DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.11789#0037
ST. MICHAEL'S CAVE.
27
north-eastward arose, in the far distance, the mount-
ains of Spain, arrayed in a dazzling robe of "never-
trodden snow;" eastward stretched the immeasur-
able sea—the Mediterranean—whose waves a few
days before had been so wild and ungovernable,
but whose surface was now almost as smooth as
glass. On the south, across the straits, Apes' Hill,
and the fortifications of the Ceuta (a Spanish town,
although situated in Africa), could distinctly be
discerned.
After stopping a short time at the Signal Sta-
tion, to rest ourselves and procure refreshments,
we again mounted our horses, and, descending by a
zigzag path, reached the entrance of St. Michael's
Cave, which is distant perhaps three-quarters of a
mile from the Signal Station, and is about 1000
feet above the level of the sea. This cave was well
known to the ancients. Time did not permit us to
explore it to any great extent, but we learned from
those who had better opportunities than ourselves,
that a considerable distance within there is a spa-
cious hall from eighty to one hundred feet in dia-
meter and about thirty feet from the floor to the
ceiling, which is apparently supported by massive
stalactites. There are other caves below of diffi-
cult access, but of most picturescpie appearance.
27
north-eastward arose, in the far distance, the mount-
ains of Spain, arrayed in a dazzling robe of "never-
trodden snow;" eastward stretched the immeasur-
able sea—the Mediterranean—whose waves a few
days before had been so wild and ungovernable,
but whose surface was now almost as smooth as
glass. On the south, across the straits, Apes' Hill,
and the fortifications of the Ceuta (a Spanish town,
although situated in Africa), could distinctly be
discerned.
After stopping a short time at the Signal Sta-
tion, to rest ourselves and procure refreshments,
we again mounted our horses, and, descending by a
zigzag path, reached the entrance of St. Michael's
Cave, which is distant perhaps three-quarters of a
mile from the Signal Station, and is about 1000
feet above the level of the sea. This cave was well
known to the ancients. Time did not permit us to
explore it to any great extent, but we learned from
those who had better opportunities than ourselves,
that a considerable distance within there is a spa-
cious hall from eighty to one hundred feet in dia-
meter and about thirty feet from the floor to the
ceiling, which is apparently supported by massive
stalactites. There are other caves below of diffi-
cult access, but of most picturescpie appearance.