^ ^ ^ "^^ Q ^ ^..^r c IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) ^^r^ •<^^^ 4^ « "a'^ ^ 4^ ^^ 1.0 I.I 11.25 2.2 2.0 lu 12,2 ly lU us 14.0 i U 11.6 6" ^^ y HiotogFaphic SdoiGes Corporation ^ A* <^ ^^ <*^3^- n WnT MAM STIRT WiliSTIR,N.Y. USM (7U)t72.4M» CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. \ CIHJVI/ICIVIH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Inttituta for Historical IMicroraproductions / Inttitut Canadian da microraproductions liistoriqiias TMhnlcal and Bibliographic NotM/NotM tacliniquM at tMbHographiquaa Tha inatituta liaa attamptad to obtain tha baat originai copy avaiiabia for fiiming. Faaturaa of thia copy whicli may Im bibiiographicaily uniqua, whicli may altar any of tha Imagaa in tha raproduction, or which may aignificantly changa tha uaual mathod of filming, ara chaclcad balow. 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Thia itam la fllmad at tha raduction ratio chaokad balow/ Ca documant aat filmA au taux da NMuction indlquA ci-daaaoua. 10X 14X laX 22X 2SX 30X I 12X ItX aox a4x 32X Th« copy fllm«d tmn has bacn raproduMd thanks to the QMiaroslty of: Brock Unhranity StCatfiwrinM L'Momplairo filmA fut raproduit grica A la O^nArotit* da: Brock Univtnity StCithariiiM quality lagiblllty tha Tha imagaa appaaring hara ara tha poasibia eonsldaring tha condition of tlia original copy and in kaaping filming eontraet apadfleationa. Original eopiaa in printad papar eovara ara fllmad baginning with tha front eovar and anding on tha laat paga with a printad or illuatratad impraa- sten. or tha back cover whan appropriate. AH otiMr original eopiaa ara fllmad baginning on tha first paga with a printad or illuatratad impraa* sion, and anding on tha laat paga with a printad or Hhwtratad impraaalon. Tha laat racordod frama on aach microfieha •halt contain tha symbol —^ (moaning "CON- TINUf D"). or tha symbol ▼ (moaning "END"), whteliavar appiiaa. Las imagas suivsntss ont Ati raproduitss avac Is plus grand soln. compts tsnu ds la condition st da la nattat* da I'axampiaira film*, st sn conformit* avac laa conditions du contrat da filmaga. Laa anampiairaa originaux dont la couvartura sn papiar aat imprimto sent fiimAs sn commsn^ant par la pramiar plat at an tarminant soit psr Is dsmiAra paga qui comporta una smprsints d'imprassion ou d'illustrstion, soit psr Is sscond ptat. ssion Is CSS. Tous Iss sutrss sxsmplsirss originaux sont filmAs sn commsn^snt psr la pramiAra paga qui comporta una amprainta d'impraaaion ou d'illustrstion st sn tsrminant psr la dami*ra paga qui comporta una talla amprainta. Un daa symboiss suivsnts sppsrsltra sur la damiAra imaga da chaqua microfiche, salon la cas: la symbols -^ signifis "A SUIVRE". Is symbols ▼ signifis "FIN". Mapa, platee, charts, ste.. may be filmed et different reduction retioe. Thoee too large to be entirely included in one expoeure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand comer, left to right and top to bottom, aa many framee ae required. The following dlegrama iHuatrata tha method: Las csrtss, pisnches, tabieeux. etc.. psuvsnt *trs filmto k das taux da rMuction diff Aronts. Lorsqus Is document est trop grsnd pour Atrs rsproduit sn un soul ciichA. ii est f iim* A partir da I'angie supArisur gsuchs. ds gauchs * droits, st da liaut en baa. en prenant la nombra d'images n4cssseire. Las disgrsmmss suivsnts illustrsnt la mithoda. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 • 6 ' r THE FALLS OF NIAGARA: BEING A COMPLETE GUIDE TO ALL THE POINTS OF INTEREST AROUND AND IN THE IMMEDIATE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF THE GREAT CATARACT. WITH VIEWS TAKEN FROM SKETCHES BY WASHINGTON FRIEND, ESQ., AND FROM PHOTOGRAPHS. T. NELSON AND SONS, 42 BLEECKER STREET, NEW YORK. TORONTO: JAMES CAMPBELL AND SON. mmmmmm'immgmmmm^^ mmmm^^^milim^^f9.f ' iiib^w.^ib.uu™ ■:^. f INDEX. ABBOT, FKAN0I8, THE DEIIMIT OF TUE FALLH, AHERIQAM FALL, SIZE OF, . AMERICAN FALL, VIEW FROM BELOW, AMERICAN FALL, CANADIAN SIDE, * VERY, JOSEPH, BATH ISLAND, BATTLE OF CHIPPEWA, riddle's STAIRS, black rock, blondin's feats, bloody run, bridge over the rapids, bridge, new suspension, at niagara falls, bridge, niagara suspension, brock's MONUMENT, BUFFALO, BURNING SPRING, CAROLINE, BURNING OF THE CAVE OF THE WINDS, CENTRE FALL, (17) 21 10 10 17 18 16 19 32 20 SO 7 27 26 80 82 16 32 22 19 CHAPIN ISLAND CHIPPEWA, .. CLIFTON BOUSE, DEVIL'S HOLE, FALLS, VILLAGE or TUE, ferry house, goat or iris island, goat or iris island, head of, . . grand island, gull island, hermit's cascade hermit of the falls, horse-shoe fall, . . hor8e-8hob fall, from below goat island, HOTELS, ISLANDS, THE, LBWISTON, LVNA ISLAND, LUNAR BOW, . . LUNDY'S LANE BATTLE OBOUIIO, .. 9 33 17 SO 6 10 18 23 32 16 23 21 13 22 7 83 31 19 19 iv INDEX. UAID OF THK MIBT, UASSASACOA, FORT, MINERAL SPRINGS, H088 ISLAKD, MCSECM, NAVY ISLAND, NIAQARA FALLS, SIZE OP, HIAOARA FALLS, DISCOVERT OF, . NIAOARA FALLS FROM POINT VIEW, MIAQARA, FORT, NIAGARA RIVER ABOVE THE FALLS, NIAGARA RIVER BELOW THE FALLS, NIAGARA BY MOONLIGHT, NIAGARA IN WINTER, NIAGARA TOWN, OBJBOTS OF INTEREST IN NEiaHBOCRHOOD, PROSPECT HOUSE, . 13 . 82 . 30 . S3 . 16 . 38 6,10 6 . 9 , 82 . 32 . 17 . 25 . 24 . sa . 28 . 14 Qll-EEKBTON, RAILROAD, ERIE AND ONTARIO, RAILROAD, BUFFALO, NIAGARA FALLS, AND SAM patch's LEAPS, 8CHL0SSER, FORT, SOLAR BOW, . . STATISTICS, . . TABLE ROOK, .. TERRAPIN TOWER, THREE SISTERS, TONA WANDA, . . WATERLOO VILLAGE, WHIRLPOOL, THE, WHITE CANOE — LEGEND, GEOLOGY OF NIAGARA, DESCRIPTIVE FTECHS, • •• •• 31 • •• • • 17 D LBWISTON, 81 • •> •• 20 • • • • • 82 • • • • • 19 . 6 11 . 20 . 15 . ■ • • • 82 . 82 . 80 2.'; • • • •• 84 • •• r • 40 m 31 17 81 20 82 19 6 11 20 15 80 25 84 M FALLS OF NIAGARA. INTRODUCTION. Thb Palls of Niagara may justly be classed ninong the wonders of the world- They are the pride of America, and their grandeur, magnitude, and magnificence are well kuowo to all the civilized world. Kver since the dis- covery of this wonderful cataract, millions have flocked thither from all countries to gaze with feelings of the deep- est solemnity on the tumultuous fall of waters, and to adore the power and majesty of the Almighty as these are exhibited and realized amid the sublime scenery of this stupendous waterfall. In the following pages we shall attempt to guide the traveller to the various points whence the finest views of the Falls may be obtained, and, thereafter, conduct him to the spots of peculiar interest in their neighbourhood. (17) The great lakes of North America— Superior, Michi- gan, Huron, and Erie— pour the flood of their accumu- lated waters into Lake Ontario through a channel of about 36 miles in length. This channel is named the Niagara Biver, and is part of the boundary between Canada and the State of New York. Twenty-two miles below its commencement at Lake Erie occur the famous Falls of Niagara. Tliese Falls are divided into two by Iris or Goat Island. The American Falls are 900 feet wide, by 164 feet high. The Horse-Shoe or Canadian Fall is 2000 feet wide, and 158 feet high. The origin of the name is uncertain, but it is supposed to be of Iroquois extraction, and to signify the " Thunder of Waters." The roar of the Falls is sometimes heard at a great dis- FALLS OF NIAGARA. tance, but of course it is constantly modified by the direc- tion and strength of the wind. Over this magnificent precipice the irresistible tide rushes at the rate of 100 million ton? of water every hour ! It is computed that the precipice is worn away by the friction of the water at the rate of about one foot a year, and it is believed that the Falls have gradually receded from Queenston, seven miles below, to their present position. The river above the Falls is studded with islands of all sizes, amounting to 37 in number. The width of the stream varies from several hundred yards to three miles. At the Falls it is about three-quarters of a mile wide. The total descent from Lake Erie to Ontario is 334 feet. So much for statistics. The Falls of Niagara were first seen by a white man nearly two hundred years ago. Father Hennepin, a French Jesuit missionary, first saw them when on an expedi- tion of discovery in the year 1678. The spots of interest to be visited, besides the great Fall itself, are : — The ground where the memorable Battle of Lundy's Lane was fought ; the Whirlpool below the Falls ; the Suspension Bridges ; the Devil's Hole and the Bloody Run ; the Queenston Heights, General Brock's Monument, Burning Spring, kc. (17) We think it right to say that the Engravings with which our work is embellished may be depended on as being minutely correct, the most of them having been copied from photographs, and others taken from drawings made on the spot by Washington Friend, Esq., whose beautiful and cleverly executed Panorama of American Scenery is so well known to the public. Let us suppose, then, reader, that you have reached the Falls on the American side; that you have just alighted from the train in the Village of the Falls, and the thunder of Niagara is sounding in your ears. It were superfluous to give you minute directions how to proceed. Follow the crowd, and you cannot go wrong ; there are also numerous ready and efficient guides, and, were these lacking, the roar of the great cataract would of itself be sufficient. The Village of the Falls, through which you pass, lies on the east side of the river, in the immediate vicinity of the grand cataract, 22 miles by rail from the city of Buffalo on Lake Erie, and 300 by rail from Albany. Being a fashionable place of resort during summer and FALLS OF NIAGARA. ivings with nded on m laving been iin drawings Esq., who8« f American ave reached u have just e Falls, and lars. It were iv to proceed. J ; there are 1, were these 1 of itself be rou pass, lies te vicinity of I the city of :om Albany, summer and autumn, the ItoteU at this village are excellent in all re- ■pects, and most agreeable abodes for those who intend to sojourn for a time within sound of the Falls. The chief of them are the Cataract House, the International Hotel, Spencer House (opposite Dep6t) ; three magnificent houses, in which every comfort is combined with elegance. The Cataract House is situated at the head of Main Street, overlooking the American Rapids. From the parlours of this famous hotel, one of which is 40 feet by CO, with a 22 feet ceiling, a fine view is had of the Rapids, Uo.'\t Island, the Bridge, and the Canada shores, considered among the principal features of Niagara. Conveyances may be had from any of the above hotels to all parts of Niagara. Rut we are too near the Falls to linger here. Pushing forward down the street leading past the hotels just mentioned, we come into full view of the river at the point where it is spanned by the CAST-IRON BRIDGE OVER THE RAPIDS. Here the first perceptions of power and grandeur begin to awaken in our minds. The noble river is seen hurry- ing on towards its final leap; and, as we stand upon the bridge looking down upon the gushing flood of water, that (17) 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, TUE BAPlUd ABOVE THE FALLS. though feebly as yet, to realize the immensity of this far- famed cataract. This is the finest point of view from FALLS OF NIAGARA. which to observe the Rapida above the Falls. The fall of the river from the head of the rapids (a mile above the Falls) to the edge of the precipice is nearly 60 feet; and the tumultuous madness of the waters, hurling and foaming in wayward billows and breakers down this de- scent, as if fretting with impatience, is a fine contrast to the uniform magnificent bweep with which at length they gush into the thundering flood below. At the other end of the bridge, as seen in our En- (rraving, is Bath Island, connected with Iris or Goat Island by another bridge ; and beyond Goat Island tliere are a few scattered rocks, which are connected with it by means of a third bridge. These rocks lie on the very brink of the precipice, between the American Falls and the Ilorse-Shoe Fall, and on them stands a tower named the Terrapin Tower, which commands a raasnifi- cent view of Niagara. But there are finer points of view than this. Moreover, we shall afterwards have to con- duct our reader to various points of great interest on and around these islands, which, however, no one will feel disposed to visit until he has given his undivided atten- tion to the wonderful Falls from the most striking points of view. We therefore recommend him not to cross over (17) to Goat Island in the first instance, but, after having stood upon the bridge over the rapids above described, retrace his steps and hasten down the banks of the river a few hundred yards, to a spot named Point View. Before proceeding thither, however, we may say a word or two in reference to the bridge we are about to leave. The elegant and substantial structure that now spans the river at this point, was erected by the Messrs. Porter, the proprietors of Goat Island. It is made of iron, on tiie plan of Whipple's iron-arched bridge, and is 360 feet lontr, having 4 arches of 90 feet span each. The width is 27 feet, embracing a double carriage-way of 16.J feet, and two foot-paths of ftj feet eacii, with iron railings. All the materials used in its construction are of tlie best quality, and the strength of ail the parts is much beyond what is considered necessary. Visitors may cross and recross this bridge as often as they wish for 50 cents per day, or for one dollar for the whole season. The first bridge that was thrown over these turbulent waters was constructed at the head of Goat Island in 1817. It was carried away by ice in the following spring, and was succeeded by another, which was built in 1818, out Mi'lil '/I'lwy .V'c'i' .*')// after having ve described, I of the river View, y Bay a word tut to leave, ow spans the ssrs. Porter, i of iron, on d is 860 feet The width of 16.J feet, on railings. ! of the best luch beyond as often as liar for the le turbulent it Island in Aug spring, ilt in 1818, WIN > r I' ^,... NIA&AHA IMIS (ROM POINT PROSPICI AMfRIC»N SlOl 1 ' ' •''% FALLS OF NIAGARA. 9 on the site of the present structure. The difficulties at- tending its construction were overcome in the following manner : — A massive abutment of timber was built at the water's edge, from which were projected enormously long and heavy beums of timber. These beams were secured on the land side by heavy loads of stone, and their outer ends were rendered steady by means of stiltfi or legs let down from them and thrust into the bottom of the river. A platform was thrown over this projec- tion, along which heavy masses of stone were carried and drop])ed into the river. This operation was continued until the heap appeared above water, and then a strong frame-work of timber, filled solidly with stone, was built upon it. To this pier the first permanent portion of the bridge was fixed, and then, commencing from the ex- tremity, beams were run out and a second pier similarly formed, and so on till the bridge was completed. It was built by the Messrs. Porter— extensive proprietors in this neighbourhood— and was repaired in 1839 and again in 1849. In the former year one of tiie workmen, named Chapin, fell from the bridge into tlie river ; fortunately the cur- runt carried him to the first of the two small islets below. (17) He was rescued from his perilous position by Mr. J. R. Robinson, who has more than once bravely rescued fellow-creatures from this dangerous river; and. the island was named after him— Chapin Island. In July 1853 another accident occurred near this point. Two Germans took a boat, and set out for a pleasure sail on the river above the Falls. Nothing more was heard of them until next morning, when one of them, named Joseph Avery, was observed clinging to a log sticking in the midst of the rapids, near the bridge between Bath Island and the mainland. Thousands of people assembled to render the poor man assistance, and during the day various attempts were made to resue him from his perilous position, but without success. At length a boat was lowered down the rapids toward the log to which he clung. It neared him, and he attempted to spring towards it ; but his strength was gone, and he fell into the stream. In another moment he was swept over the Falls. His body was never found. NIAGARA FALLS FROM POINT VIEW. This is indeed a sight worth coming many hundred miles to see. Walking through the Grove, we emerge 10 FALLS OF NIAGARA. i: upon the P>^Int in front of an establishment where thousands of visitors are photographed annually in con- nection with the Falls. Here, at one wide sweep, we behold Niagara stretching from the American to the Canadian side in magnificent perspeclive. Just at our feet the smooth deep masses of the American Falls un- dulate convulsively 4is they hurl over the precipice, and dash, in a never-ending succession of what we may term passionate bursts, upon the rugged rocks beneath. Beyond, and a little to the left, is Goat Island, richly clothed with trees, its drooping end seeming as if it too were plunging, like the mighty river, into the seething abyss. Just off the Point is seen the Terrapin Tower, and right in front of us is the great Horse-Shoe Fall, uttering its deep, deafening roar of endless melody, as it plunges majestically into that curdling sea, from which the white cloud of mist rises high in air and partially conceals the background of Canada from view. Far down in the river below, the ferry-boats are seen dancing on the angry waters. It is a solemnizing prosiiect, and wc should suppose that few could gaze upon it for the first time without feeling that they had attained to a higher conception of the awful power and might of the U71 Eternal. This point was the last residence of Francis Abbot, the young Hermit of Niagara. The American Fall, on the brink of which we stand, is 164 feet in perpendicular height, and 660 feet wide from the mainland to Luna Island. The smaller Fall, betweeu Luna and Goat Island, is 100 feet wide. Within a short distance of the spot where we stand is the FERRY-HOUSE. Here there is a curious inclined plane, down which we descend in cars, which are worked by means of a water wheel .and a rope ; there is also a stair connected with this, at the foot of which the ferry-boat waits to convey us over to the Canadian side, whither w^ intend to pro- ceed, because one of the finest views of Niagara is had from Table Rock. Ten minutes will suffice to convey us uver, and the passage is quite safe. The charge is 25 cents ; but before going, let us hasten to the foot of the American Falls, and view them /rom below. Mr. Charles Dickens, writing' of this scene, says : " The bank is very steep, and was slippery with rain and linlf-melted ice. I hardly know how I got down, bat 1 was soon at the bottom, and, climbing; with two English /« If^ ice of Francis k we stand, is eet wide from Fall, betweeu Within a short )wn which we ^ns of a water tnnected with aits to convey intend to pro- iagara is had J to convey us charge is 25 le foot of the scene, says : vith rain and dowB, but I two English i ?'5 |i I office brok spra; Ame teari no i< immi Sei ingo and ; view we ai are r mile and I but > aside the r ofNi In quot( FALLS OP NIAGARA, 11 officers, who were crossint; and had joined me, over some broken rocks, deafened by the noise, half-blinded by the spray, and wet to the skin, we were at the foot of the American Fall. I could see an immense torrent of water tearing headlong down from some great height, but had no idea of shape or situation, or anything but vague immensity." Seating ourselves in the ferry-boat, we are soon danc- ing on the agitated waters, and gazing in profound silence and admiration at the Falls, which from this point of view are seen to great advantage. A few minutes, and we are standing on the soil of Canada. Here carriages are ready to convey us to Table Rock, little more than a mile distant. Clifton House, not far from the landing, and several other objects of interest, claim our attention ; but we are too full of the Great Cataract just now to turn aside, and as we shall pass this way again in descending the river, we will hasten on to behold the sublime view of Niagara from Table Bock. TABLE ROCK. In alluding to this view, the graphic writer above quoted says : — " It wa4 not till I came on Table Rock, (17) and looked on the fall of bright green water, that it came upon me in its full might and majesty. The Nia- gara 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. "Oh, how the strife and trouble of daily life receded from my view and lessened in the distance, during the ten memorable days we passed on that enchanted ground 1 What voices spoke from out the thundering water I what faces, faded from the earth, looked out upon me from its gleaming depths 1 what heavenly promise glistened in those angels' tears, the drops of many hues, that showered around, and twined themselves about the gorgeous arches which the changing rainbows made I ... To wander to and fro all day, and see the cataract from all points ot view ; to stand upon the edge of the great Horse-Shoe Fall, marking the hurried water gathering strength as it approached the verge, yet seeming, too, to pause before it shot into the gulf below ; to gaze from tfas river's level up at the torrent as it came streaming down ; to climb the neighbouring heights and watch it through the trees, and see the wreathing water in the rapids hurrying on to take its fearful plunge ; to linger in the shadow of the r^ 12 FALLS OF NIAGARA. . 1 t hr solemn rocks three miles below, watcliing the river as, stirred by no visible cause, it heaved and eddied, and awoke the echoes, being troubled yet, far down beneath the surface, by its giant leap ; to have Niagara before me, lighted by the sun and by the moon, red in the day's decline and gray as evening slowly fell upon it ; to look upon it every day, and wake up in the night and bear its ceaseless voice : this was enough. "I think in every quiet season now. Still do those waters roll and leap, and roar and tumble all day long ; still are the rainbows spanning them a hundred feet be- low ; still, when the sun is on them, do they shine and glow like molten gold ; still, when the day is gloomy, do they fall like snow, or seem to crumble away like the front of a great chalk cli£f, or roll down the rock like dense white smoke. But always does the mighty stream appear to die as it comes down, and always from its un- fathomable grave arises that tremendous ghost of spray and mist which is never laid ; which has haunted this place with the same dread solemnity since darkness brooded on the deep, and that first flood before the Deluge— light— came rushing on creation at the word of God." (17) But no words, however appropriate— no combination of ideas, however felicitous, can do justice to Niagara ; and those who are wending their way thither will need BO description : yet it is satisfactory to know the feelings and thoughts of those who have gone before us. Table Rock is no longer the extensive platform that it once was, large portions of it having fallen from time to time. It overhangs the terrible caldron close to the Uorse-Shoe Fall, and the view from it, as already described, is most sublime. 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 earth- quake. Again, in 1829, another fragment fell, and in 1850 a portion of about 200 feet in length and 100 feet thick. On one of those occasions, some forty or fifty per- sons had been standing on the rock a few minutes before it fell I The work of demolition still goes on, for another portion of Table Bock 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, and now all that remains of the once famous Table Rock is a huge mass of rock at the edge of the river below the bank. '.;;'//■ /,'«•■■■ no combiuatioii ;ice to Niagara ; lither will need aow the feelings )re UB. platform that it en from time to on close to tlie ready described, feet long and 40 ig flood ; and in ck like an eartb- gnt fell, and in th and 100 feet )rty or fifty per- minutes before on, for another 1 1867, a large lear the road, it ernment caused remains of the of rock at the HORSE SHOE FALL. fc^- I t PALLS OF NIAGARA. 13 THE MAID or THE MIST. At one time a little steamer was wout to start from he landing, close to the Suspension Bridge, two miles below Niagara, and, ascending the river, passed the merican Falls, and penetrated boldly into the dense loud of mist close to the foot of the Horse-Shoe Fall. he spectator standing on the verge of Table Rock, and looking down, might then have seen the little steamer Ibaffling with the stormy waters. So completely was she enveloped in the mist, that waterproof garments were provided for those who chose to remain on her deck. The iiteamer was built expressly for this brief voyage, and is an excellent boat of 170 tons burden, with an engine of above 100 horse-power. The owners of this little steamer having found her an unprofitable speculation, she was sold to a Montreal firm with the condition that she should be safely navigated through the rapids and the whirlpool (see p. 30). This dangerous experiment was undertaken by J. R. Robinson, with but two assistants. The danger was considered so great that the brave men who undertook it could not get any office to insure their lives for a cent. It was, how- (17) ever, accomplished in safety, with no other injury to the vessel than the falling of her funnel on the deck, which occurred just before entering the whirlpool, at the river's narrowest point, where it is estimated that the torrent rushes at a speed of twenty-five miles an hour. It was a wonderful feat of navigation, and created intense excitement for miles around. THE HORSE-SHOE FALL. The view here is awfully grand. As we gaze upwards at the frowning cliff that seems tottering to its fall, and pass under the thick curtain of water — so near that it seems as if we could touch it— and hear the hissing spray, and are stunned by the deafening roar that issues from the misty vortex at our feet, an indescribable feeling of awe steals over us, and we are more than ever impressed with the tremendous magnificence of Niagara. Behind our narrow footpath the precipice of the Horse-Shoe Fall rises perpendicularly to a height of 90 feet ; at our feet the cliff descends about 70 feet into a turmoil of bursting foam ; in front is the liquid curtain which, though ever passing onward, never unveils this wildest of Nature's caverns. 14 FALLS OF NIAGARA. i'i 1 1 ' i VIEW BELOW TABLE BUCK. We do nr-t ran much danger in going under the Falls if we are moderately careful, and hundreds of ladies do so every year. But accidents have happened more than once to reckless travellers. To the nervous and the timid we would say, Go under the Falls by all means, and fear not. To the daring and the bold we would say, Go, but be- ware. At the same time it is right to mention that portions of Table Rock are still expected to fall every year, so that those who go under the Falls must run the risk of this. The volume of water that gushes over the Horse-Shoe Fall is enormous. It is estimated that the sheet is fully 20 feet thick in the centre, an estimate which was corro- borated in a singular manner in 1829. A ship named the Detroit, having been condemned, was bought and sent over the Falls. On board were put a live bear, a deer, a buffalo, and several smaller animals. The vessel was almost knocked to pieces in the rapids, but a large portion of her hull went over entire. She drew 18 feet water, but did not strike the cliff as she took the awful plunge. PROSPECT HOUSE Stands in the rear of Table Rock. The view from the I summit of this building is magnificent. ^t (17) ider the Falls i of ladies du led more than and the timid ans, and fear y, Go, but bt- 1 that portions year, so that risk of this, e Horse-Shoe sheet is fully !ch was corro- L ship named I bought and a live bear, a The vessel i, but a large drew 18 feet K>k the awful iew from the ■HH[t SlSTtBS X COAT ISLAND fROM CANADA SlDl poin the T the islai whi F was auii boai rive shoi for hina of 1 des lik( Sh< isla wit FALLS OF mAGARA. 15 A fbw hundred yards above Prospect House there is a point from which we obtain a fine view of the rapids and the islands uanied THE THREE SISTERS. They are seen in the distance lying close together at the head of Goat Island. These hitherto inaccessible islands are now connected by substantial foot bridges, from which the grandest view of the rapids is to be obtained. From one of these Sisters a gentleman named Allen was rescued by the gallant Mr. J. R. Robinson in the summer of 1841. Mr. Allen ' .iJ started alone in his boat for the village of Chippewa, nd in the middle of the river broke one of his oars. Being unable to gain the shore, he endeavoured with the remaining oar to steer for tiie head of Goat Island, but the rapid current swept him past this point. As he approached the outer island of the Three Sisters, he steered with the cool energy of despair toward it and leaped ashore, while his boat sprang like a lightening flash down the rapid and over the Horse- Shoe Fall. For two days Mr. Allen remained on the island, and then, fortunately, succeeded in making a fire with some matches he happened to have in his pocket. (17) Crowds of people assembled to assist in and witness the rescue, which was accomplished by Robinson, who, hav- ing managed to pass a rope from island to island, readied him with a skiff. \ t ■ r .) I 16 FALLS OP NIAGARA. Another narrow escape was made here by a father and son in the year 1850. The son, a boy of ten years of age, was paddling his father — who was drunk at the time — over to their home on Grand Island. The father was unable to guide the frail canoe, which was carried into the rapids, and descended with fearful rapidity towards the Falls. The wretched father could do nothing to save himself; but the gallant boy struggled with the energy of a hero, and succeeded in forcing the canoe between Goat Island and the Three Sisters. Here they were in imminent danger of passing over the little cascade be- tween these Islands, but, providentially, as they neared it a wave upset the canoe and left them struggling in the water. The plac« was shallow, the boy gained a footing, and seizing his father by the collar, dragged him to the shore, where hundreds of anxious spectators received them with shouts of joy. Oull Island is a small island just above the Horse-Shoe Fall. It has never been trodden by man. About two miles higher up the river is THE BURNING SPRING. This curious spring is very interesting. (17) The water, being charged with sulphuretted hydrogen gas, takes fire when a light is applied to it, and burns with a pale bluish flame. The Battle cj Chippewa was fought in this neighbour- hood on the 5th July 1814. In order to gratify the visitor's natural desire to see Niagara from the most striking points cf view, we have hurried him somewhat abruptly to the Canada side. We will now retrace our steps to the ferry, and crossing over, visit Goat Island and its neighbourhood. The flrst object that claims our attention as we return down the left bank of the river is THE MUSEUM, Which stands at the top of the bank near to Table Rock, and is well worth visiting. It is arranged so as to repre- sent a forest scene, and contains a fine collection of birds, beasts, and fishes, besides a camera-obscura. Charge for admission, 25 cents. A short distance below this house a terrible accident occurred in 1844. A lady named Miss Martha K. Rngg fell over the bank, and descending a depth of 115 feet, was dashed on the sharp rocks below. Slie wab i-'UihinUiiriii: »I»(.AK.\ HI VI R lU I 11* ' Hf. I 6 I 1 ' 1 FALLS OF NIAGARA. 17 alive when picked up, bat expired a few hours after- wards. Our Engraviog of the AMERICAN FALLS Exhibits the view as seen from the Canadian side directly opposite. Behind the Falls are seen the splendid Ame- rican Hotels, the Cataract House, the International, &c., with the woods extending towards Point View. On the right are the Centre Fall and the wooden stairs leading to the Cave of the Winds. From this position we have also a fine prospect of NIAGARA RIVER BELOW THE FALLS. Our Engraving, taken from a photograph, gives an excellent and correct representation of this view. The swollen and agitated stream hurries onward, after its mighty leap, between steep cliffs, clothed on the summit with wood. On the left of the Picture we see the road winding along the top of the bank towards the splendid hotel named Clifton House; groupsofpilgrims to the shrine of the mighty Cataract of the West enliven the scene; and perchance the ferry-boat shoots out from its moorings as (17) we pass, and dances like a cork upon the troubled waters. A walk of about half an hour along the bank of the river brings us to Clifton House, a magnificent hotel, in the immediate vicinity of which is the ground where the Battte of Lundy Lane was fought. It occupies a com- manding position on the top of the bank, at a short dis- tance from the Ferry Landing- Place. The view of the American and Horse-Shoe Falls from this hotel is ex- ceedingly fine, and the accommodation is excellent. The gardens around it are a great improvement, and it has concert rooms and large public saloons. The Erie and Ontario Railroad, which passes close to it, connects at Chippewa, a village about three miles up the river, with the steamer to Buffalo, and runs down the river to the vil- lage of Niagara, at its mouth, whence the Lake Ontario steamers convey passengers to the River St. Lawrence. Having thus cast a rapid glance at the salient points on the Canada side, we may either continue our walk for a mile further, to the Suspension Bridge, or recross the Ferry to inspect the Falls more narrowly. Choosing the latter course, we cross in the boat, re-ascend the inclined-plane rail- way, hurry through the Grove, and cross the bridge to— ) S 18 PALLS OF NIAGARA. BATH ISLAND. Here was a bathin■