Cave Hunting in 1874

David Rose

Active member
Here

https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Cave_Hunting.html?id=WLocswEACAAJ&source=kp_cover&redir_esc=y

You will find a link that will allow a free download of that classic book by William Boyd Dawkins, Cave Hunting, published in 1874. Much of it deals with digs for animal and prehistoric human bones, but there are also accounts of trips into caves including Lower Long Churn, Weathercote, and that terrifying chasm in the Mendips, Goatchurch.

An appendix contains an essential kit list for cave hunters. It doesn't mention capping gear, but does include a steel ten inch chisel, a 'stout rope not less than twenty feet long... for the exploration of vertical fissures,' and 'common composite candles'. 
 

moorebooks

Active member
David Rose said:
Here

https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Cave_Hunting.html?id=WLocswEACAAJ&source=kp_cover&redir_esc=y

You will find a link that will allow a free download of that classic book by William Boyd Dawkins, Cave Hunting, published in 1874. Much of it deals with digs for animal and prehistoric human bones, but there are also accounts of trips into caves including Lower Long Churn, Weathercote, and that terrifying chasm in the Mendips, Goatchurch.

An appendix contains an essential kit list for cave hunters. It doesn't mention capping gear, but does include a steel ten inch chisel, a 'stout rope not less than twenty feet long... for the exploration of vertical fissures,' and 'common composite candles'.

I have 3 copies of this book for sale
1874 edition - ex Library in good condition ?30
1874 Edition - Rebound and Excelllent condition ?75
1973 Reprint - Very Good condition ?30

Mike
www.moorebooks.co.uk
 

Pitlamp

Well-known member
Mike Moore's prices are perfectly reasonable. I'd rather support a specialist caving & mining book purveyor than some internet opportunist on Ebay any day.
 

ZombieCake

Well-known member
1874 to 2016... I'm guessing flintlocks, rapiers, and candles have been replaced by bivvy bags, mars bars and stupid amounts of lumens.
 
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