On the contrary, in this lake ore, as it is
called, we have an excellent illustration of what is called
concretionary action--that is, the tendency of matter when in a fine
state of division to aggregate its particles into masses about some
central nucleus, which may be a fragment of sunken wood, a grain of
sand, or indeed a pre-formed small mass of itself."
It is claimed for this water ore, which is gathered like oysters, that
mixed with bog ore and magnetic iron, and smelted with charcoal, the
result as obtained is strong, durable and high priced.
The curiously elastic quarter of a mile finally yielded to persistent
toil, and the cave was reached. The entrance is sufficiently broad to
give a good first impression, and is under a heavy ledge of limestone
which breaks the slope of the hill and is artistically decorated with a
choice collection of foliage, among which is a coral honeysuckle; the
fragrant variety grows everywhere. Under the ledge is a narrow
vestibule, out of the north end of which is a passage about twenty-four
inches in width, between perpendicular walls, and as steeply inclined as
the average dwelling-house stairway but without any assisting
depressions to serve as steps. Mr. Irwin cut a grape vine, and making
one end secure at the entrance, provided a hand rail, by the aid of
which I was able to easily descend the stepless way and afterwards
remount.
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