Niagara Falls 



scientific aspects of the subject, the date of publication usually 

 has been the one assigned. In these later accounts, with the 

 multiplication of Niagara material, it has often been impossible 

 to ascertain whether a given author was writing at first or at 

 second hand. 



The classification of the material according to subject matter 

 has been even more difficult than its arrangement chronologically. 

 In many cases assignment to one classification rather than to 

 another has been of necessity more or less arbitrary. 



The same may be said of the selections made. No two people 

 would be in agreement on the material chosen for quotation. 

 When doing work of this kind an author gets a certain point of 

 view, which he follows, and what may appear to him as important 

 impresses another as trivial. 



While every effort has been made in the interest of accuracy 

 and such a degree of comprehensiveness as is compatible with the 

 object of the book, errors and omissions have no doubt occurred. 

 The author will be glad to have these called to his attention. 



It is fitting that this slight sketch of the origin, purpose and 

 plan of this undertaking should close with some acknowledgment 

 of the author's indebtedness to his predecessors in the field of 

 Niagara Falta literature. Previous bibliographies have been 

 freely used and earlier studies constantly referred to. An expres- 

 sion of gratitude is due to many public libraries and historical 

 societies for their unfailing interest in the author's efforts and 

 their frequent helpful suggestions. 



Charles M. Dow 



April 19/7 



