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:V' :,_ •-' '* '*"' ""* * - :•, if"; 'y '•* ••? --v*Y ;-:"; ." ,'• *' > » - : »'Vi > ••& i < « Pledged but to truth, to Liberty and Law; No Favors Win us and no Fear 8hail Awe." VOL. 13. M'HENRY, ILLINOIS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 1888. pvy\' •* ** " ^ |'„r, Puuiaao Kmr WED*BstU'R BT VAN m. too*!- . lyke,- 80ITOB A.ND PROPRIETOR. Office in Bishop's Block* ̂ JmOnosnu Pmr * Owrtfti *RR>H OP 9UB?OttIPTIOUC: 1 " & Jno Tear (In Advance) 11.50 , If Not Paid within Three Months...,,.,.. 8.00 Suuscriptions received for throSorsix •onths in the same proportion. , JPUSINESS CARDS. WM. OSBORNE, M. T>. PHYIOIAST \NO U RGEOtf. Office nt the Parker House. West McHenry. Galls gromp.ly attended to day and night. PAUL BROWN, ATTORNEY AT T, AW. U. S. EXPRESS Co.'a Building, 87 and 89 Washington St. OHICA.GO, ILL. M. F. ELLSWORTH, ATTORNEY at Law, and Solicitor IB Ohan eery, Nunda, 111. Bates ol Advertising. We announce liberal rates for advertising : ^the PI#AFNI>BALER, and on.ienvor to state finem so plainly that they will be readily, an- terstood. They are as follows: 1 Inch enc year - - . . 5 00 i -1 inches one year • . »-•io 00 • -Va Inches one rear - 46 00 Otlnmnone year . - 4000 •!* Column one year- •' . .. , » M*00 Osluran one year -,»•. £ fcv< **' - fM 00 „ 1 jOne inch means the measurement of one 'n %ch down the column, single colnmn width. ? Yearly advertisers, at the above rates, have v.ft-SiB privilege of chanprinsr as often as they Shoose, without extra charge. , ; Regular advertisers (moaning those hating •tanning cards) will be entitled to insertion •f local notices at the rate of S cents per line •ach week. All others will be charged 10 seats per 'ine the first week, and 5 cents per Une tor each subsequent week. Transient advertisements will be charged ASA W. SMITH, ATTORNEY AT LAW and solicitor] Un Chancery.--Woodstock, IlL MART G. BARBXAX. HAIR WORKER. All kjuds of Hair Work done in first class style and at reasonable prices. Rooms at residence, north, east corner of Public Square, McHenry, IlL It the rate of 10 cents pe line, (nonpareil ftpe, same as this is set in) the first issue, and £ jpe, same as this is set (cents per line for subsequent issues. Thus, M inch advertisement will cost S L00 for one gfeek, #1.60 for two weeks, fS.00 for thxee weeks, and so on. The PLAINDEAMSR will be liberal in giving editorial notices, but, as a business rulo, it trill require a suitable fee from everybody seeking the use of its columns for pecuniary ••MB. !ft & BUSINESS CARDS. a. T. BROWN, M.D. . &RY810IAX AND SURGEON. 0««« .at* "; p Residence, McHenry, ill. a H. FBGERS, M, D- fJHrsIOiAN AND SURGEON, McHenry, ft ilia- Office at Residence. O. J. HOWARD, M. D. PHYSICIAN AND StTRGEON, McHenry. 111. Office at Residence, one door West MM.K. Church. BARB IAN BROS. J*1IGAR Manufacturers, McHenry, 111. Or- !. \j ders solicited. Shop, lo 'Old McHenry, taKelter Block* third door west of Riverside Rouse. Livery Stable. ice. II '{?• • > M U U I U M M U U j NEAR THE DEPOT, #EST MoHENHY, ELL, Keeps open for the accommodation of the public a First-Olass Saloon and Restaur ant, #here he will at all times keep the best • • brands of Wines, Liquors and Cigars to be found in the market. Also Agent For ;,|PIIANZ FALK* MILWAUKEE LAGER BEER. Beer in Large or Small Kegs or Bottles al- Ways on hand, cheaper than any other, quali­ ty considered. 3prders by mail promptly attended to. ^ GOOD HTABL1XQ FOR HOBBS& 4Sr*Call and see us. c Robert Sohlessle. 1 II«Hwi*y, IlL JL. Bnglen's 8&LOON AND RESTAUR Of. MoHENRY, ILLINOIS. Pine Kentucky Liquors, Preach Bittersf - ICcHemy Lager -AND- I. Scllitz lilvaikee Bottle Beer, |a any quantity from a Snitz 01ass to SCO barrels. AT VTHOELSALE or retail Beer in bottles, kegs or case as cbeap as the cheapest. We bay none bat t&*b*» ind tell at liaisoiiAble Prices. ; Gall and see me and I will use *8tt ANTONY ENOBUI. •r McHenry. IU.. 1888. Bli the l*toW tiylet, at Slafiel*. DRS. a E. WILLIAMS & DAHLIK. DENTISTS Residence Dundee. Will be at McHenry, at Parker House, the 10th 11th 35th and 26th of each month. When dates occur Saturday or Sunday I make my visits on the following Monday, and the first day of such visit ocours on Friday, I will stay but one day. Unite! States War Claim Apicy OF WM- II. COWLIN, Woodstock, • - Illinois. Prosecutes all classssJMid kinds of claims against the United States for ex-Soldiors, their Widows, Dependent Relatives or Heirs. A specialty is made in prosecuting old and rejected claims All communications promptly answered if Postage Stamps are enclosed for reply. WM, H. COWLIN Office at Resldenoe, Madison Wood stoe k, Attention Horsemen! MCHENRY, III., April 1st, 1888, I would resnectfully invite the Public to call and examine :ny stock of Horses bafors making arran^ciUeuts elsewhere, NO busi. sa* . ; H. 8. COLBY V'HBNBT TLX E. ft. AUSTIN^ •as ;> •. LiTery,B]arto[[ and Sale Stable. At Parker House Barn. FIRST CLASS RIGS, with or witnont Drivers, Furnished at Reasonable It;ites. Busan'i Hacks run tc< and fr>m all Trains.-- Orders for Baggage Promptly Attended ta. West McHenry, III. SpTH & ROGERS' Quintette Orchestra# ROW woob Are prapared to furnish First Class Mu»i« to the Dancing Public at Kcasonable Kates. J, Smith, 1st Violin. M. Rogers, 2d Violin and Prompter, Robf. Madden. Clarionet, C, Curtis, Cornet. U. Ingalls, Basso. Address all communications to Jerry Smith, Ringwood, Illinois, or Mort Rogors, Laks Geneva, VVisconsin, * J03LYN * CASEY. IW, Woe receive prompt atten- A TTORNETS AT LAW, Woodstock 111 XX All business will recei JOHN KLEIFGEN. HOCTSE Painter, Gratner, Caicimlnw and Paper Hanger. Residence one Blook West of Riverside House. Work attended to promptly and on reasonable terms. A. M. CHURCH, Watchmaker and Jeweler NO, 112 SOUTH CLARK STREET, Chi­cago, 111. Special attention given to re­ pairing Fine watches and Chronometers. WA Full Assortment of Goods in his line 81 for 13 Weeks. The POI-ICB GAZETTE will bo mailed, securely wrapped, to any address in the United Staves for three montns on receipt of ONE DOLLAR. Liberal discount allowed to poetrotfsters, agents and clubs. Sample copies mailed free Address all orders to BICHARD K. FOX, : J S FBAjntLiw SQUABB, M«* York. IM i.iii ijiiinir1 ' ATTENTION! Farmers and DairymeMI, it will pay those looking for • CHOICE COWB Fresh, milkers or springers, to call at my premises before purchasing. I can furnisn such by the carload or single cow. PORT8R H. WOLFRUM, CHEMtnro. Farm about four miles northwest of Harvard, Illinois. JOHN P. SMITH, WatohmaUer & Jeweler, MoHENRY. ILLINOIS. A FINE stock of Clocks, Watches and Jew. elry always on hand. Special attention given t. repairing fine watohes. Give m# a call. " . • JOHN JP. SMITH. O. NEIDHAM'I SONS lie-ltr DeurboraStoMS, OH1CAOO M Gbnr Nusat oer, Btaeamattam, (Tfiilinhn Oo FOR SALE at IL V, Store, McHenry. •URt 55Kr. 3HBFABD'B Hard wars AGENTS V^ftbeat ihe world for low A hftiirtxonie and St«*Kly Bound i'hoto-.'Crsiph Album, S't x 10'< inches, gilt Bidn« and liuidiiiK 22 P»(IPB nf Cab- inot and Card pictures wnt forWronts, retail price. 11.25. A ltfHt 1*1 «istn i'ltototrrnph Album, xMi1^ Eml)OPKe(l padded gold Wlees, extension clasp. hcldiiDj 32 pages of Cabiuot :i,n4.f-ard picture* sent for •?! .00, retails for $2.2.r). II!HHtrated circulars EDCC the nViove und MCC FINFK STYLES OP Foratiep «V Cinrliicinti. Ohiui S2.2.r). lliiiHtratert circulars ALBUMS 0. G. ANDREWS.' ' GENERAL AUCTIONEER, I SPRING GROVE ILL. Sales ot Stock, Farming Tools and Goods of all kinds attended to on the most BSASQMBLX TEEMS. C.C.Andrews, Spring Grove, II1; Spring 3rove, Sept 3th, 1885, ll ll-3n I -DEALER IN Corn, Oats, Rye and Mill Fee<$> Prices n LOT AS THE LOWEST Call f nd get figures before buy­ ing elsewhere. Will guarantee jrem aatisfo "tion in every pa^|^- Oon't Pay Anyone 4 To Bnj Ysar Fssd For Ton. Large new Warehouse at the Pickle Factory in Weat McHenrj, Ilinois. W. A, CJUSTY. THE BEST QFFpR YEt, YOU WANT IT! Don't delay, but semi at once for UAWKEYE SlfcTiNGS, the pepnlar paper, with its forty columns of humorous and literary matter, profusely il> lustrated, neatly printed on tinted paper, and containing the cream of the best publica­ tions of the day, as well as a large amount of original matter by the Dest humorous writ, ers You won't go to sleep reading it. In order to introduce it we will send it to any address FOUR MONTHS osr TRIAL tor only 10 cents in silver. Splendid premiums given away. Nothing like it. Semi to-day and show this to your friends. Address, UAWKKYE SIFTINGS. Oca Moiues, Iowa. Pasp Rip&liing, 4MUMENT1NO, Iha undersigned ts prepared to do all Jobs la the line of Digging Wells, Repairing Pumps, Cementing Wells, or vill put in New Pumps On short notice and warrant satisfaction. Ia short will do all work in this lino. Oan furnish you a new Pump, either wood or iron, warranted, as cheap as any other man. Good references furnished if desired. If you want a Well Dug, a Pump lie paired or* new l'ump, give me a calL WOrdcrs by mall promptly nnsburgn. 111. attended to. PosttMpca*, Jo L. BANTES. Johnstrargii, 111., May 2fith, 1ft». THE CHICAGO*"* RAILWAY. Penetrat«s th« Centers^ofC Population: In If 3, KjRtfi., Wiscoisiii, Iclip, I Miiesota, * Dakota, Nebraska ail Vyomini. Its train service Is carefully arranged to meet requirements of local travel, as well as to furnish the most attractive routes for through travel between important Trade Centres. Its Equipment of day and parlor cars, din. ingaml place sleeping cars is without rival. Its road-bed is perfection, of stone ballast- od stcpl* The Northwestern is the favorite route for the commercial tiaveler, the tourist and the seekers after new homes In the golden Northwest. Detailed information cheerfully furnished ** BERNARD BOSS* Agent, McHenry* III* WHITMAN, 0m. Manager. J. M. A Vlelt to Mammoth Cave* HOPKINSVILLE, Ky„ March 16, TNA, (Special to the PLAINDEALKK.) The historical renlolBcenoe of Dan­ nie! Boone la well known to all who read, DO matter how meagre their knowledge. His adventures are among the meat daring ever undertaken and were a constant combat with si*va&e beaatt end more savage Indiana aid he became, as did others, a very expert marksmaji, for the use of the gun wa« a part of^verjr settlers education, that he might ekerctae self defence when occasion demanded lt^ so that it be­ came, so to speak, the body guard of every miu who would venture from his home. Gunpowder then became one of the necessaries of life and tts importation was very expensive. This being the case there was began a search for •itre bads by such chemists as hap- p^ned te be among the people and their researches were richly rewarded by "finds" that satisfied their wildest hopes. Saltpetre exists in caves where there Is no moisture, and as it had be­ come known that Kentucky con­ tained many eaveB phis furnished ground for research. £ In the year 1799 a pioneer named Pkrker entered an arched opening near Crooked Creek, tn Madison Co. about 60 miles east of where the city of Lexington now stands. He pro­ ceeded for some distance underground and the wonders that met his gaze so astonished him that he returned and took his wife and family with him to enjoy them. They supplied them­ selves with e torch end a supply of splinters, but took no food for them­ selves. Unfortunately |fter advancing about 600 yards Mr. Bajiir dropped his torch, which was extl%ulshed by the fall. They wandered f<Nr two days and nights without either food or drink and sometimes within sound of a cataract which they dared not ap­ proach. At length grs Baker per­ ceived that It wal wapand supposed that this was caused bspthe mud whicb they had brought on their feet. Baker Immediately ascended the reck and saw the light of .day. This was the first cave entered |l Kentucky. wn just when md, but prob- , by a hunter pursued a }e«sfr**«t la a a wicker, Trafflodtanatpr. JZ P. WILWN, General Pauenuer Agent. H. FISH, ' Practical Piaster & Decorator, HEBRON, ILL Decorating, Paper-Hanging, CALCIMfNlNQ, GRAINING, *6 Done on short notice aad satisfaction |uuti- Call on or address^ • is®; H. FISH. billLtllay WJIHL It 1s not definitely Mammoth cave was e ably about the year QMMd Hutebtfa WEWEDE^'TVESMP*4IIFLLL^ the only tale whleh eeemed to be any- thinglike an authentic legend. The reader must by no means sup poae that the two cayes above meatlooed are the only ones In Ken tuoky. Those In Edmondson County alone number about 150, and we may add that this whole region of oouutry Is undermined by an eadless number of subterranean oaverns running one into another which no doubt connect by some higher or lower passage all the oaves In Kentucky. There have been nearly 200 miles ef oaverns ex­ plored In Mammoth Care alone, but still there are openings where no one dares to enter, beoause of huge boulders, Which bang ready to drop, or of dismal gorges which forbid a far­ ther advance and ef bottomless pits into which one might be preolpitated If be make but one false step, btlll exploration goes on and from year to year new passages are discovered and explored. This Is done by "chalk* log.' the rocks as the explorer advan­ ces and when he returhs he readily knows which way he came. The nitre deposits In Mammoth Care are simply enormous and there has been ne stuall quantity taken from It, yet what has been taken is but a mole hill to the exhaustless beds of It that still lie there and If a thousand wars were hurled upon us one feels almost safe to assert that there would be plenty and to spare in tlili large labratery. No doubt the war of 1S12 did more to acquaint the world with the ex­ haustless stores of saltpetre whicb were hidden In this, cave, than any thing else. During this war the sup­ ply ot saltpetre from Europe was cut off aad gunpowder oould not be made without It. so several enterprising men began the work of supplying from Mammoth cave the coveted drug and no doubt did a good business. The old wooden tanks or leeches are there yet and are as they were left In 1812, con­ taining the last charge of ' petre dirt,' tbat was put into tbem: They are about 10 feet sauare and 2 feet deep. The necessity of water to leech the nitre out of the dirt compelled them to lay wooden pipes two miles into the cave te oonrey It, and they lie there yet as they were left by the workmen. •s we said, the old tanks remain, so do the cart-wheel tracks, and even the ox tracks are almost as plain as though made but yesterday. Every evidence needed is there to convince the ob­ server of the busy scene that was once enacted during those days of national strife. One experiences a strangeness of thought while observing these relics of early days when the wlldness of animal life Is te be considered. These primitive heralds of advance civiliza­ tion away from home and friends and with shovel and pick digging the ele- meats of that composition tbat is to aid a nation in maintaining a dignified peeltion among the nations of the earth. These pioneers are long ago at rest and their labors are gtven that we may enjoy the freedom they aided In securing and Mammoth cave assures us In language plausable and evident that their labors were riehly rewarded In sending from Its stores their contribu­ tion to a nations cause. Mammoth Cave 1s located nine miles /from the Louisville and Nashville R. R. and Is reached by a branch road from Cave City, This road winds through a series ef picturesque hills and valleys to where a Hotel was built some years ago forjthe accommo­ dation of those whose curiosity draws them to enjoy a visit to the cave. Business with this proprietor ts pros­ perous indeed for at 93 per day with perhaps an average of 50 vlsi tors per day there are "millions in it." We found this noted cave located backdown a wild ravine where Its yawning mouth cannot be seen until we are fully up to it. The cavity Is about 50 feet wide by 70 feet high and enters the earth at an aagle of 45 de­ grees. We descend by a series ef stone steps and found ourselves confronting the greatest cavern in the world. Our guide had provided himpetf with a lantern for each one of us, also a can of oil and a supply of Are balls and torches for illuminating purposes; we were now ready for our subterra­ nean journey, and with our natures fully aroused and Ihtent en seeing the wonders we started. There are two routes, the long and the short one, the former being 15 miles and the short 7 miles. We should have taken the long route but for a very good reason. There ate on the long route two underground rivers which at any other season of the year are quiet streams, but at this particu­ lar time Echo river is a wild rushing torrent and no boat can cross It, so w« we were obliged to take the short route. The Echo river has an outlet into Oreen river that flows Into the Ohio and is about 250 feet wide and from 10 to 40 feet deep, This stream stream runs through a cavern which Is one of the most perfect resounants that is In existance and music Is most singularly sweet and melodious when renered during a boat ride on Its waters. Wa started then, en the short route and entered by the one common open* ing till we came to the Iron gate. This was uniocko^jteA we weme*«HI*<li the gate was then closed and locked after us. We- were new te have a. journey of several 'miles. The appearance of the cave Is that of an opening through which water hss flowed In ages past; the water worn erevlces are plainly visible on all sides, and the bottom Is strewn with pebbles and broken rock tbat have fallen from time to time from its ceilings and sides, • These have been cleared from the foot path so we have a smoeth floor to tread on. The waters that anciently flowed through these caves were apparently charged with chemical substances to a greater or less extent and deposits are to be found everywhere. We enter for some distance and the roofsuddenly lifts above our heads and we are in the rotunda,located It Is said direotly under the dining room of the hotel, Here Is where the salt­ petre vats are. One Is astonished at the magnitude of the room and differ­ ent guesses result in frotn 150 to 200 feet but the actual measurement shows it to be 46x70 ftet. The air ,of the cave is chemically and optically pur* so that it is hard to guess distance. Audubon's avenue, or what was for­ merly called the bat room or the battery, from the fact that myriads of bats congregate here for winter quarters, the walls are In places literly covered with them, They bang here for about eight months without food. Anduben avenue is three fourth of a mile long and terminates with a group of stalactites. From this we pass through a oorri­ der shaped cavern "1 nto what is known as the Methodist Church, 80 feet high ana about 40 feet In diameter, Id here the pulpit Is on a shelf of reck and many are the sermons that have been preached in this subterranean chapel. Benches that were built years ago are here yet and shew the marks of the mischievous yankee knife* We mark from place to place the old cart wheel ruts between piles of earth, also the prints of the ox hoof as be­ fore mentioned and amuse ourselves till we reach the Grand Arch, about 50 feet wide and 50 feet high, and to the left are the Standing Recks that fell from the celling: Each of these four boulders weigh mauy toqs and must have made a tremendous ooncusslon when they fell burying themselves edgewise Into the earthern floor. There ts the musical dripping of water from a spring In the side of the wall and the acoustic form of the chamber Is such that the dropping can be heard for a great distanoe. The guide called .our attention te the deposits of black oxide of opan- ganese on the celling Of creamy lime­ stone, which It has stained black and seems to have figured out gigantic cilnouettes ef anteaters, tigers, bears, monkeys eto., aad even Barnum's fat girl Is there and a very faithful repre­ sentation ef a giant and giantess tossing a baby bade aad forth. Thftfift different figures are strangely realistic and Is almost astonishing. There is oonstant occasion to engage your attention as you progress, fer nature has left ne stone unturned. Even the walls in plaoes are rendered doubly attractive by rosettes of gypsen that has oozed through small apertures and formed almost red flowers and strange te say these flowers have In many Instances, pink colored petals, seeming as though plaut life wpre bursting through the walls in an Attempt to beautify these cheerless regions. The cuide has conducted us to one side of a h ill shaped corrlder and we are asked to look over there and see whit that Is, aad we do so; there we behold an object tbat may well excite our wonder from its singular resem­ blance to a mighty sarcophagus. It Is called the Giant's ceffla and a sense of wonderment seizes you and provokes a strange train ef thought wfille look­ ing at it. It Is 40 feet long, 20 feet wide and 8 feet deep and Is exaotly the form of a coffin and forming as It does a principle landmark for here is the divide which leads to the won derful region of domes, pits and rivers In the long route. Just beyond this oofflo, the bend of the cavern turns sharply to the left, fohning an acute angle and opens a magnlfloent atnpitheatre of enormous dimensions to view, here are numer­ ous plies of stones raised to the mem­ ory ef different men, aad one te the memory of General .MoPhersoo Is es­ pecially noticable. We wandered on for some distance and came at length to thtf remains of t *o stenejoottages, which were reared for the use ef several consumptive patients who came here in 1843 hoping to effect a cure through the agency of the highly oxygenized air and the uniform temperature. Several of these are to be seen there, giving evidence that a good teMwas given to the Idea, but the experiment proved a failure. The Star Chamber was our next at­ traction. This room ts from 400 te 600 feet long and about 70 feet wide at the oeiliag. The walls area light gray and contrast strangely with the ceil­ ing of black gypsum which is flecked with hundreds of white spots caused by sulphate of magnesia, which has eoted from the llutrres. Tfte^geNhr took our lanterns and went back and down behind a projecting rock. Here be so maneuvered the lights that we imagined ourselves in a pit at dead of night and looking out at the stars; the illusion was complete. The ceiling appears to be gone and you are almost persuaded that you see the stars In tbe real heavens. The guide then said that he would leave us awhile to real­ ise what darkness meant and bidding us good night he plunged down Into a gorge and we were In a darkness such as the outer world never can know while the sun exists. Ne ray of light Is there even te suggest Illumination, The gloom Is complete. Other objects, such as the Old Arm Obalr, Lover's Leap, Elephants Head, Register Hall, Pillars of Heroules, eta, were all seen on our journey. We now retraced our steps as far as tbe Giant's Coffin and creeping through a small crevice we find our­ selves in the Deserted Chamber, called so from the fact that It has all appear­ ances of being a rendezvous of Indians in early days. A wooden bowl was found here and there are burned reeds and evidences of fires having been kindled. These evidences are every­ where in this room, 'Danger on the right!" ealls the guide. We all look involuntary and here yawns a deep gulf known as Side Saddle Pit. The guide drops a lighted ball into it which falls 60 feet or more. The opening Is 25 feet across and 35 feet long, A long narrow hall, called tbe Lab- rylnth is our next curiosity. This is barely wide enoug h te allow two per­ sons to walk abreast. We go up a staircase, walk apiece then down an other and turning here and there till we are bewildered, we find ourselves peering through a window like apert ure Into profound darkness, which Is intensified by the dripping of water falling frem a giddy height. The guide told us to wait here, which we did, for we were perfectly willing to assure him tbat bis command was law in there. He went on to a second win­ dow here cast a lighted fire ball into the mighty chasm known as Germ's Dome. Tbe sight was grand Indeed, for the rock bad been worn by the constant dripping of water Into curtain shaped folds which were strangely realistic and seemed hang­ ing belore a massive stage. There are three of these curtains, each successive one shorter and banging ever the other and fringed with embroidery In a manner strangely natural aad ea a gigantic scale. CT\ Tne Bottom lesC^Plw •• UTS called, was seen on our return, ^bls frightful pit was for five years an^lmpassable barrier to further exploratlon^t it is now bridged. Its depth is net known« The guide cast a fire ball into It, down down, down It fell aad at last found bottom at a depth of about 400 feet. The whole chasm was Illumined aad the impressive grandeur upon whloh nature works her ohanges was a] ent to us all. What countless ages have away since first these deep began to form. When one tbat solid reck has been worn constant dropping of water late mous caverns and gretteea, he realize that muoh time Is that a years dropping wears IN on a rock and te wear away 400 them the time la better 1 than told, ^ Nor are these regions deatltolii animal Ilfs. Insects and fishes but all without even the sngges an eye. Totally blind as tbe B result of successive breeding !v glons where no light ever enters the eye Is ef ne use. The fishes « curiosity indeed and very much ble a small cat-fish after it has skinned. Their fleshy appemnlpg very naturally Inclines one to " ̂ that the absense of eyes has them to swim against hard till their skin has been worn natural consequence. However, be as it may, no fish ef any surface stre resemble them except In shape. In further speculation la regard te caves, there Is no doubt but that the f majority If net all of them have bean i underground river courses but lapse of ages past haa dried lhsa|t probably by the water weerlatt" through Into ether underground chan­ nels finding deeper and more roomy caverns for its flew and as a conse­ quence, the upper ones are left aad we wander through them and HtjMT'ftif upon tbe probable causes, ttaiflaid re* suits of their present condition. Be this as It may, the forces tkifcv were at work to result In the pri conditions were ended, many ef by the cessation of water fiemi| the enormous amouot of depoet that they were heavily charged wttli cbemloal substances which, Jlf they yet flow lower down, are eyen now depos­ iting substances similar to those found in Mammoth Cave. Surely these regions ave tboaa of wonderland for nothing la there hot to lend another atrangeaeaa te the sur- roundlngs and the massive saaMi§£jp which these changes were an evidenoe that they were fOmMtii^ ed In other ages than ours. ^ HOBT. P. Jtnaawa.'̂ About Bananas. Most of the bananas are mieed|h West Indies, the island ofji especially, though they stow I in all tropical lands. l%e faotof cheapness here shows that they must be easily cultivated; and this Js to, tOr even the wildest tribes in South Amer­ ica and elsewhere succeed well in rac­ ing them. In the culture of this luscious fruit it is not too much to say that nature seems to 'do all the worjk herself, the share necessary for being almost nil, since all the labor needed in cultivating the fruit consists in setting out the suckers that form the trees, nature then being left to do the rest until the time to cut the fruit arrives. This occurs within a year from planting, the plant, or rather the tree, by this time having readied a height of about ten feet. Where con­ siderable intelligence is brought into requisition the suckers are set out reg­ ularly to make plantations, with' the trees about fifteen feet apart. According to one authority one pound of bananas contains more no* triment than three pounds of meal or as many pounds of potatoes, while as food it is in every sense superior to the wheaten bread. Although it growB spontaneously throughout the tropics, when eultiyated its yield is prodigious, for an acre of ground planted with bananas will return as much food ma­ terial as thirty-three acres of wheat or over one hundred acres of potatoes- It is not generally understood that bananas--tried, baked, or roasted-- are very appetizing and that sliced and placed m a dish with alternate slices of orange they make a most de­ licious dessert. The antiquity of the banana Is be­ yond dispute. "Pliny, among other ancient scribes* undoubtedly speaks of it under the name of pala. After writing upon the properties of the In­ dian fig he says: "There is another tree in India, still larger and evea more remarkable for the size and sweetness of its truit, upon which the sages and gymnosophists of India live." True, some authorities contend that this does not in reality apply to the banana at all, but to another kind of fruit. Gerald, the old English botanist, in reference to the banana, says it ia Adam's apple tree, and that whichever way the fruit may be cut the form off a cross may be seen in it. Again, tra­ dition further asserts that in Ceylon, where, according to some, PariMiise was situated, there exists a tremend­ ous banana tree, the fruit of which when cut transversely presents the figure of a man crucified, and local tradition asserts that from its huge leaves Adam and Eve made garments for themselves. No fruit is more easy of digestion and so healthful as the banana, ft takes on an average only one hour and forty-five minutes stay in the di­ gestive organs, and is the only fruit in existence that requires such a short time to do so; even ripe pears require more, and the proverbial ripe straw* berry takes one hour longer. To refer to the musa, or plantal* tree, is tantamount to opening the oft>» disputed. question as to whether it be a native of southern Asia or ei the Ww world. It was generally consid­ ered as being a native of the former until, as De Candolle states, Hum­ boldt threw doubts upon its jmteiy Asiatic origin, fortifying hie ooaten- tion by an appeal to iiumerooe writers who maintained that the banaimwas cultivated in America before tfanQQMp quest. -- * I*