Limestone Valley

was reached at lunch time. A halt was called on the grassy land near the entrance to the celebrated limestone caves, and while two of the party [unclear: accomnamed] by the driver entered the mountain side to make their way into the caves, the others set to work to boil the billy and prepare tea and lunch Fortified with caudles, those who had entered the caves made their way through many of the ramifications in the heart of the mountain until there was a danger of getting Lust. Indeed, bad it not been for a lighted candle which had been left in one of the labyrinthine passages which spread out from the chambers in various direc- page 4 tions, to the confusion of the entombed visitor, great difficulty would have been experienced in finding the way out. The visit was interesting enough, but, alas ! how the glory of these subterranean excavations has departed. Not a stalactite nor stalagmite left to give pleasure to the visitor. Every one has been ruthlessly broken off and carried away, to be placed in the houses of the depredations, or to lie neglected in back yards—miserable travesties of their former selves. One great piece we actually found lying in the street channel at Otautau, The caves are, however, still worth a visit, and there are yet to be seen some beautiful pieces of stalactite formation ornamenting the waits of some of the caves, and, fortunately, forming part of the walls, and thus saved from destruction.

Lunch disposed of, a start is made for Mr Hare's