01O HONDURAS


powers of description to delineate with
fidelity the exquisite beauties connected
with the largest of the caves. The en-
trance to it from Indian-creek, after many
w\indings, bursts suddenly on the sight,
;nd resembles very closely the aperture of
an oven, and is thickly overhung with
rocks and trees of the grandest, but wild-
eso workmanship. When this is passed,
a wide and spacious lake instantly com-
mences, the water of which is silent and
deep, being scarcely heard to murmur,
but during the most tempestuous floods.
The lofty roof is arched with the most
exact proportion, and is profusely studded
with glittering crystallizations. Torch-
light affords the visitor the only means of
advantageously viewing this sublime piece
of scenery ; for if in one or two places, an
occasional beam of the sun, burlsing with
inconceivable lustre through clefts of the
mountain, be withdrawn, entire darkness
pervades the whole; and the smallest