AT THE FALLS OF NIAGARA. 357 



in mind of the nodules of flint, contained in the chalk-pits 

 of Kent and Surry, near London. The flint and lime- 

 stone at Erie lie contiguous without mixture ; and may 

 be broken out in their respective forms quite distinct. 

 And this connexion of them continues eastwardly, far 

 into the Seneca-prairies, or Buffalo Plains. 



Such is the constitution of the solid strata at Niagara, 

 and in its vicinity. The uppermost are horizontal and 

 tabular. When a stratum is discontinued, its termination 

 is abrupt, forming a sudden descent. This descent, at 

 any one place, is proportional to the thickness of the stra- 

 tum. Several of these strata break off in this manner, 

 about half way between Chippeway and the grand cata- 

 ract. And they continue their interruptions to the even- 

 ness of the channel, the whole distance beyond. At 

 each termination the river treads lower, and skips and 

 dances along to the next. It marches down this, and 

 proceeds to the succeeding one. Then it runs from 

 stage to stage, until, after a gradual and majestic progress 

 of a mile, gathering force and velocity at every step, it 

 leaps from the high and final precipice* 



The mighty and immeasurable torrent dashes upon a 

 ledge of detached and enormous rocks, the fragments of 

 the superior strata that have been broken off, and preci- 

 pitated in the course of ages. All the pieces which the 

 vehement and unceasing current can stir, are washed 

 away. None remain but those that are too heavy for 

 removal. These form a rough and broken bottom for the 

 floods to rush upon. Their solidity and size cheek the 

 impetuosity of the headlong river. Their crags convert 

 a part of it into mist, which rises like an exhalation to an 

 altitude sufficient to be seen for many miles, and which 

 bedews the adjacent district with a moisture resembling 



