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C'.;,:^..:.,,.-, ■ .• -».y ,ir'3' GROSSING NIAGARA ON A TIGHT ROPE AND MAID OF THE MIST HOBSESHOf: FALL AND THREE SISTETB ISLAND bridge: to first gi^.^- .-j.-amo. THE NEW SUSPENSION BRIDGE, m A NDRLW WALLACE AND HIS HORSE ON SUMMIT OF GREAT iCE MOUNTAIN Wl SIGNORINA SPELTLRINA IN HER HIGH ROPE PERFORMANCE. WINTER WONDERS IN THE PARK. WHIRLPOOL RAPIDS- RAILWAY SUSPENSION BRIDGE andCANTI LEIVEK BRIDGE SWIMMING THE WHIRLPOOL RAC'IDS. ^S INDIAN TAMILY. NEW SUSPENSION BRIDGEandFALLS . AMERICAN RAPIDS a INTERNATIONAL HOTEL. PROSPECT POINT. BIRD'S EYE VIEW OF HORSESHOE FALL MAID OF THE MIST IN WHIRLPOOL RAPIDS, Q Z U.I I h u. o > Ui o Q a: Q Z I en Ul u. o UJ > o Ui a Q Z i H z c u Q. O CC Q. C/) < ti. < EC < < o u o < Q z z < o tlj < -k:6-r" r-N.;- - o u m o O UJ u Li. o o 00 o Q m z o z u a. CO zi f _J < Qi o a: u h z BRIDGE TO BURNING SPRINGS AND OLARK HILL ISLANDS. r^; (t^x.^^-j^^^^aeit-ri.- m / -?^'''«'»?^HESS'' ■ ? ' 1^^ gaa^ jT 1 ^^k^^SI ■^,>^>~rf |»J>i*ii TT^y ■ "V ■. —^ — ■ — fl • »■ <• •v. BRIDGE TO SECOND SISTER ISLAND. BRIDGE TO THIRD SISTER iSLA ND. i^ MD. OENERAL VIEW FROM NEW SUSPENSfON BRIDGE. RAPIDS PROM TH I PD SISTER ISLAND. 47/1 DAVEY'S IlLLUSTRATED GUIDE. TO NIAGARA FALLS. :-iV^»>A^S»^:S^ I ^'^•-•>'^m'!ilMnmM'm^•'':mm»■^^mp^^»^,«^J^^ DAVETS GUIDE TO NIAGARA FALLS being a complete guide to all the points of interest around and in the immediate neighbourhood. EMBELLISHEB WITH VIEWS copied from photographs made especially for this work PUBLISHED by RAILEOAD NEWS & ADVERTISING Co. LONDON ONTARIO. Also Publisher of GRAND TRUNK DAILY BULLITIN and DETROIT RAILROAD BULLITIN. / B 5 ^ O 8 6 To the visitor! In arranging this rvork, great care has been taken to make it in every resjyect, correct, and tvorthy of the attention of the visitor, and to render it both concise and comprehensive, combining all the useful features of my other ^publication on Niagara, vith numerous improvements, calculated to adapt it to the presant demands. With these many features of excellence, it is confidently hoped that this work will be appreciated, as a valuable assistant to the visitor, and « ready guide and advisor, under every difficulty which may beset ihc tourist at Niagara Flails. • The author. INDEX. Page Introduction g Ovat Island Bridge ..'..*.!!!!'!** 10 Rapids above the Falls .•'..!!!!'.!!!] U Bath Island .'.'.** 12 Goat Island , • • . Luna Island • , , ! ! ! ! ^ .' ' 13 Bi'- Visitors selected' All the prTncinal hoTl- .l^'P"'' '"•? ^°^^^ previously The distances to the different nninf/ *"• """"•'"" '" ^"^^^ f^'n may either walk .r ride as he ma" !'-• '»^'^'''''-''° ""*' ">e tourist to state that the distances are trjreiAA """'d. Perhaps be as well The street between t!ie G ,Hm 7^"". '° «".P°i"ts of interest, to the river where ifs spam'eU by '"'""»"»"'" ""tels leads Goat Island Bridge. ..-.'"'.* .'"'''?ge is ahout 40 rods ahnyp th- p„ii. ^,.,_ . ."u suosta..t,ai structure . was erected by mTs;.; Porter.'^lhe - u enjoys and where the mdeur, has cataract is wn a ledge rpendiciilar 1. surplus of ' is passed rence into erican and tween the longitude, e Erie and we shall est where it to him Let us f Niagara- from the hotel. It proceed; Visitors ireviously ery train. le tourist )e as well 'interest, tels lead." elegant ter, the proprietors of Goat-Island. It is on the plan of the Whipple iron arched bridge, i« 360 feet long, having four arohes of ninety teet span each. Their width is twenty seven feet. The first bridge that was thro^vn across these turbulent waters was constructed at the head of Goat- Island in 1817, it was carried away by the ice in the following spring, and was succeeded by another built in 1818 on the site of the present bridge. Tliis was repaired in 1831), again, in 1849. T!ie present bridire was erected in 1856. The inquiry is olten made, how was it ever constructed over such a tremendous rapid? The difficulties attending its construction were overcome in the following manner: A massive abutment of timber was built at the water's edge, fiorn which were projected enormously long and heavy beams of timber. These beams were secured on the land s'de by heavy loads of stone; their outer ends were rendered steady by means of stilts or legs let down from them and thrust into the bottom of the river. A plalt'orm was thrown over the projection, along which a strong framework of timber, filled solidly with store, was carried and sunk into the river. To this pier the first permanent portion of the bridge was fixed ; then commencing from the extremity, beams were run out and a second pier similarly formed ; and so on till the bridge was completed. This is one of the finest points of view from which to 'observe the Rapids above the Falls. Here the first perceptions of power and grandeur begin to awaken in our minds. The noble river is seen hurrying on towards its final leap; as we stand upon the bridge, looking down upon the rushing flood of water, that seems as if it would sweep away our frail standing-ground and hurl us over the dread precipice, whose rounded edge is but a few yards further down, we begin, though feebly as yet, to realize the immensity of this far-famed cataract. The fall of the river from the head of the rapids (H of a mile above) to the ed^e of the precipice is nearlv 60 feet, and mcreases in velocity, from seven to thirty miles an hour. The I If — 1:2 — tumultuous madness of the watpr« linrUr,^ j * ward billows and breakers dowT\he S^^e^enft if "?^".?- ^^ ''^^' impatience, is a fine contrast tn \hl "^^'f "^' ^^ ^^ frettmg with with which at length 'hev ruth intn .r'^J"" magnificent sweep Midway between the brfd J nn/ *-^- ^^""^^^ing flood below Rockjsee description of^^v^ery t K'^'" "'^ '^ "^" ^-^y'» We will now pass over the bridge to Bath-Island. the Niag\":'kKper mit s'.id ft ^" ^^*^"*' "P^" -^ich is manufacturing eLEm"ns%rttu^^^^^^ up are two small Islands, called "sK^d^^^^^^^^ their supposed resemblance fn that !. *• , , • ^ ^^'^"^' f^o™ former rs%requently""'S W,XS l1'' "1^ \'' river, we see several small Islets mn.fnf V- ^^°°'""!f down the connected with thrillinTrncidents • Tr L ^^^'"".''/.? ''"'"•« "■• '«s' refer the traveller to h.!' '^°'\?™P''ic details of which we •earned in loclFtradition '''"'^^'■^"'''^ «nd guides, who are passeT'but'smane?)!'^"'"' """*''' ""'^^ ^'"""^ '» '•'^ ""« j''^* Goat-Island. Goat-Island contains 62 acres- U o i,»iu crcumference, and heavily timbered In ?77n , """u ^ .u""'* '" of Stedman placed some J»t, wi , '"'""• » ""an hy the name It was originally called IrfsIsLn^f ^^u'"''*' •>""•=« ^^e name, rainbows that L irfreTuen f v J?^ the number of beautiful visited long betore the RrS T. " "*■" "• '^°«' '^lan,! was were not numerous the 1^ h^W '"""-'"'^'f^' Ji"' »''« visitor, 1772, 1779, under tL ntJ! f ^ T^ ^''**'- ^he dates 1771, in b echtrees"ne:r\t HTr'-slrrJif "™"^"'' ''''"' '-"*' -^ . paX cld^T"lr'g"vlrb'";'',r''''^^^ ofSamue.She,wood services rendered. imL.Sr .k^ ['^^.^"' « ?' P^X for military land on any of the ■'unsoM"L";r "'•'"""' •" ""•'''''' ^00 acres of J ot ine unsold o' "-aopropriated land belonging to 13 ig in way- Jtting with ;ent sweep 3od below. in Avery*s which is jest paper tie higher ind, from [•aft. The down the re or less which we who are one just mile in the name le name, beautiful land was i visitors :es 1771, )und cut herwood "lilitary acres of iging to I th^ State. Part of this they located on Goat and other adjacent islands, nnmediately above and adjoining the Great Falls, their patent beanng date 1816 and signed by Daniel D. Tompkins as governor, and Martin Van Buren as Attorney-General of New York. An early record says the Island once contained 250 acres of land.' In approaching the Island we ascend the hill and take the road to the right (live minutes wp.lk) which leads to Luna-Island. This little Island, adjacent to Goat Island is connected with It by a foot bridge over the stream that forms the Centre Fall, this stream, though a mere ribbon of white foam when seen from a short distance, in contrast with the other Falls, is by no means unworthy of notice. It is one hundred feet wide, and is a very graceful sheet of water. From Luna Island (which is so called because it is the best point from which to view the beautiful lunar-bow) a view of the river below the falls, the Inclined Railway, the Uve of the Winds, the two suspension Bridges in the distance, the American and Centre Falls, may be seen to advantage, the visitor being located at the edge of the precipice of the American *all. ihis view is thought by many to be unsurpassed. It has often been remarked by strangers that this Island trem- bles, which is undoubtedly true; but the impression is heightened by imagination. It was while climbing over the rocks directly under this Island, that Dr. Hungerford, of Troy, N. Y., was killed in the bprmg of^ 1839, by the crumbling of a portion of the rock from u ^x\®* . , . ** ^^^® °^^^y accident thai ever occurred at Niagara by the falling of rock. ReLurning to Goat Island, we proceed a few yards to Biddle Stairs. ThpV WPrti aranioA i*ti 1 COn f xU _ - ... J •"- - -!■---'-« lii iu^if, lui uie purpose of enabhna "" f M ^'^.^f''^^"^ ^J? ^*^« ^ave of the Winds, and were named atter Mr. Biddle of Philadelphia, who contributed towards their - 14 — tTof b.,„k'f!>'h!li? "''■ ^?oJ'f ^'^^ "^''^ ""^l 3i Here ar. aressmg rooms for those who wish to go into the far-famed Cave of the Winds. w ..'['"'/PPellat.ion by which it is known is entirely annronriafo n^ e sarv to"m, °o '"'l '""^'r, «« ^^^'^ ^-^hrWeU^'T, admhfnl ?o2 T, "'•'^'-PW^'f dresses and obtain a guide. (Se. Kern eZn H t /" 'V? '\ '""'='> "'^'t^'l ''y I'l'lies as wel as subst?Xm if Mf» ""•'' ^^ ["^l f "°" °^ "'« '^^'^f <"> the soft lime stir rfl ,?'■'"?■'"'• "''"".^ "^^^ '"^™ washed away and the ft-nn. .r , '"" ^'■'■'""S overhead 30 feel beyond the base In of tL''reme'nrt';;""" '^"' ^°™^ l''«^"''f"' '■"^''■"- '" consequence with nernHnLl „,'"■'''"'.%?" "'^ atmosphere, the cave is filled cTaotif '^A K \ T' ?"u^ ""^ '™'' °f conflicting elements is quit. Chaotic. A beautiful rainbow, quite circular in form quivers amiJ the driving spray when the sum shines. Along the floor oflhb hTt"s"st Hker,L" '"n '"'7 *%'^"'-'<''^ ^''"^ Ireat vioT„ce.'» U,.: :, . "'* ™"' ^"^ curls upwards along the roof thn. wS'it'beVs'!™"'' "'"' '^^ P'-'"^"''^'' for this' ,^ace'?Sl WU front"nT.i?""i T,"^ ^'alk out on bridges and platforms, directly in front of the Falls anout 40 feet distant. With the Fklls nourins alrT^i^i ^?"'' 1'"^'.^°" '"•« '" the midst of heavy spray indZl Tr™?y thf-f i"""^ ^'* '^' ^•"'■' ^"-l ««"«^«' tun>ult'^a%und yo"t seetl thf '^ ''"",", ""T"' '° ^'^ forgotten. No tourist should mL seeing this remarkable phenomenon. Near the Biddle stairs the celebrated Sam Patch foo?'of'Ih/r"n.'f''"V?P'' V^?^- ^ '"'''^^^ ^^^ PJaCC<3 at the foot of the rock and fastened with ropes in such a manner that distance of STfee. - No^cont^lirwit'h^ C^.^^.^^'^ I . irr,;tfl«.fti!^^-,--; stance from ± Here are -famed ippropriate. feet. It is ^uide. (See as well as )n the soft ly and the e base. In >nsequence ve is filled its is quitt ivers amid )or of thii tlence , so roof thus B the title lirectly in Is pouring \ and are >und you: lould miss ed at the nner that 1 laid on ; river^ a he after- I ~ 15 — wards made a higher leap of Genesee Falls, Rochester, where he was killed. After ascending the stairs we proceed a little further walk down ^ few steps, and cross a little bridge to what was once Terrapin Tower. This tower occupied a singular and awful position. A few scattered rocks he on the very Brink of the Fall, seeming as if unable to mamtam their position against the tremendous rush of Toof I "P°"^*hese rocks the tower was built ; it was erected in 1833 by Judge Porter. A few years ago it was removed being considered unsafe. • Here we obtain the most magnificent view that can be cur»- ceived : the rapids above rolling tumultuously towards you — the green water of the mighty Fall at your feet - below vou the hissing caldron of spray, and the river with its steep bank beyond ; m fact, the whole range of the Falls themselves, and the world of raging waters around them, are seen from this commandhig point of view. • Passing on along the edge of the Rapids (5 minutes vralk) we come to the r v «., Three Sisler Islands. u JI^I^! Islands are now connected to Goat Island by three beautiful foot bridges, from which the best view of the rapids is to be obtained, (see narrow escapes). Continuing our way a short distance along the rapids we come to the ^ Head of Goat Island. Here we view the broad and placid river above, spread out jn a beautiful wide sheet of water. In the distance we see Navy Island, celebrated in the history of border warfare, the site of old Fort Schlosser, on the American side, md the town of Chippewa You notice the current is rapid btit not broken here, 'and sets directly from the shore to this spot. Here is where it is - It) — PutaamM''%".?' "^^l' '"''° '^'^ ■^'•""J "Pon Goat Island Israel head of this islanra^d returned ^Tut T^- '^"'^' * '"P '° "»« crossed occasionally, as trac^^ "^^ J.titrbel^/^d ^^^^^^^ clrcuuT?L'l":„r W^^Ll^ve'tw""™'^' ''^^'"^ ""''' ">« -"« over 2 miles. ^ """^ "'"<'« " J°"™ey of a little .f i^\i7^ (ZuriTy^l tf ^" *"' "*''- •'o- the bank. Prospect Park. of thl'lmetarCen^S^^^^ -f, \-brace, fine views worth coming many miles to sef Hpr/ / ^^'" ^^"^deed a sight behold Niagara stretcWn^ frnnf tho a ' -^^ ^""^ ^'^^ ^^^ep, we Turning from the Falls, we come to the Inclined Rail-way down which visitors are carried in r^ar^ wnrbn^ i. — 17 — / and. Israel Niagara,, at trip to the } to have ■Qund here. the entire of a little the banks fme views ed a sight weep, we nada side of the he abyss. l1 nature r power, ne view side ol Drefer it 3ps 290.) . to the vhich is some consider the view from the ferry boat the grandest of all. The depth of the river is about 200 feet. Now reader, we have viewed the Falls from all the principal pomts on the American side, and those who do not take the boat to Canada will return with us to the park above. If the preceding tour has been done on foot, those who have followed us thus far wiU need a little rest, after which, we suggest a carnage be now engaged, then we will proceed to the other pomts of interest on the American side, and after visit the Queen's domains. Our next point of interest will be the Whirlpool Rapids. This wonderful spot is about two miles from the Falls, down the rushing green river which, flowing at profound depth between high banks, looks so quiet yet sullen after leaving the howling abyss at the foot of the falls. At Whirlpool Rapids ! what a change! The whole force of the ^.ater concentrates itself here, it seems as though it would tear asunder the steep, wooded hills that enclose it, so wild and startling it its terrific power; as far as the eye can roach the wa!er thunders down in seething heaving masses of foam, throwin;^^ up streams of water covered witli spray, and in places whirling it up into angry billows twenty or thirty feel above the head of the spectator standing on the shore. It is deafening in its roar, and here, even more than at the brink ©f the Falls, we can have a realization of the terrific force of Niagara. B'or a this poinf. which is only about 300 feet wide, the united waters of Lake Superior, Michigan, St. Glair, Huron and Erie, thunder along at the rate of 37 miles an hour. According to Sir Charles Lyell's calculations, lally fifteen hundred million*^ cubic feet of-^water rush throusrh this fforo-f PVPry mmute E'^Ht"'^*'*'^ depth 300 feet. — 18 — To promote the comfort and convenience of visitors a donh1» elevator was erected in 1869, at a cost of twenty Uousanddo^krl and IS a perfect specimeii of mechanical skill and Znul Th» machinery ,s worked by water-power, transmitted from a'^whl^t placed some 300 feet below the top of the bank! Havr. returneJ to our carnage, let us proceed one mile further down 01^10 "he Whirlpool. .« .P® ''t''.°" <'0"taining the Whirlpool is nearly eiri-nl=r ^r,A by his own carelessness, fallen intoTnit fan H^ fi f •'"''I'"'?' f^r[sto ^pe' "^^^t:"'' '^'h^ nil ^"•f™ticn:.t'7,^:%"f! of water, yet it has answered every purpose for thousands of veS coiieje^y-rj rXht ^r'^i.J'tz:^ £^ri' bridge and return by the other, we will first croi the 'old L'"' Rail-way Suspension Bridge, This bridge is a noble and stupendous structnrp . ;♦ ^^^u- .n an emment degree, strength wit'h elegance of st^ctrel't"!: — 19 — s, a double and dollars, luity. The n a wheel »g returned river to the rcular and, ne. But as are disap- >se, in the le bottom, is several is formed red course asin. We river to a suddenly, impulse is futile ef- f, appears 3t amount ! of years. Deveaux n the ad- the whole isitor will American e United by one >ld or combines re. It is owned by a stock company, and cost $ 500,000. Architect Mr. John A. Roebhng of Trenton, New-Jersey. This bridge is of enormous strength, and forms communication between the United-States and Canada, over which the cars of the Grand Trunk and Erie Rail- road pass withont causing much vibration. It was commenced in 1852 ; the first cars passed over it on the 8tb of March 1855. The road for carriages is suspended 28 feet below the rail-road line. The bridge is now wholly composed of iron and steel except the floor of the carriageway, $ 100,000 having just been expended in taking out the parts made of wood and substituting iron and steel. It is a remarkable fact, that the traffic was not impeded while these extensive repairs were going on. The following statistics in regard to this great structure will not be out of place here: Length of span from <-ntre to centre of towers Height of tov.ers above the rQ(;k, American side * » » » > 2> Canaela side . » » » > » floor of Railway » » track above the water Number of Wire cables Diameter of each cable Number of N® 9 wires in each cable' .... Ultimate aggregate strength of cables .... Weight of superstructure Maximum weight cables and stays will support . 825 feet 88 » 78 > 60 » 258 » 4 » 10 ^^ inches 3,6*)9 tons 12,400 » 800 > 7,309 » Grand Trunk through trains east and west run across this bridge, affording passengers a fine view of the whirlpool Rapids where the famous Gapt Webb was drowned, the river below, and a distant view of all the Falls. The Grand Trunk railway, with its powerful and direct con- nections, and extensive and continuous through line, is a favorite route. Ever alive to the interests of its patrons, it has yearly improved its track, roHing stock and motive power; it passes through a section of country in which there is a great varr*:'ty of grand and beautiful scenery, and in all that makes a route de- sirable to the traveling public this line cannot be surpassed. — 20 — In close proximity we perceive the new _ . Cantilever Bridge. side p~e of winH ^f *"*"g 'h« entire length, and under a then ^rSn h„ , ' /.' ^^^''"'y "^^^ "'"«'« l'«" hnu'-. and even then It will be strained to only one fifth of its ultimate stren-th The following are the dimensions. "'"maie strength. Total length of Bridge proper 910 feet Length of canti-lever?, 375 and 395 feet. Length of fixed span 125 feet. Length of clear span across the river, .500 feet Height of Abutments, 50 feet. Heigh' of steel towers, 130 feet. Height of clear spar, above the rival-, 2*5 feet lotal vveight resting on steel columns, l.S.IO tons. the b^"lg^"aafn!"'n" '''"'"''' *■""'" "^'^^^ ^'"^ '""^ ■■"" ^'^^'O^^ S .u' r n •^'^'^^ *" '*'™'''S' uninterrupted view of the r ver below the Falls in all of its incessant changes. We may mention in passing that here are two caves, Callin's cave and the GLrsc-ve between the Bridge and the Falls, on the Ainerican ,'.?,? 84,^'^ The ne.,"'r' ■•'"'• ?'"^.y ""' ^'"'''"■' ""t wo thy of ,^o ce Iho next stopping point is, in front of the American Falls. Iridge, built ailway with iciple never Two similar le new Tay oncl for the ^l Gohimbia. ver bridges, 'idgre is not tlie whole two of the d under a , and even e strength. run across fe view of J Miciiigan g'ara Fa Us, a side, is the river Y mention, ant's cave, 1 Bender's of notice. - 21 — Comprising the American and Centre Fall. These Falls are one quarter of a mile wide, and have a perpendicular height of 164 feet. It is estimated ])y Sir Charles Lyell that not less than one hundred and fifty millions of cubic feet of water pass over these (2) Falls every minute. They are characterized by an irre- gularity that gives them a wild and singular beauty. The outline is far-projecting and deeply indented. The water flows over a broad, billowy stream, and is thrown out by craggy points in a hundred places, so that it passes down in a snow-white drapery, and possessing so much beauty and variety that it delights while it awes one almost forgets its immensity while contemplating its singular beauty. Driving on a short distance we come to the famous Table Rock. In Jiliuding to this view, Charles Dickens says: — ^Jt was not till 1 came on Table Rock, and looked on the fall of bright green water, that it came upon me in its full might and majesty. The Niagara was for ever stamped upon my heart, an image of beauty, to remain there, changeless and indelible, until its pulses cease to beat for ever." Table Rock is no longer the extensive platform that it once was — large portions of it having fallen from time to time. In 1818, a mass of 160 feet long and 40 feet wide broke off and fell into the boiling flood ; and in 1828, three immense masses fell, with a shock like an earthquake. Again, in 1829, another frag- ment fell ; and in 1850, a portion of about 200 feet in length and 100 feet thick. On one of these occasions, some forty or fifty persons had been standing on the rock a few minutes before it fell ! The work of demolition still goes on, for another portion of Table Rock fell in 1857. In 1867, a large crack or seam having formed around it near the road, it was deemed unsafe, and the Canadian Government caused it to be blasted away ; so now all that remains of the once famous Table Rock is a huge mass of rock at the edge of the river below tlie bank. It overhangs the terrible caldron close to the great iiui oc oiiuc rah. The Horse shoe Fall extends from the Canada shore to Goat Island, the width being estimated at 2376 feet; the perpendicular height is 158 feet. It derived its name from its shape ; but it has I — 22 much altered since it wn^ numoA ti - , little the resemhlance of ^ hoTse shJi' VJ'' '^^^^« ^?" ^«« "«^ an inverted letter a! ^^^^e-shoe, having rather the shape of The volume of water that robs over fhi« iTnii • It IS estin.ated that the slieet is^fuTly^^O feet tS ' enormous. or where it looks so green • an l^ L.TI IT- u^ *" ^^® *'«"*''• in a singular nianr.er in V'^o a '!hT. ^^ ''''"f^,, ^^^« corroborated been co. demned was Zo^t andl ^U^^^^ Vuf t'n\^^^"5 were put a live bear, a deer a bnffiln oIa I ' .^ ^°^^^ mals. The vessel was' ahno^t'l^^o'cked"^^ 'j^etrir!h^ T. a large portion of her hull went over enHrP % f ^P'^^.' ^"^ feet of water, but did n^ stdke fh. .Hfl^ '"^ drew eighteen awful iilunge. "^® *"® ^^^^ as she took the pass'^ot^ Ihis^FTll^Ter^^'^nlnutf^'m '' ^"^^^ ^^^ °^ -ter much to the ma^ ncrnt^randen^ nTn'-' ^^' '"" ^'""^^' '^ ^^^^ bow exiemUivr at times fr^nn. ?» a * ''' '^^''^' ^ ^^autiful rain- can be seen ° A sSl s ^h V "^"^n ''?" ^° *^^ Horse shoe Fall enables the" vislr' o gfd wT^nrnarfT "^ T?. 'l' ^'"''^^^' view here is awfully grand T. wV I i ''^ "."^*'' ^^'^ ''a''' The New Suspension Bridge. possi-ngMi's and rjirriap-pe A ♦•o,, -i I ^i- _ ^o aesigned for foot i I — -23 — n has now e shape of enormous, the centre rroJ/orated >it, having On board laller ani- ipids, but r eighteen took the of water . it adds iful rain- shoe Fall id guides, ^ali. The frowning he thick t — and roar that > feeling nth the le lower or foot eaks of eddies and delicate wreaths of foam, just below the Falls, they have of late years, woven a web of wire, high in air, and hung a bridge from precipice to precipice. Of all the bridges made with hands. It seems the slightest, most etherial. It is ideally graceful, and droops from its slight towers like a garland. It is worthy to command, as it does the whole grandeur of Niagara, and to show the traveller, the vast spectacle, from the beginning of the American Fall to the farthest Hmit of the Horse shoe. This is the longest Suspension Bridge in the world. Its great length, symetrical form, graceful curve and obvious strength, cannot fail to strike every beholder with equal surprise and pleasure. It is owned by a stock company, and cost Doll. 250,000. The folio wmg particulars in regard to this structure may he of mterest. The span between the centre of towers is , Height above surface' of river Height of towers above rock on Canada side * * » » » > American side 1,268 feel 190 » 105 » 100 » Base of towers 28 feet square, and top 4 feet square. The bridge is supported by two cables, composed of seven wire ropes each, which contain respectively 133 number 9 wires. The weight of these wire ropes per lineal foot is 91bs, and the diameter of the cable is 7 inches. The aggregate breaking strain of the cable or^A* ^^"^' ^^^^ weight of bridge and appurtenances is about 250 tons. On arriving once more on the American shore we have vLsited the principal points which comprise all that may be called Seeing the Falls*', and travelled about 12 miles. With the tourist who has the time and inclination we will now, point out several localities in the vicinity, which are worthy of attention, particularly on account of their historical associations We mention first Lundv's Lan^^ B;;ttlp..nrniind This historical spot upon which the bloody battle was fought. — 24 — on the SStk day of July, 1814, between the British and American forces, IS about a mile and a half west of the Fall on the Canad" equal I'd iXl'J '"'^' -'d wounded o„ both^Mes wasTouI equal, and both parties, as a matter of course, claim the victory. The Devil's Hole. .iH» A''^"' three and a half miles from the Falls, on the American tlJU * -Jj^P' g'°°my chasm in the bank of the "ver ab"ut 120 feet deep. Overhanging this dark cave, „ is a perpend Jul'r nredn 11 from the top of which falls a small stream cXd the Boodv Run' This stream obtained its name from the followinrtr'Liea TncMent " - Durmg the French war in 1763, a detachment oB 1 "oldies before the soldiers had time to form, poured into Their conCd W„"nd ^ "/."If""^, ?"'y "f ''""«'^- The little s ream ran red wHh - w;re"huri:d"ovt ^h? 7ff "'"r^i, "^^^""^' hor.es 'and ci^.i^s were nuriea over the cliff into the yawnin" gulf helnw an-) dashed to pieces on the rocks. Only two escaped ?o ell the' talp^ h'rou\"h 'the'"rt'ks"nf t'" '^ Mr. .sfedman, wKo dl^shel' h Ml of bufletsi """'"'• ^"'' ^''''P'^'^ ""''' '' 'hower Three mile* further down is Top of Mountain. ^i.it^''!''* f® °° associatio.ns of interest connected with it- it is visited sirnply on account of the pleasant drive and the'-^iand vlll. nf i' ^-"f ^'■''"' 'i' *'*'="*'J P°^i"°"- -'"^t below is the :tSf,ttT::iZV "uie*'-""""^'^^ ''""■' Qneenstown, between ouipViu'» CM ; '^j """■' "^^'"' '""J "'ajestic in its recovered qmetuce. In th» far dislan.e, on either side, stretches the richly I — 25 — American he Canada was about le victory. American about 120 precipice, )ody Run. incident : ti soldiers Schlosser ans, then umerous, Kj among 'recipice ; ^irid, and confused red with d drivers ow, and he tale: lis horse shower t; it is B grand is the >etween covered ! richly wooded landscape, dotted with villas and cottag^es. This is indeed a fine view, and well repays the exertion of the drive. We see opposite, on Queenscown Heights (Canada side). Brock's I^lonumenl. This monument was erected by the British Government, in mrmiory of Sir Isaac Brock, the general commanding the army at th.; battle of Queenstown Heights, on the 13^1^ day of October, 1812. His rema^vs, and those of his aid-de-camp, Col. John Mc. Donald, who died of wounds received in the same battle, are buried here. I The first monument was completed in 1826, and was blown up ia 1810 by a man earned Lett, who was afterwards imprisoned for this dastardly act. The {)resent handsome shaft was erected in 18.03. The height is 185 feet.fihe base is 40 feet square by 30 feet high ; the shaft is of freestone, fluted, 75 feet high and 30 feet in circumference, surmounted by a Corinthian capital, on which stands a statue of the gallant General. The view from this monument is mo-t impressive. Niagara is spread out before you, the beautiful valiey for seven miles to Lake Ontario, in one grand panoramic view, and the lake beyond, studded with white sails, is one which is exc^^lled nowliere in the country. Should the visihir be in Niagara on Sunday he will find a :; very interesting service by attending church at the Indian Village. They have two churches, or meeting houses, here, in which the services are conducted in the Indian dialect, then translated for the benefit of those who do not understand it. One house is of the Baptist persuasion, the other Presbyterian: for, of course, the ancient superstitions of the race have faded away before the strong light of Christianity, and the Great Spirit is worshipped only in the name by which the while man calls it. From this village comes all the beautiful bead- work, bows and arrows, Canoes, &c., seep in the bazaais at Niagara. It is eight miles from the Fall. I ■ ~ ^6 — It is proper to mention that at the Whirlpool Rapids, Canada Side. Tfae view is similar to the one we have seen on the American side, being just oppo>ite. Tiiis point of inteiest is generally known as the Whirlpool Kapids Park, and comprises the natural uplands of the river hank, which at this point, are 'IbO feet hij^h, as well as a road at the l)ase of the cliff, which follows the course of the river, and has been excavated from the rock. In the warm days of Slimmer this is a most deligtfully cool and shady retreat , the cli^ tormmg a natural protection from the rays of the sun, while th,« immediate presence of the swift-rolling waters ensures a peren- nial coolness. Two means of access to the water's edge are provided, ihe first being a series of steps forming a long flight of stairs, and the other a unique mclined railway operating two cars running by the specific gravity of water in the tanks under e? -h car filled from a spring at the top of the cliff and emptied on the arrival of the cars at the foot of the incline. The ascent or descent if made in 1 % minutes, the loaded car from above being the motive power used to hoist the lighter car from below. An other inclined rnihvay enables us to reach the water's edge ^t ti^^ Whirlpool Canada Side. The view does not materially differ from the one previously described on the American side, and is much visited. We think it ri.-ht to say that the illustrations with which this litUe book is embellished may be depended on as being minutely correct, having been copied fi-om photographs, made by Niagara's distinguished aitists, whose beautiful views of Niagara scenery are so well known Lo the public. In the preceding pages we have visited the various points around the Falls and pointed out the places of interest in their neighbourhood. We will now, in a few words, give the reader a brief history of some of the local surroundings and events. IVliiseiim is situated on flannl St., opj)osit<^ Prospect Park. - The building was erected expressly for the juirpose, is a large and massive stone edifice. The collection is immense having been gathered at great expense from all parts of tli- world. Tlie collection of Egyptian Mum- mies is said to be the best in America. — It is well worth the &d-mission fee. Cyclorama of the Battle of Gettysburg is also on Canal St. and is much visited by tourists. e American rally known iral uplamls ^^h, as well urse of the warm days Btreat , the sun, while es a peren- ■e provided, stairs, and ^rs running h car filled the arrival descent if the motive ater's edge previously ^ilh which as being i, made by of Niagara ding pages id pointed ill now, in ' the local ilding was ►ne edifice, at expense Mill Mum- worth the 27 "IVIiiid of the IVIist". This little steamer u.^ed to run from her dock near the Railway Suspension Bridge up to the Falls, passing so close to the falling waters as to seem to those looking down upon her, to almost pasi under the sheet. Water-proof garments were provided, and the trip was an exciting one. The steamer was built expressly for this brief voyage, being an excellent boat of 170 tons burden with an engnie of above 100 horse-power. The owners having found her unprofiiable, she was sold to a Montreal firm, with the condition that she should be s.tely navigated through the Rapids and Whirlpool. This dangerc^us experiment was undertaken by Joel R. Robinson the her(. of Niagara) with but two assistants r iV!u^,''Lf' "^ i""''^^- ^^'^ '"'^■'^ ^*^^ mooring.^ near the Bridge, June 15th, 1861, and swung boldly out into the river, to try one ot the most perilous voyages ever made. She shoe forward like an arrow ot light, and with the velocity of lightning passed on, as many supposed, to meet her doom. Many beheld this hazardous, darmg adventure, expecting every instant she would be dashed to pieces and disappear for ever. Amazement thrilled every heart and It appeared as if no power short of Omnipotence could save her. There there"! was the suppressed exclamation that escaped the hps ot all. "She is lost! She is lost'\' But, guided by an eye that dimmed not, and a liand that never trembled, slie was piloted through tliose maddened waters by the intrepid Robinson in perfect safety. The boat lost her funnel, but otherwise, received no injury. Robinson had performed many hazardous exploits in saving the hves ot persons who had fallen into Ihe river, yet this last act, in Laking the "Maid of th- Mist" through the Rapids and Whirl' pool, IS the chmax of his adventures. It was a wonderful feat of navigation, and created intense excitement for miles around. Avery on the Log. In Julv. 1853. two mnn took a hn^if orul ««* ^..,f *„„ .. _i ^ •ail on the river above the Falls. Nothing was heard of them witil next morning, when one of them, named Joseph Avery, was I - 28 seen clinging to a log sticking on a rock in the n.idst of the Rapids below Goat Island Bridge, between Bath Island and the mam-land. Ihousands of people assembled to render the poor man assistance, and during the day various attempts were made to rescue hini from his perilous position, but without success. At ength a boat was lowered down the Rapids towards the log to which he clung. It reached the spot, but the rope became .ntangled under the log, rendering it useless. A raft was then let down, and he succeeded in getting on it; but those ropes also became entangled, and the raft could not be brought to shore Another boat was let down to bin, but as it reached the raft it .truck with such force that Avery, who was standing erect, Veil off backward, and m another moment he was swept over the Falls His body was never found. tcraiis. Francis Abbot. The Hermit of the Falls. In the month of June 1829, a tall, gentlemanly, but haggard- looking young man, made his appearance at Ninl^ra Falls He brought with Imn a large port-folio, and several boSks and musical bstruments For a few weeks he paid daily and nightly vS re the most interesting points of Niagara, and at length became so fascinated with the beauty of the scene, that he resolved to take up his abode there altogether! No one knew whence the strange came Those who conversed with him asserted that he was tolented, and engaging in his manners and address; but he was not communicative, and shunned the company of man. At tl ' end of a few weeks he applied for permission to build forMms 'l' ™Ti;Uiis"hf l\^'''''^ Sister Islands ; but circumltaTces r/n/t ?. nn.1 H i"""^ "^ ^'}' residence in an old cottage on Goat Island. Here the young hermit spent his days and nights m solitary contemplation of the great cataract: and when w nter f.::^^:4^^,:f.^!^-^fl«^^h« f-fJ^nd saw the twinkle of his wood fhrfrnnhi^^ '""''. ^^"^^""^^y ^o the swcct music that floated over the troubled waters and mingled with the thunder of the Fall. — 2y — idst of tlie d and the the poor i^ere made ccess. At Is the log pe became was then ropes also to shore. le raft, it erect, fell ' the Falls. haggard- ^alls. He id musical r visits to ecame so 1 to take 3 stranger he was he was , At the )r himsel! mstances ottage on id nights sn winter his wood ated over the Fall. This wonderful recluse seemed never to rest. At all hours o( day and night he might be seen wandering around the object oi JLis adoration. Not content with gazing at the Rapids, he regular!^ bathed in the turbulent waters; and the bathing place of Francis Abbot is still pointed out to visitors. One day in June 1831, lu- went to bathe in the river below the Falls. Not long afterwarn of savage 3en months 3f the spot, ct encrusts trees bend le Spirit of ; and tiiose t-work will Island and 'ound have ' ponderous point and iter hurries rushes into shines, ail I is almost liancy and the river, ice bridge quarter ot crossed by the river 'oken, and r times it The roar of the Falls. This much depends upon the wind, and th^ state of the atmospherfc. Sometimes every door and window, the Uast ajar, for a mile around, will tremble, and the loar may be heaid horn' fifteen to twenty five miles. At other times it cannot !)e hear00 to 300 feet deep. This gorge, or chasm, extends from the Falls to Queenstown, a distance of seven miles; in the 32 I "ourse of which the river descends 100 feet, and then emerges on the low, level land lying between Qiieenstown and Lake Ontario — a further distance of seven miles. The descent here is only about four feet alloj/etlier, and the flow of the river is placid. The chasm is winding in form, and about the centre of its course, makes a turn nearly at right angles, forming the well-known Whirlpool Geology of Niagara. The geological features of tlic district around Niagara are very remarkable, and the Falls afford a fine example of the power of water to form an excavation of great depth and considerable length in the solid rock. The country over which the river flows is a flat table-land, elevated about IKIO feet above Lake Ontario. Lake Erie, situated in a depression of this platform, is about 36 miles distant from Ontario, lying to the south-west. This table- land extends towards Qiieenston, where it terminates suddenly in an abrupt line of cliff, or escarpment, facing towards the north. Tlie lai\d then continues on a lower level to Lake Ontario Such are the various appearances and peculiarities presented by the River and Fals of Niagara, the causes of which we shall endeavour to explain. The escarpment at Queenston, and the sides of the great ravine, have enabled us in the most satisfactory manner to ascertain the geological formations of the district, and to account for the present position of the Falls, as well as to form, on good grounds, an opinion as to the prol>able working of this miuhty cataract in the future. It has long been supposed that the Fails originally plunged over the cliff at Queension, and that they have g^radually eaten their way back, a distance of seven miles, to their pre^ent position. It is further conjectured that they vvill continue to cut their way back, in the course of ages, to Lake Erie, anil that an extensive inundation will be caused by the ^vaters of the lake tljus set free. Recent investigation has shown, liovvever, that this result is highly improbable, we may almost say impossible ; that the peculiar quality and position of the strata over which the river flows are such, — sa- ri emerges le Ontario e is only is placid, its course, ell-known agara are he power iisiderable iver flows i Ontario, about 36 liis table- ddenly in :he north, ■io presented we shall at ravine, jrtain the e present lunds, an ict in the y plunged illy eaten position. Iheir way extensive set free. , is highly a.r nualitv are such, that the Falls will be diminished in height as they recede, and their recession be altogether checked at a certain point. It has been ascertained beyond all doubt that the Falls do recede; but the rate of this retrograde movement is very uncer- tain; and, indeed, we have every reason to believe that the rate of recession must of necessity in time past have been irregular, Ihe cause of this irregularity becomes apparent on considering the formations presented to view at the escarpment and in the chasm. Here we find that the strata are nearly horizontal, as indeed they are throughout the whole region, having a very slight dip towards the south of twenty-five feet in a mile. They all consist of different membres of the Silurian series, and vary considerably in thickness and density. In consequence of the slight dip in the strata above referred to, the different groups of rock crop out from beneath each other, and thus appear on the surface in parallel zones or belts; and the Falls, in their retrograde move- ment, afteT cutting through one of these zones, would meet with another of a totMiy different character; having cut through which, a third would succeed, and so on. In all probability Niagara originally flowed through a shallow valley similar to the above the Falls, all the way across the table-land to the Queenston Heights or escarpment. On this point Mr U l.yell writes: "I obtained geological evidence of the former existence of an old river-bed, wich, I have no doubt, indicates the original channel through which the waters once flowed from the *alls to Queenston, at the height of nearlv 300 feet above the bottom of the present gorge. The geological monuments alluded to consist of patches of sand and gravel forty feet thick, containii-g fluviati le shells of the genera Unio, Gyclas, Melania, &c., such as now inhabit the waters of the Niagara above the Falls. The identity of these fossil species with the recent is unquestionable, and these fiesh'Water deposits occur at the edge of the clitls bounding the ravine, so that they prove the former extension of an elevated shallow valley, four miles below the Palls — a distinct prolongation ot tnai now occupied by the Niagara in the elevated region be'tweeu Lake Erie and the Falls." — 34 At the escarpment the cataract thundered over a precipi*A twice the height of the present one, to the lower level. This lower level, as shown by Hall s Report on the Geology of New York, is composed of red shaly sandstone and marl The formations incumbent upon this, exhibited on the face of the escarpment, are as follows; 1. Gray quartzose sandstone; 2. Red shaly sandstone, similar to that of the low level, with bin courses of sandstone near the top; 3. Gray mottled sandstone; 4. A thin bed of green shale; 5. Compact gray limestone; 6. A thick stratum of soft argillo-calcareous shale, similar to that which now lies at the base of the Falls; 7. A thick stratum of limestone, compact and geodiferous, similar to the limestone rock which forms the upper part of the Falls. This is all that we have presented to us in the escarpment; but we may observe, parenthetically, that if we pioceed backwards towards Lake Erie, we cross the xone of limestone, and at the Falls discover another stratum of thin-bedded limestone overlapping it, in consequence of the southerly dip before referred to. Further back still we find the Onondaga •alt group, which extends, superficially, almost to Lake Erie, where another limestone formation appears. Now, had there been no dip in the strata of the tableland between Lake Erie and Queenston, it is probable that the Falls would have continued to recede regularly, having always the same formations to cut through, and the same foundation to fall upon and excavate. But in consequence of the gentle inclination of the strata to the south, the surface presented to the action of the Falls has continually varied, and the process of recession has been as follows: — First, the river, rolling over the upper formation of hard limestone, to the escarpm.-^nt, thundered down a height about double that of the present Falls, and strucK upon the rd shaly iandstone of the plain below. This being soft, was rapidly worn away by the action of the water and spray, while the more compact locks above, comparatively unaffected, projected over the caldron, a?i« a^ leng -li lell in masses from time to time as the undermining process went on. But as the Falls receded, the belt of red sand- , precipl'A vel. This ;y of New the face andstone ; with hin landstone; )ne; 6. A hat which Umeslone, ck which presented thetically, cross the tratum of southerly Onondaga 'ie, where tableland the Falls the same fall upon on of the m of the has been of hard ht about rd shaly dly worn ) compact I caldron, lermining red sand- — 35 - tremendous blows. This rock f.^^l , ? '"'^'"P'ent of Niagara's the reUograde movement wLnron'I'r'^ '.'""'. *'''^«' ^^^'^relore, here, just'at the poLt where the'^fafkin^t ""^'"I'^fJ"' «8"' »"<« of quarlzose sandstone the Vhirlnnii .'"''■"'"^'?'' 'his thin stratum Ti.« . , f "*-^"y> L'le wnirlpool is now sitn»fpH Ihe next format on on which tho P=ii7„ , j shaly sandstone, similar to ih. f ^ , '"^f alls operated was the red the recession. Th"s went < » ' '"l'' ^""^ '°"' accelerated was cut through and the thLfn"'''!'''"*'^ """' ""* ^'--a'"" •gain an alteration "n speed oclrt?""'"", 7^' '''"'^''^- ««f« has been cut through is fhefif^hT'f *' '"''°''«' The last that on which the cataract now falls '' '"""P^'' ^'^^ limestone, Above t lies the comnaTf^r.^.f"'^ r' ^''°"' ^'^hty feet thick, upper formatioi at trs^point Th?7„,'™.'^''°"^' ^-^''^ ''"™« 'he and here we see the nmll;. ^h'^ also is ahout eighty feet thick ; The lower stratum, beinrsoft is di,?n'i"™H''", P™*'''^^^"'? ™Pidly of the water and spiay^ided n wTn.5 h '"r ^^. "'" ^'°'^"' action the incumbent rock beinJ th„« iJ *"' '^"''*' ^"^ P^'on^ of time to time. The hu^e ,n,!l^! / unsupported, fall down from in the years 1818 and 18 AT../ 1'^"''"™'"^'' "'"''^"'n* 'hat fell earthquake. ^^^' ^^'°°^ "^« '=°"""-y. i' is said, like an FalJ'iirThXl/er'rht'/'!'™^/'^^ ''PP^— of 'he ' says: "Accordin- to^the 1^ geological treatise on this region, u/.,i \ ■^'-''"/"'ng to the statement of our o-iiidB in i«^i /c ■ Hooker), an indentation of about fortv w Y . ** pamuel the middle of the ledae of IW- ° ^ f*f,' ''?^ heen produced in year 1815, so that t has bei ^, n ^' "/! '"f «^ ''all since the while within 'hel'L' perl'I' 1 Vo~, e fI r^hlst^ "If^"'.! so as less to rlocg-"? ;*= _^noi!'e sncie*all has been altered in area in'thllas't fo;r''";a;s-"and f h*^ "^^ lost several acres waste neither is, nor C bee^^ '/^l .^"''^ °° '^""*" 'hat this », nor nas heeii, a mere temporary accident, sine* i — 36 — I found that the same recession was in progress in various other waterfalls which I visited with Mr. Hall in the State of New York " The rate at which the Falls now recede is a point of disput'e. Mr. Kakewell calculated that, ii- the forty years preceding 1830 Niagara had been going back at the rate of about a yard annually! bir Charles Lyell, on the other hand, is of opinion that one fool per annum is a' much more probable conjecture. As we have already explained, this rapid rate of recession has, in all likelihood not been uniform, but that in many parts of its course Niagara has remained almost stationary for ages. That the Falls will ever reach Lake Erie, is rendered extremely mprobable from the following facts: Owing to the formation of the land, they are gradually losing in height, and therefore in power, as they retreat. Moreover, we know that, in consequence of the southerly dip of the strata, they will have cut through the toed ot soft shale after travelling two miles further back; thus the massive limestone which is now at the top will then be at the Jotlom of the precipice, while, at the same time, the Falls will be only half their present height. This latter hypothesis has been adTanced by Mr. Hall, who, in his survey, has demonstrated that there IS a diminution of forty feet in the perpendicular height of the Falls for every mile that they recede southward: and this condusioi: :s based upon two facts - namely, that the slope of the river-channel, m its course north- ward, is fifteen feet in a mile, and that the dip of the strata in an opposite or southerly direction is about twenty-five feet in a mile. " From this it seems probable that, in the course of between ten and eleven thousand years, the Falls of Niagara, having the thick and hard liniestone at their base, and having diminished tc half their present height, will be effectuallv retarded in their retro- grade progress, if not previously checked by the fall of laree masses of the rock from the cliff above. Should they still recede however, beyond this point, in the course of future a{?es thev will' have to intersect entirely different strata from that over which they now fall, and will so diminished in ht^ljhi «« ♦« k^ „irv,«.* lost before reachnig Lake Erie. """"""" ~ "' '^'^ »^"^"=^ ms other w York." ' dispute, ing 1830, annually, one fool we have kelihood, Niagara xtremely lation of 'eiore in iequeuce 'Ugh the thus the e at the alls will las been ted that sight of md this slope of set in a Dutherly between ing the ished tc ir retro- 3f large recede, iiey will r which almost ~ 37 — The question as to the origin of the Falls - the manner in wh ch they commenced, and the geological period at whi rh they first came into existence - is one of g?eat interest ; but want of space forbids our discussing that question here. We Ln make but one or two brief remarks in regard to it. Sir Charles Lyell is of opinion that originally the whole country was beneath the surface of the oceanf at a very rrmote geologica period; that it emerged slowly from the sea and wm again subrnerged at a comparatively modern period, when shelh then inhabuing the ocean belonged almost without exception to species still living m high northern latitudes, and some of them m temperate latitudes. The next great change was the slow and gradual re-emergence of this country. As soon as the table-land between Laken Erie and Ontario emerged, the river Niagara came into existence; and at the sam« moment there was a cascade of moderate height at Oueenston which fell directly into the sea. The cataract tiien clmenced'^^^^ retrograde movement. As tlje land slowly emerged, and the hard beds were exposed, another Fall would be formed; and then pro- bably a tnird, when the quartzose sandstone appeared. The re- cession of the uppermost Fall must have been retarded by the thick limestone bed through which it had to cut : the second Fall not being exposed to the same hindrance, overtook it ; and thu.' the three ultimately came to be joined in one. The successive ages that must have rolled on durinff fhe evolution of these events are beyond the power of the human intellect to appreciate, and belong tu those "deep things" of the great Creator, whose ways are infinitely above our finite compre- hension It IS roughly calculated that the Falls must have taken at least 3o 000 years to cut their way from the escarpment of Queenston to their present position; yet this period, great though It IS m comparison with the years to which the annals of the human race are limited, is a« notliincr v'b^" '"-'- ^ - •" -u previous ages whose extent is indicated by the geological for- mations in the region around Niagara. ir The first white visitor. The first white man who saw the Falls, as far as we have l?t f f I f, ''^'''^ V ""^^ ^'^^^^"^ Hennepin, a Jesuit missionary, sent out by the French among the Indians, as early as 1678, over iUO years ago His descriptions were visionary and greatly exag- gerated. He described the Falls to be six or seven hundred feet high, and that four persons could walk abreast under the sheet of water without any other inconvenience than a slight sprinkling from the spray. We will not attribute this wild and fanciful des- criptior to a want of candor, or intention to deceive. The fact prot.ably was he had no means of measuring its height, and un doubtedly got his account from the Indians, which very likely would be incorrect. ^ ' A Daring feat. ..„ ^"^^^7A^u '"^^ "^^""^^ ^^^^ "^^^« h^s appearance, and an- ZT^tt ^^^^ wi.'''"^^ J^P ^''"^ ^^' New Suspension Bridge into the river. When he told what he intended to do, the people na ura ly considered him a lunatic, but on the 21 st May he did ^nMv ''' l^\ ^''f f^'^ °^ ^'^ ^^'^I'^"- He had a mechanical conti vance to keep him from turning in the descent; it is fair to hr&. i^ ?'^"?^ ^''^^ ^^'' ^^"- H« P"^ a board out from the bridge and stood looking at the multitude who had been attracted Hii!^® & '''^^ ^^'^ expectation of seeing him jump and get kiUed. However he performed this wonderful feat, and received only a few slight bruises. He stepped off the board: went down feet foremost 190 feet into the riv^er, striking the ^aTer with a report like a gun. Time of descent four seconds. He proposed to repeat this feat on the fourth of July, but the inducements not being sufficient, and being somewhat afraid, he abondoned the toolhardy undertaking. Capt. Webb's Fatal Swim Capt. Matthew Webb, the famous English cwJTnmer -r^-^f^ the attempt to swim through the Rapids and Whirlpool of Niagara — 39 — efforf AlLtr°V\ ^"'y ^*'^' '883, and lost his life in th. lift fl,» rvf, 1^ P"'''"='y announced he would do, Capt Webb eft the Gl.fton House on the Canada side, at 4 o'clock New York time and proceeded down the bank to th- Ferry landing h/™ llsZTe! down' tT'"'°^', "^""^-^ "y '■ ^f'^'y- fe"r"m';n."nd l^s above the M»id n/ir m" ?Tf' ^^' '"'^ P'«''^"^« G™"«ds, from thr boat Wn 1"'^*''^' ''''?'l""g. when at 4.25 he jumped R=^^ 1 • u ° *'^* '''^^'" ^"« before the Whirlpoo" his bodv ahoT; th""" "'^ '"'^''"^ ^"-^ 'i^™^ at least a third o .nn n? ,^ f '^^ ''".^'■■y "'"'^f^- Then he soemed to swim on The sn?mf*' [»■• a hundred feet, when he disappeared forever ,e» hf£ ' '''"' 'f^ '""^ disappear waited a few seconds to fn v»^n --eaPPear on the crest of the current, but they watched m van. Ihen all rushed to the water's edge in the hone he might have passed safelv thrnn-l, .b« i^,.," " . , • i„„ I J ■ , "'■ o" -^^'- picat iiiaeisLiOiii ana nave landed somewhere on the bank. The banks were thoroughly searched, hut no trace of him was discovered, and a behef began 40 — 11 'i .1 to grow that he would never be seen alive. The only hope left was that he might have passed unseen into the lower rapids and going through them had left the river at Lewiston or Queenston, but as the hours passed this hope was dissi|)ated and the fact was made known that the brave and intrepid Webb had met more than his match in Niagara's mad waters. Finding of the Body. Nothwithstanding the fact that Webb's fatal swim was witnessed by a large number of people, much doubt was expressed as to whether he had actually made the attempt, or if he had, that he might have left the river alive at some point beyond the observation of the spectators. All uncertainty on these points were however removed by the finding ot Gapt. Weeb's body about noon on Saturday, July 28th. 1883, a little more than four days after hia disappearance. The body was found by Richard W. Turner, of Youngstown, about a mile and a half below, Lewiston, floating in Niagara river about noon on Saturday. He tied the body to the shore and rowed over to Lewiston for help, and the corpse was finally towed to a boat house there. All this took considerable time and the body was not fully identified till about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when It was recognized by Felix Nassioy, clerk of the New York Central House, and Charles Wiedenman, of Suspension Bridge, who were the last persons to speak to Captain Webb before he entered the Rapids, hailing him from a small boat in which they were crossmg the river. The bodies of the two Indians who were drowned the day before Captain Webb made the attempt, were also recovered during the day, and this gave rise to some confusion at first but the investigation which followed removed all doubt. Capt. Webb's Brief History. Capt. Matthew Webb was a native of England and 35 yean ?o ^1^; , ^^^ ^*^^®^ ^^^^^ ^" Shropshire England, and there were lo children m the family, eight being boys. He learned to swim when eight years old, being encouraged in his ventures by hU i '.P'. )pe left •ids and jenston, he fact et more itnessed d as to that he Tvation Dwever, oon on rter his jstown, a river, •re and r towed ,nd the jrnoon, V York Bridge, ore he h they were , were 1 fusion doubt. > yean J were I swim by hit - 41 — Krcerbetrk'^ ^ Tec^' '^^^ ^7^ '^ ^-' -'^ <^--g several of which were perform pTI"^ l"' ^''' swimming feats' while in South Africa^et^nnf ff f^^^^.^^^an life, hi 1872, and in the year followinrrpiif f ^ ^^'"'"^^ ^' ^ P"^^^^ swimmer passengers ofTe stt "'rus^^^^^^^^^ '^r ^^^ society of London for savin/the h?e of f ! m ^'T ^^'' ^""'^"^ overboard. The achievempnt iLl ^u'^'^'^' '^^° ^^^ washed was swimming thrESrLnfpi ^T.*''^. inlernational fame kind, on whicl occas^'n t wast iTe ttT'f^^^'r ^^' '' ^"^ a. m. the next day When iTp xvil I \ ^''^"' 1 P- m. to 11 the close of this exnloit he w.« 'f^.'^ ^''^ ^^ ^^^« ^^^ter at Prince of Wales On nno^ • P'f ^"^^^ with $ 25,000 bv the Manhattan Beach durinA sto?mThi;'.'^'^ '^T ^^"^^ ^^^^^ ^o In July, 1882, he t^^wlt^T^:^^^^^^^ championship and at different timp. hL p i ^^^ American in the watery of which oi^Lr^v ^^%P^^f«^»^^d wonderful feats has made hi^ home in RnVnn J'^' ?'•"'" "^^^^^- Recently he hirth and bit aTeVyears re^^^^ i"' '''''^ ^^ «^ English mourn the lo^s of his nntLfit ^ n m '^'"''^' ^^^ ^^^ children and courage worse aoDlH t^nl^ death. Never were physical prowess which, evf:7fTuSH ^^^^^^^ fellow's last adv'enture, to the world. °^ ^^ pratical service The Hotels. The chief of them are International Hotel CHlarant H™,„ Spencer House, Prospect House «nrt Hnf^TV!^?,!.'';''"':""'!?^ American side, and on the Canada side ■ciiftonHlu^e: "" '"' t'i- " Vxy^'''^- ' w ^S!te#isit Table Rock, via New Suspension Bridge, or * * » » Railway Suspension Bridge > Lundy's Lane Battle Ground . » Brocks's Monument, Queenstown Heights Ferry IM miles 2 3 8 7 > > * » » » » Admission Fees and Toils. To Goat Island » Prospect Parks .... » Cave of Winds (with guide and dress) » Inclined Railway (Prospect Park) . > Ferry to Canada and return . Free » one dollar 10 cents 50 » — 45 — shoe Fall with guide and dress * miles » > » » » » » » » » » 50 cents 50 * 50 » 50 » 25 » To Behind Horse Canada side » Museum American side . > Lundy's Lane Battle-ground . J Whirlpool Bapids (either side) >^ New Suspension Bridge, each way * '\, * '- extra for two horse carriage 50 » Hallway Suspension Bridge, over and return . 25 * * ^ * . '> extra for two horse carriage 50 » » Cyclorama Battle of Gettysburg . . . . 35 . The number of victims whose carelessness or folly has sent over the Falls is quite formidable, and doubtless quite independent of the Indian tradition that the cataract demands a yearly sacrifice of two victims, since no such tradition can be authenticated. We give below a record of some of the recent and most memorable. Accidents, Suicides and narrow Ecapes. Sept., 1S59, two men were observed clinging to the bottom of a boat^ about a mile above the Falls, they went down on the outside of the Third bister Island, and thence over the cataract. Une the unfortunate men was named Johnson, who had some years before been rescued from a perilous position in the Rapids. Dj Joel R. Robinson. ^ * Sept 1859, a man calling himself Shields, proposed to iumii from a platform, 90 feet into the river. Before making the leap he went into the river to ascertain the depth, stren-th of the current etc., and was never seen after! May 18G4, Mrs. Bender committed suicide on the Canada Side of the Falls, where she resided. She walked into the rapids just above the Horse, shoe Fall, and was instantly swept over- her body war never found. She had b(>en insane for many years! Oct., 1865, a young man named William Duncan undertook to row across the river to Chippewa but w iit over the Falls. — 46 — Parts of his body were found a few days after near the Ferry below the Falls. Sep., 1866, two men, named Daniel Goffa and Henry Husted, started to row from Chippewa to the American side, they got into the Rapids and went over the Falls Bodies not found. Sep., 1869, a gentleman calling himself Carl Schurz, went to the Horse shoe Fall, (Canada side) walked into the Rapids, and was instantly swept over. His body was found a few days after at the Ferry. While this body was anchored at the Jerry, (Canada side) another terrible accident happened. A party from Providence, R. I., consisting of Mr. Tillinghast and wife , Mrs Fisher, Miss Smith and Miss Balou were in a carriage going down the hill leading to the ferry landing, intending to cross in the ferry boat to tht American side when part of the harness gave way which caused the horses to jump and throw the carriage down the precipice, Mr. Tillinghast and the driver sprang from the carriage in tim« to save themselves, but the ladies were carried over, and fell a distance of forty or fifty feet. Miss Smith was found to have been killed instantly by a blow on the head. Mrs. Tillinghast waj bruised about the head and otherwise injured. Mrs Fisher had one wrist fractured and suffered contusions in various parts of the body. Miss Ballou was taken up for dead, but finally recovered consciousness she had three ribs broken, three breaks and one compound fracture of the right arm, cut and bruised about the head, and spine injured. She is still living but is a sufferer from the effects of the fall Dec, 1869, Mr. James Pierce, an old resident to Niagara-Falls, comniitted suicide by jumping off the Railway Suspension Bridge. His body was never found. Nov., 1870, Mrs. Margaret Avery , a resident of Chicago, committed suicide by jumping off Goat Island Bridge into the Rapids, and was almost immediately whirled over the American Fall. It was afterwards ascertained that the unfortunate lady was insane. Body not found. May, 1871, Three young men whose names were not known, attempted to cross the river above the Falls; not being familiar 1 47 — with the currents, they were soon drawn in the rapids, and over the Horse shoe Fall. None of the bodies recovered. July, 1872, Two men, names unknown, in crossing above the Falls, were drawn into the current and went over. July, 1863, a young man accompanied by a young lady and boy hired a boat and started for a sail ; they were soon in the rapids and over the cataract. The remains of the young lady were found two days afterward, at Youngstown. There was a ''.omantic as well as a tragic feature in the above. It appeared that ^he young man and young lady had run away for the purpose of gelting married ; the latter insisting, as a matter o^ prudence, that her brother should be of the party. The marr* ,ge was to have taken place on the day of the catastrophe. Tue father and the mother of the girl, who had come in pursuit of the runaway, arrived but a short time after ! Sept., 1874, a stranger reached the Falls on the Canada side, was driven to Table Rock, and after viewing the Falls for a time, he asked the carriage driver if he thought "it would kill a man to go over". The driver assured him it would be certain death. Requesting him to mail a letter for him, and without saying any- thing more, walked into the water, and in a moment was carried )ver the Falls. His body was never found, nor did his name after- wards become known. August, 1875. A sad fate befell two estimable young people, lesidents of the village of the Falls. Miss Lottie Phiipott, with two brothers, a sister-in-law, and Mr. Ethelbert Parsons, went through the Gave of the Winds, and c'.mbed over the rocks to- wards the American Fall, to bathe in the lighter currents that sweep between and over the massive rocks below. With a rash, venturesome spirit. Miss Phiipott chose one of the most dangerous currents in which to bathe ; she soon lost her footing and fell, Mr. Parsons grasped for her, but failing to catch her, he sprang into the current and both were carried down the stream. Despera- tely nic jjFive nian laboreci. to save ner, j^ut Oi no avaii, lOr liIS current carried them further from the shore. The horror-stricken — 48 - witnesses, unable to render any assistance saw, them sink below the surface. Where they disappeared a cloud of mist hid the scene of disaster for a moment, and when their friends next looked tor their loved ones the angry waters gave no sign of the tragedy just enacted. Both bodies were subsequenlty recoYered at the Whirlpool. July, 1877. A fatal casualty occurred on the river above the Falls by which two men lost their lives and a third narrowly escaped meeting the same fate. Charles A. Pierce, Wallace Behnger, and William Flay, all residents of Niagara Falls were saihng on the river, when their boat capsized ; they all succeeded in getting hold of the boat and attempted to get it right side up, but after taking several futile endeavors, and becoming exhausted by fepeated immersions, they gave up the attempt. Pierce and Bel- linger then tried to swim for the shore, but having on their clothes they did not go far before they went down to their death. Flay managed to get upon the keel of the boat, from which ne was washed several times, but managed to get back again each time in safety. He was resc'^.ed from this awful position m an exhausted state, by three young men named Walker. The body of Bellinger was found on Grass Iisland ; the body of Pierce went over the Fall and was afterward recovered in the Whirlpool. April, 1878. Two young men, Brothers and resi dents of Chippewa' while crossing the river above the Falls to their home, got into the rapids and were carried over the Falls. The bodies were after wards recovered. May, 1879. A well known citizen of Niagara Falls, namec* Pipus Walker, rowed out into the river, and was soon i-i the rapids and over the American Fall. He was a good bout-man and well acquainted with the river in every re -pect, and had he been sober at the time, H is likely this notice would not have been here. His body was recovered. June, 1879. A lady and gentleman, named Roland, from n i_-j -s-u^ ,«£v"" '^^ " tri»^ oTrrmnd tViP wr\r](\. visited Niacrara Falls, and went over on the Three Sister Islands. Mr. Roland m — 49 — came back alone, naturally very much excited, stating that his wife while stooping to get a drink of water, accidently fell into the rapids and had gone over the Hoise-shoe Fall. Suspicions oV foul-play were entertained, but there being no proof, Mr. Roland was allowed to go on his way. Before leaving he left a sum of money to defray t!.e funeral expenses in case the body should be found. A few days afterwards the body was recovered near the Falls, and conveyed thence to the burying-ground. Sep., 1880. A gentleman from Utica, named Knapp, commit- ted suicide under the following circumstance. He arrived at the Falls in the evening, and went to the telegraph office and en- quired for a dispatch, there not being one for him, he seemed very much disappointed; he then walked down to the Rapids at the end of Tugby Mammoth Bazaar, where he stepped upon a bench, shot himself in the head, and fell head-long into the rapids; in a few seconds he was over the American Fall. Before com- mitting this rash deed, he took off his coat and vest and laid them on the walk, and attached a paper stating where they were to be sent. He also left his watch and chain, a small amount of money, gold sleeve buttons, knife, and several other articles. His body was recovered soon after in the Whirlpool. Inside of five years, several men have committed suicide, by jumping from the New Suspension Bridge. Jan., 1883. Thomas Hilson of Philadelphia committed suicide by jumping into the rapids from Luna Island »Before the war he carried on a prosperous wool trade, and afterwards formed a partnership with Geo. W. Bond & Co., of Boston, the firm's name in Philadelphia being Thomas Hilson & Go. About ten years ago the firm became involved in financial difficulty, brought on, so Hilson claimed, by speculative ventures of some of the junior partners. Hilson gathered together all the money he could get hold of, amounting to $ 40,000 or $ 50,000, and decamped. The senior rppnibp^' nf ilm firm. Mr. Bond hrmnpnerl tn Kp in Europe at the time, and on the arrival of the steamship had Hilson arrested. Mr. Bond succeeded in getting / 28,000 from the fugi- — 50 — live. This money was paid to the firm's creditors, and the affair was thus settled. In 1876 Gref/g Brothers, who had business transactions with Hilson, after his return fiom Europe cluirged him with the embezzlement of $ 6,000, and he was arrested while on a visit to Philadelphia during the centennial. He was sub- sequently tried, but the jury disagreed and the matter was com- promised. Hilson's friends are satisfied that he killed himself be- cause he had deliberately come to the conclusion that he could no longer hve in the extravagant manner in which he delighted, and, rather than be compelled to exist without »high living,€ he prefernjd to end his life. >April 9ti» 1884. Two well known citizens of Suspension Bridge, Thomas Vedder and Van R. Pearson, started out for a ride, they not returning in proper season, a search was instituted. About two o'clock the next morning, the horse and carriage was found on Goat-Island, near the stairs leading to Luna-Island anil shortly after the dead body of Pearson was found on Luna-Island, with two bullet holes in his head. Near by lay a portion of the clothing belonging to Thomas Vedder, but no traces could be found of Mr. Vedder. On Thursday June 5tii while the bridges were being put in the Cave of the Winds, some of the workmen found the body of Mr. Vedder. There as still some mystery about the sad affair. What passed bet,veen the two men as they stood together on Luna-Island that cold evening, will never be revealed until the end of time, when all things are made known. ^ The preceding is but a partial lest of the known victims. The number of those who have taken the fatal plunge at night, un- seen, can never be ascertained. Many state that while looking into the chasm, an almost irresistible impulse besets them to leap into the fearful flood. We cannot explain this, and why such a feeling should possess the mind is bejond our comprehension, though certain it is that such a feeling does exist in the minds of many. The following narrow escapes miy now be mentioned. In 1839, a man named Ghapin, who was engaged in repairing Goat Island Bridge, fell into the Rapids, fortunately the current carried him to the first of two small Islets below. He was rescued from his perilous position by J. H. Robinson, who had more than once bravely rescued fellow-creatures from this dangerous river; and the island was named after him — Ghapin Island. In 1852, a gentleman from Troy, N. Y., while passing over Terrapin Tower Bridge, fell into thp river, and was instantly — 61 - carried to the verge of the precipice and lodged between two rocks. Mr. Isaac Davy assisted by a visitor, rescued hirn, by throwing lines to him: he had just sufficient strength eft to fasten them around his body ; then Ihey drew liim to the bridge m an exhausted condition. ^p *u« i?oiia In 1874, Mr. Wm. Mc Gollough, on old resident of the balla, while engaged in painting Ihe bridge leading to the second Sister rsiand, accidently Fell into the Rapids. When about a quarter of the way down to the spot where be would take the fatal plunge, the current threw the nearly insensible man over a low ledge into a small eddy, where he managed to get upon a projecting rock. He was recued -by Gonroy, the well known guide, who succeeded in getting to him with a Hne, by the aid of wh,ch, both were landed in safety. ., , , tu n«««^« In 1875, an unknown man fell over the bank, on the Canada side a few rods below the New Suspension Bridge. Those by whom the accident was witnessed, repaired to the spot where he fell, expecting to find his mangled remains. Their surprise was great when they found him unhurt with the exception of a tew slight bruises ! This seemed almost incredible, when he had fallen eighty feet perpendicular, and then rolled down the bank sixty feet further. It is, perhaps worthy of remark, that he was intoxi- cated when he fell over, but sober after. Legend of the white Canoe. In days of old, long before the deep solitudes of the West were disturbed by white men, it was the custom of the Indian warriors of the forest to assemble at the Great Gataract and offer a human sacrifice to the Spirit of the Falls. The offering consisted of a white canoe full of ripe fruits and blooming flowers ; which was paddled over the terrible cliff by the f.drest girl of the tribe who had just arrived at the age of womanhood. It was counted an honour by the tribe to whose lot it fell to make the costly sacri- fice : and even the doomed maiden deemed it a high comphmenl to be selected to guide the white canoe over the Falls. But m the stoical heart of the red man there are tender feelings which cannot be subdued, and cords which snap if strained too roughly. The only daughter of a chief of the Seneca ndians was chosen as a sacrmciai uhenng tu luc ^px.iv ^i .,,^^_— -. mother had been slain by a hostile tribe. Her father was the bravest among the warriors, and his stern brow seldom relaxed save to his blooming child, who was now Ihe only joy o which he clung on wrth When the lot feU on his fair child, no symptom of feehngcros.eo — M — his countenance. In the pride of Indian endurance he crushed down the feelings that tore his bosom, and no tear trembled in his dark eye as the preparations for the sacrifice went forward. At length the day arrived ; it faded into night as the savage festivities and rejoicing proceeded; then the moon arose and silvered tho cloud of mist that rose from out the turmoil of Niagara ; and now the white canoe, laden with its precious freight, glided from the bank and swept out into the dread rapid from which escape is hopeless. The young girl calmly steered her tiny bark towards the centre of the stream, while frantic yells and shout arose from the forest. Suddenly another white canoe shot forth upon the stream, and, under the powerful impulse of the Seneca chief, flew like an arrow to destruction. It overtook the first ; the eyes of father and child met in one last gaze of love, and then they plunged together over the thundering cataract into eternity 1 New Maid of the Mist A new steamer called "Maid of the Mist", has been built below the Falls to take the place of her famous predecessor of the same name. I would advise all visitors to take a trip on this boat before leaving Niagara. Fare, for the round trip, 50 cents. Father Hennepin's Description of the Falls, published in 1678. Betwixt the Lake Ontario and Erie, there is a vast and pro- digious Cadence of Water, which falls down after a surprizing and astonishing manner, insomuch that the Universe does not afford its Parallel. h Water.* 1 54 - -f->;(*.fcl^v*.*~*' fluiil The village of Niagara Falls. The village of Niagara Falls taiies its name from the Great Cataract, is situated on the Niagara River, about 22 miles from Buffalo, and is accessible by rail from all parts of the United States and Canada. The population is about 3,900. During the war of 1812, this locality was the scene of many startling events, which have passed into history. The climate is in the highest degree healthy and invigorating. The atmosphere being continually acted upon by the rushing waters, is kept pure, refreshing, and salutary, and is blessed with that which companies can neither purchas nor monopolize — cool breezes from the river. Besides being a fashionable place of resort, it must eventually become a large manufacturing town. The vast water-power, (pro- bably the best in the world) is ^ust beginning to attract the at- tention of capitalists. Mills are already built, others are in the course of construction, and capitalists are now negotiating far other sites. There is established an International Park at this place, ac- cording to the plan suggested by Lord Dufferin. The necessity of action became more urgent every year with the growth of the surrounding country and development of manufacturing enterprises. The object of this scheme was not to drive away manufacturers, but simply to exlude them from the immediate proximity of the cataract, while giving every opportunity for industrial expansion by the use of the unrivalled waterpower at a point further down the river. This has done away with the high and numerous tolls, preserved the natural beauty of the Falls, and cnjated a reser- vation of which both countries are equally proud. The name "Niagara" is a corruption of the Indian word „Onyakara" supposed to be of the Iroquois language. The meaning of the term is "mighty, wonderful, thundering water. The state of New- York has purchased Goat Island group* Prospect Park, and a strip of land along the river front about ?ji of a mile long and about 200 feet v/ide, and made the Islands and Prospect Park free to the world. — 55 — Descriptive Pieces. To Niagara written at the first sights of its Falls. Hail 1 Sovereign of the world of Floods ! whose majesty and might First dazzles, then enraptures, then o'erawes the aching sight : The pomp of Kings and Emperors, in every clime and zone, Grows dim heneath the splendor of thy glorious watery throne. No fleets can stop thy progress, no armies bid thee stay, But onward — onward — onward —thy march still holds its way: The rising mists rhat veil thee as thy heralds go before, And the music that proclaims thee is the thund'ring cat'ract's roar ! Thy diadem's an emerald, of the clearest, purest hue. Set round with waves of snow white foam, anu spray of feathery dew, While tresses of the brightest pearls float o'er thine ample sheet. And the rainbow lays its gorgeous gems in tribute at thy feet. Thy reign is from the ancient days, the sceptre from on high, Thy birth was when the distant stars first lit the glorius sky ; The sun, the moon, and all the orbs that shine upon thee now. Beheld the wreath of glory which first bound thine infant brow. And from that hour to this, in which I gaze upon thy stream, From age to age — in winter's frost or summer's sultry beam — By day, by night, without a pause, thy waves with loud acclaim. In ceaseless sounds have still proclaimed the great Eternal's name. For whether, on thy forest-banks, the Indian of the wood, Or, since his day, the red man's foe on his fatherland has stood; Whoe'er has seen thine incense rise, or heard thy torrents roar, Must have knelt before the God of all to worship and adore. _ B6 — Accent then, Supremely Great! Infinite! Godl !i,fS'cr7a'W«fe \Wtw'ViiS .reat arl Thou, R„. thoueh Thy power is far more vast than finite mind can scan, th^ «fs fl^^^J^Z^ Jitf he hnnd-Xana seed , Around, on high, or far °^ "f "' ^^r^.Td'L^rtl'roll , Proclaims Thy glory, ''%";n1 voice the hyinn ascends above And from Creation's grateml ;°'^« ^^jf/^'J^ug _ "God is love!" While lieavuii re-echoes back to tarin me ciioiua **""* J. S. BTICKINGHAU. The Falls of Niagara. The thoughts are strange that crowed mto my bram While I look upward to thee. It would seem Is f God poured thee from His "hollow hand , And hung His bow upon thine awful front i:id Se in that lou\voi- t> \ m \ ^^ J 2^ ^mu^'erM^ €^dSre^a>A ^omm/t^