Hiaaara ffalls power mitrofcuctton. 187 



near Lake Ontario, and at that time was very 

 much higher than it is at present. Through 

 long ages of time the water has gradually 

 eaten away the rock, thus forming the gorge. 

 It is estimated by different geologists that the 

 time required to wear a.vay the rock back to 

 the present position of the fall has required 

 from 15,000 to 35,000 years. Some authorities 

 place the rate of wear at three feet per annum 

 and others not more than one. It is well 

 known, however, that this erosion is constantly 

 going on, and if nothing is done to check it the 

 time will come when the gorge will extend up 

 to Lake Erie and drain it, practically, to the 

 bottom. This is a matter, however, that the 

 people of this and those of several succeeding 

 generations need not worry about. 



In the early days, before the country was 

 settled and the banks of the river were lined 

 with trees, and no houses, hotels or horse-cars 

 were to be seen ; when the puffing of the loco- 

 inotive was not heard echoing from shore to 

 shore; when no bridges spanned the river to 

 n IMF its beauty, and when nature was the only 

 architect and beautifier, Niagara Falls must 

 have been one of the most attractive spots on 

 the earth ; at least it is the place of all places 

 where the mighty energies of nature are gath- 

 ered together in one grand exhibition of sub- 

 lime power. Here for a^es this same grand 

 exhibition had l><en ^oing on, and although 



