Niagara Falls 



1916 to the service of industry. During a shorter period — from ten 

 A. M. to eight P. M. — the cataract resumes its normal activity, 

 contributing to the esthetic enjoyment of all who behold it. 



One-quarter of a mile above the western extremity of Goat 

 Island, where ripples betray the beginning of the upper rapids, 

 a dam would be constructed at right angles to the axis of the river. 

 The length would be about four-fifths of a mile. Niagara River 

 at this point is exceedingly shallow. . . . 



The dam would possess the necessary architectural features to 

 harmonize with the environment. The water impounded by the 

 closing of the gates could be led by huge canals, on both sides of 

 the gorge, to the edge of the bluff overlooking Lake Ontario. 

 From this point a multitude of penstocks and rock tunnels would 

 conduct the entire volume of water to the level of the river near 

 Queenston on the Canadian side and Lewiston on the American 

 side, where battalions of power-houses can easily be located. 



Once provided with the mechanical means to control the vast 

 volume of water, ordinarily sweeping over the crest of Niagara, 

 the daily program would be as follows : 



At 8 P. M. the entire series of gates on the dam would simul- 

 taneously close. A few minutes later and the American Falls 

 would falter. The volume of water would swiftly diminish. 

 Soon the grand curtain would be rent and gashed as if by 

 invisible knives. A minute or two more, and rivulets here and 

 there pour over the brink. The gloomy, cavernous recesses 

 beneath the overhanging edge are revealed to the eye. Another 

 minute and the rivulets have changed to drops. 



From Goat Island to the apex of the great Horseshoe the same 

 sequence of transformation begins. It creeps steadily along the 

 crest until it reaches the Canadian shore. The deafening roar of 

 the cataract sinks to an agonizing groan, a reproachful sigh, a 

 dying murmur. Niagara is silent! 



A few minutes later and the rage and fury of the long stretch 



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