Science, Geology and Physics 



the noise of waterfalls, — an alternation of muffled and open 1832 

 sounds, — that can find no perfect similitude. It has been likened ouc e,te 

 to the hoarse voice of oceanic surges heavily lashing the sea- 

 shore; to the plunging dash of huge spherical stones hurled in 

 quick and ceaseless succession from a precipice of great altitude 

 into profound waters; to the effect produced in a vast mill by 

 the * ceaseless, rumbling, deep, monotonous sound," accom- 

 panied with tremor, of numerous sets of millstones moving 

 simultaneously; but, however these assimilations, and especially 

 the last, which is certainly the best and most familiar, may serve 

 to illustrate description and aid the imagination, yet they are 

 not quite perfect, as the sounds compared are either inadequate 

 resemblances in themselves or deficient in majesty. Perhaps 

 nothing can come nearer the cadence, fulness, and dignity of the 

 sphere-filling thunders of Niagara than the spirited engagement 

 at sea, in still weather, of two heavy squadrons, six or eight miles 

 off. To a spectator on the heights of Aboukir, the battle of the 

 Nile must have conveyed a correct idea of the roaring, rolling, 

 rumbling, thundering noise of this wonderful cataract. 



1833 



FlNCH, I. Travels in the United States of America and Canada. 1833 

 . . . Lond.: Longman, Rees. 1833. Pp. 328-331. F«ch 



The author spent three weeks at the Falls studying their geology and 

 enjoying their scenery. He was apparently much impressed, for he writes: 

 " There is but one Niagara — nothing can equal its beauty — nothing can 

 surpass its sublimity." In geological matters he takes issue, at some points, 

 with the conclusions of Hall and Bakewell. 



HAMILTON, Thomas. Men and manners in America. Edinburg and 1833 

 Lond.: 1833. 2:314-331. Hamilton 



The author describes at length his first impressions of the Falls, the 

 noise of the cataract, the rapids, the Fall and islands on the American 

 side, and the country around Niagara. His description of the sound is 

 quoted. 



The noise of the great cataract is, certainly, far less than might 

 be expected. Even at its very brink, conversation may be car- 



525 



