CHAPTER XV.

Our Substitutes for Lamps.--First Glance into the Cave.--The Elaterides.--The Gothic Hall.--Stalagmites and Stalactites.--A Chichiquimec Cemetery.--The "Tree of St. Ignatius."--The Opossum and its little ones. 235

The Earth-nuts.--A Wild-cat's Feast.--Another exploring Expedition to the Cave.--The Bats.--Excavations in a Tomb. 255

A forced March.--Wild-ducks.--Vegetable Soap.--An unwelcome Guest. 269