Science, Geology and Physics 



of the Falls, and in the effects of the buried valleys, determined 1907 

 by causes acting far from the great cataract, opened a new field pencer 

 of investigation, as did also the application of more precise 

 methods of research than were formerly followed, so that the 

 Falls of Niagara have given rise to a chapter in science, belong- 

 ing entirely to themselves, which had not hitherto been under- 

 stood, and which could not have been interpreted by any outside 

 standard. 



Four surveys of the crest-line of the receding Falls had been 

 made, with considerable intervals between them. The last pub- 

 lished one was made in 1890; but none had been undertaken 

 by Canadian authorities. As the diversion of power at Niagara 

 was attracting attention, and as such would change the recession, 

 Dr. Robert Bell, Acting Deputy Minister and Director of the 

 Geological Survey of Canada, saw the necessity for prompt 

 action, as the operations in progress were tending to alter the 

 natural conditions, so that the last opportunity was passing by. 

 Moreover, observations made by the engineers of the power com- 

 panies might be of value, which would be lost when these corps 

 should be disbanded. 



Under these conditions, and finding that I had already com- 

 menced such a work, on my own account, by a survey of the 

 crest-line, in October, 1904, Dr. Bell commissioned me to pre- 

 pare a " complete monograph " upon the science of the Falls, 

 as he had been aware of my previous contributions to the sub- 

 ject. These had already been published in a report of the Hon. 

 Andrew H. Green. . . . 



In this connection, it may be said that I represented 

 Mr. Green in some of his negotiations with the late Secretary 

 Hay, who also was much interested in Niagara Falls. Indeed, 

 Mr. Green was especially desirous that I should make just such 

 a survey as has now been carried out under Dr. Bell. 



The commission was commenced in June, 1905, and the field 

 work was carried on till February, 1906. This was due to the 



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