NIAGARA FALLS. ~0i 



the rapids, and some years ago, an immense mas* 

 of the rocky stratum was precipitated over, and 

 shook the country round like an earthquake. 



Ovid's description of a cataract furnishes but a 

 very imperfect idea of this wonder of nature. 



" Estnemus iEmonice, praerupta quod undique claudjt 

 Silva : vocant Tempe. Per quae Fcneus ab imo 

 Effusus Pindo spumosis volvitur undis,. 

 Dejectuque gravi tenues agitantia fusnos 

 JVubila conduci(,sunjmasque aspergine silvas 

 Impliait ; etsonituplus quam vicina fatigat." 



This cataract is a great manufactory of clouds 

 and rainbows, and it serves as a barometer as far 

 as Buffalo. If the spray spreads from the north 

 it is a sign of a northerly wind. — A south east 

 wind indicates rain. 



Goat Island derives its name from its being 

 appropriated to goats by Mr. Stedman, the form- 

 er possessor of Fort Schlosser. It now belongs 

 to individuals, and is connected with the right 

 bank of the river by bridges. It was formerly 

 upposed that it would make an excellent place 

 for a state penitentiary on account of the imprac- 

 ticability of passing from it previous to the erec- 

 f ion of the bridges; but this is a mistake. It can 

 be easily reached by a canoe from the place 

 where the rapids separate at the the head of the 

 island, but it is difficult to retire. Stedman used 



