f, and it is soon seen that these
seeming stars are produced by pieces of mica embedded in the roof, on
which the light of a lantern being thrown in a peculiar way is brightly
reflected. Although the caverns seem to be of immense height, the
ceiling in most parts is not more than thirty feet from the ground. In
the centre of one cavern, a regular hill rises from the ground, with a
stream running at its base. Several rivers are crossed in this vast
cavern, one is called the Echo River, another the Styx, and a third the
Lethe. They are inhabited by fish and crawfish, sightless and perfectly
white.

This vast cavern, the ramifications of which are said to measure nine
miles, was not known to white men until 1802. For many years no one
advanced beyond three miles from the entrance, further progress being
stopped by a deep cavern called the "Bottomless Pit," 1000 feet deep.
At length, however, a daring guide threw a ladder over it, and crossing
by this means, he was able to explore six more miles of this
subterranean region.

A bridge has now been constructed by which people can pass over in
perfect safety. It is said that no dog will willingly enter the cavern;
indeed, few persons can pass along its passages without a sensation of
awe, although with a guide it may be traversed without danger.

CHAPTER NINE.

SILVER MINES, ETCETERA.

If a true history of the silver mines of South America were to be
written it would reveal the cruel death of thousands and thousands of
human beings, sacrificed to the lust of gain. High up among the Andes,
surrounded by a succession of steep and naked rocks, is the town of
Pasco, built above the mines, from which the inhabitants obtain their
subsistence. The entrances to most of the mines are situated in the
midst of the town. The irregular shafts descend directly down into the
interior of the mountain, access being by a series of ladders often
ill-constructed and rough, ropes and chains being employed to hoist up
the ore. Frequently, the overseers having neglected to put up the
necessary props, portions of the mines have broken in and destroyed many
of the hapless workers. In one instance 300 perished at once by this
means. In most of the mines the labourers, after getting out the ore,
have to bring it to the surface in baskets on their backs, often from
immense depths, and were it not for the sustaining coca leaf they would
be unable to undergo such excessive toil. When