it has forced a
passage amid them, and then flows gently on.

Our travellers resolved to undertake a voyage on the Poik, and embarked
in a boat, their progress being stream upwards through the celebrated
cave of Planina. They had to be cautious, for often the current ran
with great rapidity, and to keep a watchful eye for rocks which lay
hidden beneath the water.

Rowing on for about 600 feet from the entrance of the cavern, at the
end of a magnificent dome, they found that the river occupied the whole
space. To this part persons on foot could proceed, as the ground on
either side of the river was level. Now passing through a portal 48
feet high and about 24 broad, and as well proportioned as if cut out by
the hand of man, their ears were saluted by the thundering roar of a
distant cataract. As the archway widened, they suddenly emerged on a
lake 250 feet in length and 150 broad, beyond which the cave divided
into two arms, forming the channels of two streams, whose confluent
waters formed the lake.

The walls of the cavern on either side rose abruptly out of the water,
with the exception of one small landing-place at the foot of a
projecting ridge. Here and there hung masses of stalactite, resembling
a petrified cascade, the rest of the rock being black and naked. So
high was the vault that their torches could not pierce the gloom, the
impressiveness of which was increased by the roar of a waterfall heard
through the channel to the left.

Hitherto their progress had been easy, but they now resolved to proceed
up the left branch. They had frequently to get out of their boat, and
wading, drag her over the shallows. The voyage terminated at the end of
a small hall with a circular dome, the floor being a lake 180 feet in
length, and from 40 to 45 feet in depth. In the roof appeared a chasm,
sloping upwards through a small aperture, in which a violent current of
air set in, almost extinguishing their torches.

Beyond the mouth of the chasm another gallery opened out, into which the
persevering travellers penetrated. Nothing could surpass the beauty of
the spar crystals with which its walls were encrusted. At the entrance
stood a white figure, which might easily be supposed to be an angel,
guarding the entrance with a glittering sword, threatening all who
should venture with profane hands into his sanctuary.

Further on, projected in bold relief, was a colossal statue of a
monarch, sceptre in hand. As they