LIFE OF WILSON 



XXV 



the bosom of our Poet with the most rapturous emotions. He 

 gazed upon the cataract with an enthusiasm bordering upon dis- 

 traction. And ever after declared, that no language was sufficiently 

 comprehensive to convey an adequate idea of that wonderful cu- 

 riosity. 



It is possible, by the force of description of a work of art, or 

 common scene of nature, to raise the fancy to such a degree, that 

 the reality comes short of expectation. But of the Falls of Niagara, 

 it may with truth be observed, that the utmost stretch of the ima- 

 gination falls infinitely short of portraying the terrific sublimity of 

 the mighty torrent. 



On the return of Mr. Wilson, he employed his leisure mo- 

 ments in writing a poetical narrative of the journey. This poem, 

 which abounds with interesting description and pleasing imagery, 

 is entitled The Foresters ; and was gratuitously tendered to the 

 proprietors of the Port Folio, and published in that excellent mis- 

 cellany. 



This expedition was undertaken rather too late in the season, 

 and consequently our travellers were subjected to hardships of 

 which they were not aware. Winter overtook them whilst in the 

 Gennesee country, on their return by the way of Albany; and they 

 were compelled to trudge the greater part of the route through 

 snow midleg deep. Perhaps it may gratify the readers of the 

 poem, which closes at the Falls of Niagara, to be informed, that 

 of the colleagues of the author, one tarried amongst his friends on 

 the Cayuga lake, and the other gave out and took the benefit of a 

 more agreeable mode of travelling. But the hardy Wilson's pride 

 would not permit him to be overcome by fatigue or difficulties : 

 he manfully kept the road, refusing to be relieved even of his gun 

 and baggage ; and arrived at his home the seventh of December, 

 having been absent fifty-nine days ; and traversed in that time 

 upwards of twelve hundred miles. The last day he walked forty- 

 seven miles. 



VOL. IX. G 



