44 



The loosened blocks are gradually pushed away, probably 

 to some extent by the water, but more effectively by the 

 heavy ice cakes in the spring. The Sister islands are 

 remnants of this massive bed. 



From the park on the American side one may descend 

 by an elevator to the foot of the American fall, where an 

 impressive idea of the majesty of the falls may be obtained 

 by climbing the path and approaching close to the falling 

 water. A drenching spray is likely to be found at this 

 spot and oilskins may be necessary. 



The trip on the Maid of the Mist. 



The Maid of the Mist provides one of the most im- 

 pressive scenic boat rides in the world. This steamer 

 proceeds southward from the landing, passing in front 

 of the American fall 150 or 200 yards (130 or 180 m.) 

 out from the line of rocks at its base. The great height 

 of the fall and the majestic descent of the water is here 

 seen to the best advantage. As the smooth water quietly 

 curves over the brink it glistens in the sunshine to con- 

 tribute a moment later to the deep roar and the great 

 cloud of spray and mist at the bottom. The spray and 

 mist obscure the view of the lower part of the falling water 

 and sometimes also the rocks along the shore. Along the 

 central and southern part of the falls where the water 

 sheet is thin, a better view is obtained. The cliff along 

 the west side of Goat island is precipitous or overhanging 

 in its upper part, where the face is composed of limestone, 

 but there is a heavy talus with many large blocks along 

 its base. Towards its top one sees a distinct change of 

 angle where the drift and gravel of Goat island rest upon 

 the rock, for these softer sediments make a slope which 

 is steep but not vertical. The steamer passes quite near 

 the great blocks below Goat Island shelf, and then, passing 

 out of the more quiet waters, enters the foamy, turbulent 

 pool below the Horseshoe falls. The deepest sounding 

 in the river (192 feet; 58-5 m.) was found just off the 

 rocks below Goat Island shelf, by Spencer. The steamer 

 approaches through a turmoil of foaming water and spray 

 surprisingly near to the base of the great fall. But a 

 powerful current flows outward from the cataract and into 

 this the steamer turns and is carried swiftly down stream. 

 It is said that the white, frothy water is so surcharged with 



