Niagara Falls 



nature. The effect of all these objects is much heightened by 

 being seen from a dizzy and fearful pinnacle, upon which you 

 seem suspended over a fathomless abyss of vapour, whence 

 ascends the deafening uproar of the greatest cataract in the world, 

 and by reflecting that this powerful torrent has been rushing 

 down, and this grand scene of stormy magnificence been in the 

 same dreadful tumult for ages, and will continue so for ages to 

 come." 



Skirting the base of the Table-Rock, you arrive at the point 

 of entrance, behind the vast sheet of water, which those who 

 desire to traverse, provide themselves with fitting apparel, which 

 is here kept for that purpose. This magnificent cavern is often 

 tenanted by rushing winds, which drive the spray with blinding 

 fury in the face of the approaching pilgrim. Clad in rude gar- 

 ments, and cap of oil-cloth, with coarse shoes — the most unpic- 

 turesque of all figures — he approaches, staking his staff among 

 the loose fragments that obstruct his way. The path is slippery 

 and perilous, the round wet stones betray his footing, and some- 

 times cold, slimy, and wriggling eels coil around his ancles. 

 Respiration is at first difficult, almost to suffocation. But the 

 aiding hand and encouraging voice of the guide are put in 

 requisition, and, almost ere he is aware, he reaches Termination 

 Rock, beyond which all progress is hazardous. This exploit 

 entitles him to a certificate, obtained at the house where his garb 

 was provided, and signed by the guide. But should he fail of 

 attaining this honour, by a too precipitate retreat from this cavern 

 of thunders, he is still sure of a magnificent shower-bath. 



The lover of Nature's magnificence will scarcely be satisfied 

 without repeated visits to Niagara. The mind is slow in 

 receiving the idea of great magnitude. It requires time and 

 repetition to expand and deepen the perceptions that overwhelm 

 it. This educating process is peculiarly necessary among 

 scenery, where the mind is continually thrown back upon its 

 Author, and the finite, trying to take hold of the Infinite, falters, 

 and hides itself in its own nothingness. 



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