96 IN AND OUT OF ITHACA. 



brings us to a bridge over the Taughannock stream, here 

 broad and shallow. Again the question arises, shall we 

 follow up the bed of the stream, or continue along the 

 road. We ought to do both, and the best advice that 

 can be given is to go twice, and whichever route you 

 chose on your first visit, choose the other on your 

 second. This time, however, we will continue our 

 course along the road beyond the bridge, soon turning 

 to the left, and ascending a steep hill. After climbing 

 a considerable way we come at last to a pretty little 

 rustic hotel, w T ith pleasant grounds surrounding. The 

 hotel stands almost on the very edge of the ravine, along 

 the bank of which seats are placed that command a 

 fine view of the Fall, and the amphitheatre below. 

 Tarry here awhile, if you can, for although the distance 

 diminishes the impressiveness of the Fall itself, the 

 scene is none the less stately and full of beauty. But 

 presently seek out the staircase that leads to the bottom 

 of the ravine, and go down, down till you feel sure there 

 are no deeper depths. Then follow up the bed of the 

 stream, along a pathless path, till you stand in the 

 clearing before "The Great Fall in the Woods. " Round 

 about you on either side the rock rises three, hundred 

 and fifty feet almost perpendicular. Just in front, the 

 cliffs are broken, and the Bridal Veil of Taughannock is 

 hung down from the cleft to cover the bare face of the 

 rocks. The water falls in one sheer perpendicular leap 

 two hundred and fifteen feet. At most seasons of the 

 year it is for the most part dissipated into a silvery 

 spray long before reaching the bottom, really only a 



