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FRANCONIAN SWITZERLAND.

cavern is divided into four compartments, the first being merely an extensive space on the same level as the ground at the entrance. The other divisions, in order to be seen to advantage, require to be lighted up with numerous candles, by which the whole extent can be perceived, and a singularly wild and unique scene is disclosed. Descending by a winding stair cut in the rock, you have an opportunity of admiring the immense and beautiful stalactites descending from the roof and rising from the floors. Several fossil remains were here discovered, most of which were taken away, though some still remain, such as a pair of enormous antlers, and part of the pelvis of the mammoth, which are so deeply imbedded in the incrustation that they could not well be removed, even if the proprietor were desirous that they should be. The third division, though less extensive than the others, contains more beautiful stalactites, which hang from the roof in the form of palm leaves. The fourth part is the largest, and is mostly filled up with enormous masses of rocks, which form a peculiarly striking and chaotic scene. Altogether this cavern may be considered as one of the natural wonders of Europe, and a visit to it would well repay the traveller for making a detour of some miles. It is, however, not to be compared with Adelsberg. There is another of these caverns, termed the Forster's Höhle, near Waischenfeld, nearly two

hours' walk from Rabenstein, but it is not so interesting.

Baireuth is a small town in an agreeable country, possessing nothing particularly worthy of remark. A pleasant walk leads to the Ermitage, two miles distant. From this, ten hours are required to reach Eger; previous to entering there is an Austrian custom-house. Eger likewise presents no object of particular interest, except the old Castle of Wallenstein, in the interior of which are still preserved some relics of this hero.

Franzensbad is about half-an-hour's drive from Eger, and four from Marienbad and Carlsbad. Though the environs are not distinguished for scenic beauty, or objects of much interest, this bath has, during the season, an animated and cheerful aspect. On entering, the small temple beneath which rises the chief spring, the Franzquelle, stands on the road-side. A promenade ground, with booths, colonnade, and the public saloon, lie on the left of the Kaiserstrasse—a range of handsome houses and hotels. There is a large bath-house, as also buildings for the administration of mud and gas-baths. Franzensbad possesses a variety of mineral springs, of whose properties I have elsewhere given a detailed account.

The position of Marienbad is highly picturesque. On entering from the Eger side, the valley expands into a more open space, bounded by pine-covered hills, and laid out as a garden.

On the left are about a dozen large and handsome lodging-houses, the mansion of Prince Metternich being in the centre. At right angles with this range of buildings is another row of larger houses; the Tepl-Haus being at one extremity, and Klinger's large hotel and boarding-house at the other. During the season about a hundred people sit down daily to the table d'hôte. Adjoining is a colonnade and promenade room, leading to the Kreutzbrunnen, the principal spring, which rises beneath a cupola, surmounted by a large gilt cross, and which has a more than European reputation. From the Kreutzbrunnen, houses are continued up the hill, and terminate at the old bath-house, forming altogether almost a square, enclosing the public promenade, where, in the season, are booths for the sale of fancy articles. The surrounding hills are equally disposed in walks; that leading to the Miniature Switzerland commands the best view.

This neighbourhood abounds in mineral springs. Those of Marienbad may be divided into three classes, viz., the Kreutzbunnen and Ferdinandbrunnen, which are saline aperient; the Caroline and Ambrosius, which are chalybeate; and the Marienbrunnen and Waldquelle, which are acidulous. The mud and gas-baths are very efficient at Marienbad. Dr. Herzig, one of the resident practitioners, is mostly consulted by English visitors.