Niagara Falls 

 1805 so mixed with the water that live eels were actually moving about 



Bigelow 



between our feet, and a false step, or sudden precipice which 

 we might not be able to discern, would have plunged us where 

 nothing could have saved us from instant destruction. From 

 these considerations, it will readily be believed that not many 

 adventurers have proceeded further, and none much further, than 

 we did; and, as it could not with any propriety of speech be 

 said that we were between the river and the rock over which it 

 pours, by several rods, it may safely be affirmed that such a notion 

 is altogether chimerical. Indeed, were there a firm foundation 

 to travel on behind the water, and could one with safety be 

 placed there, it would require a miracle to prevent his being 

 immediately suffocated. Being satisfied, therefore, upon this 

 point, we retired out of the reach of the tempest, to a place where 

 we could leisurely contemplate the scene around us. When the 

 wind is favorable for driving off the cloud which rises from the 

 centre of the Horseshoe, much more of the cataract may be seen 

 than at other times. The wind was not in the most favorable 

 state while we were there. The view, nevertheless, was exceed- 

 ingly grand and impressive, much more so than from the Table 

 Rock. Above, it is true, you can see the whole descent of the 

 water, by observing a part of the column at some distance from 

 you ; but that distance diminishes its apparent height and velocity, 

 and below, you see with the most distinctness that part of the 

 column which is nearest to you, and which falls almost at your 

 feet. 



Above, therefore, you can hardly persuade yourself that the 

 fall is so great as it is, but below, the river seems literally to 

 proceed out from the clouds. The noise also, which upon the 

 Table Rock is a heavy roar, is so intense below that it is difficult 

 to carry on conversation. There is in it a peculiar hurry and 

 vehemence, and it is said by some to communicate a tremulous 

 motion to the surrounding country. Besides the dense cloud 

 which ascends from the bottom of the Horseshoe, there is a vapor 

 and mist continually falling, to the distance of one hundred rods, 



134 



