chapter end decoration
There remain now to be described but four of the caves ordinarily frequented by visitors. These are "The Garden Palace," "The Stalagmite Cave," "The Gem of the West," and "The Fairies' Retreat," with "The Queen's Diamonds." But, as already intimated, it is impossible to foretell what visions of loveliness may be disclosed by future explorations. Quite recently the curator has wormed his way into another splendid cave of large dimensions and great beauty. An opening of about eight feet leads to a small chamber 14 feet wide and from four to eight feet high. The floor is pure and sparkling. There are some very pretty stalactites and pieces of formation hanging from the roof, with transparent pipes and straws terminating in little hair-like projections. From this cave there is a passage 10 inches by 14 inches high and then 14 inches high by 10 inches wide, extending about 21 feet, and opening on to a room with a floor of velvet-like coral. As the foot rests on it the sensation resembles that produced by walking on a new Brussels carpet, or stepping on a frosted lawn of buffalo grass, which slightly crunches beneath the feet.
This cavern is about 25 feet by 35 feet, and from 2 feet to 10 feet high. From it there is a fall of about 20 feet, opening into another chamber, to the left of which is a pretty fimbriated tray, 10 feet by 12 feet, filled with little knobs of formation, with points so sharp that any pressure of the hand would cause pain. These nodes and points are almost as clear and spotless as the drops of a glass chandelierbefore they have been converted into fly-walks. Then there is another tray or basin with looped edges containing crystals which are a little "off colour;" and yet another, with escalloped border and formation of a milky hue—that is, pure milky—opaque white, not cerulean blue. This basin is about 14 feet by 16 feet. The roof immediately over the basin is like delicate coral. To the right is a sort of illusion representing solidified water round about black limestone pebbles. This crystal has been formed by a run of water from a rock, the summit of which is about 20 feet away, and which slopes down from the wall at an angle of about 45 degrees.
The sloping rock is beautifully reticulated and marked by curved lines, which gradually diminish towards the base, where the formation changes to nodules and curiously-formed, irregular combinations of the preceding figures massed together. From the ceiling descend various formations of cave decoration, some clear as the skin of a Mayfair beauty at her first ball, others of a delicate fawn colour, and the remainder tinged with oxide of iron. There is a range from the delicate lily of the valley to the rough bronze of the muscular navvy, not to speak of the dusky brown of the unwashed sundowner who arrives at a "station" when "the shades of night are falling fast," and whose motto is not "Excelsior."
The next chamber is about 14 feet by 12 feet, at the end of a slight declivity as white as snow. It is in the form of an ordinary retort, and is succeeded by another chamber of somewhat similar contour, the principal ornamentation being on the floor. Thence the course is upwards, and the most attractive formation is from the roof. The stalactites are in clusters, and for the most part small. Some of them are like twigs, but clear as a limpid stream. Here also are stalagmites about nine inches high, formed on the ends of huge rocks. In addition to these are other smaller stalagmites near to a hole about 14 feet deep, and on the floor are fossil remains. In this hole are passagesunexplored. Hard by is a pretty "shawl" hanging from the roof, and beyond it a rock about three feet high, the edge of which is covered with a fine substance like down, which, when blown upon, flies about like the winged seeds of thistles. Descending from this cavern, about 10 yards through a narrow passage, there is a steep fall of nearly 10 feet, which leads to a chamber, the roof of which is about 10 feet high. On the right hand side of this cave are some very white shawl pattern formations and stalactites, and to the left are fine shawls, clear as glass, from four to eight feet long, and from 6 to 12 inches deep. Just beyond is a crisp, velvety floor, like that which characterises a chamber previously described, but not of the same colour. This floor is in some parts very red, as though it had been coloured with clay, and other parts are like glass stained with red ochre. The stalactites are thin, and formed in all sorts of peculiar shapes. The floor is uncommon, being of a piebald character, appearing as though buckets of solution of lime had been cast upon it, in the midst of some large stalactites that give character to the cave, which is about 40 feet by 40 feet. Passing on you come to a pretty chamber ornamented with stalactites, composed mostly of yellow crystal. The cave then runs nobody at present knows where. There are unexplored chambers all around. This cave is named after the Government geologist, and is to be known as the Wilkinson Cave.
Mr. C. S. Wilkinson has contributed some valuable matter to Cave literature. His account of the Jenolan Caves, written for the Government, contains several beautiful passages bearing upon the physical and chemical agencies at work in the formation of limestone caverns. And here it may be interesting to refer to one or two other authorities also on the same subject. Dr. Wright, an American scientist, says, "There can be no doubt that the solvent action of water holding carbonic acid in solution" is the primary agency concerned in the formation of limestone caves. "Limestone," he says, "is not soluble in water until it combineswith an additional proportion of carbonic acid, by which it is transformed into the bicarbonate of lime. In this way the process of excavation is conducted until communication is established with running water, by which the mechanical agency of that fluid is made to assist the chemical. Little niches and recesses, which seem to have been chiselled out and polished by artificial means, were formed in this manner; for when these points are strictly examined, a crevice will be observed at the top or at the back of them, through which water issued at the time of their formation, but which has been partially closed by crystals of carbonate of lime or gypsum." Dr. Wright, referring to the different conditions and different periods of cave formation, says:—"The sulphate of lime, which is known under the name of gypsum, plaster of Paris, selenite, alabaster, etc., exerts a much greater influence in disintegrating rock than the sulphate of soda. The avenues in which gypsum occurs are perfectly dry, differing in this respect from those that contain stalactites. When rosettes of alabaster are formed in the same avenue with stalactites, the water which formed the latter has for ages ceased to flow, or they are situated far apart, as the former cannot form in a damp atmosphere."
Mr. Wilkinson also alludes to separate periods of formation in connection with the Jenolan Caves. He says:—"There appear to have been two distinct periods during which stalactitic growth formed; one of comparatively remote age, and very local in character, being chiefly confined to the caves known as the Lurline and Bone Caves; and another but recent and still in operation. The older growth is essentially of a stalactitic type, and the stalactites are remarkably thick, though in one or two cases a huge stalagmite is to be seen. The newer growth exhibits every fantastic and beautiful form known, from the thin hollow reed and transparent veil to the snow-white dome stalagmites, the crystal-fringed pool, the wave-lined floor, and the crooked-fringed shapes that are turned in all directions." But there is one passage in Mr. Wilkinson's account which takes us far beyond the timewhen the limestone mountains were formed, and describes a complete circle of natural transmutation and reproduction, and which may be appropriately quoted in connection with the cave which bears his name. Here it is:—"First, the decaying vegetation of some ancient forest is invisibly distilling the gas known as carbonic acid; then a storm of rain falls, clearing the air of the noxious gas, and distributing a thousand streamlets of acid water over the surrounding country, and which, as it drains off, not only wears the rocks it passes over, but dissolves them in minute quantities, especially such as contain much lime, and then, laden with its various compounds, flows off to the distant sea, where reef corals, lying in fringing banks round the coast, are slowly absorbing the lime from the water around them, and building the fragile coatings that protect them during life. Slowly as the land sinks the coral bank increases in height, for reef corals can only live near the surface of the water; and soon a considerable thickness has been obtained; while below the upper zone of live corals lies a vast charnel-house of dead coral coverings; then comes a change; suitable temperature, or some other essential condition, fails, killing out all the corals, and through long ages other deposits accumulate over them, gradually crushing and consolidating the coral bank into a firm rock. At last a convulsion of the earth's crust brings it up from the buried depth in which it lies, leaving it tilted on its edge, but still, perhaps, below the surface of the ground; rain, frost, and snow slowly remove what covers it, until it lies exposed again to the sunlight, but so changed that but for the silent but irresistible testimony of the fossil forms of which it is composed, it were hard to believe that this narrow band of hard grey rock was once the huge but fragile coral bank glistening in the bright waters with a thousand hues. And now the process is repeated; the decaying vegetation of the surrounding forest produces the carbonic acid, the rains spread it over the ground, which is now the most favourable for being dissolved, and the consequence is that the acidwater saturates itself with the limestone rock, and whenever the least evaporation takes place, has to deposit some of its dissolved carbonate of lime in one of the many stalactitic forms, before it can flow off to the sea and distribute its remaining contents to fresh coral banks. Thus the old coral reef melts away far inland, and the lime that formed the coatings of its corals is again utilised for the same purpose. What a simple succession of causes and effects, and yet before the circle is completed long ages of time have come and gone; and what a fine example of the balance between the waste and reproduction that takes place in Nature!" And thus the diurnal motion of the earth and its annual journey round the solar circle, as well as the repetitions of history, have impressive geological analogies. How many hearts have begun to beat—how many have throbbed with passion and ambition, and waxed cold as an extinct volcano in the years required to form a small stalactite? How many ages have come and gone since the Jenolan Caves were coral reefs in the azure sea?
chapter end decoration
The "Garden Palace," about 14 yards north from the Flowering Column, is remarkable for the beauty of its proportions and the charming grace of its arches and dome. It has on the left hand side a magnificent stalactite descending from the roof, and coming to a fine point on the top of a stalagmite, which rises a short distance from the floor. There are also many other stalactites and stalagmites of rare proportions. Near to it is a fascinating little crypt that can be peered into from a small aperture in the wall of the passage, which is here about 25 feet wide and 14 feet high. This part of the "Palace" is about 4 feet by 4 feet 6 inches and about 10 inches high. There is no association about this portion to vividly recall the elegant building which adorned the Inner Domain, or even the grandeur of its ruins, which the fierce flames could not consume. It is simply a charming little peepshow filled with the most dainty specimens of crystallization, the purest stalactites, and the most elaborate decoration. In front is a stalagmite called the "Prince's Statue." Most of the stalactites are transparent. The stalagmites are white as snow, and some of them sparkle with an external coating like hoar-frost. There are small globular pieces covered with tubular spikes, like those of the echinus, but as fine as the stings of bees or the antennæ of butterflies. In the centre is a little colour of a roseate hue, and the most prevalent forms resemble transparentflowers and plants which rival the skill of the glass-blower, and surpass the most delicate work of the artificer in gold and silver. This crypt is like a dreamland treasure-house filled with spoils of art and fancy.
The Stalagmite Cave and the "Gem of the West" are about 30 yards north of the Garden Palace, through a hall about 12 feet high and 14 feet wide. The stalagmites are magnificent, and the walls are adorned with glittering formation of delicate tracery. There are some fine specimens of stalactites, and the distance between two of them has been carefully measured with a view to accurate observation as regards the rate of future growth. Not far from these are some remarkable stalagmites, formed on and about a sugar-loaf-shaped mound. The uppermost one, which appears incomplete—not having yet received its apex—is composed of five sections. Another close by is formed of eight or nine sections, and one lower down of about the same number of distinct portions. Like some other stalagmites already described, their individual sections represent separate periods of formation and of rest.
THE ALABASTER COLUMNTHE ALABASTER COLUMN.
One of the most beautiful of the large stalagmites in the caves is the Alabaster Column.
THE GEM OF THE WESTTHE GEM OF THE WEST.
The "Gem of the West" is in every respect worthy of its name. It is one of the most attractive caves in the series, and calls forth expressions of delight the moment it is illuminated by a magnesium lamp. It is carefully protected by wire netting, and retains all its pristine loveliness. It occupies but a small space, being seven or eight feet high by about five feet wide. There is a considerable amount of formation on the roof, extending down the wall to the ledge of a rock, the flat under-surface of which forms the roof of the cave. From it descend numbers of stalactites of various lengths, as clear as crystal. In between these are numerous small glass-like ornaments, and here and there are little rifts filled with a substance like drifted snow andsleet. The stalactites are not all clear; some of them resemble alabaster, and their shapes are very grotesque. Many are straight as reeds; some are bulbous, and several are combinations of straight pipe and bulb. A few have grown obliquely, but many of the smaller ones are contorted in the most extraordinary manner. On the other side is a formation like a miniature Niagara, with "wild shapes for many a strange comparison," and forms of exquisite beauty.
"Full many a gem of purest ray sereneThe dark, unfathomed caves of ocean bear."
"Full many a gem of purest ray sereneThe dark, unfathomed caves of ocean bear."
But ocean caves do not contain anything more pure and captivating than the splendours of the Gem of the West.
chapter end decoration
It is about 40 yards north-east from the Gem of the West to the Fairies' Retreat. The passage is from 8 to 20 feet high and from 6 to 14 feet wide, and rather damp. The visitor ascends a short ladder to a rocky ledge, where there is a small opening and a narrow passage, along which he has to wriggle his way in a recumbent posture and with his feet foremost. Long before he has reached the immediate entrance to the Retreat he begins to think Puck has led him a "pretty dance," and he has gained some idea of the least pleasant sensations incident to cave exploration. When he has completed the journey in a doubled-up posture, and is placed in an attitude scarcely less uncomfortable, curved like a boomerang, he feels as though he would give the world to be able to stretch himself. But a slight pressure upwards reminds him of the superincumbent mountain, and so he feels like a prisoner with billions of tons above him and the rocky base below. He begins to grow hot, and would give anything to be in a place capacious enough to enable him to expand and breathe freely. However, the lamp is turned on, and for a moment or two he is lost in admiration of the scene. He might fancy himself Sindbad in the Diamond Valley, or think that the cave-keeper possessed the lamp of Aladdin, or that he had come upon enchanted land. This Retreat extends S.E. about 20 yards. Its entrance is about 2 feet by 20 inches at the embouchure, and it widens a little towards the end. It is about four feet wide and three feethigh, and is filled with glittering cave gems and alabaster flowers, and myriads of figures which sparkle with brilliants. But what are the brightest jewels and the choicest flowers to ease of body and mental serenity? Many of the fair sex have visited this Retreat, carefully tutored and assisted by the curator. It may be appropriately and pleasantly inspected by agile sylphs and dapper little men who affect a contempt for muscular development and insist upon being gauged by Dr. Watts's standard, but ladies who are massive and gentlemen who are portly and plethoric will, when making their exit, caterpillar fashion, think it very absurd that so splendid a spectacle should have so mean and inconvenient an approach.
After seeing the Fairies' Retreat there remains but one other surprise, and that is "The Queen's Diamonds." These are in a casket easily accessible, and the opening to which is about three feet wide by one foot high. The jewel case itself is about four feet wide, three feet deep, and 12 feet long. When the light is turned into it the brilliancy of the scene is perfectly dazzling. The prismatic formations are wonderful, and the blaze of magnificence mocks the descriptive power of either pen or pencil. It is "labyrinth of light" which appeals to the imagination with rare force. Edgar A. Poe worked up an excellent sensation in his story of "The Gold Bug." The way in which Mr. William Legrand became possessed of the scarabæus with scales of bright metallic lustre, and of the scrap of paper which contained mysterious directions leading to hidden piratical plunder by Kidd, is not more interesting to the general reader than cryptography is to the student. The enthusiastic way in which the curator speaks of this cave and its distance and measurements recalls to memory the exciting incidents connected with the death's-head, the gold bug dropped through its eye-socket, the taping of the distance from thefall of the scarabæus to the hidden wealth, the hurried digging, and the discovery of the buried treasure. "As the rays of the lantern fell within the pit, there flashed upwards a glow and a glare from a confused heap of gold and of jewels that absolutely dazzled our eyes." The feeling produced in that case was exhaustion from excitement; but the sensation caused by a glance at the brilliance of the Queen's Diamonds is one of intense gratification. It is a most vivid and lustrous spectacle. The crystals are in clusters grouped together like the petals of flowers, and these flower-shaped forms combine with others of a similar kind, and constitute elaborate floral masses. They are much more difficult to decipher than was the cryptography left by the pirate Kidd. As Brewster puts it, "though the examination of these bodies has been pretty well pursued, we can form at present no adequate idea of the complex and beautiful organization of these apparently simple bodies" Of the 1,500 or more different crystals known to science, nearly half are composed of carbonate of lime, but "The Queen's Diamonds" are certainly among the rarest. The crystallized forms in the caves are very numerous. Some of them are irregular, on account of the substance not having been sufficiently divided before its deposition, or because of inadequate space or insufficient repose, but for the most part they are regular and perfect of their kind. None, however, are more regularly formed or more pronounced than "The Queen's Diamonds." It would be difficult to describe their geometric shape. The separate fragments of each cluster vary from about an inch to a fraction thereof. They are like three-sided prisms, tapering to points at the ends. The edges are sharp as knives from the centre to the upper point; but from the centre to the end which is joined to others, the sharp edge is replaced by a smooth surface, as though a cut had been made with a razor. The upper ends of these prisms are clear as glass; the lower ends are a little cloudy. The brilliancy of the combination is marvellous.
chapter end decoration
When the Queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon she went to Jerusalem with a great train, with camels that bore spices and large quantities of gold and precious stones, and fully satisfied the curiosity commonly attributed to her sex. She proved the wisdom of the far-famed monarch, admired his house and its appointments, the apparel of his servants, the attendance of his ministers, and the magnificence of his daily table; and, according to Josephus, she said: "As for the report, it only attempted to persuade our hearing, but did not so make known the dignity of the things themselves as does the sight of them, and being present among them. I, indeed, who did not believe what was reported by reason of the multitude and grandeur of the things I inquired about, do see them to be much more numerous than they were reported to be." Or, as the verdict of "the Queen of the South" is given in the Authorized Version of the Old Testament, "I believed not the words until I came, and mine eyes had seen it; and, behold, the half was not told me." A similar testimony will be borne by most visitors in regard to the magnificence of the Jenolan Caves, and "the multitude and grandeur" of the objects which excite surprise or challenge admiration at almost every step. Jenolan is a veritable wonderland, as well as a most interesting geological study. It presents featuressufficiently sublime to touch the deepest chords of the human heart: forms sufficiently graceful to charm the artist; situations affording novel material for the romancist; configurations, transmutations, and fascinations to move the soul of the poet; and vast, silent cathedrals which inspire a feeling of devotion, for—
"Nature, with folded hands, seems thereKneeling at her evening prayer."
"Nature, with folded hands, seems thereKneeling at her evening prayer."
Some of the best photographs which have been taken of the most prominent features of the caves give an idea of their grandeur, but it is only a poor one. They convey no impression of their delicate sheen and dazzling beauty, of the gradations of tint and colour; of the mystic crypts and charming contours. A good photograph may aid those who have seen the caves to fill in details, but even to the most imaginative person who has not had the pleasure of a personal inspection it cannot possibly convey anything like an adequate sense of the thousand and one charms which elude both the photographer and the artist. There is as much difference between the pictorial illustration and the reality as there is between a vacant stare and an eye filled with lovelight and sparkling recognition. And the same remark will apply in greater or lesser degree to verbal description. Words are altogether too poor, and it may be folly to attempt to describe the indescribably beautiful. Among the numerous inscriptions in the cave book, a visitor has given his judgment upon this point very bluntly. He says, without periphrasis or euphemism—"The man who would attempt to describe these caves is a fool." Still, these articles as they appeared in theSydney Morning Herald, have at least brought the caves prominently before the public, and perchance in their present form may be of use to future visitors.
On leaving the Cimmerian gloom of the Imperial Cave, and emerging into the clear daylight, the sensation is strange, for after being two or three hours entombed in the heart of the limestone mountains, thedarkness seems as natural as night. It is joyous, however, to be back again in the sunshine, and to find that—
"There is a tongue in every leaf,A voice in every rill."
"There is a tongue in every leaf,A voice in every rill."
And as you glance once more along the limestone mountain ridge you wonder what hidden beauties yet remain to be revealed. To the north from the Devil's Coach House numerous caves are known to exist, and it is probable that some of them may present features more remarkable than any yet discovered. The creek, which runs quietly along, has on its way some oblique outlets before it sinks into the earth, and recalls, with its surroundings, the pleasure-place of Kubla Khan,—
"Where Alf the sacred river ranThrough caverns measureless to manDown to the sunless sea."
"Where Alf the sacred river ranThrough caverns measureless to manDown to the sunless sea."
The first of these caves is very deep, with a steep ascent. The curator has penetrated it to a depth of 160 feet. He was lowered into one shaft 100 feet perpendicular, and found in it a number of interesting bones, which he sent to the museum of the Department of Mines in Sydney. One of them resembled the tusk of a tiger, and was thought to be too large to have been in the jaw of any Australian animal extant. The next known cave is called the "Glass Cave," on account of the transparent beauty of its adornments, which are equal to those of the Imperial Cave. The third is unexplored, but there is reason to believe that it is very extensive. The fourth, which seems to run southward, is also unexplored. Some time ago the curator was lowered into it, a depth of 80 feet, but he has not been able to make any examination of its interior. Next is the Mammoth Cave, so called because of its vast chambers. One of these is estimated to be upwards of 300 feet high, 100 feet long, and 100 feet wide. It contains a large amount offormation, the prettiest portions of which are about 200 feet from the floor. The roof is so high that the magnesium lamp is hardly strong enough to bring it into view. There is a very long and wide chamber leading from this towards the south, with a large number of "drops" of from 100 to 150 feet, many of them unexplored. The length of this chamber is about 10 chains—that is, one-eighth of a mile. From this the curator was lowered into another chamber of vast proportions, and from 60 to 100 feet deeper down, through solid limestone. At the end of its undulating floor he came to a river about six feet wide and nine inches deep, the water of which was running in a strong stream. Round about are many little caverns full of bones. The next is the Bow Cave, to which reference has previously been made. It is a small cavern, and, as has already been explained, there were found in it six bullock bows, together with two harrow pins, and a pair of hinges; supposed to have been "planted" there by McEwan, the bush-ranger, about the year 1839. This cave has about it numerous small drives not yet explored. Farther on is a pretty cave, running, with a gentle slope, two or three hundred yards into the mountains, and containing numerous chambers and water-holes. Five or six of these chambers only have been explored, and they contain some very handsome stalactites. Farther on are two or three other caves, to the entrance of which only the curator has been. Above all these caves a strong stream of water sinks suddenly into the ground. It is believed that this feeds the river in the Mammoth Cave, and afterwards flows into the Imperial, and comes to the surface again in Camp Creek, on the other side of the limestone range, where it bursts up suddenly from between the boulders, as though there were underneath them a broken 42-inch city water-pipe.
On the south side of the Grand Arch are several known caves. The curator has been lowered about 100 feet into one of small dimensions, with a large chamber from it, containing many sonorous stalactites oflarge proportions, as well as much elaborate formation. Next to this is a cavern called the Specimen Cave. It is about 20 feet deep, with a large number of bones on the floor, which has been broken away. The fracture shows that it was largely composed of red clay. The broken face is full of bones. This cave would be worth special examination, because it is believed many of the bones belonged to animals which have disappeared from New South Wales. Farther on is a cave into which, five years ago, the curator was lowered about 240 feet. At a still greater distance, three miles from the Cave House, is a cave, with a strong stream of water flowing out of it. That is the farthest limestone visible on this side of the mountain. The stream sinks into the ground at a short distance after it leaves the mouth of the cave. It is believed that this water runs underneath all the caves on the south side into the Lucas Cave, and is not seen again until it re-appears under "The Bridge." The range of limestone rocks seen from the Cave House extends north and south five-and-a-half or six miles. At each end water in considerable volume sinks into the earth suddenly and re-appears in caves near the centre of the valley; the northern stream flowing through the Imperial Cave, and the southern through the Lucas Cave. Both streams come to the surface in Camp Creek, and chatter away towards the sea.
chapter end decoration
The journey from Sydney to the Caves is long and expensive, but the route is interesting all the way. Thirty-six miles from the city after crossing the Emu Plains and the magnificent bridge over the Nepean at Penrith, 87 feet above sea-level, the train begins to climb the mountain range, and after travelling 52 miles it attains an altitude of 3,658 feet. The first zigzag up Lapstone Hill brings into view a splendid panorama, and, notwithstanding the disregard of railway surveyors for fine scenery when it is placed in the balance against economical construction, there are many glorious glimpses to be obtained from the carriage windows during the journey between Sydney and Tarana. If the traveller has time to stopen routehe will find much to interest him round about Lawson and Katoomba, Blackheath and Mount Victoria. The great Zigzag into the Lithgow valley is one of the most remarkable feats of engineering in the world. There is a fall of about 230 yards in five miles of running. Even after this sudden descent the country is still very elevated, and at Tarana, where it is necessary to take coach for the Caves, it is upwards of 2,500 feet above the level of the sea.
The train which leaves Sydney at 9 o'clock in the morning arrives at Tarana at 4.15 in the afternoon. By coach or buggy from Tarana the little agricultural township of Oberon—distant about 18 miles—can be approached comfortably the same evening. At Oberon there is awell-kept hotel, which reminds one of the best village hostelries in the old country. Here it is customary to stay the night. Bidding good morning to your host after a moderately early breakfast, you can drive to the door of the Cave House just in time for lunch.
The road from Tarana to Oberon is well made and metalled, and with a pair of good horses you can travel at a spanking pace. From Oberon to the Caves the road is also good, but not so wide as that from Tarana to Oberon. A considerable portion of it may be described in fact as an excellently kept bush track. The road down the Zigzag is, as already mentioned, a trial to the nerves of timid people. It is much too narrow, and ought to be widened by cutting still farther into the mountain side, building up the retaining wall more substantially, and paying greater attention to drainage. A cable tramway would then make the transit easy and pleasant.
A light railway to Oberon would probably give as good a return as nine-tenths of the mileage on our railways, and if the tramway from there to the Caves would not pay immediately it would ultimately create settlement and traffic, and in the meantime be an important factor in increasing the traffic on the 140 miles of railway leading to it from Sydney.
Until a short time ago the Caves were completely cut off from rapid communication with the outer world, but now they are in telephonic communication with the telegraph system of the colony.
Coat of Arms
MAP SECTION OF NEW SOUTH WALES, SHOWING THE POSITION OF JENOLAN CAVESMAP SECTION OF NEW SOUTH WALES, SHOWING THE POSITION OF JENOLAN CAVES.
Transcriber's Notes:Hyphenation has been standardised.Bloxland changed to 'Blaxland' throughout. Such places named after Gregory Blaxland (1778-1853), Fordwich, Kent.Cave-house changed to 'Cave House' throughout.Wombean changed to 'Wombeyan' throughout.Coodradigbee changed to 'Goodradigbee'. Page 89.Kunimbla changed to 'Kanimbla'. Page 149.