Science, Geology and Physics 



bottom for the floods to rush upon. Their solidity and size check 1809 

 the impetuosity of the headlong river. Their crags convert a M,,chl1 ' 

 part of it into mist, which rises like an exhalation to an altitude 

 sufficient to be seen for many miles, and which bedews the adja- 

 cent district with a moisture resembling rain. On the Canada 

 side, they are in a great degree concealed from sight by the 

 foaming water, and the rising spray that invest them. But on the 

 New- York side, where the height of the fall is greater and the 

 quantity of water smaller, the inferior ledge of rocks can be better 

 discerned as they lie piled upon each other in all the rudeness of 

 accidental disposition ; these form a barrier to protect the frail basis 

 of slate from the assault of the water. By the intervention of these 

 impassive heaps, the shistus, notwithstanding its shattered consti- 

 tution, maintains its ground remarkably, and yields but slowly. 

 Yet, under the operation of such powerful causes, it gives way 

 at last, though only inch by inch. In consequence of this moder- 

 ate, but certain removal of the shistic foundation, the calcareous 

 strata are at length deprived of their support, and yards and 

 perches, as is believed, of their extremities have disappeared 

 within the recollection of persons now alive. 



By this means the cataract seems to have moved its place, and 

 not to have been stationary at any one point. Beyond a doubt, 

 says Dr. M. it is proceeding up the stream, and drawing nearer 

 to Chipeway and Erie. 



1818-1819 



DUNCAN, John M. Travels through part of the United States and 1818-19 

 Canada in 1818 and 1819. Glasgow. 1823. 2:52-57. Duncan 



The falls of Niagara are among those phenomena in the exter- 

 nal world, from which speculatists have spun a cobweb theory 

 of the earth, proving or intended to prove 



1 That he who made it, and revealed its date 

 To Moses, was mistaken in its age." 



There is every reason to believe from the aspect of the banks, 

 and the character of the surrounding country above and below 



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