Climbing down a wire ladder, Dr. Lee and his associates found several "fountain basins" many of which had a crust of onyx which resembled somewhat the ice that forms over a small body of water in the winter time, after which the water recedes leaving the thin sheet of ice suspended in air.
Other unusual formations were the many pisolites, small, spherical bodies of hard stone which jewelers call "cave pearls." Some were immovable while others were loose, probably never having been able to fasten themselves due to the continuous agitation caused either by a flow of water underneath them or from water above dripping down around them. These "cave pearls" grow from a tiny beginning through hundreds of years by the constant deposition of minute quantities of calcium carbonate left by the dripping or flowing water. Those still active are moist and glistening. The dead ones are pale, with a powdery, dull look. Because of the fact that these "pearls" resembled eggs in nests of stone, the room was called the Rookery, a name which has remained ever since.
In places where water drips at just the right frequency, the water will splash to the surrounding walls, leaving as it dries there its small particle of calcium carbonate. In places it hardens to form funnel shaped vases. In other places it dries too rapidly, leaving a soft powdery accumulation.
Still another formation was the "helictites" which are certain types of stalactites which didn't know which way to go. They appear to defy the laws of gravity, for they may start in one direction and then dart off in another direction. Such formations were caused by certain types of crystallization. Some chemicals will "grow" upward as they dry and expand, and this is probably one explanation, although it may not apply in every case.
By the early fall in 1924, when Dr. Lee and his party had completed this second thorough study of the Caverns, he was most enthusiastic about what he had seen. His observation at that time describes the underground wonders exceptionally well. Telling about the exploration in September, 1925, issue of the National Geographic, he said:
"The Carlsbad Cavern, New Mexico, is the most spectacular of underground wonders in America! For spacious chambers, for variety and beauty of multitudinous natural decorations, and for general scenic quality, it is king of its kind."
The party had covered a total of some 23 miles, which they had patiently mapped and surveyed, photographed, and described. The "rediscovery" had now been completed—and in grand style. The next descent into the great cave was to be by the public itself, and in ever-increasing numbers.
In order to meet this onrush of sightseers, improvement of the interior of the Caverns and the approach from above ground was deemed necessary. Now that the area was a National Monument, the Government gave its attention to the area. Because of his great interest in, and knowledge of the Caverns, Dr. Lee was appointed the first custodian. He served without pay. Jim White became an unofficial guide, later being appointed a park ranger by the National Park Service, finally becoming chief ranger.
Now, with some system of procedure mapped out, improvements began in earnest. All of the major trails were greatly enlarged and smoothed over so that their passage by the public would be safe. Lighting of the halls and chambers was also begun, although most of the illumination was furnished by the lanterns carried by the guides and members of touring parties.
In 1927 the Government could see the Caverns were beginning to take hold as a show place, a vacation mecca, and additional help would be required. They sought a man who could take complete charge for the Government. Someone suggested a man who was at that time in charge of the volcanoes on the Hawaiian Islands, Colonel Thomas Boles. Here, they felt, was a man who could do what was necessary at the great Caverns, and as a result Colonel Boles was appointed the first Superintendent in that year.