Niagara Falls 



1750 that grew at the side of the rock above the fall, and let the other 

 Kalm end down to the water. So they went down along their new- 



invented stairs, and when they came to the bottom in the middle 

 of the fall, they rested a little; and as the water next below the fall 

 is not rapid, as beforementioned, they threw themselves out into it, 

 thinking to swim on shore. I have said before, that one part of 

 the fall is on one side of the island, the other on the other side. 

 Hence it is, that the waters of the two cataracts running against 

 each other, turn back against the rock that is just under the 

 island. Therefore, hardly had the Indians began to swim, 

 before the waves of the eddy threw them with violence against 

 the rock from whence they came. They tried it several times, but 

 at last grew weary ; and being often thrown against the rock they 

 were much bruis'd, and the skin of their bodies torn in many 

 places. So they were oblig'd to climb up their stairs again to 

 the island, not knowing what to do. After some time they 

 perceived Indians on the shore, to whom they cried out. These 

 saw and pity'd them, but gave them little hopes of help: yet 

 they made haste down to the fort, and told the commander where 

 two of their brethern were. He persuaded them to try all 

 possible means of relieving the two poor Indians; and it was 

 done in this manner. The water that runs on the east side of 

 this island is shallow, especially a little above the island towards 

 the eastern shore. The commandant caused poles to be made 

 and pointed with iron; two Indians determined to walk to this 

 island by the help of these poles, to save the other poor creatures, 

 or perish themselves. They took leave of all their friends as if they 

 were going to death. Each had two such poles in his hands, to set 

 against the bottom of the stream, to keep them steady. So they 

 went and got to the island, and having given poles to the two 

 poor Indians there, they all returned safely to the main. Those 

 two Indians who in the above mentioned manner were first 

 brought to this island, are yet alive. They were nine days on 

 the island and almost starved to death. — 



60 



