63©' , ^.0^.*1 ^■Xi ^^^c? .?^^ %/ '^m Vot'^;^^^ %/ i ,._ 6 ^/«^5 <^\, ^ ^J ^ jjoW to i^^P 13' ^'■)^ .^ \ 1 ,:^^^'^' t17^^^ i^^ / / ft TOURISTS' EDITION. GREATER NIAGARA .H^'K)H ;>:.'iTZIfI1 T5IA / ///V COPVRIGHTED'BY MSS/'Sr-'D. MORSE ^ UNITED STATES AND CANADA. ^;^/t4'^ cik4<^ u •^i PUBLISHED BY MRS. S. D. MORSE, Niagara Falls, N. Y., and Niagara Falls, Ont. 1896. ^.^an ,H'« an THE GAZETTE ART PRINTING HOUSE, NIAGARA FALLS, N. Y. \^ NIAGARA rALLS. HE world has but one Niagara, the wonder and pride of all civilized nations. If we would attempt to give the reader a pen picture of Niagara Falls we would fail. The object of this laj^yhti^nw^', ^^^^ jg ^^ p^.^^ ^^^^ ^11 ^^^ places of interest, and assist the reader in such a manner that a visit to the Falls will be one of pleasure and profit. We will suppose now, reader, that you have landed at the depot on the American side. About five minutes walk will take you to Prospect Park. It would be well perhaps to state here that the distances are too great to walk to all points of interest and for fifteen cents you can ride all over. Prospect Park contains one hundred and seven acres. It was purchased by the State of New York, and formally opened to the public on July 15, 1885. From Prospect Point a fine view of the Falls and Gorge can be had. Passing up the river bank a short distance, you come to the bridge leading to Goat Island, which separates the American and Horseshoe Falls. This is the largestislandof the group, containing sixty acres. In the early history of this island it was called Iris Island, because of the many beautiful GREATER NIAGARA. "1 'J n fio 7/ -. S* "' "l . rainWows tliat seemed to span it. Later on it was used as a pasture for goats, hence its present name. One of the notable events mentioned in lihe history of this island is that of Israel ^utman being the first white man tO' cross it. While engaged in a campaign against Fort Niagai'-a in 1755, he drifted '^dOwTl the rapidsin a small boat, landed on the island, and was tow^ed back to shore by a rope that had been fastened to the boat for the purpose. He undertook the venture for a wager. This island was sacred to the Indian as a burial ground for their chiefs. The affianced bride of a young Indian chief died, the Indian burial cere- monies were performed and her remains laid beneath the sod. The chief and affianced husband of the Indian maiden was found by the grave of her he so fondly loved. " Gone from the forci^t, gone from the river, An arrow in the chief's heart qttivers; Bravely she passed death's dark portal, Gave tip this life for a spirit immortal. iiiiSiVid ■/irsfrr s'j Lost from, the forest, lost from the river, Silently the leaves on the tree shivers, As gently closing her eyes in sleep She joins in the songs of the spirits that never weep. Gone from the forest, gone over the river, Gone to rest in the arms of the giver ; . My heart was broken, all hope departed, As on the journey of death she started. Lost from my wigwam, lost from my camp fire, Never, did the Great Spirt hind any higher .[.My love could not keep her w^hile death's chill power Lingered w^ithin my queen's bower. .1 go to my love from me-jdeath could not sever. Soon we shall meet in the spirit world forever, There -Ave shall join in the glad hosanna Our hearts made one, under the Great Spirit's banner. GREATER NIAGARA. A few minutes walk takes vou to Luna Island, so called because it is the best point from which to view the Lunar Bow. It is separated from Goat Island, by a stream one hundred feet wide. The view up and down the river is readily appreciated by the visitor. Returning to Goat Island we proceed to the Biddle Stairs, which were erected in 1829 by Mr. Biddle, president of the United States Bank of Phil- adelphia, for the purpose of enabling visitors to descend to the Cave of the Winds. They are eighty feet high and contain one hundred and forty- eight steps. There are also dressing-rooms for those who wish to enter the Cave of the Winds. This cave is one hundred and twenty feet wide and one hundred feet high. To enter this it is necessar}^ to put on water-proof dresses and obtain a guide. Cost $1.00. In front the transparent fall makes a beautiful screen, and, when the sun shines, a beautiful rainbow quite circular in form quivers amid the driving spraj'. The tremendous atmospherical pressure causes a tumult, giving the impression of constant storm. No tourist should miss seeing this wonderful cavern. The Cave of the Winds is under the American Falls and was formed by the action of the water on the soft substratum of the precipice. SCENE IN THE PARK. G R tt ^ T T^ R N T A r A R A . which has been washed away, leav- ing an arch overhead extending thirty feet beyond the base. The Three Sister Islands are connected with Goat Island by three beautiful foot bridges. HOW TO SEC NIAGARA TALIS FOP $1.00. /^F the million and a half of people that visit the Falls annually, the majority go away with a feeling of disappointment, and the masses of the people that come here for pleasure and recreation are the toilers — the busy business men and women — consequently, only a short time can be spent in travel and recreation, and the means to sustain a prolonged visit, is a point to be considered by many. If you manage wisely it is worth while to cross the continent just to see Niagara, if only a few hours can be spent here. Most people who are here for a day or two waste a large part of their time so limited and precious, and almost wholly lose the real opportunities. They go to the wrong places and do the wrong things, and so waste not only time but money, and miss the delights and benefits the place ministers to its visitors. The progress of the times has been anticipated by the Gorge Road on the American side, and the River Railway on the Canadian side. The vast amount of business done by these two companies is sufficient attestation of the fidelity of their management to the best interests of the traveling public, and their wisdom in meeting in such a thorough manner the increasing and most exacting requirements of a comfort-loving people, a veritable nation of travelers. After purchasing a ticket at the Gorge Railway office for $1.00, take cars at the monument. In a few moments you are going through the center of the great " Power City," past factories and mills, then beautiful homes with broad lavims and abundance of flowers, and in a short time you are at the Devil's Hole, three miles from the Falls. This is a large chasm in the bank of the river. A small stream of water called Bloody Run empties into the river at this GREATER NIAGARA, ■4... / ^ ' t :s m^ ^^■f MASSACRE AT DEVIL'S HOLE. point. This point called Devil's Hole is noted in histOf}^ for the massacre of English soldiers in 1763. A wagon train of provisions and six hundred soldiers were to pass that way from one fort to another, and the French hired the Indians to lie in ambush for the troops. The wily Indians did their work so well, that the little stream of water ran red with blood, and only three escaped to tell the story. A soldier hid, and a drummer boy jumped down the embankment and lodged in the bushes. A Mr. Stedman GREATER NIAGARA. escaped by tlie fieetness of his horse. The Indians were so surprised at his flight unharmed, amid a shower of bullets, that they attributed it to the protection of the Great Spirit, and to appease the angry gods they gave Mr. Stedman vast farming lands, which he owned until the State of New York- disputed his titles. Now we will come face to face with Nature's great book. As page after page opens in quick succession, identity is lost in oblivion, and we seem a part of Nature's edifice. The deep gorge is reached, with lofty cliffs on either side, holding in durariee forever the course of the spent stream, blighting all hope of flight over the cliffs' towering sides. From the brink cedars, bush and moss bend low, as if dazed by the depth and the gloom of the chasm below. Lewiston is reached, the center of river trafiic, where we cross the river bv ferry, making a pleasant change. It was here without a doubt the Falls once passed over the rocks at Queenston Heights. You see a part of a bridge suspended in mid-air. (See Judge Hulett's notes on bridges.) Take the River Electric Railway. (See Canon Bull's Notes and Victoria Park notes.) We find lunch, fruit and confections at all steps along the route. We can't miss the stop at Whirlpool Rapids. (See Hulett's notes.) Then on through without a stop till Chippewa is reached ; then back again to Victoria Park. Here you will find all that mortal man could desire to eat and drink. All along the route on both sides of the lines we see bazaars, where many unique Indian curiosities are kept, and in very many of the large places fine collections of views of the Falls are on sale at very reasonable prices. Don't miss a trip under the Horseshoe Fall ; then cross the bridge (price ten cents) opposite Hawley's famous Bazaar. Or you can go down the Inclined Railway (cost five cents ) to the Maid-of-the- Mist landing; take a sail over their route (cost fifty cents) ; and again we can either walk up the incline or ride in the elevator (cost ten cents). Now we are back to starting point. Now^ this entire route can be gone over in half a day and have plenty of time to see the Falls at leisure, as the trip can be made without a stop in a very short time. The trip to Buffalo and return, and the round trip by the River Railway and Gorge Railway can all be accomphshed in one day or half a day. Each wave that beats against the rock And spends itself in empty spray, Seems wasted, yet in time the shock Has helped to wear the cliff "away. GREATER NIAGARA, NIAGARA RIVER, "THE THUMDERINO WATERS." THAT portion of the St. Lawrence stream which hes betw^een Lake Erie and Lake Ontario is called Niagara River (the Thundering Waters)- This river intersects an isthmtis of thirty-three and one-half miles long, divid- ing the lakes. The level of Ontario is three hundred and thirty-three feet lower than that of Erie, it is evident that the river must descend very rapidly. The descent can be classified in three divisions. First, the Rapids, which accomphshes fifty-five feet in less than a mile. Second, the Falls themselves, which have a depth of about one hundred and sixty feet; and third, the river below the Falls, w^hich descends one hundred and five feet or more, leaving thirteen feet for the descent of the river below the out- let of Erie and the beginning of the Rapids. The outcome of four j^: 10 GREATER NIAGARA, n-J might}'' lakes, draining half a continent through this channel into the basin of Ontario, gives an effect which for grandeur and a sense of irresistible power has no parallel on the face of the earth. The mind can hardl}^ conceive or at once grasp the thought of the mighty force involved in this plunge over the rocks of one hundred million tons of water ever}^ hour, year after year, century after century. The tourist has only to sit in silence within sight and sound of the Cataract for a brief period to find that its inexpressible majesty dominates the senses and brings one helplessly beneath its spell. Come with us down the steep on the Canadian side a few hundred yards from the Falls, for here, and no where else, you see the Falls to such advantage. Sit down there among the rocks awhile. You will become completely fascinated, you v\rill feel that you are no longer of this world ; but as you listen and listen to the indescribable melodv GREATER NIAGARA, 11 ^ -^^ ^^ rock may at first sight be disap- :r t. ^. pointing, but to sit and allow " > Nature to speak in its thundering tones to the ' ^ •- inmost soul, can we wonder that .., " The poor Indian whose untutored mind Sees God in cloud and hears him in the wind should fall down in ador- ation and acknowledge the voice of the Great Spirit ? In visiting this won- der of Nature it is vain to ■\vc^^^ 12 GREATER NIAGARA. rush about, to hurry. It is not merely what we see, not merely -"""^r^ the shape, color and , .„ outward ap- pearance that our eye may have im- perfectly detected, but what impression has been wrought upon the mind? What new idea and inspiration has arisen in the soul ? And where does Nature speak in such diverse tones as here ? Standing near the brink of the precipice where the vast volume rolls itself into the foaming, boiling chasm beneath we seem to see humanity blindly hurling itself over the precipice into eternity. Where? Sit! Ponder! Contemplate. This is no place for butterflies, but for earnest thinking souls. As we pass to the Rapids above, that weighty feeling of immensity leaves us. The water as it rapidly dashes over the rocks is more in play. Now it gambols along in a sportive mood, suddenly it seems possessed by a demon of unrest and eagerly hurls itself into maddening foam. We catch the spirit of the water and varied emotions play upon the soul. The worry and care which perplexed the soul vanishes. Amidst the islands primaeval solitude prevails. The little limpid streams run quietly over the pebbly beds apparently unconscious of the rushing strife so near. Nothing so rests the weary, tired sight-seer as a gentle stroll in these secluded places. It is like entering the chamber and shutting the door to be alone with Nature and with Nature's God. Truly the whole scene is replete with life and voice which should leave an abiding impression in the mind of every one. TALLY-HO FROn BUrrALO TO NIAGARA TALLS. ^ I ^HIS pleasant mode of travel is enjoyed -*- largely by Buffalo people every pleasant day. This elegant four horse English coach can be seen about the Falls loaded with a jolly party out for a day's pleasure ride. GREATER NIAGARA, 13 "HE QUrz'cX VICTORIA P3Pr\, NIAGARA FALLS, ONT. BY JAMES QUILLIXAN, ACCOUNTANT Q, Y. PARK. VIZW OF VICTORIA PARK. ''"T^HIS beatitiful and magnificent -^ park stands foremost amongst '. le attractions offered to \asitors L.nd tourists at Niagara Falls. It is l.ie property of the Government of Ontario, and managed by commis- sioners appointed bj' the Province. The territory embraces the original reserve of sixty-six feet in width along the entire stretch of the Niag- ara River from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario — a distance of thirty-four miles — to which large tracts of land have been added b}^ purchase for park purposes, comprising an aggregate area of .six hundred and seventy-five acres. The park was established under an act of the Provincial Legislature, passed in 1887, and was officially opened to the public on the 24th of May, 1888. LOCATION. The lands at first selected contained an area of only one hundred and fifty-four and one-half acres in the immediate vicinity of the Falls. This is, of course, the most important section of the park system, and extends southward from the upper Suspension Bridge past the American and Horseshoe Falls to the head of the Upper Rapids, a distance of two and one-half miles. Viewed from the main entrance opposite the Clifton House, the park embraces the crescent shaped plane, lying between the western shore of the river and the crest of the richly wooded bluff which forms its western boundary. In width varying from one hundred to five hundred yards, it affords within its area the most attractive and comprehensive views of the great Cataracts and of the 14 GREATER NIAGARA, Rapids, which can be had at Niagara Falls. From "Ramblers' Rest," "Inspiration Point" and "Table Rock" the views of the American and Horseshoe Falls are of the most impressive ano inspir- ing character. Owing to its close proximit}^ to the Horseshoe Falls, "Table Rock" has always been the favorite point for observation by tourists. Here they usually avail themselves of the service of a guide and water-proof clothing to enjoy the trip "Under the Falls," where alone they can obtain an adequate conception of the tremendous force of the mighty torrent as it rolls over the precipice one hundred and fifty feet above the heads of the spectators and plunges with an awful crash into the seething caldron beneath. It was from this vantage point that Moore, Dickens, Mrs. Sigourney, Montgomery and hosts of other noted poets and writers viewed the subHme grandeur of the surrounding scenery, and embodied their inspirations in those beautiful and sublime descriptions which have spread the fame of Niagara over every region of the civilized world. The following lines, composed about a century and a half ago, by one of America's noblest pioneer missionaries, convey a vivid impression of the over powdering majesty and subHmity of the falling mass of waters viewed from the base of "Table Rock." THE FALLS OF NIAGARA. The thoughts are strange that crowd into my brain When I look upward to thee. It would seem As if God poured thee from His "hollow hand," And hung his how upon thine awful front; And spoke in that loud voice which seemed to him Who dwelt in Patmos for his Saviour's sake, " The sound of many waters," and had bade Thy flood to chronicle the ages back, And notch his centuries in the eternal rocks. Deep calleth unto deep. And what are we That hear the question of that voice sublime? Oh! what are all the notes that ever rung From war's vain trumpet, by thy thundering side? Yea, what is all the riot that man makes In his short life to thj^ unceasing roar ? And yet, bold babbler, what art thou to Him Who drown'd a world, and heaped the waters far Above its loftiest mountains? — a light wave That breaks, and whispers of its Maker's might. — Brainerd. GREATER NIAGARA. 15 PICNIC GROUNDS. "^he appearance of t'ne river above the Falls, dashed into foaming sprav as it rushes from ledge, to ledge of rock bed, preparatory to its final plunge over the precipice, is indeed gr: nd f nd impressive in the highest degree. The loveh' syxV_.n islets which constitute the Dufferin group of islands, lie in an arm of the river at the upper or sotithenimost end of the park. This section is a region of f^iry-like enchantment — a fitting abode for the Naiads of old — where the visitor will linger with fond delight, and from which he will depart with unfeigned regrei. IMPROVEMENTS AND ACCOMMO- DATIONS. I'nder the energetic and enlight- ened management of the Government Commissioners great improvements have been effected in the renovating and beautifying of the grounds, which elicit the universal commendation of visitors. Previous to the acquisi- tion of the grounds b}- the Provincial Government, there was no place where large bodies of visitors or excursionists might retire for rest and recreation. Beyond the limits of the dustA'drivewav c.lcmg the edge of the river bank, the}' had no right to intrude ; but now, happily, all this has been changed for the better. Ample facilities are at present afforded them beneath the spreading shade trees for enjovino- rest and recreation where they are invigorated by the cool breezes con- stantly created l^}' the falling mass of waters. Beautiful graveled walks and driveways have been constructed in all directions; flowering shrubs have been planted along the principal lines of travel, and magnificent beds of the choicest annuals add their beauty and their fragrance to the enjoy- ment of the visitor. In close proximity to the Horseshoe Falls spacious pic- nic grounds have been provided, where thousands of visitors mav be seen daily during the excursion season enjoying their refreshments — the acces- sories of comfortable seats and tables under the umbrageous shade trees with an abundant suppty of hot water for tea and coffee and of excellent spring water — all furnished, free of cost, by the park authorities. The district is very favorable to vegetable growth. The mildness of the climate combined with the humidity of the atmosphere has produced a vs<'onderful variet}' and abtmdance in its natural flora, v^'hich contains manv specimens usualh' restricted to a more tropical latitude, and also many not found elsewhere in Canada. An herbarium, consisting of over a thousand spec- imens, neath^ mounted, may be seen at the Superintendent's office in the park. With such comforts and accommodations for the public, combined v^dth the inimitable grandeur of the surrounding scenerv, one need not wonder at 16 GREATER NIAGARA. ramblers' rest. the marvelous popularity which the park has so rapidly attained ; nor can one seriously question the aisthetic taste of those enthusiastic admirers who have so felicitously named the park the " Canadian Paradise." SCENIC ATTRACTIONS. No matter how limited the time at the disposal of the visitor, or how anxious he may be to economize it, to enable him to explore the mysteries of the river gorge below the Falls, he will always feel an irresistible desire to protract his visit, to remain j«st a little longer in this delightful region. Something yet remains to be seen, or he is impelled to take another glance at some especial attraction which has left the liveliest impression on his mind. When he first arrived, there was no rainbow to be seen. Its absence was unnoticed amidst the varied attractions of the scenery that had engaged his attention. But some hours have passed by swiftly. The sun has parsed the meridian, and is now well onward in his western course. His bright rays permeate the lofty columns of spray, arising like incense, before the throne of the mighty cataracts ; and, as if by magic, those clouds of ascend ing incense are suddenly crowned wnth a beautiful diadem, a magnificent coronal, the most glorious of rainbows — rich in its prismatic colors, and perfect in its outline, a happy token of " God's good will to man," spanning the awful chasm and binding together in harmonious brotherhood the inhabitants of tw^o adjoining nations. Before leaving the grounds the attention of the visitor is once more arrested at "Ramblers' Rest," which commands an especially beautiful and comprehensive view. The Horseshoe Falls is now on the right hand and half a mile distant, ^^l.^-r>:--^-^^^Jk w^hile the American Falls is directly in front. The view embraces the picturesque rapids above the ATnerican Falls to the head of Goat Island, spanned z^vm/r'i''yrQv^-'='^':f'^y GREATER NIAGARA. 17 but a few hundred yards above the cataract bj^ the bridge which connects Goat Island with the mainland. Prospect Park, a portion of the New York State Reservation, alive with visitors eagerly intent upon viewing the surroundings, is seen to the left of the Falls, as viewed from "Ramblers' Rest," while some distance farther down, the river is spanned by a handsome suspension bridge, nearly a quarter of a mile in length, and designed for the accommo- dation of carriages and pedestrians. At the foot of the Falls the staunch little steamer, " Maid-of the-Mist," crowded with her precious load of tourists, is stemming the stiff current and gliding onward through a region of mists, sparkling with the glowing colors of numberless tiny rainbows, toward the great Horseshoe Falls, where she bathes in the seething caldron and retraces her course to her landing to exchange her cargo and continue her rounds. The steamer also performs the duties of an international ferry between the American and Canadian shores, connecting at either side with inclined railways running to the top of the cliffs. WHIRLPOOL AND WHIRLPOOL RAPIDS. Two miles below the Falls are the famous Whirlpool Rapids and Whirl- pool, which, in the estimation of tourists, are of secondary importance only to the great cataracts. They are reached by Victoria Parkway, a good macadamized road along the top of h«ivi9atidn> 18 GREATER NIAGARA. the river bank fronting the town of Niagara Falls. The principal intervening attractions are the upper Suspension Bridge, already alluded to, the Cantilever, a double-tracked railway bridge owned by the Mich- igan Central, and the Railvi^ay Suspension Bridge, the upper deck of the latter being used by the Grand Trunk Railway and the lower for carriage and foot travel. These bridges are strong substantial structures and much admired by visitors. The Whirlpool Rapids commence at the lower bridge, and are seen to best advantage at the base of the cliff to which easy access may be had by an inclined railway. The entire volume of the Niagara River is here forced through a narrow gorge only a few hundred feet in width, producing the wildest stretch of rapids on the river. Rushing from this turbulent portion of its course, the river immediately enters the far-famed Whirlpool which maj- be said to constitute a small lake in itself, hemmed in with towering embankments two hundred and fifty feet high, where the current is forced round and round in a circular direction, until it finally effects its escape through its lofty prison barriers by an outlet almost at right angles with its previous course. NIAGARA GLEN. ' -de About half a mile below the Whirlpool is a large section of the park system, hitherto known as Fos- ter's Flats, bat now designated " Niagara Glen." It occupies a large plateau some fifty feet above the river level, comprising about one hundred acres in extent, and for the matchless picturesque character of its scenery and loca- tion can scarcely be equaled anywhere. Sheltered from the cold Winds by rocky walls on both sides, towering two hundred feet above its surface, with an atmosphere impregnated with an abundance of moisture from the boisterous rapids that sweep around its base, its climatic conditions are favorable in the highest degree to the growth and perfection of vegetable life. Consequently the entire glen is covered with a dense growth of the forest primeval, interspersed in all directions with huge blocks of lime-stone rocks of the most vs^eird and grotesque shapes, which in former ages broke away from the adjoining cliffs. The place has but recently been added to the park system, and at present is scarcely accessible to visitors ; but, no doubt, v^ithin a few years, it will be made available to the public by improvements that v^ill render it one of the most attractive points in the vicinity of Niagara. GREATER NIAGARA. 19 brock's monument and queenston heights.— (illustration, page 40.) The' most northerly portion, of the Queen Victoria Park system available to visitors is knov^-n as Uneenston Heights. It comprises a large part of the plateau adjoining the crest of the escarpment which extends from this point vv^estward beyond the city of Hamilton, and occupies a very com- manding position, three hundred and fifty feet above the bed of the river, wdiich here emerges from its prison walls, and with a magnificent sweep and largely expanded area, pursues the remaining six miles of its course to Lake Ontario. This location is famous for the battle fought here in 1812, when the American invading army was defeated and taken prisoners. The mag- nificent monument which crowns the crest of the hill, is one of the finest structures of its kind in the world, and was erected in honor of the British General Brock, who with his Aid-de-Camp, Lieutenant-Colonel Macdonnell, fell mortalty wounded, while gallantly leading their troops up the steep escarpment against the invaders. The column is one hundred and ninety feet high, and is surmounted by a colossal statue of General Brock. The top is reached by a spiral stone stairway, winding up through the center of the column. At the upper landing circular windows afibrd comprehensive views in all directions, that will amply repay the energy of the enthusiastic visitor who possesses any taste for the enjoyment of a panorama of beautiful rural scenery which can not be surpassed on this continent. The broad expanse of Lake Ontario, six miles to the north, and the beautiful fertile country extending from the foot of the escarpment to the lake shore, divided into two nationalities by the broad, sinuous, silvery stream of the Niagara River which is navigable for the largest lake craft from Lake Ontario to this point, afford a charming picture well worthy of the warmest admiration. Seven miles to the southward the columns of spray maj^ be distinctly seen showing the location of Niagara Falls; and looking" westward a glimpse is had of the pretty city of St. Catherines ; while across the river to the east is the picturesque old village of Lewiston on the American side, with the quaint little village of Oueenston nestling below the feet of the spectator — evidently not improved by age but mani- festing symptoms of an attempt at resuscitation. Apart altogether from the absorbing interest of its historical associa- tions, Oueenston Heights is indeed a most charming location, rich in the choice gifts bestowed upon it by the hand of a bountiful Creator. About a year since the property was placed under the management of the Park Com- missioners by the Provincial Government. The Commissioners have pur- chased additional land, doubling its previous area, and have made many necessary improvements which will, doubtless, be continued, in a systematic manner, until the artistic condition of the locality is made to harmonize with the fascinating natural beauty and grandeur of the scenery. 20 GREATER NIAGARA. ELECTRIC RAILWAY. While devoting so much attention to the general improvement of the grounds and in rendering points of especial interest more easy of access to the public, the Commissioners havenot beenimmindfidof the urgent necessity for providing a cheap and efficient means to enable tourists to view the varied attractions between the extreme ends of the park system. This want is amply supplied by the " Niagara Falls Park and River Railway," a well equipped, double track electric road, running along the top of the bank of the Niagara River from Queenston, where it connects with the steamers from Toronto and the lower lake points, to Navy Island, above Chippewa, where it connects with the steamers from Buffalo. The entire panorama of the magnificent scenery along the course of the river for a distance of fourteen miles may be leisurely contemplated hj the tourist while comfortably seated in the first-class observation cars of this popular electric road. In its relations to visitors as well as in other respects, Niagara Falls has undergone a remarkable regeneration since the establishment of the Govern- ment Parks, and we can novsr confidently assert that at no place of like resort can the visitor enjoy a higher degree of pleasure in the same time and for an equal outlay. .■&^-g!8S£jfe'g;*SIEt»°'y-— TOUKISTS IN 1831. COPYRIGHTED. -REATER NIAGARA. 21 HISTOKY OF THl: riRST SUSPENSION BRIDGE ACROSS THE- MIAO/ARA RIVER. BV THi:o. G. HULETT> TN the year of 1846 the Leg- islatures of the State of THEODORE G. HUI.ETT. Xew York and Ontario incor- porated each a company to build a suspension bridge across the Niagara River at a point about two miles below the Falls, for the accommodation of the Great Western Railroad, which wfis then being built between the Niagara River and Chicago. These two incor- porated companies were empowered to have a joint board to consummate a con- nection of trade between the two jurisdictions. At that time there was but one suspension bridge in the country, and that one of short span across the Schuylkill in the city of Phil- adelphia, and one in process of construction across the Ohio River at Wheeling, Va. Charles Ellet, Jr., of Philadelphia, of Mississippi Ram notoriety, who was commissioned as a general in the War of the Rebellion, was the builder of these bridges, and, as at that time suspension bridge engineering was regarded as a specialty, Engineer Ellet was the one selected to build the Niagara Suspension Bridge. In the winter of 1847 Engineer Charles Ellet held a contract with these bridge companies to build a w^ire suspension bridge across the Niagara River on the site of the present lower suspension bridge, of sufficient capacity' for railroad traffic. In the winter of 1847 Engineer Ellet arrived at the Village of Niagara Falls to make arrangements to commence the structure on the opening of the spring. Engineer Ellet was stopping at the Eagle Tavern, then situ- ated where now stands the International Hotel. The writer received a note by the hand of the bell boy of the hotel, that my presence was solicited at the parlor of the " Eagle Tavern " as soon as convenient, and signed " Chas. Ellet, Jr." I answered the note in person. Engineer Ellet stated that he ^.^_ GREATEI; NIAGARA. had a contract to build a wire suspension iDridge across the Niagara River and as he had a similar contract at Wheeling, his time must necessarily be divided between these two localities, and that he wished to obtain the services of one who could take charge of all the iron work of the structure and that I had been recommended to him as such person. Arrangements were made to that effect. The engineer then stated in detail his plan of construction. First to provide some means of crossing the Gorge with men and tools without crossing at a ferry at Lewiston-five miles below-thus saving ten miles travel for each desired crossing. His plan was to erect two towers, one on either side, twenty-five feet in height, and to suspend a wire cable of thirtv- SIX strands of No. 10 wire from the top of these towers, with about thirty feet deflection, and upon which to place a yoke with grooved rollers at either end and from which to suspend a cage of sufficient capacitv to accom- modate two men, and this cage to be crawn across from side' to side by means of a stationary windlass on either side of the bank. The first thing to be settled was the size, form and material of which this cage should be constructed. The engineer proposed this cage to be made of wood and instead, I suggested iron. The engineer's objection to iron was its weight In answer, I suggested that I thought one of iron could be made of less weight and more secure than one of wood. To test this proposition the engmeer made a plan of his wooden cage, and carefully weighed by figures Its weight. I then made a plan of a basket made of iron, which was also weighed and found to be ten pounds lighter than of wood. " We will have It iron," exclaimed the engineer, provided we can get it made. I assured the engmeer that getting it made would present no difficulty, as I would make It with my own hands. The next interrogatory of the engineer was, " What shall be its form?" We both at the time were sitting in rocking chairs of the same pattern. I requested the engineer to arise, and these two rockers were drawn close together, the engineer exclaiming, "That is just what we want and will have." Next in order was the construction of the cable upon which the basket was to travel. This cable was to be con- structed of thirty-six strands of No. 10 wire, each strand to be subjected to a uniform strain, and the thirty-six strands bound into a round form by being wrapped by a transverse wrapping of a small annealed wire at inter- vals of eight inches, each wrapping being about four inches in length This cable was formed around an iron yoke or clevis at either end as a means of fastening to the rock. After the detail of making the cable was disposed o^then came the question of how to get it over. The engineer suggested off-enng a premium of $10.00 to the first boy who should successfully fly over the Gorge his kite string and fasten its ends to a tree on either side This premium brought a score of lads into the contest, and a boy by the name of Homan Walsh (who now resides in Lincoln, Neb.) was the successful GREATER NIAGARA 23 winner of the prize, which- was paid as soon as the kite string was seciired on each bank of the stream. The follo\^4ng day a stronger line was drawn over by the kite string, and a rope of sufficient strength to haul over the iron cable was substituted. By means of this rope the iron cable was hauled across the river and its ends secured to the solid rock and placed upon the wooden towers, with a curve of about twentv-five feet between the towers. I made the iron basket and its attachments with my own hands, and it was placed upon the cable. A strong windlass consisting of a wooden drum of about four feet in diameter, and so geared that one -^- man at the crank could haul over any required load. One of these wind- lasses was placed on each bank, the draft rope passing around these driims at one end, and the other attached to the yoke from which the basket was suspended. This yoke was made of iron, with a grooved roller at either end that it ran upon, and the flanges astride the cable. The first passage of this basket was attempted to be made empty, but when almost across it suddenly stopped and the windlass on the opposite side would not bring it ashore. It could be drawn back, but not forward, and the basket was drawn back to the x\merican shore. Engineer Ellet mounted the car, which was let loose from the tower, and which descended the down grade with great velocity until its momentum was arrested by the 24 GREATER NIAGARA HOMAN WALSH. tip grade on the opposite side, when the windlass on the opposite side was set in motion and hauled the basket w^ith its passenger to the point of obstruction, 'which was found to be a spot in the cable that had been flattened when the cable w^as being hauled across, and to such extent that exceeded the width of the groove in the roller, which caused the flange of the forward end of the roller to rise upon the cable and its edge to sink between the expanded strands of the cable. The engineer saw the difficulty at a glance, and he soon remedied it by contracting the width of the cable, and the rollers passed over, and the first passenger landed in safety across the Gorge in this fairy basket. It was found that the groove in the rollers was too shallow and the tread too narrow to prevent undue friction on the transverse v/rapping of the cable, and new and deeper-grooved rollers were substituted. This change made this mode of transportation complete, and it was used for that purpose for more than one year, and carried across the Gorge more than two thousand passengers, there having crossed in one day one hundred and twenty-five persons, and ninety of them ladies. The average proportion of ladies over gentlemen was at least forty per cent. This cable was used until the preliminary bridge structure was com- pleted, and then removed. The preliminary bridge was but a slight structure of eight feet (road- way) in width, with a railing made from ash wood of oval form, one and one-quarter inches by two inches, locked together at its ends, and the splice bound together by fine annealed wire and woven into the suspenders of the bridge longitudinally. There were four of these on either side, one foot apart, which made a strong and safe railing five feet in height. This bridge was only intended as a scaffolding from which to build the platform of the intended railroad bridge. The mode of construction of this preliminary bridge was not only unique, but was attended by a thrilling incident, which will not be forgotten by those who witnessed it, or its recital uninteresting to those who did not. GREATER xVlAGARA, 25 This basket cable was intended as a preliminary necessity to the con- struction of die preliminary bridge, yet it was used for over a year as a means c( profit to the contractor for the transportation of passengers as a novelt_Y instead of a necessity. The first preliminar}- bridge was composed of four massive wooden towers, two on either bank, some eighty feet in height. There were four jorner posts two feet square, constructed of four timbers one foot square, each of different length and separated on their inner sides by an oak strip, and all bolted firmly together. The sections were united by each timber being of a different length, and thus built up to the top. There were cross r)eams twelve inches square running around the vertical posts at intervals of about eight feet and bolted firmly to the corner post, and bracing timbers from each cross beam to the corner posts. These towers were fourteen feet square at the base, terminating at their top at six feet square. These Lowers were m^ounted bv a wooden roller of eighteen inches in diameter and six feet in length, upon which the cables were to rest. The cables of this preliminary bridge were four in number, two on each tower. Thev were composed of about one hundred and tvv^enty strands of No. 10 wire, each wire having been stretched at an equal tension on the shore, with each wire passing around an iron yoke at each end as a means of anchoring the cables to the rock. These cables were AVfapped trans- versely bv small annealed wire at intervals of ten inches, each wrapping being four inches in length, the cable two and one-quarter inches in diameter. In getting these cables across, one end was anchored to the solid rock, a strong rope attached to the other end, which was cor.- nected with a powerful windlass on the Canada side, and by it the cable was hauled across the chasm and the ends anchored to the rock. This left a sag in the cables below the cliff of about eighty feet. B3' means of rope tackle these cables were lifted to the top of the towers to their final * resting place, leaving the lowest point of deflection of the cables some fifteen feet above the level of the surface rock on either side. These cables were spread upon the wooden rollers on the top of the towers, four feet apart, and the transverse william eli 26 GREATER NIAGARA, wrappings for about four feet at their apex removed for the purpose of leaving the wires flattened to give each strand of wire an equal tensile strength, and to enable the oil, with which they were kept painted, to i-each each wire to prevent any possible oxidization af the wires, this being the greatest point of strain on the cables. Next in order were placed strips of pine scanthng, two by three, across the two cables on either side, and four feet in length, fastened with wire to the cables, so as to prevent the cables getting out of Hne, and a cross sup- port for the suspenders for the floor of the bridge beneath. Across these strips of wood, lengthwise, were laid the suspenders, which were composed of two strands of No. 10 wire, ea':h end of the suspender terminating at the bottom in a loop to receive the cross or needle beam of the flooring. As these suspenders and supports were shoved out, the fl.:»or was laid, which consisted of one-inch boards of two ' layers, each layer breaking joints. These temporary platforms were to be carried across, of cnly four feet in width, from either side simultaneously until be'ng united ir. the center, and when so united the platform at once assumed its intended form, a beautiful XXXXXX curve to the cables and an upward curve to the flooring, each being governed by the calculation of the length of each suspending wire. Two separate and distinct bridges were thus thrown across, after which they were brought together, side by side, and lashed firmly together, thus GREATER NIAGARA. 27 giving the supporting cables a lateral curve from twenty-four feet at the top of the towers to eight feet at the center of the bridge. It was while these prelimin iry platforms were being carried out as above described that a terrific s;?ne occurred. The northerly platform was completed and the other commenced on either side, the one on the Canada side almost one hundred het from the bank, and on the American side about two hundred feet. There arose a sudden and terrific wind storm. As a first indication of it a two-inch plank was lifted from the top of the tower and was being .carried as a feather on the behest of the storm. Its effect on the bridge was that the unfinished part was swinging to and fro for one hundred feet, at last throwing that part on the Canadian side over and across the basket cable. There were two workmen on the Canada end of the str^icture at the time of the crash, w^ho made their escape to the tow^er. but on the American side there were four men on the structure, onlv one of whom reached the shore, the three men remaining having no other support than to firmly clutch to two No. 10 wires and rest their feet on the shifting flooring of the platform. Nothing could be done to rescue these men, until the violence of the gale subsided. When the gale had spent its violence a short ladder, 12 feet long, was attached to the iron basket with ropes and a request for some one to volunteer to go out in the basket to rescue the men. A young man named William Ellis (who is now residing at Niagara Falls, and, I believe, the last survivor of the scene except the narrator) stepped forward and said, "I am your man." Ellis sprang into the basket but before starting I instructed him that he under no consideration should bring but one at a time, as it was impos- sible to estimate the strain upon the basket cable, as the weight ot the entire Canada end of the bridge was upon it, but to take off the one farthest out, and return for the others. EUis's reply was, "all right." Out went the basket, passing the two unfortunates for the one farthest from the shore, the ladder was extended to the wreck, the unfortunate was eageriv watched until safelv landed in the basket. The next unfor- tunate's appeals were so pressing to be taken in that Ellis forgot his instructions and the second unfortunate was soon seen crossing the ladder into the b sket The third was reached and the ladder was pushed out a-ain and he also was landed in the basket. The basket-the capacity of which was but for two-was slowly drawn to the shore laden with four stalwart men, and the four safely landed amid the shouts irom the bvstanders that silenced the raging elements. Under this temporarv platform was built the wagon bridge of eight feet in wddth as above described. This road bridge was used as a carriage and foot wav for two or three years, awaiting the change of hard times and the railroad it was intended to accommodate should be completed. At last this event happened and engineer John A. Rabhng, of Brooklyn 28 GEEATERNIAGARA. Bridge fame, was engaged as engineer to complete the original design — a railroad bridge. Massive stone towers took the place of the orignal ones, and a railroad bridge and a carriage track beneath was erected bv ulr. Rabling which was used for years, and after all the woodwork of the structure was replaced by iron except the floors, which took place about fifteen years since by Engineer L. L. Buck, who about five years after substituted the massive iron towers for the stone towers erected by Engineer Rabling, wdaich began to show^ signs of decay. The engineering skill of Engineer Buck was manifested by the substi- tution of these present iron towers for the stone ones removed^ when it is known that this change was made without interfering with railroad crossing for but two hours. The iron basket and a section of the first cable above described, are ■deposited in the rooms of the Buffalo Historical Society at Buffalo, where thev may be examined by any one who may desire to do so. THE LUNDY'S LANE AAONUMENT. CANON BULL, PRESIDENT OF ONTARIO KISTOKIClL SOCIETY. ^ I ^HIS fine monum.ent was erected in 1895 in memory of the British -*- soldiers who fell at the battle. It is built of light grey granite and stands fully forty feet high. On the north side of the monument this inscription appears: "Erected by the Canadian Parliament in honor of the victory gained by the British and Canadian forces on this field, on the 25th July, 1814, and in grateful rem em Ij ranee of the brave men v.'ho died here on that day fighting for the unity of the Empire. 1895." On the south side there is an entrance to a vault wherein the remains of fottrteen British soldiers, killed at the battle, have been reverent]'.' jDlaced. They had been I'ecently found in old burial trenches on private lands two hundred ya.ds from the hill. LUNDY's r.ANE AS IT .'sOW IS. The Lane was named after one William Lundy who came in 1783 to begin a new clearing about one and one-fotirth miles further west. It was then a narrow wooded trail. There were, bnt few other clearings^those of the Cooks, Biggers, Pews and Greens — but the name Lundy was given to the Lane, and, doubtless, will remain unchanged. But what a contrast between then and now. The narr(;vv', crooked trail through bush lands has become a wide, straight and beautiful aveirue. Roadways and ,side- ^valks, shade trees and evergreen hedges are like those of old England, Ireland and Scotland. Two handsome churches now crown the hill of battle, and, '"with numerous residences, lawns, orchards, vineyards, gardens iildicate refinement, industry, peace and contentment. Nature has restored r, T; E A T E R N 1 A G A R A 29 30 N I A G A H / , hf:r right:-, - ncl chri?''''n people enjoy her aid and blessing to their handi- work. The ravages of the war of 1812— 14- are blotted out. Good will prevails and enmity is Ccist out. The scenery of Ltm- dy's Lane is most charming between the months of May and October. The air is fra- grant with spring blos- s o m s and garden flowers, and continues fragrant with fresh mown lawns and ripen- itig fruits until the sere and yellow leaf of aut- umn comes again. STAMFORD. This is the name of the rural distiict which includes Lundy's Lane west of the Niagara River. It is well named after an anc" nt municipa'iitv pitr.rted on a beautiful spot in Lincohish^lr,-, England. It is a district rf ri:h fruit lands. Let a visitor take his walk west cv. Lundv's Lane or go north through sweet Sanford village on the old trail and Portage Road to Oueenston and Brock's Monument on Queenston Heights, and we hazard no contradiction that if the said visitor has any love for the beautiful and grand in nature, he will not fail to be ever, impressed with delight at all he views here. lundy's lane. This is a famous place in Canadian history, made famous bv the fierce battle fought on July, 25, 1814. It is on rising ground one mile west from Niagara Falls, a high point between Lakes Erie and Ontario. A thin belt of chestnut forest surrounded the hill which had been donated in 1800 ks a village burial ground, but after the battle the hill became a military cemetery of necessity. For six hours the battle raged just there betweeri the British forces, 3,400 strong, and the United States forces, 5,000 strong-. This was the final and decisive battle of 1812—14. The GREATER NlAGAKX. 'Sj British loss was eight hundred and seventy killed and wounded. The United States loss was nine hundred and thirty killed and wounded and three hundred taken prisoners. THE PPOORESSiON OF IlLECTRiCAL I'OWER. NOTES BY KDWARD j. LAiNPHERK, ARKPORT, X. V. TN a February number of the Electrical Engineer of New York, in 1890. ■^ there appeared the following item of electrical news : "The Thompson- Houston Electric Company, of Lynn, Mass., have just constructed an elective dvnamo of 75 horse-power, and have the patterns nearly completed for one of 100 horse-powder." x^t this time electrical engineers considered an electrical generator of the above mentioned capacity a remarkable stride in the development of the dynamo. When tt\c Niagara I" alls Power Com- pany of this citv harnessed the Falls of Niagara River, three dynam.xis oi 5,000 horse-power each were ordered from the Westinghouse Electric Com- pany, Pittsburg, Pa., and now thev are in operation in the great stone power-house on the bank of the Niagara River. The Power Companv have 32 GR f: . ■ V :.. r, a r a . made jdi-o vision for visitors toNiagr.rc: Fails to see theje wonderin] iTiachincsr from a 1)alcon_v within the power-house, oerween the liours from 7 a. m. to (i p. m.. although they aix- in constant motion, night and d?.y, whenever you go there between these hours you may be sure of seeing them in operation, and witness the greate!:^t advancement in e!ectricai science that has been wrought within the past six or seven years, 'rnd the rapid strides that are being made in the construction of machinery for tiie gencr- t'r;;; • rf electricity. Tne energy produced at the Power Conipanv'o |>ower-house is now being transmitted through large lead covered copper cables laid under ground to the Carborundum Works, the Pittsburg Reduction Company's plant, where aluminum is extracted from clay, and also to the Carbide Factory a little farther up the river. And in a short time the pole line will be ct^nstructed through to Buffalo, and then sever?)! thousand horse-po^A'er will be consumed at that city, 22 miles awav. The present wheel pit accommodates three turbinesof 5,000 horse-power each. The Companv are making preparations to enlarge the' pit to make room for seven more wheels which will drive seven additional dvnamos, increasing the generating capacity to 50,000 horse-power. The canal that leads the water from the river to the w^heel pit is of sufficient size to furnish water to 25 turbines ; and when the power is converted into electrical energy, there will be over 100,000 horse-power generated at this one power- house. What the future is of this Electric Citv is difficult to determine, but it is sure to become the great central power station of electrical energy for a vast area of ten-itory, both in this State and Canada. NIAGARA PENINSULA. IVTlAGARA Peninsula, which fronts on the Niagara Riyer and extends from a point near Brock's Monument to the mouth of the Chippewa or Welland River, lies almost entirely upon a high plateau. A portion of the original township is noAv occupied "by the Town of Niagara Falls aridi the Villages of Niagara Falls South and Chippewa. The first white settlers "squatted" here about 1776. About 1785 Street's mills was erected. A, raceway captured some of the water of the rapids above the Falls. This power ground the "grists " of many farmers until 1874, when the mill was burned. The early settlers had not only nearby mills, but they had the fish and fowl of Niagara River to sustain them. They reached the river bv rude ladders and crossed the river in boats. Many now living can remember w^hen the old Suspension Bridge was. erected in the 3^ear 1852. The new Suspension Bridge and Cantilever Railroad Bridge have been erected more recently. This has been one of the great railroad centers of the continent. ;r :n.LG>,i?A. HENEPIN S IDEA OF THE FALLS. With the water power, tunnel schemes, and the development of electricity this will soon be a great center of manufactures. A p o p ti 1 a t i o n c > f thirty thousand now exists in the immediate vicinity of the Falls. To feed these thous- ands and the coming thousands nature long ago dropped a drift belt of sand loam and ground shales extend- 'ng from St. Davids to the Falls, and about a mile in width. This soft, friable, naturally drained soil is already largely occupied by market gardens and Vuit plantations. Hundreds of acres ')f grapes produce about live hundred tons, of _; rapes annually. Manv acres of straw- berries and raspberries Mour their frtiits n^'it •)nly into local mar- kets, but the more Hstant cit}^ markets. Th€se market gardens are recognized as the i 1 c a r e s t , cheapest and best source of vegetables for Niagara Falls. N. Y. Hostile legislation to prevent the i r GREATER NIAGARA, easy introduction into their natural market will directly injure all the people that eat. Upon each 'side of this drift deposit the soil is mostly suitable to the growth of hay and grain, as well as fruit of excellent quality. Here the blue grass flourishes, and from here will come the fresh milk for the future cities of the Falls. Along the brink of the mountain and the gorge of the river are quarries of building stone, which is shipped by convenient railways to many points. Here we also find mountains of building sand and kilns for the production of ordinary lime and hydraulic cement. Strong springs of clear water are found here and there. In the Montrose region spouting wells of excellent water are easily obtained upon every farm. Five railroads cross different parts of Stamford Township. A double- track electric road runs along the bank of the Niagara River. Other lines are projected. Other bridges are projected or under construction The Niagara Falls Free Park increases in size and beauty as the years roll on. Along the mighty canyon of the Niagara is found a flora of wondrous beauty and variety as the published botanical lists show. In the river itself we find not only ducks of many kinds, but the stately sw^an and the rare pelican. Hundreds of eagles have been shot along the gorge of the Niagara. The poet, the artist, the scientist, the sportsman, the man of leisure, the business man, the mechanic and cultivator of the soil can each locate in this favored spot and can each secure environments eminently suited to their varving tastes and requirements. DISTANCES AND PRICES Or ADHISSION. DISTANCES FRO:^ DEPOT, AMERICAN SIDE. Prospect Park, five minutes' walk ; around Goat Island, IV^ mile ; New Suspension Bridge, Vi mile ; Railway Suspension Bridge, 2 miles ; Whirlpool Rapids, 2V2 -miles ; Whirlpool, 3 miles ; Devil's Hole, 3% miles ; top of mountain, 6V^ miles ; Indian Village, 8 miles ; Victoria Park, IVi mile. PRICES OF ADMISSION. Cave of the Winds, $1.00; Inclined Railwaj^ 10 cents; trip on ferry (either side) 50 cents ; Museum, 25 cents. DISTANCES FROM DEPOT, CANADIAN SIDE. Victoria Park, 1% mile; Lundy's Lane Battle Ground, 2V^ miles; Brock's Monument and Queenston Heights, 7 miles. PRICES OF ADMISSION. Behind Hoseshoe Falls, guide and dress, 50 cents ; Brock's Monu- ment, 25 cents ; carriage hire for Lundy's Lane and return, 25 cents. GREATER NIAGARA, ^Buffalo " ^- ?^Tagara Falls ':■; \ "_;— ^ ^ A ^ I "^HE tourist could hardly visit the Falls and not go to Buffalo. The ^~ above railw^ay has provided one of the finest routes in the world. Take the cars at Prospect Park, and before youarehardly awareof it^-ou are flying past the great Power House, then the Aluminum Works, then Fort Schlosser. Now we have a bit of farm life on one side and on the other the beautiful Niagara River stretches far out to view, with scarcely a ripple to mar its beauty. How placidly it glints and glistens in the sunshine, as if bent on hiding in level stillness deadh' pools and treacherous shallows, ever chanting tenderly a w^eird lullaby, silencing all thought of the deep and wild rush of the rapids, where foam-clad spirits dance and alure to destruction like a merciless fiend, ever readv for new victims. No pity, no mercv, but like a CREATKR NIAGARA demon possessed, never haltng until the brink is reached, and with a pitiful moan of remorse, plunges down into darkness. Do we wonder at the Redman's worship cf the Niagara as a deity whose worship required a A^earlj^ sacrifice. Here, when the world w.^s ;vreatheu with the tcarlet and gold of October, Here from far-scatterei cams the moccasineJ Lrioes of the ivedmau, Lett in their tents their bowrf, forgot their brav.-'s and dissentions, - Ringed thee with peace ftil fires, an.f over their cainmets pondered. Chose from their fair virgins the iairest and purest among them, Hollowing a birchen canoe, and fashioned a seat for the \'irgin, Clothed her in white and set her adrift to whirl to thy bosom. Saving : " Receive this onr vow^ Niagara, Father of Waters." Lo, driftiixg toAvard ns approaches a curious tangle of something. White and untiilered it floats, bewdtching the sight. And appearing like to a birchen canoe, a virgin crouched pallid wdthin it, Hastening with martj-r zeal to solve the unriddled hereafter. Slovv^er and smoother her flight, until on the precipice pausing, Just for the space of a breath the dread of a change seems to thrill her ; Crossing herself and seeming to shudder, she lifts eyes to heaven, Suddenly a midst upAvhirls — 1 j:ee not — but know all is over. — Howton. La Salle is passed, another famous place in history, named for the great explorer, de La Salle. It was here, upon one occasion. La Salle got into a dispri,te wath the Indians and no doubt would have lost his life but for the timely arrival of a man by the name of Latonty, who had lost a hand, and had as a substitute one made of iron, w^hicli he always kept concealed in a glove, so the Indians didn't know he had such a hand. A few vigorous strokes struck terror to their hearts, and they supposed him possessed with some aw^e-inspiring power that served a good purpose ever after. You pass through Tonawanda, one of the greatest lumber marts in the world. A glimpse here and there of green fields and the Oueen City of the Lakes is reached. "* Buffalo has a population of three hundred and sixty thousand, an area of forty-two square miles, sixty-one public schools, one hundred and eighty churches, three thousand five hundred manufactories, nine hundred acres of parks and driveways, nearly four hundred miles of paved streets, has the largest coal tressel in the world, largest flour docks in the world, more asphalt pavements than any other city. You swiftly pass through street after street, with glimpses of parks. Lake Erie in the distance, and Main Street, and the end of the line is reached. Ask for a transfer ticket and board a Main Street car and go straight through the heart of the city past the finest store buildings in the Vi^orld on the right and left towering high and most massive are grand monuments of architectural skill ; then you come to the elegant homes, speaking of wealth, refinement and taste. GREATER NIAGARA, 37 Leave the car for a Forest Avenue car (cost five cents j that will take you ])ast Forest Lawn, the beautiful city of the dead. Off to the right you will see in the distance a stateh' monument erected to the memory of the dead Indian chiefs. Then comes the Park with its grand drives, and on past the State Hospital. You can transfer to any of the lines along the route that will take 3'ou direct to Main Street again, where yoxi meet the Niagara Falls cars for the return trip. Your round trip ticket is good until used, so yon can stay as long as you like. If the tourist is in a hurry and has followed the routes in this book, he will have the satisfaction of knowing he never saw so much and in such comfort in one dav, and at so small cost. LOVIlRS or A CENTURY AGO. TOURING the Revolutionary War a party of British soldiers were ^^ marching along the bank of the Niagara River on the Canadian side. Something in the river attracted the attention of a young officer. He fell out of the ranks and went to the edge of the perpendicular bank which was then thickly wooded. He never returned, and the soldiers, after vainly searching for him, came to the conclusion that he had fallen over. They reported the accident to the authorities, and for a century his loss remained a mystery. A few years ago some boys playing, near the foot oi the perpen- dicular bank opposite what is now called the ravine in Victoria Park, saw" a cleft in the rock, 'and going in found the remains of a skeleton. They reported the matter and officers of the neighborhood took charge of the bones or remains. It was concluded he had fallen in a fissure of the rocks, shut in from' sight and sound and found a living tomb, time having crumbled the rock away revealing a traged}' of a life But that was not the end. From the me^ild of what was once an officer's uniform they found buttons giving the number of his regiment, and remains of epaulets and belt proving his rank. With these particu- lars the records of the regiment were traced, his family connections found and communicated with, and the following pathetic story was learned : Away in the Sunny South a fair young girl, the only daughter of wealthy parents, was engaged to the officer that so m^'steriousl}' dis- appeared. The only shadow that had ever darkened their Ijright and happy lives was the thought of separation; but the star of hope shone bright and they strove to see bej'ond the cruel fate of war. the peaceful and happy imited life when the battle for country find right was over. 40 ADVERTISEMENTS, LoRETTA College. Location. — The sitxiation commands a Yie^Y of the snrronndiiig country, which for grandetir has no equal. As far tip the river as the eye can see, is an enchanting scene, in plain view is the Horseshoe Falls, in all the'r wild beaniy of scenery. The ma.gnificent panorama Natttre so generotisly spread? ont to -v\t\" from this point, is of itself an educator. A more healthy location could not have been chosen for a school, l:eing on such a high eminence and the bend of the river, and just the right angle for th,f west w^ind to sweej) away all mist and dampness. There is ahvays a cool breeze makina; a delightful and health-giving climate. GRAND VIEW OF THE FALLS AND RIVER. RATES : $1.50 TO $2 00 PER DAY. P 0. ADDRESS, NIAGfRA F/- LLS C." I TE, COR BENDER AVE AND RIVER FRONT 8GX 71. NIMGMRM F=7?1_L-S (OMNKD?? SIDE). All Modern Improvements, Electric Lights, Electric Bells, Batbs, Etc. large hall for picnics and dancing parties. Fine Stock of Liquors and Cigars Cataract Hotel, " ° » c. L smim F[op«L Clifton flilL fiiagapa Falls, Ont, TUtRS. L-KCEV, PROPRIEXRESS. Meals at all Hours. Transient and Private Board Accommodation Winter and Summer Terms, $L00 to $2.00 Per Day, P. 0. Address, Niagara Falls Center, Ont, The CATAR.4.CT House is pleasantlj' i'itaated within tive minntes' walk of Niagir.' Falls, New Suspension Bridge, and close br M. C. R. R. Station. Other Stations, Electric- and Street Cars within easy reach. 'T^HE AS=KER=SHAW Remedies are constantly growing in favor as safe and certain remedies. A trial fuSly satisfies the most sceptical as to their remarkable cura*' powers. Ointment, Large Box, 25c pi. ■ Box. [ Tung Balsam, 75c ' " j jilood Remedy, $ 25 1 00 The verdict of our customers for the above articles is: " A customer gained, never lost.' rw 8 ' * • - a * %^<^^