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current, just at the break of the fall, divide the 

 stream into three portions, forming partial ca- 

 taracts, that unite before they reach the basin 

 which receives them below. The continual 

 action of the water has worn the rock into deep 

 excavations, that give a globular figure to the 

 revolving bodies of brilliant white foam as they 

 descend, and greatly increase the beautiful 

 elFect of the fall : the spray thrown up, being 

 quickly spread by the wind, produces in the 

 sunshine a most splendid variety of prismatic 

 colours. The dark hued foliage of the woods, 

 that on each side press close upon the margin 

 of the river, forms a striking contrast with the 

 snow-like effulgence of the falling torrent ; the 

 hurried motion of the flood, agitated among 

 the rocks and hollows as it forces its way to- 

 wards the St. Lawrence, and the incessant 

 sound occasioned by the cataract itself, form a 

 combination that strikes forcibly upon the 

 senses, and amply gratifies the curiosity of the 

 admiring spectator. The woods on the banks 

 of the river, notwithstanding its vicinity to the 

 capital, are so impervious as to render it neces- 

 sary for strangers who visit the falls to provide 

 themselves with a competent guide. Although 

 of no utility as a water communication, yet 

 the Chaudiere is entitled to a few remarks, be- 

 cause it traces out a route whereby an easy 



