021 (Winter 1973) - National Speleological Society

ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION
The American Spelean History Association is chartered as a non-profit
corporation for the study, dissemination and int erpretation of spelean
history and related purposes. All persons of hi gh ethical and moral
character who are interested in these goals are cordially invited to become
members. Annual membership is $5.00; family membership
$6.00. Library subscriptions are $4.00.
ABOUT THE QUARTERLY
The Association publishes the Journal of Spelean History on a quarterly
basis.
P ertinent articles or reprints are welcomed. A s a photo -offset
process is often used, the editor should be contacted in advance concerning
the current type of manuscript preparation desired. Submission of
rough drafts for preliminary editing is encouraged. lllustrations require
special handling and arrangements must be made with the editor
in advance.
ABOUT BACK ISSUES
The last two volues are available from the Secretary-treasurer at $5.00
per volume. About half the other issues are available at $1. 00 per copy.
All back issues are available on microfiche; for further information
contact 3M-International Microfilm Press, 52.1 West 43rd Street, New
York, N.Y. 10036.
C)
ABOUT
THE
COVER
ILLUSTRATION
This extraordinary view of natives of Yucatan ascending and descending
a double-width ladder of lashed poles was sketched by
erwood in the winter of 1841-1842. during the famous second expedition
of John L. Stephens. The location is ,lithe old cenote" of Bolonchen ­
"Nine Wells" - some distance from the ancient and modern townr but
the only one which was reliable during drought. Stephens t description
of the cenote and its cave is among the high points of his oft-reprinted
Frederick Cath­
"Incidents of travel in Yucatan", first published in 1841. ASHA member
Jim Hedges has found this notable engraving not only in Catherwood's 1848
rare I 'Views of ancient monuments in Central America, Chiapas and Yucatan"
and a 1965 reprint by Barre'Publishers, Barre, Massachusetts, but
in "Books at Iowa", no. 16.11 April, 1972. (University of Iowa Press,- Iowa
City). Yr editor has seen it only in Von Hagen's "Maya· Explorer: John
Lloyd Stephens and the lost cities of Central America ancYYucatan! (University
of Oklahoma Press, several editions), whence this reproduction.
2.