?olm1 #d4 ,fluor-sp>1 #cc4 ,fonta9e de ,vaucluse1 #cc4 ,=el&1 #a4 ,foxe's ,hole 7,burr+ton71 #ii4 ,fox's ,hole 7,compton ,bi%op71 #aaj4 ,frome1 #a1 #g1 #bg4 ,fro/ 7action (71 #f4 ,galtees1 #aei4 ,gap+ ,ghyll1 #ce1 #cg4 ,gautries ,hill1 #adi4 ,geological ,survey1 #be4 ,giant's ,hole1 #add1 #ade1 #aea4 ,gibson 7,mr4 ,james71 #aja1 #ajd4 ,glacial drift1 #bi1 #ca4 ,gla/onbury1 #c4 ,goat*ur* ,cav]n1 #db1 #fb1 #ii1 #ajj1 #ajd4 ,gold5 ,cap1 #c4 ,g\gh 7,messrs471 #af1 #ai1 #bh1 #hb1 #ic1 #ajf4 ,grass+ton1 #ach4 ,gravel1 #h4 ,great ,cav]n ( ,*$d>1 #hb1 #hc1 #ib4 ,great ,*amb] ( ,lamb's ,lair1 #aaf4 ,gre5 ,h[1 #ach4 ,grott5 und ,hhl5 von ,adelsb]g1 ,die1 #cd4 ,gurney ,slade1 #bg4 ,gypsum1 #cc4 ,han-sur-,lesse1 #afb4 ,h>ptree1 #ah4 ,h>r+ton 7,dr47 ( ,ba?1 #df4 ,helln ,pot1 #cg4 ,hiley 7,mr471 #gj4 ,hill 7,dr471 #afj4 ,hillgrove1 #g1 #fa1 #gj1 #aad4 ,holwell1 #bg1 #abc1 #abd4 ,hope1 ,dale (1 #cg4 ,horse1 #ad4 ,hyna1 #bc1 #bd1 #df4 ,hyna ,d51 #ac1 #bb1 #bc1 #bd4 ,hydrology1 #cc4 ,+lebor\gh ,cave1 #ce1 #cg4 ,inscriptions1 #bb1 #cj4 ,iri% ,elk1 #bc1 #bd4 ,irl&e et ,cav]nes ,anglaises1 #cd4 ,jackdaws1 #ed4 ,jacob's ,well1 #adj4 ,jameson 7,dr471 #afj4 ,jo9ts1 #e1 #aa1 #ac1 #ga4 ,katavo?ra1 #cc4 ,k5t's ,cav]n1 #cj4 ,k5tucky1 #dc4 ,keup]1 #ca4 ,knockmeald[n ,m\nta9s1 #aei4 ,kyndwr ,club1 #ach4 ,labyr9?s1 #h1 #i1 #fb4 ,laiba*1 #cc4 ,lake village1 #c4 ,lamb's ,lair1 #cj1 #ci1 #aae4 ,la?kill ,dale1 #aeb1 #aec1 #aed4 ,la?kill ,riv]1 #aef4 ,lead1 #cc4 ,lel&1 #df4 ,lewsdon1 #c4 ,lias1 #bg1 #bh1 #bi4 ,lion1 #bc1 #bd4 ,llangoll51 #acc4 ,long ,hole1 #ai1 #bh1 #ig4 ,long ,k9 ,hole1 #cg4 ,long ,wood1 #ig4 ,l[] ,lime/one ,%ales1 #b1 #d1 #e4 ,loxton1 #aab1 #aac4 ,mammo?1 #bc1 #bd4 ,manifold1 #aej1 #aea4 ,m>ble ,ar*1 #db4 ,m>%all 7,mr471 #aa1 #ac4 ,m>tel 7,mons471 #ag1 #ai1 #cj1 #cd1 #cg1 #ci1 #eg1 #ade1 #afj1 #afa1 #afd1 #afe1 #afg4 ,ma/]-jo9t1 #cd1 #aca4 ,matlock1 #ajd4 ,mazauric 7,m471 #ci4 ,mc,murtrie 7,mr4 ,j471 #abb4 ,m5dip plateau1 #cf4 ,middle ,hill1 #adg4 ,mit*el/[n ,cave1 #aei4 ,monya%1 #aec4 ,morfa ,rhuddlan1 #aca4 ,morl& 7,mr4 ,j4 ,o471 #hc4 ,murray's ,guide1 #aaf1 #abb4 ,natural wells1 #ah4 ,neoli?ic b>r[s1 #c4 ,niag>a 7,g\gh's ,caves71 #cj4 ,nidd]dale1 #ach4 ,nor? ,hill1 #c1 #fj4 ,o',callaghan's ,cave1 #afb1 #afe4 ,(fa's ,dyke1 #acc4 ,ogo1 #de1 #abg4 ,og(1 #de1 #abg4 ,old ,r$ ,s&/one1 #a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 #g1 #aa1 #bf1 #ec1 #fj4 ,o',le>y's ,cave1 #afa1 #afd4 ,ookey1 #de4 ,oonak>eagli%a1 #aei4 ,outfit1 #da1 #fb4 ,padirac1 #afb4 ,p>rett1 #c4 ,peace ( ,w$more1 #c4 ,peak1 #cd1 #ch1 #ci1 #db1 #dg1 #add1 #aei4 ,peak's ,hill1 #adg4 ,peak's ,hole1 #ade4 ,peak's ,hole 7s\rce ( wat] (71 #aej4 ,p5 ,hill1 #b1 #d1 #fj4 ,p]colat+ wat]1 #f4 ,p]cy's ,reliques1 #df4 ,p]ryfoot1 #ade1 #aej4 ,phelps1 #ajf4 ,phosphorites1 #ca4 ,pilsdon1 #c4 ,plei/oc5e gravel1 #bh4 ,plioc5e1 #bi4 ,plumley's ,d51 #ajj1 #ajc1 #ajd4 ,polyolbion1 #dg4 ,pot1 #cd1 #hd4 ,po?ole ,cav]n1 #aee1 #aef4 ,po?oles1 #f1 #fh1 #gb4 ,pott]y1 #ba1 #bb1 #eh1 #gd4 ,priddy1 #g1 #h1 #ag1 #dh1 #fj1 #fa1 #ih4 ,primitive man1 #ac1 #bb1 #bd1 #cd1 #dg1 #abh4 ,puttrell 7,mr4 ,j4 ,w471 #ach4 ,quantocks1 #abc4 ,qu]cy1 #ca4 ,rad/ock1 #bg4 ,rad/ock ,coalfield1 #aj4 ,ra9 7action (71 #f4 ,rakes1 #cc1 #ch4 ,rav9e =mation1 #ai4 ,rav9es1 #f1 #bj1 #bc4 ,raymond1 ,walt]1 #ih4 ,r$ ,de]1 #bc1 #bd4 ,re9de]1 #bc4 ,reliqui ,diluvian1 #cc4 ,revolv+ /ones 7action (71 #f4 ,rhaetic1 #bg1 #ca4 ,rh9oc]os1 #bd4 ,rick=d1 #bh1 #ajb1 #ajd4 ,rickl[ ,cav]n1 #aeg4 ,rickl[ ,dale1 #aec4 ,ris+s 7ext5t ( fl[71 #ag4 ,rock ( ,ages1 #ajd4 ,rock %elt]1 #ae4 ,roman ,cave ( ,*$d>1 #ic1 #ie4 ,roman m9es1 #ig4 ,romano-,briti% pott]y1 #ba1 #bb1 #eh1 #gd4 ,rookham1 #b1 #bh4 ,r[b]r[ ,f>m1 #ag4 ,ru%up ,edge1 #add1 #adg4 ,russet ,well1 #add1 #ade4 ,s b5ds1 #fe1 #fh4 ,/4 ,&rew's ,well1 #e1 #bh1 #ca4 ,/4 ,dun/an's ,well1 #aj1 #aa4 ,/4 ,george's ,cave1 #abg1 #acj4 ,/4 ,paul's1 #hf1 #hh4 ,/4 ,s)9's ,hole1 #g4 ,salle ,mang]1 #ch4 ,s& 7action (71 #f4 ,s& ,pit ,hole1 #h4 ,s*midl 7,dr4 ,adolph71 #cd4 ,scot*man's ,cave1 #afe4 ,second>y ,rocks1 #e1 #ab1 #ah1 #bg1 #bh4 ,s$gemoor1 #c4 ,sev]n1 #d4 ,%akeholes1 #bi4 ,%eldon 7,dr471 #hc1 #hd1 #ij1 #ajj4 ,%eldon 7,mr41 ( ,wells71 #ag4 ,%ipham1 #ajj4 ,silt1 #aj1 #aa4 ,siphons1 #cc1 #cd4 ,skehe5>9ky1 #aei4 ,slat] 7,mr471 #ga4 ,smi? 7,w4 ,w471 #de4 ,sn[donia1 #acj4 ,socit de ,splologie1 #cd4 ,solomon's ,temple1 #hf1 #hh4 ,som]ville 7,a4 ,f471 #ad1 #ae4 ,sorgue1 #cc4 ,sp>r[pit1 #add1 #ade4 ,spe$well ,m9e1 #ch1 #add4 ,speleology1 #cb4 ,spid]s1 #ed4 ,spr+s1 #e1 #aa4 ,spur & ,w$ge1 #ec1 #ef4 ,squire's ,well1 #ajd4 ,/alactites1 #aj1 #gf1 #gg1 #hj1 #hi1 #aah1 #adj1 #adb4 ,/alagmite bridges1 #gh4 ,/eepholm1 #d4 ,/oke ,lane1 #g1 #aj1 #aa1 #ab1 #ac4 ,/ratton-on-!-,fosse1 #aa4 ,/ump ,cross ,cav]n1 #ach4 ,subt]ranean /reams1 #f1 #g1 #h1 #gb4 ,subt]ranean wat]falls1 #gb4 ,swallets1 swall[-holes1 #a1 #e1 #g1 #h1 #ab1 #bf1 #bg1 #cd1 #fj1 #fa1 #hd1 #adh4 ,swildon's ,hole1 #g1 #h1 #cf1 #dh1 #fa1 #gj4 ,tanyrogo1 #abg4 ,t5nyson1 #d4 ,?ornya%1 #aec4 ,tideswell1 #adh4 ,t9d\l de la ,vayssire 7,aveyron71 #dj4 ,tone1 #c4 ,torquay1 #cj4 ,t[] ,rock1 #ad4 ,traps1 #cd1 #fe4 ,trias1 #ah1 #bf1 #bg1 #bh1 #bi1 #ca1 #ajf1 #aji1 #aaj1 #acj4 ,tr\p 7,mr471 #ba1 #ei1 #gj1 #ga4 ,two ,m5 o' ,m5dip1 #ih4 ,ubley ,f>m1 #ih4 ,und]m9+1 #d1 #f1 #be4 ,upp] ,lang=d1 #aje4 ,van d5 ,broeck1 #ca4 ,vaucluse1 #cc4 ,wa/dale1 #if4 ,wav]+ ,d[n1 #ajf1 #aaj4 ,w$more1 #c4 ,well 79 ,swildon's ,hole71 #gc1 #gg4 ,wells1 #b1 #e1 #g1 #h1 #ag1 #bf1 #bh1 #bi1 #cf1 #hc4 ,wells ,museum1 #ad4 ,we/ ,rid+1 #cd4 ,we/on-sup]-,m>e1 #af4 ,:>f$ale1 #ach4 ,wightman 7,mr4 ,f471 #ach4 ,wild ,bo>1 #bc4 ,wild ,goat1 #bc4 ,wild ,horse1 #bc4 ,willcox 7,mr471 #cj4 ,william ( ,worce/]1 #de4 ,williams1 7,w4 ,h4 & ,g4 ,d471 #aeb4 ,wills ,neck1 #abc4 ,w9d 7action (71 #f4 ,w9nats1 #ia1 #add4 ,wirral1 #abi4 ,wit* ( ,wookey1 #df4 ,wolf1 #bc1 #bd4 ,wookey1 #de4 ,wookey ,hole1 #e1 #g1 #ac1 #af1 #ag1 #ah1 #ba1 #bb1 #bd1 #cj1 #ca1 #cf1 #cg1 #db1 #dc1 #de1 #eb1 #fj1 #gj1 #hb1 #abg4 ,woolly ,rh9oc]os1 #bc4 ,wr+ton ,vale1 #aae4 ,yor$ales1 #add4 ,york%ire1 #a1 #aj1 #bi1 #ce1 #dd4 ,"y's ,cav]n1 #afj4 ,pr9t$ by ,j4 ,,bak] ,,son1 ,clifton ,,transcrib]',s ,,note3 ,obvi\s pr9t] errors h be5 correct$4 ,o!rwise1 ! au?or's orig9al spell+1 punctuation & hyph5ation h be5 left intact4