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Show jz Early Western Travels [ Vol. 26 above and for some distance below. Passing several fine farms, which sweep down to the water's edge, a second range of cliffs are discovered, similar to those described in altitude and aspect; but near the base, through the dark cypresses skirting the water, is perceived the ragged entrance to a large cavernous fissure, penetrating the bluff, and designated by the name of " Rock- Inn- Cave.", f It is said to have received this significant appellation from emigrants, who were accustomed to tarry with their families for weeks at the place when detained by stress of weather, stage of the river, or any other circumstance unfavourable to their progress. It was near noon of a beautiful day when the necessary orders for landing were issued to the pilot, and our boat rounded up to the low sand- beach just below this celebrated cavern. As we strolled along the shore beneath " the precipitous, black, jagged rocks " overhanging the winding and broken pathway towards the entrance, we could not but consider its situation wild and rugged enough to please the rifest fancy. The entrance, [ 43] at first view, is exceedingly imposing; its broad massive forehead beetling over the visiter for some yards before he finds himself within. The mouth of the cavern looks out upon the stream rushing along at the base of the cliff, and is delightfully shaded by a cluster of cypresses, rearing aloft their huge shafts, almost concealed in the luxuriant ivy- leaves clinging to their bark. The entrance is formed into a semi- elliptical arch, springing boldly to the height of forty feet from a heavy bench of rock on either side, and eighty feet in width at the base, throwing over the whole a massive roof of uniform concavity, verging to a point near the centre of the cave. Here may be seen another N A brief description of Rock Inn Cave ( or Cave- in- Rock) may be found in Cuming's Tour, in our volume iv, p. 273, note 180.- ED. |