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narrows for about six yards, where there is an iron grating and a
gate, kept constantly locked, save for the ingress and egress of
visitors. To describe the interior of this cave is impossible -
no language can convey an idea of its beauties - and the journey
through it is so free from danger, that little children may go to
the end of it with impunity. For the first 200 yards, the roof
gradually lowers, from about fifteen to five feet. The surface is
groined and crossed like elaborate gothic work, but the
petrifactions are mostly of a dusky hue, though of every variety
of form and size. This portion is called the 'Old Cave.' It was
only in 1837 or 1838 that access was gained to the 'New Cave,' by
letting off the water. Now, however, it is a stupendous cavern,
said to be a 1000 yards in length, forming a succession of
chambers, lobbies, &c., adorned with stalactites and stalagmites
of infinite variety, single and grouped. A small stream of water
flows through it, which tends to keep the air in agitation, and a
path has been raised the whole way, so that visitors may walk
through perfectly dry. The utmost care is very properly taken to
prevent visitors from injuring the petrifactions, which have been
and are forming the most beautiful natural curiosity that can
possibly be conceived. A little farther up the glen is 'Crow
Gill,' a crevice in the mountain, similar to Easgill Kirk.
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SETTLE may be approached by two routes, each of which is
interesting. The first is by the common road, including Buckhaw
Brow, and the Ebbing and Flowing Well: of which Barnaby sang -
Ibi vena prope viae
Fluit, refluit, nocte, die;
Newque norunt unde vena,
An a sale vel arena.
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