Niagara Falls 



1836 the rocks at the foot of the Great Fall. Here its height and 

 power are fully appreciated. The sun burst forth in radiance, 

 and the sheeted foam glittered like frosted showers in his rays. 

 How hard it is to leave that spot — one lingers, and lingers as 

 over a new-found joy! 



The tower is boldly placed over the rushing flood, and is 

 forty-five feet high; the access is by a bridge, which projects ten 

 feet beyond the Falls. This view is the crown and glory of the 

 whole. I felt the moral influence of the scene acting on my 

 spiritual nature, and while lingering at the summit alone, offered 

 a simple and humble prayer. Descending the Tower, I crossed 

 to the extreme end of Terrapin Bridge; there, lying down with 

 my head over the Fall, I ceased to pray or even to think. I 

 gave myself up to the overpowering greatness of the scene, and 

 my soul was still. 



My mind has been calmed by rambling through the romantic 

 forest walks of the island, where beautiful, but not overwhelming, 

 views of the rapids and falls break through the clustering trees. 

 Yielding myself up to the sensation of a new youth, I lost, for 

 a while, the excitement of more thrilling scenery, and passed 

 several hours in that delicious stroll, while the calm clear sky 

 looked through the branches, and the shade of the woods softened 

 the summer sun, soothing the over-taxed senses. Long — for- 

 ever, may this gem of nature, Iris Island, remain in its wild 

 beauty. 



My last look at the great Falls was at the lunar bow, at the 

 extremity of Terrapin Bridge. If I was affected at the Gennessee 

 Falls, with the thought of the tender associations which spring 

 up at seeing this mighty element softened by its peaceful arch, 

 how much did the spiritual beauty of this moonlight creation 

 touch me in a scene of such surpassing power! The lunar bow 

 lies in its shaded white on the mist, like a thing of the imagina- 

 tion, lending grace and softness to its majesty. When I had 



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