NIAGARA FALLS AND VICINITY 9 



And, while one gathers these, one's knowledge of Niagara becomes 

 broadened, and the perception grows that there are other lessons 

 to be learned in this region, lessons of even more tremendous im- 

 port than those taught by the cataracts. 



The pedestrian has by far the best opportunity to see and enjoy 

 nature as she is only to be seen and enjoyed at Niagara. The 

 stately forest beauty of Goat island, unequaled in the estimation of 

 those competeiit to judge, by that of any other wooded spot of 

 similar size; the constantly changing views of gorge and falls and 

 rapids wdiich are obtained from nearly every path on the islands 

 and the mainland on both sides of the river; the magnificence of 

 the turbulent waters as they rush toward you, wave piling on wave, 

 till it seems as if the frail-looking structure on which you stand 

 must inevitably be carried away by them — none can enjoy these to 

 their full extent while sitting in a carriage, though it move never so 

 slowly, or while being compelled to listen to the descriptions and 

 explanations of an unsympathetic and unappreciativc driver. If you 

 must ride, patronize the reservation carriages, which leave you wher- 

 ever you wish to stop and take you on again at your own pleasure.^ 



Views from the New York side 



The first view of the falls which the visitor on the New York 

 side enjoys is generally from Prospect point, or some of the more 

 elevated view points along the brink of the gorge in Prospect park 

 (see frontispiece, pi. i). While impressive, this view by no means 

 reveals to its full extent the matchless grandeur of the cataracts, and 

 in this respect the visitor on the Canadian side has the advantage. 

 However, the views from Prospect point and Father Hennepin's 

 view point should be obtained by every one, and it may be that some 

 will find greater attraction in these than in the more comprehensive 

 views obtained from the other side. While in Prospect park, it is 

 w^ell to descend to the foot of the inclined railway, and get the views 



^These carriages are run at intervals of 15 minutes, starting from Pros- 

 pect park, and making the circuit of Goat island. The fare is 15c for the 

 round trip, and stop-overs at all places, and for any length of time on the 

 sam.e day, are allowed. 



