F \2.X FOR A COPY OF Cutter's Guide . . . TO HOT SPRINGS T"E of ARKANSAS, SEND TO THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE „r Of that City. to H, C. TOWNSEND, G. p. and T. A., Mo. Pa. Ry., ST. LOUIS, MO. FOR A COPY OF Cutter's Guide . . . To MT. CLEMENS, MICHIGAN, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE or Of that City. «» W. E. DAVIS, G. P. and T. A., Grand Trunk Ry ., MONTREAL, P. Q. FOR A COPY OF . . . FOR A COPY OF Cutter's Guide . . . TV^INERT^L iA£EL-I_S, "TEXHS. W. A. TOMPSON, M. D., of that City. Cutter's Guide . . . CITY OI= AA^FfCO. TEXHS. . SEND TO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE of that City. ft CUTTKR'S GUIDE TO Niagara Falls AND ADJACENT POINTS OF INTEREST. CUTTER'S GUIDE to THE HOT SPRINGS OF ARKANSAS (39 Editions, 511,000 issuedi; MT. CLEMENS, MICH. i5 Editions, 65,000 issuedi: THE MINERAL WELLS OF TEXAS; THE EUREKA SPRINGS OF ARKANSAS ; THE THERMAL -WELLS, CITY OF WACO, TEXAS. It is the tnlenlion to issue antiitally. Cutter's Guides to twelve of the most important Resorts, including the very best of the North and South. jfuUv? 1IIlustrate&. r<\ PUBLISHED BY THE CUTTER'S GUIDE PUBLISHING COMP.\NV. l-CBLISHERS OF CUTTER S fiUIDES TO THE PRINCIP.AL HEALTH AND PLEASl'RE RESORTS OF THE I'NITED .'iT.ATF.S. ^N^^^- Niagara Kail::,, Guieral View from New Suspension Bridge. ^kALo^ Cuttkr's Guioe , TO . THE FALLS. 0\"ER five hundred thousand visitors have the pleasure of viewing the Falls of Niagara every year. The many millions who annually pass by, either via Buffalo or Suspension Bridge, without stopping over at Niagara Falls, certainly cannot fully realize that they are losing the oppor- tunity, possibly of a lifetime, of beholding one of the grandest and most beautiful works of nature. Standing upon the brink of the precipice at Prospect Point, and taking the first good view of the Falls, every one is im- pressed with their majestic beauty and enormous power; and when they contemplate the immensity of the volume of water, the great depth of the chasm into which it makes its mad though graceful plunge, a mingled feeling of awe and admira- tion takes possession of the beholder. It is not our mission to attempt a flowery or classical descrip- tion of Niagara P'alls, but rather to guide the reader to the many points of observation from which they can be seen to the best advantage. By presenting a larger number of beautiful illus- trations than were ever before issued in any one publication, we seek to induce as many as possible to come to Niagara, and enjoy for themselves the pleasure of seeing the greatest cata- ract known to the civilized world. The finest writers in the English language — Dickens, Trol- lope, Thackeray and a host of others — have expended their best efforts at word-painting in attempting to set forth the beauties of Niagara. But words seem weak and powerless, and the great cataract baffles description. We can only hope, therefore, to make our descriptions acceptable to the reader by supplementing them with profuse illustrations. These are half-tone reproductions from the best photographs ob- tainable from leading photographers, or made by our own artist. But there are a few facts and figures to which we gladly call the attention of our readers, that tliey may more clearly under- stand the power and magnitude of Niagara. It is bv com- parison only that we can fully comprehend them. It has been estimated, that the average amount of water flowing over the Falls is 296,000,000 cubic feet every twenty-four hours, which is said to represent a force equal to the same amount of power produced from two hundred thousand tons of coal: the daily output of all the coal mines in the world. When we consider that competent engineers estimate the theoretical power of these Falls to be from five million to six million horse power, and that all the water mills of the I'nited States have only developed an amount equal to about one-fifth of this immense force, we are again led far beyond ordinary (3) UJ American Fall, irum i-'rospect Point. Birdseye View of Goat Island and American Rapids. tb) General View from "The Clifton.' comprehension, as to the great power of these grand and beautiful Falls. The American Falls are about looo feet wide, including the Bri The Whirlpool. At the end of Lover's Retreat is to be seen the grandest view of the Canadian Rapids, which are one mile wide, and nearly the same distance in length. Many of the big waves are to be seen dashing their spray twenty feet high, remind- ing one of the seashore in rough weather, and making a panorama of which one seldom tires. A short distance beyond these islands is the Burning Spring, well worthy of a visit, and for which a fee of 50 cents is charged; it is a strong sulphur spring from which a large quantity of gas escapes. This is ignited by an at- tendant, first as it flows through a long gas pipe, which when lighted makes a brilliant blaze; and afterwards as it bubbles up through the water in the spring, setting fire, as it were, to the water. The spring is situated in a darkened room, mak- ing a very pretty sight as the flame illumines the darkness. From here those in conveyances can return by the same route or over a Canadian country road, passing I^oretto Con- vent, through the old village of Drummondsville, a pretty suburb of Niagara, to the Lundy's Lane battle field. Plere a tower has been erected from which, for a fee of 25 cents, an excellent view of the surrounding country can be seen; thence returning by the old village of Clifton, now Niagara Falls South ( Ontario ), then over the new Suspension Bridge to the hotel. Thus ends route number two. THE TRIP DOWN THE GORGE. THE deep and indescribably wild gorge, which in the cen- turies past has been worn into the rocky formation of the earth's surface, beginning at the Lewiston Mountain or the Niagara escarpment, and winding backward to the Falls, is one of the most interesting places in tlie world. The early history of this gorge is tilled with blood-curdling incidents, thrilling struggles for supremacy between the Indians and the settlers, and the roar of musketry of the battles between French, Indians, English and Americans as they each strug- gled to dispossess the other of this valued territory. Many places along the banks at the verge of the gorge show evi- dences of having once been the scene of battle, and even now traces of earthworks of improvised fortresses are to be found. The Niagara gorge is seven miles in length from the Falls to Lewiston, and its dejith above the water level increases from 164 feet at the Falls, to 300 feet five miles below. Nature has prepared many wonderfully beautiful and picturesque scenes for the visitor ; scenes that can be viewed many times before the eye wearies of the repetition. Directly below the waterfall, the water of the Niagara river is variously estimated to be 100 to 250 feet in depth in the main channel, and for nearly two miles, about one-quarter of a mile in width. Here it moves along slowly, and is navigated by the steamer " Maid of the Mist." The cars of the Niagara Falls and Lewiston Railway, known as the "Gorge Route," which start from Prospect Park at Falls street every fifteen minutes during the season, enter the gorge about half a mile above the railroad bridges and the head of the Whirlpool Rapids, and as the cars wind their way downward along the serpentine tracks of the incline, the pas- senger sees below him the great gorge ; to the south a most beautiful \ iew of the Falls in the distance, and to the north the mammoth cantilever bridge of the Michigan Central and the new steel arch bridge of the Grand Trunk railway. As the bottom of the incline is reached, the gorge suddenly narrows, and the immense volume of wat^r, forced into the narrow defile, bursts into a fury and roars wildly as it dashes the waves high in the air and at a terrible speed rushes toward the whirl- pool. The transformation seems almost incredible. Passing "Rapids \'iew" under the bridges, then the Whirlpool Rapids and "Observation Rock," the tracks wind along beside the mad waters to the Whirlpool, where a stop is made. The peculiar phenomenon of the waters caused by the sudden chang- ing of the currents and the mad rushing stream from above, combined with the beautiful picture presented by the verdure- covered rocks of the ravine, makes a stop well worth the time spent. From the Whirlpool the river surges away to the north again; beginning here what is called the "Devil's Hole Rapids," and tumbling and leaping through the narrow confines, each (15) (l6) The New Single Arch Steel Bridge, Liirina Irunk Railway. Horseshoe Fall and Islands, from Canada. (i8) American Rapids. wave jostles tlie next o\ er the biij rcicks that make the stream a most perilous one, and with a current ahnost equal to that of the Upper Rapiils. The picture is an inspiring one, anil not to be forgotten. Three hundred feet above, are to be seen the grotesque faces of the rock, seeming to threaten the ad\entnr- ous ones below; beside the tracks the waters lashed into foam, and beyontl, the Canadian shore, less steep, and co\ ered with nearly everv known species of tree and flower in its native state. Below the Whirlpool is Drinker's Park, a shady, moss- grown resting place, named after Capt. Brinker, the founder and president of the road. A little beyond this park and just op- posite the historical "Foster's Flats" on the Canadian shore, is Giant Rock, a monster boulder that stands aloof from the mountain, outside of and overhanging the railroad. The "Sen- tinel," another large boulder, jirojects far above the rushing waters of the rapids near by. "Ihe " Devil's Hole" beyond this point is the most interesting and historical of all stopping places. From the car the ravine of the Bloody Run may be seen, and 300 feet above, the " Devil's Pulpit " from which ledge 200 British soldiers were hurled over the bluff by the Seneca Indians. Winding along the rugged shore the tracks pass manv interesting ravines, over streams, the waters of which are whitened by the minerals from the rocky caves whence they flow, and finallv under the old earthworks of Fort Gray, which was occupied bv the American army during the war of 1812, and opposite which is seen the towering "Oueenston Heights," where stands the monument to Gen. Brock, killed in the Battle of Queenston in 1812. From mountain to mountain are stretched the few remaining strands of the Lewiston suspension fjridge, wrecked many years ago by se\ere winds, and which was once the crossing place of travelers between New York and the west. The Gorge line here emerges from the deep canon, upon the broad plateau through which the river sweeps majesticallv into Lake Ontario seven miles north, and the traveler flnds himself in sleepy old Lewiston, where the flsher- man.the lover of the historical and the student of nature may all he satisfied alike. This trip may be taken in 40 minutes, re- turning in the same time. The better way is to secure stop- over checks (which are issued without extra cost) for Rapids \'iew, Butterv Whirlpool Rapids, Hrinker's Park .ind Devil's Hole, in order to study the beauty and grandeur of tlicsc places. This round trip costs sixty cents. We would advise the visitor to follow the Niagara to the lake for a visit to old Fort Niagara, Voungstown, and beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Lewis- ton S: Youngstown Frontier electric line makes direct connec- tions with Gorge cars, carrying passengers to Youngstown. Round trip thirty-five cents. Ferry to Niagara on the Lake fifteen cents each way. Steamers of the Niagara Navigation Co. plv between these points and Toronto, electric cars con- necting. A TRIP TO OLD FORT NIAGARA. ONE of the most interesting short journeys to be taken out of Niagara Falls, is via the Lewiston and Youngs- town Frontier Railway, from the river front at Lewiston, where connections are made with the Gorge cars, the New York Central trains, the steamers of the Niagara Naviga- tion Company and the Oueenston ferry. The "Old Fort Wreck of the Old Suspension Bridge. (19) 'Hii; .if- i:^ '^•*i ^ * ,:.«Rr-r <5^ 11411 (20) The American Falls in Winter. m:^ ^■■ ttH«-*v*Mrtirth- The Horseshoe Falls i Early Winteri, (22) The American Falls from the Canadian Shore. 4 ^^^^^^^^^^^^V^-^^^ ^' '^^^^^^^^^^^1 ^^^^^^^HM^T Old Fort Niagara. Route," as it is known, winds up the hill into Main street of historic old Lewiston, and the visitor is in the heart of what was at one time the greatest port of entry on this frontier, and which, from the earliest his- tory known, has been the most important portage of the Niag- ara, being on the direct line be- tween New York and Detroit. Far up on the bluff to the north, stands the old Barton homestead, the first residence on which was erected by Major Benj. Barton, whose appointment in the Ameri- The Old French Castle. (23) can army was made by President Madison, and who for many years associated with Gen. Porter and Judge Porter in the ownership of much of the property along the frontier. An interesting feature to-day is the old elm tree which guards the entrance to the gate at the homestead, and about which is woven a pretty romance. This tree was once a riding whip in the hands of the charming young wife of Major Barton, on the day when she rode on her favorite saddle beast from Geneva to join her husband at her new home early in iSo6. The madame, half in jest, planted the whip on the hillside and it stands to-day, gnarled and knotted, having escaped the destruction which followed the invasion of the British and Indians in the war of 1812. On, through the scenes of the historic struggles between the French, British, Indians and Americans, and past the old Frontier House, which since its erection in 1824-5, has been until recent years the most important hostelry in this region. Many brilliant assemblages have been seen in the once richly decorated ball room, and men who have made the history of the world have been its guests. This was the stage coach headquarters for Western New York, and in the Masonic Hall, on the upper floor, it is said William Morgan was tried for infidelity to the order. At the turn of the railway may be seen, a short distance further east, the ancient Lewiston Academy, long since abandoned, but which was the seat of learning in Western New York in the early part of the century. The trip con- tinues through the finest of farm lands and endless orchards laden with the choicest of fruit, and into the town of Youngs- town, where for one hundred years there was no cessation of blood-curdling events. After passing the steamer landing and the El Dorado Hotel, the line enters the confines of old Fort Niagara. Here in 1678, LaSalle, LaMotte, Fr. Henne- pin and fourteen other French adventurers landed from Lake Frontenac (Ontario), and in the midst of a Seneca Indian village established a trading post, which later on was converted into a block house. This being the kej- to the possession of the lake region, the French made several unsuccessful attempts to gain the consent of the Indians to establish fortifications, and in 1720 erected, partly through deception, a block house at Lewiston, five years later by permission, establishing what is now known as the old " French Castle," the first stone building at Fort Niagara. During the war of the Rebellion many of the most des- tructive of the British expeditions were sent out from Niag- ara. It is said that William Morgan, the offending member of the Masonic fraternity, was last seen alive in the dun- geon of the old castle, and Porter's History of Fort Niagara gives a detailed account of the disappearance of Morgan and the consequent political strife in New York state. Opposite the fort is to be seen fort Mississauga and Ni- agara-on-the-Lake, a popular Canadian summer resort, and near the fort is said to be the best fishing grounds on the Niagara frontier. On a clear day the scenery surpasses that of many western valleys, and this adds intensit)' to the pleasures of the journey. At the terminus of the road is a large grove of 30 acres which is used as a picnic ground. THE WHIRLPOOL RAPIDS. ■pEGINNING at a point just below the great railroad ^ bridges, the Niagara river which, below the Falls and to this point, moves along in a sleepy way, is compressed into a narrow defile and begins its descent to the lake twelve miles below, along a declining and rocky bed which lashes the water into an indescribable fury for many miles. The distance from the head of the Rapids to the Whirlpool is one of the most turbulent and treacherous waterways in the world and but two floating craft ever dared to attempt the journey down the incline. The feat was successfully accomplished by the old steamer "Maid of the Mist" several N-ears ago, and a life boat built by Mr. C. A. Perry, of Suspension Bridge, who made tlie trip successfully. Two human beings have attempted to stem this awful tide, and one, a local adventurer escaped alive, although insensible from the buf- feting of the waves and only prevented from sinking by a liberal quantity of cork life belts. The other, Captain Matthew Weblj, the once famous English swimmer, at- tempted the trip on the afternoon of July 24, 1883, and met death in the waves, it being generally believed that life was crushed out of the luckless fellow in the monster waves that rise to an estimated height of thirty feet, at brief intervals, just opposite the Buttery elevators on the Ameri- can side and the incline railway on the Canadian side. The 124) Whirlpool Rapids. water of the Rapids is said to be very deep and tra\els at the rate of thirty miles an hour, the terrible force swinging the main current backward and forward from side to side like a drunken thing, careening one wave against the next, until the spectacle becomes at once grand and awe-in- spiring. The mad rushing of the waters churns and dashes the weaves first heavenward in snow white spray, then merci- lessly against the rocks that jut out into the boiling stream, until, pounded into a living mass of foam, it empties into the Whirlpool three-quarters of a mile below the bridges. To get the most comprehensive view of the Rapids the visitor should spend several minutes, the longer the better, on the Buttery observation rock, which is on a natural level with the water just at the foot of the Buttery elevators. No fee is charged for occupying the rock, but to travel up or down the elevators a distance of 300 feet, a fee of 50 cents is charged for the round trip. The Rapids may be viewed from the Rapids View platform just below the bridges, or from the Canadian shore, which is reached by an inclined railway. THE DEVIL'S HOLE. TVTO more interesting or historic place is to be found than -'■^ this weird and enchanting spot about three miles below the Falls. Here a grisled old rock projects out over the gorge below, keeping guard on the rushing waters of the Devil's Hole Rapids that roar and wind in and out along the picturesque valley known as the gorge of Niagara. This monster rock is 300 feet above the water, and the top is as (25) ' Devil's Hole." level as a floor. Here it was that a supply train of the British army traveling from Fort Niagara to Fort Schlosser, September 14, 1763, was stopped to allow the soldiers to en- joy their noon repast and view the beauties of the valley be- fore them. Muskets had hardly been dispensed with and the dinner begun, when the outposts were laid low with a murderous fire from several hundred muskets in the hands of a band of treacherous Seneca fndians who lay in ambush. The redskins closed upon the unarmed men and drove them off the precipice or murdered them with tomahawk or knife, until the little stream that fell in beautiful cascades down into the ravine beside the towering rock, ran red with the blood of the victims. To this day the big flat rock is known as the Devil's Pulpit and the stream as Bloody Run. Historians differ in stating the number of British killed in that massacre, but it is generally agreed that more than 200 men were in the detachment. John Steadman, commander of the wagon train, escaped on a fleet-footed horse, a drum- mer boy named Matthews fell into the forked top of a tree in the gorge and escaped, and a wounded wagon man es- caped by hiding in the bushes. A detachment of soldiers in camp at Lewiston marched to the scene and met the same reception at the hands of the red men, only eight escaping to tell the tale. A winding stairway now leads into the ravine, a fee of 25 cents being charged for admission. The ravine is one of the most refreshing spots to be found, and the narrow walk along the face of the rocks takes the visitor to the Devil's Hole, now a cleft in the rock about 30 feet deep, and at the further end of which is a spring from whence the sweetest of cold water flows the year round. It is necessary to stoop low to enter the cave, but several persons may stand erect within the main chamber. In front of the opening stands a large boulder called Ambush Rock, and which at one time covered completely the mouth of this retreat, mak- ing an impregnable fortress. It is stated by the older set- tlers that before the engineers of the New York Central rail- road began blasting in the vicinity, the Devil's Hole cave 'The Devils Pulpit.' (26) extended three quarters of a mile into the rock and had often been explored. The interior of the cave appeared to have been cut out by rough instruments, and it is believed was formed by some pre-historic race. A winding walk leads to the old Council Rock at the head of the long stair- way, and around which it is said the friendly chiefs of the Five Nations for many years held their councils or "pow- wow's " over the affairs of state. A pathway almost hidden by moss takes the adventurous to the lost channel of Bloody Run, where the little stream disappears under the rocks, but which was once a beautiful cascade. In this ravine and the bed of the stream, relics of the battles of the eighteenth century are often found. Stairways lead to the rapids and tracks of the Gorge railway below. INTO THE HEART OF NIAGARA. danjj^er; and when in a few seconds more the steamer floats backward upon the foam-whitened waves, and the passenger realizes that before him is one of the grandest pictures ever painted by Nature and one which defies the brush of the most skillful artist to reproduce, he experiences a sense of pleasure when for the second time the bow of the steamer is turned toward the falls and enters again. .'\bove, nearly 200 feet, the ri\er empties her green water over the brink of the precipice, and as it breaks into foam in its terrific descent, it gives forth a roar, the power of which is indescribable. Into this storm center the little boat ploughs her way, and to the very verge of the roaring, seething mass of water that falls with resistless force into the pit below. The spray clouds dash about from side to side, and the compres- sion of air often sends the spray high above the great falls, making the picture the more beautiful. Below, the water is churned into a river of "black and green and white, a boiling A LTHOUGH many thousands of visitors to Niagara Falls ■^^ view the great cataracts from above, and from many points, yet it is truly said that no one has seen Niagara in all its glory, no one can accurately measure or understand the power of the great waterfall, until he has taken a trip on the little steamer "Maid of the Mist." To reach the steamer from the American side there is a long incline with free stairway for foot passengers, and com- fortable cars upon which passengers are carried for ten cents down and back. The landing on the Canadian side is reached in a similar way. On board the steamer, the passenger is fur- nished with a comhirtable rubber suit, and, encased in water- proof from head to foot, he is stationed on the upper deck to drink in the beauties of the scenes about to transpire. The feeling that possesses the passenger on board the little steamer as she enters the great cauldron at the foot of the Horsehoe Falls is apt to be one of .timidity, and he instinc- tively draws back from the rail of the boat and closes his eyes as the little boat faces the torrents of spray and rides over the seething water into the verv heart of Niagara. But there is no Steamer "Maid of the Mist.' (27) Y->«fe:-^' ^, {[» ) Winter View, American Falls from Goat Island. (28) The Cave of the Winds in Winter. '^% ■ '.*^^ •^ n > . ju ♦ »»^?<.~; (30 J The Ice Bridge. stream of molten malachite;" and as it escapes from the caul- dron whence it falls, it boils and seethes like a mad thing as it tumbles about and rolls away into the stream beyond. Then the pilot turns his craft away, and the passenger, at first so timid, leaves behind him the grandest of scenes, and as he watches the picture dissolve in the distance, resolves to repeat the experience as often as opportunity offers. The steamer is a staunch little craft and rides the turbulent water like a feather. As she passes the American Falls the great white clouds of mist dash over the boat, and sometimes seem to envelop her completely. The bright sun peeping through the mist forms little rainbows, and each passenger sees, starting out from beside his very feet, a tiny colorbow, dancing away in the clouds and returning again until one is encircled as in a halo of glory. As the boat leaves the first falls, the bow becomes larger and larger, until it is swallowed up m distance and one sees above him the monster shafts of roaring water tumbling one over the other in their rollicking way. The steamers are under careful management, and are an- nually licensed and inspected by the commissioners of both Canadian and American reservations. The cost of the trip is fifty cents. THE CAVE OF THE WINDS. THIS is one of the favorite attractions at Niagara. It is situated beneath the Central Falls, which are formed by the waters which flow between Luna and Goat Islands, and are at the extreme western side of the American cascade. It is formed out of the rocky cliff through the action of the water, which has cut out the lower and softer formations, leaving the upper a solid mass of Niagara limestone; this forms a roof and one side of the Cave, the outside of it being a beautiful sheet of falling water, which here veils from view the outside world. It is reached from Goat Island, where offices and recep- tion rooms are found at the edge of the cliff, about one hun- dred feet west from the edge of the Central Falls. Here are provided dressing rooms for each se.x, where a change of attire is made for the water-proof suits. Trusty guides and assist- ants are in attendance, one of the former having been on duty at the Cave for thirty-eight years, and has never known of but one accident in all that time; and this through the recklessness of the unfortunate man. Many think he delib- erately committed suicide. The Biddle stairs lead from the office to the pathway at the foot of the cliff; along this path the guide conducts the visitor to the edge of the Cave. Here the choice of two routes is given, one through the Cave and around the path- way built of planks and timber, forming bridges and steps which pass over little miniature falls, around big boulders, and over rushing waters, and through a crack in the "Rock of Ages," which has been "cleft in twain," to the place of beginning. Or the route by the plank walk can be taken first and then the trip through tlie Cave of the Winds to the end of the journey. We recommend the latter route, because if a feeling of timidity is felt about entering the Cave at first, it is apt to pass away by the time the Cave is reached from the other side, and the trip through it can then be taken with pleasure; and it will never be forgotten or regretted. It is the most awe-inspiring journey, for a short one, we have ever taken. The Cave of the Winds is about one hundred feet long, twenty to seventy-five feet wide and one liundred feet liigh. The cataracts create a strong current of air, which in this particular locality finds the only accessible opening behind the Falls, and the air pressure in the Cave is so great that it is forced out with the force of a cyclone, the currents in the center have the velocity of a tornado, drifting the mist and spray from the Falls as a Dakota blizzard does the snow; hence the name. Cave of the Winds. The price of admittance is one dollar, including attend- ance, guide and use of suits. The guide, however, usually anticipates the regulation tip. (31) Lewiston, from Queenston Heights.— Steamer "Chippewa. EXCURSIONS BY WATER. 1^0 Resort City on the continent offers more opportunities for pleasure trips than Niag- ara. When the tourist has completed the "sight- seeing" about the Falls, and starts out to view the historic country hereabouts, it is well to plan a trip by water to Toronto, the flower of the Province of Ontario. The traveler may make the journey by electric car from Clifton, on the Canadian side, to Queenston, along the brink of the Niagara Gorge, past Brock's monument and the battlefield of Queenston Heights, to the docks of the Niagara River Line : or may leave Niagara Falls or Suspension Bridge via the CJorge Route or New York Central observation trains to Lewiston, on the American side, taking the delightful ride down the Niagara river as it sweeps into Lake Ontario, seven miles away ; or may continue the trolley trip on to Youngstown, on the American side, and embark from Niagara- on-the-Lake. If desired, the trip may be made via the Michigan Central from the Canadian side down to Niagara-on-the-Lake. The water trip is made at convenient hours by one of three hand- some steel steamships of the Niagara Navigation Company, the Chicora, the Corona or the Chip- pewa, all of which are fitted out with complete electrical appliances and modern conveniences, and the trip across the lake, thirty-two miles from the mouth of Niagara river, occupies about three hours. By leaving Niagara Falls early in the morning and embarking in the first steamer out from Lewiston or Queenston, the visitor has six hours in Toronto, and returns in time to connect via any of the several lines for the F"alls, carrying memories of a delightful trip and a vigorous ap- petite for dinner. (32) Many excursionists who have not the time to visit Toronto embark at Oueenston or Lewiston and make the river trip to the mouth of the river, where on either side of the bay are to be found the relics of the battles of the olden times, when the powers were struggling for control of this territory. On the American side is Youngstown, the scene of many bloody battles; and old Fort Niagara, once the scat of the French power in America, and which is now garrisoned. There is also to be seen a life-saving corps, with exhibitions several days a week, and an excellent military band which gives daily concerts. On the Canadian shore is Niagara-on-the-Lake, the (.)ueen's Royal Hotel and resort, old Fort Mississaugua on the Lake, old Fort George, erected by the British, and the new Chautauqua grounds and buildings. The return to the gorge may be made on any of the company's steamers, or by trolley cars of the Lewiston and Youngstown Frontier railroad, on the American side. The steamship company has prepared a handsome little book, " How to See Toronto." giving details of the trips to be taken aboard their ships, and aiding in the selection of hotels while there, which will be sent those addressing Mr. John F"oy, General Manager, at Toronto. AN E)EAL SUMMER RESORT. A MORE ideal spot could not be found for spending the sum- -^~*- mer months than that quaint little town, Niagara-on-the- Lake. Here exery foot of ground is interesting to the lover of the early history of the struggles and triumphs of the British, and replete with relics and reminders of those bloody days. Op- posite is the garrison U. S. Fort Niagara, sacred to the Ameri- cans, as a localitv whose everv nook and corner has a place in the history of those early battles for supremacy, so far back as the sixteenth century. Between old Fort Niagara and the Canadian shore the placid waters of the Niagara river just mingle with those of Lake Ontario. This spot first became important in 1750, when the British erected earthworks and attacked the French from here (then known as Montreal Point), which moxement resulted in the British gaining possession of Niagara after a siege of many days. Later in the century the broad point jutting out into the green waters of the lake became an important military post, and was known variously as West Niagara, Butlersburg, Loyal Milage and Newark; and here, after the organization of "L^pper Canada," when the rebellion had settled the question of ownership of the LInited States, the hrst parliament was convened. Here, in 1796 the British erected Fort George, the earthworks of which are still undisturbed, and which occupied a prominent position among the British fortifications during the war of 1812. In the year named, the capital of Canada was remo\ed from Newark to Toronto. Durmg the war of 1812, Fort George was several times under heavy fire from the American fort and the village ol Newark was destroyed entirely by orders of Gen. McClure of the L'nited States army, when he retired from a temporary f)ossession of the British fort in 1813. This wanton act resulted ater in the almost total destruction of e\erv building on the American frontier, when the British Indians were turned loose to avenge the destruction of the village. Further north, and on the very shores of the lake, was erected Fort Mississaugua, merely a block house surrounded by earth fortifications, and which served as a support to Fort George in manv engage- ments. Every foot of this ground was hotly contested manv times, and relics of battles are often found in the immediate vicinity of the town now known by the romantic title, " Niagara- on-the-Lake." Now all is peace and harmony; both forts have been abandoned by the Canadians, and there only remain the ruins of the battlements to call to memory those days of strife. Here every year the quiet of the summer is disturbed by the annual encampments of the Canadian troops, who occupy the historical grounds that face Youngstown, and carry on mimic warfare for practice. In the broad bay formed by the sweep of the river, the fleets of both American and Canadian yachts are gathered an- nually for regattas and pleasure excursions, and the waters are, during the summer season, continually dotted with white sails and pleasure boats. Back, beyond the shady streets of the little town, are many of Canada's best summer homes, and still further b.ick, on the shores of the lake, are the buildings of the new Chautauqua. (33) Hotel Royal, Niagara-on-the-Lake. QUEEN'S ROYAL HOTEL. A MID this scene at repose and beauty is situated a charming -'*■ summer hotel, "The Queen's Royal." The broad veranda of this hotel faces the green waters of the lake, and the clear waters of the Niagara where they meet, and on the other three sides are beautiful groves, flower gardens, shady walks, golfing links, tennis courts, and every provision which may add to the comfort of the guest in search of rest and pleasure. Just below is the sandy beach for bathing, and beyond are the best bass fishing grounds on the lake. On either side are the ruins of a fort, and but a few hundred feet distant is the landing of the ferries and the handsome steel steamers of the Niagara Navi- gation Co. Messrs. McGaw & Winnett, of the Queen's Hotel, Toronto, are proprietors of this resort, and are thoroughly up-to-date in carnig for their guests. The hotel will comfortably accom- modate 300 people, is lighted by electricity, has telephone and telegraphic connections, and every modern convenience. Rates S2.50 and upwards. Rooms or suites engaged in ad- vance by addressing the proprietors. Visitors to Niagara can reach the resort via the Gorge Route and the Lewiston-Voungstown electric road to Youngs- town, and cross by ferry; the New York Central between the Falls and Lewiston where the steamers may be taken direct for Niagara-on-the-Lake; or if the Canadian trip is preferred, the steamers may be reached at Queenston via the Park & River Electric Road; or around the Queenston mountain over the Michigan Central. From Toronto the trip can be made by steamer or rail, as preferred. (34) Queenston.— From Brock's M "li . i: ■ nt , on the Heights. (,-5^1 Old Fort Mississaugua, Niagara-on-the-Lake. TRIPS OVER THE NIAGARA FALLS PARK & RIVER RAILWAY. 'T'HIS popular electric line extends from a point on the upper Niagara river about a mile and one-half above Chippewa, where connection is made with the summer excursion steamers which make two round trips every day during the summer sea- son between this point and Buffalo, to Queenston, a distance of about fifteen miles. Leaving the steamer's dock, the car passes the famous Chippewa battlefield, the little village of the same name, thence through the DulTerin Islands, into and through the Victoria Park, where the grandest views of the Falls are to be seen; passing the Table Rock elevator and bazaar where tickets are procured for a trip under the Falls, next the Dufferin Cafe and through the Park to Clifton, passing the popular hotel of that name, also the Hotel La Fayette, at the Canadian end of the new Suspension Bridge. It is at this latter point that most of our readers will take passage, either for a trip to Chippewa and return or in the opposite direction; tickets for the trip to Chippew^a and return are 25 cents and are good for stop-over prixilege at any point on the line and as often as it suits the pleasure of the passenger: and we advise all to take plenty of time, if they ha\e it to spare, as the points of interest and the view are unsurpassed about Niagara. (36) i-^r--;;flrir»Ti - *^?™!' ''"~~^' • **'•' " i '*""• '' '" •"'^'""-^•^^^^-"»a:^~_; ' "i' The Horseshoe Falls from Above. The trip to Queenston costs 30 cents, or 50 cents for the round trip, or 75 cents for both round trips. In taking the trip to Queenston from this point, the line passes near the top of the cliff overlooking the gorge, passes the city of Niagara Falls, (Ontario, the two handsome railroad bridges, to the in- cline railway leading to the Whirlpool Rapids, where from the long platform at the water's edge an excellent \ iew of these troidiled and excited billows is to be had: at this point the water rushes by with the rapidity of a fast train. The next point of interest is the Whirlpool, and from the car windows can be seen the upper and lower Whirlpool rapids and the Whirlpool, which is nearly circled by the double track of this scenic line; at the furthest point of the Whirlpool is a station, and the best place to view these interesting scenes is only about one hundred feet distant. We advise a stop-over at this station, as the rifteen minutes between cars can be very pleas- antly spent here. The next point on the line is the Niagara Glen, or Foster's Flats, where the student of geology and lover of the wild and rustic in nature will find much to interest him; passing on with- in sight of the gorge, the location of Bloody Run and the Devil's Hole can be seen on the opposite side of the river, and very soon after. Brock's Monument is reached; this English memorial was erected in honor of the brave general who fell at the foot of Queenston Heights, gallantly leading his men in a charge upon the Americans, who had previously carried the (37) * M i 'i i i i iii i.i'i ir; I I (JS) The Upper Whirlpool Rapids, from the Buttery Station. heights, and dislodged some of the same soldiers he was urg- ing forward to its re-capture. This they finally did, but not be- fore General I5rock had received his death wound. The view from this point is extremely beautiful: we have attempted to illustrate it with two views, but the camera to which we are in- debted for the pictures we have reproduced, has failed to reach the distant points visible to the naked eye. The Duke of Ar- gvle said that the view from Brock's Monument w'as worth crossing the Atlantic to behold. From the heights, the road circles down the side of the mountain to (Jueenston, passing a tablet erected by the Prince of Wales to mark the spot where Brock fell, thence to the river's edge and upon the dock of the Niagara Xaxigation Co., where steamers can be taken for Lewiston, Xiagara-on-the- Lake and Toronto, or the visitor can return to the F"alls by the same route. Ascending the Hill at Lewiston. UNDER THE HORSESHOE FALLS. FORTY years ago. the writer svheii a buy, took this trip, but at that time visitors were obliged to descend by an old stair- way; now they go down the side of the cliff on an elevator with ease and safety, anil instead of passing under the Falls, grop- ing their way through blinding spray and mist as was the case at that time, a tunnel is provided for the passing beneath the Fall which reaches a platform directly behind the beautiful sheet of falling water. The air pressure is quite strong, and the mist and spray are blown in dashes, very much to the surprise of the visitor, who is unable to account for the fierce blasts which drift beneath the F'alls, thick and fast; but it is not so severe as to prevent the trip being an enjoyable one; and in the hot days of sunnner it is delightful, being cool, refreshing and agreeable as the shower .bath, without its chilling effects. No change of clothing is required, as the visitor has only to don a waterproof suit which fully protects the regular clothing. The fee >>i liftv cents which is charged fur passing under the Hiirse .Shoe Falls includes the use of this suit, the elevator and the services of a guide; tickets and suits are procured at the bazaar at Table Rock, nearly opposite the elevator. The Three Sister Islands. (m) The City of Niagara Falls.— Birdseye View from Tower, looking East. THE GEOLOGY OF NIAGARA. T^O the geologist and student of this scientific study, the -'• geology of the Niagara region, and especially that of the Gorge, opens up a book of nature full of interest. In the Gorge, the geologist reads its age, and each stratnm reveals pages of histor)-, to them intensely interest- ing; even the school-boy, who has just commenced to ac- cumulate a knowledge of geology, readily concludes that the Falls have not always been where they now are, and he naturally wonders how long a time it will take them to reach Lake Erie, or the mouth of the river at Buffalo, if the present rate of recession is continued. Professors Gilbert, Hall, Spencer and others, have all written and lectured upon this subject, and each has given valuable data and information. The works of the former have been freely quoted from in the reports of the Commissioners of the Queen Victoria Niagara Falls Park, Ontario, and that of the latter by the Connnissioners of the State Reservation, New York, ( Pros- pect Park.) From both of these reports we are pleased to use extracts from the writings of these scientific gentlemen. The geological points we think the reader most interested in are the age of the River, the Falls, and the Gorge, and the future recession of the Cataracts. Even on these points we have only briefly quoted those authorities, as our space will not admit of our going more deeply into this pleasing theme. Prof. Gilbert writes as follows : — "The middle term of our time scale, the age of the gorge, has excited great interest, because the visible work of the river and the visible dimensions of the gorge seem to af- ford a means of measuring in 3'ears one of the periods of which geologic time is composed. To measure the age of the river is to determine the antiquity of the close of the ice age. The principal data for the measurement are as follows: ( I ) The gorge now grows longer at the rate of four or five feet a year, and its total length is six or seven miles. (2) At the whirlpool the rate of gorge making was relatively very fast, because oidy loose material had to be removed. Whether the old channel ended at the Whirlpool, or ex- tended for some distance southward on the line of the river, is a matter of doubt. (3) Part of the time the volume of the river was so much less that the rate of recession was more like that of the American Fall than that of the Horse- shoe. Some suggestions as to the comparative extent of slow work and fast work are to be obtained from the ])rofile of the bottom of the gorge. While the volume of the river was large, we may suppose that it dug deeply, just as it now digs under the Horseshoe Fall: while the volume was small, we may suppose that a deep pool was not made. "Before the modern rate of recession had been deter- mined, there were many estimates of the age of the river: but their basis of fact was so slender that they were hardly more than guesses. The first estimate, with a better found- ation, was made by Dr. Julius Pohlnian, who took account of the measured rate of recession and the influence of the old channel at the Whirlpool: he thought the river not older than 3,500 years. Dr. J. W. Spencer, adding to these fac- tors the variations in the river's volume, computes the river's age as 32,000 years. Mr. Warren Upham, having the same facts before him, thinks 7,000 years a more reason- able estimate. And Mr. F. B. Taylor, while regarding the data altogether insufficient for the problem, is of opinion that Nf r. Upham's estimate should be multiplied by a number consisting of tens rather than units, thus estimates founded on substantially the same facts range from thousands of years to hundreds of thousands of years. For myself, I am disposed to agree with Mr. Taylor, that no estimate yet made has great value, and the best result obtainable may perhaps be only a rough approximation." (41) The New Suspension Bridge. And Prof. Spencer reports that — "All attempt to reduce geological time to terms of years are most difficult, but the Niagara River seemed to be an easy chronometer to read, and yet we see that some utter- ances even this year are vastly farther from the mark than those made fifty years ago — the clock had not kept mean time throughout its existence. After this attempt at regu- lating the chronometer, investigators will doubtless carry the determinations to greater accuracy, but for the present I can ofter this geological compensation. The Niagara seems a stepping stone back to the ice age. What is the connection between the river and the Pleistocene phenomena? The Lake epoch is an after phase of the Glacial period, and Niagara came into existence long subsequent to the commencement of the Lakes. If we take the differential elevation of the deserted beaches, and treat them as absolute uplifts in the Niagara district, with the mean rate of rise in the earlier portion of the lake epoch as in the later, then the appearance of Warren water in the Erie basin was about 60 per cent longer ago than the age of Niagara river; or about 50,000 years ago. The earlier rate of deformation was not greater than that during the Niagara episode, as shown by the deformation of the beaches, but it may have been slower, so that from 50,000 to 60,000 3'ears ago Warren water covered more or less of the Erie basin. Before the birth of Niagara river, by several thousand years, there was open water extending from the Erie basin far into the On- tario, and all the upper lakes were open water with a strait (42) at Nipissing, but the northeastern limits are not known, and although the)- do not affect the age of Niagara, yet they leave an open question as to the end of the ice age, in case of those who do not regard the advent of the lakes as its termination. From these considerations it would appear that the close of the ice age may safely be placed at 50,000 j-ears ago." "As has ah'eady been noted, the Falls was in danger of being ended by the turning of the waters into the Missis- sippi, when the cut through the Johnson ridge was effected. With the present rate of calculated terrestrial uplift in the Niagara district, and the rate of recession of the Falls con- tinued, or even doubled before the cataract shall have reached the Devonian escarpment at Buffalo, that limestone barrier shall have been raised so high as to turn the waters of the upper lakes into the Mississippi drainage, by way of Chicago. An elevation of 60 feet at the outlet of Lake Erie would bring the rocky floor of the channel as high as the Chicago divide, and an elevation of 70 feet would completely divert the drainage. This would require 5,000 or 6,000 years at the estimated rate of terrestrial elevation. It would be a repetition of the phenomena of the turning of the drainage of the upper lakes from the Ottawa valley into the Erie basin. "The computation of the age of the Niagara river, — based upon the measured rate of recession during 48 years; upon the changing descent of the river from 200 to 420 feet, and back to 320 feet; and upon the variable discharge of water from that of the Erie basin only, during three-fourths of the life of the river, to afterwards that of all the upper lakes, — leads to the conclusion that the Niagara Falls are 31,000 years old, and the river of 32,000 years duration; also that the Huron drainage turned from the Ottawa river into Lake Erie less than 8.000 years ago. Lastly, if the rate of terrestrial deformation continues as it appears to have done, then in about 5,000 years the life of Niagara Falls will cease, bv the turning of the wafers into the Mississipi. These computations are confirmed by the rate and amount of differential elevation recorded in the deserted beaches. It is further roughly estimated that the lake epoch commenced 50,000 or 60,000 years ago, and there was open water long before the birth of Niagara, in even the Ontario basin, and that under no circumstances could there have been any hydrostatic obstruction to the Ontario basin since be- fore the birth of Niagara F'alls." NIAGARA AS AN AIR-COMPRESSOR. T^HE real cause of the recession of Niagara Falls, or at least the most destructive agent, has been discovered at last; and it is air— air condensed by the power of Niagara until it is forced to seek release in explosion. The discovery is of recent date, and only became public when we were about ready to issue this work. Mr. ]. C. Level, the owner of the Prospect Park carriages, and one of the proprietors of the Tower Hotel, has the honor of being the discoverer. Mr. Le\el claims no scientitic attain- ments, but being a close observer and of an inquiring mind, he naturally wondered what caused the frequent outbursts of spray which occur at intervals of five to twenty seconds; something hurls these thin sheets and sprays of water high above the crest of the Falls, and with such velocity and energy as to indi- cate a power behind them resembling in its effects ex- plosions. " What is it?" That was the question Mr. Level propounded to the two scientific gentlemen from whose writings we have quoted in relation to the age of Niagara and the recession of the Falls. "If not air explosion, please tell me what it is," he further inquired. Each of these gentlemen were taken to the nearest point from which the phenomena could plainly be seen, and it was here these questions were asked. Both showed a great interest in the subject, and one of them remarked, " Mr. Level, you have made a great discovery:" the other gentleman was not so candid, but said he would investi.gafe; only the (4.^>) LT£^#^AI^K night previous he had delivered a lecture on Niagara Falls, its recession, etc., in which he took about the same position as he had previously taken in his writings from which we have pre- viouslv quoted. Mr. Level's business required him to make frequent visits to Goat Island, and while in the \icinity of the Horseshoe Falls he has been in the habit of watching the air explosions and even listening for the sound of them at the base of the clitT on Goat Island, at a point the nearest to the Falls which can be approached with safetv, where he thought he could detect the noise caused by the explosion. The results of his investiga- tions have finally convinced him that his conclusions are correct. We cannot comprehend whv those men of science who have spent much time and thought on this subject did not make the discovery long ago; it seems so plain, the ocular evidence is so conclusive, that it should only require'to have attention called to the facts in the case to convince any observer. In the center of the Horseshoe Falls, where the larger bodv of water flows over the crest, and where the greatest recession of the cataract is observable, these explosions are frequent, and show by the height to which the spray is forced and the densitv of the water thus thrown high above the Falls (sometimes reaching a height of from 50 to 100 feet) that some great power is at work which is not visible, except in its effect. Manv know that there is effective power in compressed air; in manv wavs it is used to assist man; air drills ha\e been in use for many years, and the force for their use transmitted long distances; as a motive power for street railways its application is of a more recent date, but it has been successfully accom- plished. Can this great power at Niagara be utilized? Who will be able to answer this question? Is it compressed air that gives energy to this newly dis- covered power of Mr. Level's? This question is sure to be determined some time in the near future, because the widespread interest this discovery is sure to cause must bring about great research and investi- gation, and eventually, we trust, will result in its being utilized for the benefit of man. 'A'inter Scene. Horseshoe Falls a.nd Table Rock. ^jif •h^^. E ^/"tSp'sc-j-i^-- V (46) Prospect Park in Winter. NIAGARA IN WINTER. THE winter scenes at Niajjara are extremely beautiful, and can hardlv be surpassed outside of the Arctics. The mist and sprav from the Falls drift with the cold winds of winter and freeze upon every thing they come in contact with, the trees upon the islands, the parks, and upon houses adjacent to the cataract on eacli side of the ri\ er. Our winter illustrations only tamely convey the real beauty of the views they represent; the sparkling gems of frost and ice are absent ; these impart to the scenes a dazzling grandeur that cannot be reproduced. The great ice mountain, formed bv the ice which flows down the ri\er from Lake Erie, tlience over the Falls where it soon forms a gorge, rises often to a lieigln of 100 feet. When it first accumulates, it is clear and sparkling, but after a heavy fall of snow the open places arc liiled in and tlie rough edges smoothed over, giving the appear- ance of a mountain of snow rather than one of ice. Long crystal icicles hang from different points, usually near the upper edges of the Falls, some reaching the ice below while others remain suspended without support e.vcept from above. These resemble in appearance the fjeautiful stalactites which are only found in large caves, but of course these icicles are more numerous and usually very much larger. THE PARKS OF NIAGARA. Ox each side of the Niagara river arc large tracts of land adjacent to the Falls, which were by act of the State of Xew York, on the American side, and that on the Canadian side h\ the Province of Ontario, condemned and then reserved for public parks. This is for the purpose of better protecting the great Cataract and affording the public at all times free access to the best points of observation from which Niagara Falls can be viewed. These legislative acts are the most im- portant, in many particulars, of any laws passed for the l:)enefit of this region. Thev caused to be cleared away many unsightly things which have been replaced by those of licauty, and now the grand Cascades are surrounded by two fjeautiful parks. Many abuses have also been abated, and Niagara Falls now enjoys a better reputation as a pleasure resort than was possible under Moonlight View in Prospect Park. (47) (48) American Falls, Winter View. the old rondition of affairs. It is true many individual citizens are not now receiving fees from visitors for the privilege of gaz- ing upon the beauties of Niagara from the best points at which the Palls are to be seen, and which are now open, free to all. These citizens received a liberal compensation for their posses- sions; the amount paid for the lands by the State of New York being 81,433,029.50 for 107 acres. The Province of ( )ntario paid 8436,813.24 for 154 acres included in their park; this was about $2,836.45 per acre, being about Sio.ooo less per acre than was paid for the lands embraced in Prospect Park on the .American side by the State of New York. These parks are maintained by the respective gen ernments on each side of the river, and are under the iumiediate charge of commissioners. The following named gentlemen are the commissioners for the New York State Reservation: — Andrew H.Green, President; John M. Bowers, Robert L. Frver, Wil- liam Hamilton, George Raines, Henrv E. Gregorv, secretary and treasurer, Thomas \'. Welch, superintendent. ' The latte'r is in personal charge, and has an oftice in the Park near Pros- pect Point. His management is very efficient and satisfactorv. The commissioners of the Queen \'ictoria Park, Niagara Fall's, Ontario, are: John W. Langmuir, chairman; Geo. H. Wilks, Benj. E. Charlton, James Bramptield, James Wilson, superin- tendent. CARRIAGE SERVICE IN THE RESERVATION. "\ /"ISITORS to Niagara Falls who do not care to engage * private conveyances may enjoy a delightful trip about the State Reservation in the Park carriages, which start every few minutes from the inclined railway building in the park antl make the circuit of the reservation and the islands. The carriages seat comtortaljly a party of twelve persons. The drive is along the .American rapids and through the park boulevards past the rustic bridges, thence to Bath and Goat Islands. The drive about the island is one of the most attrac- tive in all this great resort. The hea\ilv wooded driveways lead tirst to Steadman's Bluff, whence stairwavs reach Luna Island and the Bridal \'eil Falls ; thence to the Cave of the Winds, Porter's Bluff and past Horseshoe Falls, along the Canadian Rapids to Three Sister Islands, to the Parting of the Waters, the Spring, and then back to the inclided railway building. Tickets, entitling the passenger to stop-over privil- eges at any point of interest, cost fifteen cents, the fee fixed by the conmiission controlling the park. HISTORY, BRIEFLY TOLD. T^HE history of the Niagara Frontier, so rich in historical •*■ events, can only be briefly told in the limited space at our command; but it is all so closely indentified with Niagara Falls, it being the center of this field of historic interest, that we deem it essential to concisely relate an account of the most important battles and other occurrences of this region. We gladly refer the interested reader to the his- tories of "Old Fort Niagara"' and "The Niagara Region," by Peter A. Porter, for a more extended account, as it is to this author, the historian of Niagara, we are indebted for most of the data from which our narrative is derived. On tlie 5th day of December, 1678, LaSalle and his party landed at the mouth of the Niagara River, where, up- on the point of land now occupied by Fort Niagara, he established a trading post. Soon after, he built quarters, which were protected by palisades, seven miles above at the head of navigation, on the beautiful location now occupied by the village of Lewiston. Taking from his vessel, a brigantine of ten tons, a supply of tools, anchor, cordage and other materials to he used in the construction of a new boat, he had them carried over- land to the mouth of Cayuga Creek, twelve miles distant. (49) Falls Street. Luukint; Ea^t frjni Monument. and five miles above the Falls, over the route since known as the Portage Road. Here he built the Griffon, the first craft larger than an Indian canoe that ever navigated the upper American Lakes. The pretty little village of LaSalle, named in honor of this great explorer, now occupies this site. The Griffon was completed in 1679, and set sail for the far west. Its out- ward passage was successful, but it was lost on the return voyage. LaSalle was accompanied to this country by the French missionary, Louis Hennepin, to whom history is indebted for the first known picture of Niagara Falls, and also for one of the first general descriptions published, though it con- tained grave errors, the greatest of which was his estimated height of the Falls, placing them at five or six hundred feet. For nearh' one hundred years, the French and the Indians made most of the history of the Niagara Peninsula; the former holding the trading posts and forts, chiefly for the purpose of carrying on their fur trade. But they were never many years without their wars with each other, and the French frequently quarreling with the English concern- ing the possession of Niagara, which at that time meant that portion of this region lying between the mouth of the gorge and the mouth of the river. LaSalle's trading post at the latter point, which he converted into block houses, and named Fort Conti, was burned down within a year. A few years thereafter DeNorville built another fort, which though named after this French officer, was better known as Fort Niagara: and as such it still remains. In 1759, the British forces under General Prideaux came to this region, determined to capture Fort Niagara: the army consisted of 2,950 men, including 750 Indians. They laid siege with great care and caution, building three lines of intrenchments for the better protection of their men during the engagement. During the battle General Prideaux was killed, and the command devolved upon Sir William Johnson, who continued the siege with vigor, and succeeded, after a bloody and fierce engagement which lasted several days, in capturing the fort and its garrison. It was with the greatest difficulty that a general massacre of the French, by the Indian allies of the English, was prevented. Thus Fort Niagara be- came the stronghold of the British. There were no engagements between the English and the American forces for the possession of Fort Niagara during the w-ar of the Revolution, but by the treaty of 1783 the Great Lakes were recognized as the northern boundary of the United States: yet the English continued to hold pos- session of Fort Niagara and several posts on the soutfiern borders of these lakes: but by the Jay treaty of 1794, they agreed to withdraw their garrisons from all these forts by June I, 1796. FORT SCHLOSSER AND THE OLD STONE CHIMNEY. /^NE and a half miles above the Falls stands an old stone ^-^ chimney, on lands now owned by the Cataract Construc- tion Company. It was built by the French in 1750, and was connected with a house which was at that time part of Fort Du Portage, afterwards known as Little Fort Niagara. These were destroyed by the French when they evacuated the place soon after the fall of Old Fort Niagara, and it was here that Fort Schlosser was built some time afterward. The houses with which the old stone chimney has been connected were destroyed by fire, but being substantially built the old chimney has continued to stand as a monumental history for 150 years. Capt. Joseph Schlosser, a German by birth, but a British army officer, built Fort Schlosser in 1761. He remained here in command, and was later promoted to the rank of colonel: he died at the fort and was buried near by. One of the houses built by the old stone chimney was used as a residence by Judge Porter in 1806-7 and "8. Later it was used as a tavern and accommodated visitors to the Falls, and was thus in use when destroyed by the British in 1813. The last house built by the old chimney was used as a farm house for manv years. (51) (52) Falls Street. — Looking West from Third Street. THE BATTLE OF QUEENSTON HEIGHTS. TN the early (1.l\s oi October, 1812, Major General \'an- -'■ Rensselaer collected an army of about 2,500 men at Lewis- ton, composed mostly of new recruits of New York militia. These became restless in camp and wanted to move on the enemy, and as it afterwards proved they were more anxious for a move than a tight. On October 12, Colonels Chrystie and Fenwith, with 450 regulars, came up from Niagara, seven miles distant, and plans were immediately made for an attack on Oueenston Heights early on the following morning. Late on the evening of the day first mentioned. Colonel Winfield Scott, who had been in quarters at Black Rock, where the city of Buffalo is now situated, after a forced march with his regiment to Fort Schlosser, nine miles from Lewiston, hurriedlv rode into the camp of General \'anRensselaer and volunteered the services of himself and regiment. As all the plans had been previously arranged for the engagement, his offer was declined, but it was agreed that Scott should order his regiment forward from Schlosser to I^ewiston and await results. Thev arri\ed at four o'clock the ne.xt morning, having spent a good part of the night on the march. General \'anRensselaer's plan was to cross the Niagara river before davlight, and thus secure a footing on the Can- adian side before being discovered by the enemy. A scarcity of boats for transporting the men over the river, mismanage- ment and accidents delayed these plans, and part of the land- ing was accomplished under a heavy hre from the British. Colonel Scott not being able to secure boats in which to cross the river with his men, planted a battery on the Ameri- can shore, and at daylight opened a vigorous fire upon the enemy. The men who had succeeded in crossing the river were not much over one hundred in number, although they were after- wards re-enforced from time to time during the engagement. The few boats not disabled were inadequate for the demand, and the brave men in front of the enemy were under a very severe fire, but thev formed in line and marched forward ; in a few minutes every commissioned officei was either killed or wounded. They were soon joined by others, and among them Captain Wool, of the regular army, who being the highest in rank became the commander. Though himself wounded, he (53) Brock's Monument. Queen^ton Heights. (54) View from the Tower, lookmg South. carried out the order of General VanRensselaer, given as he was being carried from the field, "To mount the hill and storm the batteries." The hill was mounted and the batteries were carried. The enemy at this time was routed and retreated to a stone building under the hill near the water's edge. Soon after, General Brock arrived, and later atiditional re- enforcements for the British came from Fort George, at the mouth of the river. Brock soon collected the shattered forces, and made a vigorous attack upon the American position. In this engagement he was killed, but his army was finally suc- cessful, and completely routed the Americans; not, however, without meeting an enemy "worthy of their steel." Captain Wool ordered cut down an officer who had cow- ardly raised a white flag as a signal of surrender, and or- dered shot another man who attempted to run, but who fortu- nately returned just as a musket was raised to shoot. Large numbers of the enemy were seen ascending the hillside, and soon after a hand-to-hand engagement ensued and several desperate attacks were repulsed; but finally many were driven over the steep bluff on the river side, only saving themselves from instant death by clinging to branches of trees and brush and lowering themselves to the water's edge. A few escaped, but many were taken prisoners. Among those captured was Colonel Scott, wlio during the fiercest part of the engagement had crossed the river to aid his countrymen, assumed com- mand and fought bravely, an example, which if followed in suflicient numbers by the militia, who cowardly remained on the safe side while their comrades were fighting against a superior force within sight of their campfires, would have saved the day to the Americans and spared the disaster of defeat. THE CAPTURE OF FORT GEORGE. 'T'HE opening of the campaign of 1813 was \erv encourag- ■'- ing to the American forces. The combined attack on York (now Toronto), by the American army and navy under General Dearborn and Commodore Chauncey, was successful. Arrangements were soon after made to attack I-~(irt George, situated nearly opposite Fort Niagara, on the Canadian side, on the 27th day of May, by the same forces which had so bril- liantly succeeded at York. General Dearborn was sick at the time and could not take command in person, but watched the movements of the land forces from the deck of one of the ves- sels of the fleet, and Colonel Scott, who but a few months pre- vious had been a prisoner at Fort (ieorge, was selected to lead. The guns from the fleet silenced the batteries of the fort, and the enemy, who had tried to repel the attack of the land forces, were beaten back at every point, and soon after com- pletely routed and in full retreat. Before vacating the fort, however, they blew up one of the magazines, which had been made nearly untenable by the heavy cannonading of the fleet. Scott followed the retreating army about five miles, and proba- bly would have captured it had he not been recalled by superior ofificers. History says that the first order to discontinue the pur- suit of the enemy was disregarded. Scott remarking to the young officer who deli\ered the order, "Your general does not'know that I have the enemy almost within mv grasp." The official report of this engagement shows the loss of the Americans to he 17 killed and 45 wounded. The British loss was go killed and 160 wounded and too prisoners. THE CAPTURE OF FORT ERIE. /"\N THE 3rd day of July, 1814, quite early in the morning. ^^ Colonel Winfield Scott left camp at Buffalo in command of an expedition to capture Fort Erie. He had a lirigade of infantry, supported by Hinman's artillery. The\' crossed the Niagara river to the Canadian side at a point below the fort, while Ripley's brigade landed above. .Scott was in the lead, and accompanied by Colonel Camp, who \olunteered his assist- ance, and they succeeded in reaching the shore before a gun was fired. Coming up on both sides, the Americans attacked the post with vigor and determination. After a sharp engagement the fort was surrendered, together with 170 men, including seven officers, who were taken prisoners and sent to the American side of the river. THE BATTLE OF CHIPPE-WA. /'^N THE morning of July 4. 1814, Scott's brigade took up ^^ its line of march towards Chippewa. The Marquis of Tvveedale and his forces contested every foot of the way, and a running fight was continued nearly all dav ; at dark the British had been driven across Chippewa Creek. Both forces rested for the night, the British north of the Chippewa and the Americans south of Street's Creek. (55) General Brown, with additional troops, joined Scott's forces, and plans were discussed for an attack on the British at Chip- pewa. It seems that like arranijenients had been made on the other side, and early on the morning of the 5th they commenced a sortie of light forces, and skirmishing continued all the morn- ing, which was very hot and dry, and until the middle of tlie afternoon, with varied results. At a time when the skirmishing had ceased and the fighting for the day seemed to be over, the British were seen advancing in full force; they had crossed the Chi|5pewa into the open field or plain which lies between the two streams, and it was here that one of the bloodiest battles of this war was fought, when the numbers engaged are considered. The Americans, under the lead of the gallant Scott, ad- vanced over the bridge crossing Street's Creek into the open plain above mentioned, to meet them, and seeing a splendid opportunity for a heroic charge, he turned to his ofiicers and men and said: "A British officer has made a remark discredit- able to the Americans, to the effect that they were very good at long range but could not stand hot shot or cold steel; 1 now call upon you to give the lie to this slander. Charge!" The charge was made with a will, and being well supported by artillery, the same heroic spirit soon extended along the whole line. In the open field the two armies fought bravely, but the im- petuous and gallant charge of the Americans could not be checked, and the British were completely routed; Scott fol- lowed the retreating army until it had crossed the Chippewa and reentered their entrenchments. The British forces numbered 2100 men, the American iqoo all told. The losses of the former were 138 killed, 319 wounded and 46 missing; total 503; American loss, 60 killed, 248 wounded and IQ missing; total loss 327. Grand total loss 830. THE BATTLE OF LUNDY'S LANE. COON after the battle of Chipjiewa the British army retired '--' to Burlington Heights, near the head of Lake Ontario. On the loth day of July, 1814, the Americans moved their camp to Oueenston and planned to capture the forts at the mouth of the ri\er. For this they needed heaxier cannon, and sent to Sackett's Harbor for them; but on account of the sickness of Commodore Chauncey they were not forwarded, and the attack upon the forts was abandoned. Gen. Brown determined to attack the strong position at Burlington Heights, but concluded that it could be done with less loss if by feigning a retreat to Chippewa the British armv could be induced to divide their forces. For this purpose the American.s returned to Chip]jewa. It was Gen. Brown's intention to attack the British armv at Burlington Heights, if liis intended retreat failed to draw them out, and this was planned for the 26th; but on the 25th Gen. Brown recei\ed what was deemed reliable information that the enemy had crossed the Niagara from (^ueenstcm to Lewiston, 1000 strong, for the purpose, as Gen. Brown supposed, of cap- turing supplies on the way from Buffalo to Niagara. He at once resolved to return with his forces to Queenston and threaten the forts at the mouth of the Niagara, fioping thereby to cause the British to withdraw from the American side. Scott's connnand was ordered forward while the other forces were preparing for the march. When about two miles from camp and one nnle above the Falls sexeral liritish officers were seen, and, as it proved, they were the advance guard of the en- emy, which was concealed from view by a skirt of woods. .Scott's forces consisted of only 1300 men, and he had positive orders to march quickly upon the forts by way of Queenston. Think- ing that the British before him were only half the number he had whipped near by on the 5th of July, and that the rest of their army had crossed the rixer at Lewiston, he did not hesi- tate lung as to what was best to do. After sending an officer to inform Gen. Brown of the situa- tion, he pressed his men forward through the woods that con- cealed the position of the enemy from sight. Here he found the British in full force with nine cannons in position on Lundy's Lane; whether better to retreat or do battle was a question to be decided quickly, and as Scott was always ready for a fight he chose the latter, beliexing it less hazardous for the whole army than a cowardly retreat. The American stand was such a bold one that Gen. Rail I at once concluded that the whole army of Gen. Brown was before him, while in fact Scott's forces were less than one-fifth the number of the enemy. The reported crossing of the British to Lewiston proved to be untrue, and instead of their being re- duced in strength by such a division, their army had been re- enforced by large numbers under Gen. Drummond, who after this engagement was well adxanced came up with part of his troops not already engaged and assumed command. It was I5ti I after this general that Drunimonds\ille, the little \illage situ- ated \ipon the old battle-tield of Lundy's Lane, was named. It was nearly sunset when the battle opened, and very soon darkness found the two armies fighting fiercely for the ad- vantageous position held by the liritish. It was nearly nine o'clock before Gen. Ripley arrived with reenforcements. and at once took position on Scott's right, but finding it an unfaxorafjle one, a mmement was made nearer to the enemy, and meeting with a heavy tire from tlie artillery Ripley soon saw the neces- sity of capturing the liatterv and asked Col. Miller if he could do it. " 1 will try," was his reply, and leading his command in the direction from which the deadly fire came they made a bay- onet charge and drove the enemy from their guns, killing with the bayonet many who bravely stood their ground, and driving the living British soldiers from the hill which was the key to their position. Four times did the British attempt to recapture their battery, and every time they were repulsed and driven back, fn tliis dreadful strife, which lasted until midnight, the liravest men and officers of lioth armies were engaged; the losses were nearly equal, that of the British was reported to be 878, and the Americans at 860. Generals Drummond and Riall were both wounded, and the latter taken prisoner; of the American gen- erals. I5rown and Scott were wounded. After the fighting had ceased and Gen. Brown was being carried from the field, he ordered (ien. Riple\ to take com- mand, collect all the wounded, remove the artillery captured, and retire to the camps they had vacated at Chippewa. This order was only partly carried out; on account of the scarcity of horses and other appliances the cannon were left until morning, before which time the I?ritish, learning of the movements of the Americans, returned to the battle field, took possession of their old position and recaptured the nine pieces of artillery. Upon the strength of this. Gen. Drummond re- ported the result of the battle as their victory, and the English histor\' sii records it. THE BRITISH ATTACK ON FORT ERIE. ON the third day of August, 1814, Gen. Drummond and his arni\ appeared before Fort P'rie with the avowed purpose of carrying it by storm, hut after exaTuination and deliberation he concluded not to he too rash, and commenced a regular Horseshoe Falls in Winter.— From Goat Island. (57) '^ ■00 ..<■ .^..^■.■'.. .:. ..^.^....^^''^:.^,^ The Islands. ilor^eshoe Fiill^;. Crest of til Aiiiciran Falls, (58) I'li'speci Parle. Birdseye View from the Tov^er. looking Southw/est. The Niagara River and Gorge. siege. From the 3rd up to the morning of the yth they built earthworks and trenches, and attempts were made to cut ol'f the supplies of the Americans. On the last day named they commenced a bombardment of the Fort, renewing it again on the 13th and continuing it until the evening without serious re- sults; on the 15th they attempted to carrv the Fort In- storm, but were effectively repulsed with severe loss. Then another attempt was made on another side, with a like result; at the same time Gen. Drunimond and the troops under his immediate command scaled the walls and got possession of part of the old Fort; soon after an e.xplosion of cartridges occurred in one of the stone buildings, killing many and causing great con- fusion, during which the .Americans dro\e the British out of the Fort. The oflicial reports show their loss to be 57 killed, 313 wounded, and 53Q missing; while the total loss of the Americans \v,is onl\ §4. in capturing part of the works, two batteries and two block- houses : soon after another battery was abandoned and a magazine blown up; the cannon were spiked and dismantled and many prisoners taken. Thus the besieged became the besiegers, and the siege of Fort Erie ended. Very soon after this all fighting ceased upon the Niagara frontier, and the war of 1812 and 1814 was at an end. Our space will not allow us to relate any particulars of the other engagements that occurred on the Niagara Frontier, and those already given are possibly more lengthy than thev should be in a work of this kind; but they have been so related he- cause of the fact that nearly all of the so-called guides puh- lished and sold at Niagara have uniformly given them from the British standpoint; our Americanism prompted us to examine intii the history with the \ iew of briefly relating facts as far as ])i)Ssil)li' in our humble wav. THE SORTIE FROM FORT ERIE. A F TFR the defeat of the Brit- -'*■ ish in their attack on Fort Erie, both armies remained quiet for some time. But on the 17th of September General Brown, who had recovered from his wounds received at Lundy's Lane, pre- pared to make a sortie upon the en- trenchments of the enemy, hoping to raise the siege and drive the besiegers off. The fort had been invested for forty-five days. Gen- eral Porter, who was familiar witli the ground, suggested and planned this sortie, and was sent with his regiment to cautiously approacli the position of the enemy. Quietly feeling their way through the woods to within short range of their works, and seeing that they were unob- served, he gave the order to charge, and in thirty minutes he succeeded Prospect Park, Early Spring. Office of Supt. State Reservation. Incline Railway Station. (59) Ningara I-alls. Ont. (60) -Ni^^iirii Kiver .iiid liorge, Milling Dtslricl (>( the Niagara Falls Hyciiaulu" an'l MaiuifactiiriiiK Co, Birdseye View from the Tower, looking North. CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS. 'T'HE city embraces about eight and one-half square miles of territory, and has a population of from 17,000 to 20,000. Four years ago it was known as the village of Niagara Falls, and Suspension Bridge, two miles distant, was a sepa- rate town, both together containing a population of g.goo. To-day they are both one, and the intervening space be- tween the two former villages is now fairly well built over with business houses, the handsome dwellings of the well- to-do citizens, and the cozy cottages of the middle classes. The present city limits extend far beyond the suburban settlements; and we have met those who believe that these outside tracts will never be needed for building purposes, and condemn the policy of speculators who control, by purchase or option, these districts fur purely speculative purposes. But this same trouble is to be met with elsewhere, and it only proves that somebody has confidence in " Greater Niag- ara." It is possible that these gentlemen have looked too far ahead, and in some cases have overreached, but that is purely a question to be decided b}- time. To the writer, who wlien a boy hunted quails upon the lands now embraced in the Central Park of New York City, it seems to be but a question of time when their expectations will be realized. It is also claimed that property' near the central part of the city is held too high, and that those looking for factory sites and homes are driven away in consequence. It would seem, however, that the policj' of the two great power com- panies is too liberal to prevent the location of any desirable manufacturing enterprise or individuals seeking such an op- portunitv. Thesecompaniesown large tracts of laud adjacent and convenient to their plants, and within the city limits, which thev purchased vears ago at reasonable figures for just this purpose, and they are more than glad to make liberal terms as to factory sites or power. The city formerly gained its notoriety from its beautiful Falls, and a larger number of visitors are attracted here to see them than go to any other resort in the United States, excepting perhaps a few summer attractions adjacent to son)e of the large cities, like Coney Island and similar places; wdiich are visited in large numbers for a stay of a few hours only. The Park reservations made on each side of the Niagara river in the innnediate vicinity of the Falls, for the purpose of preserving their beauty and adding such conveniences as may be for the pleasure of citizens and visitors, must in the future enhance the popularity of Niagara Falls and increase its attractiveness as a pleasure resort. But it is upon its growing reputation as a manufacturing center that its great future depends. The most sanguine pre- dictions as to its growth fail to reach the point of possibility, as to its size and population, when the great power develop- ments, now far past the stage of experiment, shall have com- pleted the extensive improvements now under way, and in contemplation. Our following remarks are based upon the accomplish- ment of these, /. c. the development of 550,000 horse power and its use at or near Niagara Falls. We desire to be conservative, and have always refrained from indulging in prophecy, but in this case w-e do not hesi- tate to express our private opinion, based upon the foregoing claims. The development of this great power will in the future be more rapid than in the past. The Niagara Power Company have been five or six years in securing 15,000 horse-power, but the work now under way to increase this to 50,000 will probably be finished within one year. By that time thev mav commence the second plant of the same size. This, of course, will depend upon the demand for power: of such demand, we are credilily informed, there is no doubt, as the 35.000 addi- ct:) View, from Canadian Side, of the Milling District of the Niagara Falls Hydraulic and Manufacturing Co. tional horse-power which will be ready for use before very long is nearly all spoken for in advance. The Niagara Falls Hydraulic Power and Manufacturing Company have been still longer in their development, but they now have about 50,000 horse-power, and are pushing their work as fast as possible, and they anticipate doubling their capacity in a reasonable length of time. When these 200,000 horse-power are in use, in the hun- dreds of factories that will be required to utilize it, what may then be expected of " Greater Niagara ?" This still leaves 350,000 horse power to be anticipated later on. The world does not afford a parallel. Niagara Falls offers greater advantages as a manufacturing center than any other place in the universe. Built upon their water power advantages, the great manu- facturing centers, Holyoke, Lowell, Manchester, Lawrence, Lewiston, Me., and Minneapolis, had in i8qo, a combined popu- lation of 388, joq, and they have a total horse-power of 78,014 ; this gives them 4.98 persons for each horse power in use. If this rate holds good here, Niagara Falls should have a population of 408,000 when the 100,000 horse power to be devel- oped within the next year is utilized. When 350.000 horse power is developed this population would be 1,843,000. On this basis, when the total horse-power contemplated, 550.000 is furnishing power to manufacturing enterprises, the population of the greatest industrial center of the world, be it named Greater Niagara or Greater Buffalo, should be 2,730,000. and the city ex- tend from Lake to Lake. (62) NIAGARA FALLS & SUSPENSION BRIDGE RAILWAY. nPHE city (if Niagara Falls is fortunate in possessing one of •*■ the best etjuipped and managed electric street car systems in the country, the seventeen miles of track being distributed throughout the portions of the city most in need of such trans- portation facilities, and touching at many points of interest, which makes it an enjoyable pleasure route for the visitor as well as the resident of this hustling city. There are five sepa- rate lines under one management, but a universal transfer is allowed at a five-cent fare. The cars are of the Brill make, and the electrical equipment is that of the General Electric Com- panv. The main lines start at Prospect Park, Falls street terminus, and a single fare carries the passenger out Falls street past the New York Central depot, past the great Hy- draulic Power Companv's canal ; the various mammoth manu- facturing plants operated by electric power generated by the Niagara water ; past the Niagara Falls Power Com]:>any's power houses ; the site of historic Fort Schlosser, where the chimney erected by the French more than a century ago is still seen standing; past the landing place of the steamers from Buffalo : to Echota town, where a transfer takes the visitor through suljurban Niagara and thence around to the old town of Suspension Bridge. Cars may be taken from this point to the Devil's Hole on the Niagara Gorge, or to the Buttery Whirlpool Rapids, from where the best possible view can be obtained of the great whirlpool rapids, or past the Rapids \"iew, where an inclined railway leads to the head of the rapids below. This same line carries passengers to the Niagara University and the De\'eaux College. The main lines of the company pass the Convention Hall, it being but a brief ride from there to the principal depots or hotels. The officers of the company are : J. T. Jones, president ; Wm. B. Rankine, vice-president; C. B. Hill, secretary and treasurer, and J. C. Brewster, superintendent. RAILROADS. NIAGARA FALLS enjoys greater advantages in the way of transportation, for botti passengers and freight, than anv city of its population in the United States, as many of the most important trunk lines make it a terminus or have branch lines to this city. The following railroads center here: New York Central and Hudson River Railroad, Michi- gan Central Railroad, Rome, W'atertown and Ogdensburg Railroad, Erie Railroad, Lehigh X'alley Railway, \Vest Shore Railroad, Grand Trunk Railway, Wabash Railway, Canadian Pacific Railway, Bufialo and Niagara Falls Railroad (electric), Niagara Falls and Lewiston Railroad (electric), Niagara Junc- tion I5clt Line, Niagara Falls Park and River Railway [Cana- dian side] (electrici. .All these lines have access to the harbor and docks of the city over the tracks of the Belt Line, and are thus able to make connections with lake steamers drawing twelve feet of water or less. It is e.xpected that the channel of the Niagara River will be dredged until there is a depth of water to the docks in this city of eighteen to twenty feet. The tonnage handled by the railroads centering at Niagara Falls two years ago (the latest figures obtainable) was 10,318,439 tons. The total number of cars of freight handled was 706,967, including 27,149 cars of local freight. The railroads of Niagara Falls have 92 regular daily passen- ger trains on their schedules for the summer of 1897, and in July and August there may be nearly as many more e.xtra excursion trains ; in the winter season they number about 80 daily trains. These figures give a very correct idea of the immense passenger business transacted by the roads center- ing here. The report of the Commissioners of the State Reservation has a list compiled by Mr. T. V. Welch, the superintendent, of every excursion that arrived at Niagara the year previous to its publication; it shows the number of trains, cars and passen- gers, and the towns from which they came; we give herewith from this list a number of excursions for six months. May to Octolier inclusive. May No. Cars, 82 No. \'isitors, 4,920 June " 345 " 20,700 July " 1,082 " 64,920 August " 2,047 " 122,820 Sept " 958 " 57.480 Oct " loi " 6.060 Total 4.615 276,900 I 6j ) Niagara Falls, N. Y., from the Observatory of the Hotel Lafayette, Canada. THE NIAGARA FALLS POWER COMPANY. A Brief History of the Power Development at Niagara. Note. — The data concerning the Niagara Falls Power Co. were compiled by Mr. L. A. Groat, its Secretary, and that of the Niagara Falls Hydraulic & Manufacturing Co. by Mr. W. C. Johnson, its Chief Engineer. TO souls sensitive to the beautiful and sublime, the plung- ing torrent of Niagara has appealed, by the stateliness of its stream, the brilliance of its boisterous rapids, and the deep glassy green of its silent, foreboding brink, as well as by its drop into the seemingly infinite depth, from which there comes to him who listens, the note of the welcoming abyss deeper than the diapason of any organ's pipe. To the weak and timid, there is danger and death in this resist- less and remorseless tide, but to minds of dignity and self- restraint, the one sense to which the mighty cataract appeals most strongly is the "sense of power." And why should it not be so ? Nearly 6,000 cubic miles of water pouring down from the upper lakes, with go. 000 square miles of area, reach this gorge of the Niagara River at a point where its e.xtreme width of one mile is by islands reduced to two channels of only 3,800 feet. Here, in less than half a mile of rapids, the Niagara River falls 55 feet, and then, with a depth of about 20 feet at the crest of the Horse- shoe Falls, plunges 165 feet more into the lower river. The ordinary flow has been found to be about 275,000 cubic feet per second, and its force equal to the latent power of all the coal mined in the world each day (something more than 200,000 tons) representing theoretically 7,000,000 horse power, of which, according to Professor Unwin, the eminent English engineer and author, several hundred thousands of horse-power can be made available for practical use without appreciable diminution of the natural beauty of the Falls. The idea of subjecting to industrial uses, some part of the enormous power of Niagara, has, since the early part of the eighteenth century, occupied the minds and stirred the inventive faculty of engineers, mechanics, and manu- facturers. At an early day, the pioneers in the locality contemplated the probability, but were unable to demon- strate the practicability, of reducing this mighty force to obedient and useful service. They gave the name of Man- chester to the early settleiuent, but the flourishing manu- facturing center to be built by a utilization of Niagara's power remained but a dream. In 1885, Thomas Evershed, an old, experienced engineer engaged in the service of the State, came to Niagara. After a conference with Mr. Evershed, several prominent citizens obtained a charter from the Legislature of New York, passed March 31, 1886, which by subsequent acts has been amended and enlarged. Mr. Evershed issued liis first formal plan and estimate, which was described and discussed in "Appleton's Cyclopedia" for 1887, calling forth most ad- verse criticism and objections almost innumerable, which, in the light of subsequent successful achievements, have been fully answered. To convince capitalists that it would be commercially profitable to complete the development of Mr. Evershed's plans, required three years. It was demon- strated that the capacity of the proposed tunnel would be about 120,000 horse-power, exceeding the theoretical horse- power of Lawrence, Lowell, Holyoke, Turner's Falls, Man- tes) Tran'jfonner Building. {66J Supply Canal. Plant of the Niagara Falls Power Company. Offices and Power Hou Chester, Windsor Locks, Bellows Falls and Cohoes ; that it would largel)' exceed the actual developed power of all of these places, and Augusta, Paterson and Minne- apolis in addition, representing more than a third of the power of all the water-wheels in use in the United States in iSSo. The advantages of Niagara Falls as a locality were fully shown, and the question whether water-power could be used in competition with steam was then discussed. After care- ful consideration the Niagara Falls Power company con- cluded that twenty-four hour steam horse-power is not pro- duced anywhere in the world for less than S24 per annum, and that the cost of fuel represents but one-half the total cost. These considerations led to the organization of the Cataract Construction Company in iSSg, which was the out- grow^th of the zealous interest taken in the matter by the following gentlemen; William B. Rankine, Francis Lynde Stetson, Pierrepont Morgan, Hamilton Mck. Twombh', Ed- ward A. Wickes, Morris K. Jesup, Darius Ogden Mills, Charles F. Clarke. Edward D. Adams, Charles Lanier, A. J. Forbes-Leith, Walter Howe, John Crosby Brown, Frederick W. Whritridge, William K. Vanderbilt, Geo. S. Bowdoin, Joseph Larocque, John Jacob Astor, all of New York City; and Charles A. Sweet, of Buffalo, most of whom have been officers of the Company. The plan finally determined upon comprised a surface canal, 250 feet in width at its mouth on the river a mile and a quarter above the Falls, extending in- wardly 1,700 feet, with an average depth of 12 feet, ser- ving water sufficient for the development of about 120,000 horse-power. The walls of this canal, which are of solid masonry, are pierced at intervals with inlets, guarded by gates. Some are used to deliver water to tenants putting in their own wheels and wheelpits. and ten inlets are arranged on one side of the canal to permit delivery of the water to the wheel-pit under the power-house, where dynamos placed at the top of the turbine shafts generate electricitv for transmission to near and distant points. This wheel-pit is 178 feet in depth, and is connected with the main tunnel. The tunnel has the purpose of a tail-race 7,000 feet in length, which serves a slope of six feet to the 1,000 feet. ^ The tunnel has a maximum height of 21 feet, and a width of 18 feet, 10 inches, making a net section of 3S6 square feet. The slope is such that a chip thrown into the water at the wheel-pit will pass out of the portal in three and one- half minutes, showing the velocity of the water to be 26i feet per second, or almost 20 miles per hour. In tliis great work 600.000 tons of material were removed; :6, 000,000 bricks, 19,000,000 feet of lumber and timber were used, be- sides 60,000 cubic yard of stone: and 55.000 barrels of Giant American Portland cement, 12,000 barrels of natural cement, and 26.000 cubic yards of sand were used. Over one thousand men were engaged in the construction of this tun- nel for more than three years. The most careful consideration was given to the subject of the turbines to be used, and also to the question of power transmission. In the winter of iSgo, Mr. Adams, while in Europe, conceived the idea of obtaining information as to results obtained by engineers and manufacturers, not yet published, and in pursuance of this suggestion an Inter- national Niagara Commission was established in London in June, iSgo, with power to offer S22.000 in prizes. The Commission consisted of Sir William Thomson (now Lord Kelvin) as chairman, with Dr. Coleman Sellers, of Phila- delphia. Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore Turretini, of Geneva, Switzerland (the originator and engineer of the great water- power installation on the Rhone), and Professor E. Mascart, of the College of France, as members, and Professor W. C. Unwin, Dean of the Central Institute of the Guilds of the City of London, as Secretary. Inquiries concerning the best-known methods of development and transmission of power in England, France, Switzerland and Italy were made, and competitive plans were received from twenty carefully selected engineers, manufacturers of power in England and the Continent of Europe and America. ."Ml of the plans were submitted to the Commission at London, on or before January i, iSgi, and prizes were awarded to those consid- (6-1 (68) Interior of Power House. ered wortliy by the Commission. The first important resnlt was tlie selection of the designs of Faesch and Piccard, of Geneva, for turliines calculated to yield 5,000 horse-power each, and three of these wheels were built from these designs by the I. F. Morris Company, of Philadelphia, and are now in place. The question of turbines having been disposed of, the problem of transmission of power remained for solution. After a careful study of the various methods of trans- mission by wire ropes, hydraulic pipes, compressed air and electricity, the Company in 1S90, adopted the electrical sys- tem. The two-phase, alternating current dynamos employed were adopted under the advice of the Company's electrical engineer. Professor George Forbes, of London. In these the field magnet revolves instead of the armature, and three such dynamos of 5,000 horse-power each were made and installed by the Westinghouse Company, of Pittsburg. During the summer of i8g6, a transmission line 26 miles in length was constructed from Niagara Falls to Buffalo, and since November, 1896, the people of Buffalo have been enjoying the unique distinction of transportation in cars propelled by an unseen power generated more than twenty miles distant. At the present time three 5,000 horse-power turbines and dynamos have been installed, but the rapidly increasing demand for power has necessitated the extension of the wheelpit and power house to more tlian three times their present capacity. The work upon this extension, sufficient to accommodate seven more 5.000 horsepower turbines and d)-namos, has been in progress since June, 1S96, and is being rapidly pushed to completion. Contracts for five additional 5,000 horse-power turbines and dynamos have already been awarded, and they will be installed as rapidly as the manu- facturers can deliver them. With the full completion of the present extension. The Niagara Falls Power Company will have available 50,000 horse power, one-half of which is expected to be ready for delivery on or before December 31, 1897. The Niagara Falls Paper Company, which was the first tenant of the Power Company, has been using 3,300 hydraulic horse-power for over two years. So thoroughly satisfied has this company been with the power furnished, that it has expended a million dollars in the erection of an additional plant and buildings, and is now using 7,200 hydraulic horse- power. The Pittsburg Reduction Company manufacturers of alum- inum, has for some time been using 3,000 electrical horse- power with perfect success, and of the other tenants of the Power Company using electrical horse-power. The Carbor- undum Company, manufacturing abrasives, and the Acety- lene Light, Heat and Power Company, manufacturing carbide of calcium, have both recently evidenced their satisfaction with the electrical power furnished, by doubling the capacity of their plants. The Niagara Falls Power Company has now contracts for present and future delivery of 7,200 horse-power of hydraulic power and 19,545 horse-power of electrical pow-er. The cost of undeveloped hydraulic power is from SS to Sio per horse-power, and upon the lands of the company, elec- trical power, two-phase, alternating current as it comes from the generator, is sold in large blocks at S20 per horse-power; a figure a trifle in excess being charged to purchasers of small blocks. These prices are for continuous 24-hour power. Apart from the consideration of the superior reliability, cleanliness and convenience of electrical power over steam power, the above figures show conclusively the great economy to the consumer resulting from its use. It is doubtful if even under the most favorable conditions, steam power has ever been produced anywhere in the United States for less than S30 per horse-power for a lo-hour day; while the results of actual experience and tests show the average cost to be much greater. Recent tests made by a distinguished expert, of the cost of steam power at various plants located in different cities in the United States, show that the cost of power generated by steam, when produced under conditions most favorable (69) The Wheelpit Extension. Photi- b\ K."^onz. to economy, is S32.70 per horse-power for 11 -hour power, while the average cost per horse-power is more than one- third greater. In a test of a large elevator at Buffalo, N. Y., he found that the cost of 3-hour power for 313 days per year was over S31 per horse-power. A test covering a year at one of the largest flouring mills in the State of New York — especially favored in location, and where every atten- tion was given to secure economy in operating — the cost of ^4-hour power produced by steam was found to be S45 per horse-power. The average cost of 24-hour power at the several different plants tested was found to be S63.6o per horse-power. The 50,000 horse-power developed when the present wheelpit extension is completed, represents but one-half of the capacity of the present tunnel. A right of way for a second discharge tunnel has been secured, and when the demand for power shall render it necessary, the present plant will be duplicated. In addition to the 200,000 horse- power, for the development of which provisions have been made upon the American side, the Canadian Niagara Power Company — an allied corporation — now holds from the Cana- dian Government an exclusive franchise granting to it the right to develop upon the Canadian side, in the Queen Victoria Niagara Falls Park, at least 250,000 horse-power. Work upon the Canadian plant has already been begun, and by the terms of its franchise, the Canadian Niagara Power Company must have 10,000 horse-power ready for transmis- sion and delivery on or before November i, i8g8. When fully developed, the American and Canadian plants will have a combined capacity of 450,000 horse-power. When w-e consider that most factories use only from 5 to 50 horse-power, that Lowell, Mass., was built by 11,845 horse-power, that Minneapolis owes its marvelous growth and development to 25,000 horse-power, that the city of Buffalo uses less than 50,000 horse-power, and that the total power used in the State of New York does not exceed the combined capacity of these allied companies, then it is that the vast significance of the development of Niagara's (70) power becomes apparent, and its meaning to the city uf Ni- agara Falls and neighboring cities can be fully appreciated. The first use of power at Niagara was about 1725, when the French erected a saw-mill, near the site of the Pittsburgh Reduction Company's upper Niagara works, for the purpose of supplying lumber for Fort Niagara. In 1805 Augustus Porter built a saw-mill on the rapids. In 1807 Porter and Barton erected a grist mill on the river. In 1817 John W'itmer built a saw-mill at Gill Creek. In 1822 Augustus Porter built a grist mill along the rapids above the Falls. From that time to 1885, when the lantls along the river were taken for a State Park, a considerable amount of power was de\eloped r .k>- Cut No. 3. — Penstock and Po^we^ House. of cast iron center, the hub of which is keyed to the shaft nf hammered iron twenty feet in length. Surrounding the outside of the runner is a cylinder in which the gates are fitted. The gates are about twenty per cent less in number than the buckets. They arc hung on steel pins and open bv lifting one edge so that the direction in which the water enters the wheel is nearly tangential to the runner. Each gate has two arms which arc connected to the rings by means of which they are opened and closed. This work is enclosed in a cylindrical case eleven feet in diameter and four feet long, which is connected to the penstock by a sup])ly pipe five feet in diameter. On the side of this case elbows are fitted to which the draft tubes are connected. The shaft passes out through these elbows through stuffing bo.xes. On the insitle of the bo.xes lignum vita; steps are fastened, against which rings on the shaft work to prevent any motion in the shaft. Each end of the water wheel shaft is rigidly coupled to a direct current generator, capable of developing five liundred and si.xty kilowatts of electrical energy. The interior of the Power House as now built, is shown in cut Xo. 5. The ofiicers of the Niagara Falls Hydraulic Power and Manufacturing Company are : Jacob F. Schoellkopf, President. \V. D. Olmstead, \'ice-President. Arthur Schoellkopf, .Secretary and Treasurer. W. C. Johnson, Engineer. Cut No. 4.— The Bucket Ring 1 Water- wheel 1. (75) :aa ■'^«**s. "■»»». ' "^ — * _,., .^-— — --- F II " . "la ^^^^^^BBML.rf*-^^'"^ ^- j^i ]• / . i i^aL !nR? ^^^^H^B ". a .' .■,'i-,t*ji i-^-. "i" — 4 : 'I \ \ \ : L^. ^^^HflJ|rB mt f^^qr iL^O ^'^' m _^-^^^SLaBH / SM^Ep' ^ -:^-:^^BI^ ^ |_^ ■^ '.l^^dH ■ ■^R^ p.. -^^1 *■ /^•> .' ■r ^ ^ ^^^H ^^HBEnRrTA '^' Cut No. 5. — Interior Power House, Niagara Falls Hydraulic & Manufacturing Co. Views on the Line of the Buffalo & Niagara Falls Electric Ry.. near Cayuga Island, the Site of the Pan-American Exposition of 1899. (77) (75' The International Hotel. International Hotel, from Bridge over the American Rapids. (79) THE INTERNATIONAL HOTEL. 'T'HIS is the largest, best, and the leading hotel of Niagara Falls. It is situated on the block surrounded by Main, Falls and Bridge streets, and the New York State Park Reservation, the latter lying between the hotel and the Ameri- can rapids. The river, rapids, and the beautiful islands are all in plain sight from the windows of the International facing the north, south, and west. The front of the building is on Falls and Main streets, the two principal thoroughfares of the city. The hotel has a nice little park of its own, into which the dining room extends, and upon which its windows open on two sides, making it delightfully cool and pleasant during the heated term. The house is substantially built of brick and Niagara limestone ; the kitchen and laundry are in separate buildings, thus avoiding heat and odors, and insuring safety from fire. The International can safely accommodate 600 guests, and during the months of July and August of each season, for nearly forty years, this popular hotel has been full. The sea- son usually e.xtends from May 15 to Xox'ember i, but the two hot months are the busiest ones for the hotels at the Falls. At this time the International is the center of attraction for the best class of visitors at this resort, and guests from other hotels gather here to meet their friends and enjoy the festivities of various kinds which follow each other in quick succession. It is a rule with the proprietor and managers of this hotel to amuse as well as entertain their guests, and therefore they have dances in the ball-room, musicals in the grand parlor, and private theatricals in their own park. An excellent orchestra is also engaged for the season, and several concerts are given daily. Those contemplating visits during the busy months would do well to write for rooms and rates. A diagram will be fur- nished showing location of rooms, and rates will be made upon application. The regular rates are S3.50 to S5.00 per day, or S17.50 to S28.00 per week. All communications should be ad- dressed to International Hotel Co., Niagara Falls, N. Y. (80) Table Rock in Winter. The Cataract House. (8i> K^^y The Cataract House, from Bridge over the American Rapids. THE CATARACT HOUSE. n^HIS is (liie uf Ihe lar.t;eit A hi 'The White Man's Fancy." il oldest hotels in Niagara Falls. Part of the building was erected and opened as a hos- telry in 1822. The Cataract, in all these years since its opening, has maintained a reputation for all that is excellent in a hotel, and has entertained a greater num- ber of distinguished people, both for- eigners and Americans, than most any (ither hotel in the United States. The hotel is situated nearly on the banks uf the Niagara, having only the narrow part of the Park of the New York State Reservation between. This Park also ex- tends to the south side; the front being on Main street, the hotel and grounds occu- pving one whole block. Two wings ex- tend towards the American rapids, and from the windows of all parts of the house facing south and west, magnificent views of the river and rapids are seen; also Goat Island and other adjacent landscape. The Cataract House can accommodate between 400 and 500 guests, and at times, in the busy season, every room is occupieil bv the best class of visitors that come to Niagara. In the map room and parlors of this hotel will be found oil paintings of the Falls, Rock of .Ages, The Maid of tlu- Mist (or white man's fancy 1. and the orig inal of the legend of the " Indian Maiden and the White Canoe "I or red man's facti, together with maps of Niagara from its early history to the present time. In a leaflet issued by this hotel we notice this : "The Cataract House neither seeks for nor caters to large excursions; Init now, more than ever before, looks for, caters to and entertains that large class of persons who desire and will have the very best the market affords." (83) 'The Red Man's Fact.' iifii*irjiniiiPirtTrtn>if'i*nii^ tin t.\ (84) The Clifton House. On Goat Island. THE CLIFTON HOUSE. IVro hotel in Niagara Falls is better known the world over -'■^ than is the Clifton House, which Occupies a prominent posi- tion at the very verge of the cliff facing ooth cataracts, and at the entrance to the beautiful Queen \'ictoria Park. Tourists, noblemen, and students from all parts of the globe have registered tlieir names and enjoyed the hospitalitv at the Clifton, and during the season, this is one of the busiest resort hotels in America. The building is a substantial brick and stone structure and arranged with an idea for the comfort and convenience of its guests. The broad verandas extending along each story of the liotel furnish promenades and an unobstructed view of the gorgeous scenery of Niagara, and are \eritable bow-ers of palms and flowers, lending additional at- tractions to the beauty of the picture of which the hotel is the central figure. In the hot summer tfays. tfie spray laden air as it kisses the clouds above, purifies and cools the sun-parched earth, and renders life at the Clifton most enjoyable. The view from the Clifton is unsurpassed. The great gorge stretching away in the distance, the falls pouring streams of solid sprav into the mad waters below, beyond the green land- scape of Victoria Park with here and there a touch of red or vellow in the beds of flowers, the cool retreats where one can sit and watch the roaring waters fall, the whole making a pic- ture that artist's brush has failed to reproduce in all its glory. Close f:)y is the Suspension Bridge, and a five minutes' walk takes the tourist to Prospect Park, the American Falls, and several attractions which one must see in order to enjoy Niag- ara. Trollev cars pass the hotel and carry tourists to the Duf- ferin Islands, Chippewa, the Whirlpool, and Queenston. The Clifton has accommodations for three hundred guests, and is under the personal management of Mr. G. M. Colburn, one of America's most successful resort hotel men. The cuisine of the Clifton is une.\celled and has made this house a popular stopping place. Mr. Colburn takes pride in the perfectness of arrangements for the enjoyment of his guests. The season opens in Mav and closes in November, and in this time, the register is positive evidence of the popularity of this hotel. The Clifton is within easv reach of the 'Michigan Central, New York Central, and all lither railwavs entering Niagara Falls. (Sj) THE TEMPERANCE HOUSE. "T^HIS popular hotel is situated ■*■ immediately opposite the New York Central Railroad Depot, on Second street, about two hundred feet north of Falls, the primipal l)usiness street of Niagara. The location is desirable on ac- count of its nearness to the depot, business, banks, etc., making it es- pecially handy for commercial men as well as visitors to the great cata- ract. The hotel can accommodate over one hundred guests, and is one of the neatest and cleanest we have ever visited; a stay there will be found in every way satisfactory. Light and air abound, the house having no near building to cut out either ; and in summer time an abundance of shade surrounds the building. Mr. Hubbs, the proprietor of the Temperance House, is also the owner of this valuable prop- erty, and makes an agreeable host. His chief clerk, Mr. \Vm. T. Phelps, has been with the house a number of years, and always makes friends among the guests of the house by his pleasing manners and genial dis- position. Mr. Hubbs owns two fine teams of horses and two carriages, one with two seats and one with three, which he keeps for the accommodation of the guests of the house who desire to ride The Temperance House. aliout the Falls anil the best points of observation and interest, for which his charges are very reasonable ; parties of two to five, one dollar per hour, or three dollars for the round trip. His drivers are very competent and trustworthy young men, and a ride with them will he found a very agreeable one. Hotel rates one dollar and fifty cents to two doll.irs ])er day. or nine dollars per week. (87) The Columbia Hotel. THE COLUMBIA HOTEL. ^■"'HE COLUMBIA is situated on tlie ncirtlieast corner of -'- First and Niagara streets, one block north of Falls street, tlie principal business tfioroughfare of the city, and aliout one block from the depots. It is a brick structure, four stories high, well arranged, nicely furnished, tidily kept and a very excellent hotel. The office, parlor and dining room are all on the first floor; the three upper floors are divided into sleeping apart- ments, en suite and single. The situation of the Columbia, in the midst of private residences, quiet and retired, makes it a very desirable location for ladies and families who visit the Falls and ])refer such surroundings, with their beautiful shady streets and walks. The hotel has ample accommo- dations for about one hundred guests. Mr. C. R. Phelps, the proprie- tor, for a number of years was connected with the Temperance House, six years as clerk and two as proprietor; and the friends he made there will be pleased to renew the acquaintance at the Columbia, where they will receive a hearty welcome. Mr. Phelps owns a handsome team of horses and a three-seated extension top victoria, and employs an obliging and trusty driver to take guests and private parties of two to five to the different points of interest about the Falls, over the new Suspension Bridge to Canada and the \'ictoria Park, from which the very best views of Niagara Falls can be had. His rates are one dollar per hour, or three dollars for the round trip, requiring about one-half day. Hotel rates Si. 50 to §2. 50 per day, or Sg to S12 per week. THE NIAGARA HOUSE. THIS is one of the oldest hotels in Niagara Falls, having been established about the middle of the present century and being at one time the only competitor of the Cataract Hotel. The rooms for guests number forty-two, and many of them open into suites of con\enient number for families and tourist parties. The entire building has been refitted and refurnished throughout witfi the best of modern furnishings. The location of the Niagara House is convenient for travel- ers. Prospect Park and the American Falls are but two minutes' walk from the Niagara House, and an excellent car- riage service is maintained in connection with the hotel. The Niagara House is located at 410-412 Main street, and is under the management of Mr. P. P. Pfohl, one of the popular young business men of Niagara Falls. He is assisted by Mr. Eugene Hall. Rooms maybe secured in advance bv addressing Mr. Pfohl. (■891 SALT'S NEW HOTEL. A AIONG the best of the smaller hotels in Niagara Falls is -^*- the New Salt, 355-357 Second avenue, between the New York Central and Erie depots, and which is under the man- agement of Francis H. Salt and Stephen J. Tobey, two of the hustling young hotel men of the city. The house was erected by John Salt in iSgo, Mr. Salt being succeeded by his son and Mr. Tobey one year later. Salt's New Hotel has accommodations for seventv-five guests, and the conveniences are the best. The local electric cars pass the door and the cars of the Gorge railway may also be taken from this point. Messrs. Salt & Tobey are particularly proud of the cuisine of their hostelry, and the house is deservedly popular. Rates S2 per day. Salt's New Hotel. THE PARK SIDE INN TS LOCATED opposite the Queen Victoria Park and opposite the American Falls of Niagara. The Horseshoe Falls, a short distance above, are partially hidden from view by the beautiful shade trees of the Park, but in winter both falls are in plain view. It is one of the most charming spots on the Canadian shore, and in the season is a resort for wheelmen and tourists. There are accommodations for fifty guests, and a private dining hall for regular guests. Rates S2 to §2. 50 per day, and Sio per week. The Park-Side Inn is one block from the suspension bridge and convenient to depots. Lighted throughout by elec- tricity. Rooms secured in advance by addressing Mrs. W. J. McRoy, proprietor, or R. Laird, manager. (<)o) THE HARVEY HOUSE ] S LOCATED on Third street, just ndrth nf the New -'■ York Central depot, and within one minute walk of the Erie depot. The Harvey is of brick construction, three stories high, and accommodates eighty guests. |ohn Maloney is proprietor and owner. Free bus main- tained in connection with the hotel. Rates S2 per day. Rooms can be secured in ad\ ance for parties or families bv addressing Mr. Malonev. UNITED STATES HOTEL. 'T^HIS hotel, established in 1870 at the soutliwest corner •*■ of Falls street and Second avenue, is one of the most fortunate in point of location. It is opposite the K. Y. Cen- tral depot, and one block from the Erie. Local electric lines ])ass the door, also cars of the Gorge and Niagara Falls & Buffalo Electric Railways. The hotel is three stories, of brick construction, and accommodates 50 guests. August Rickert, manager, has had years of experience in catering to the public taste. Rates S2 ])er dav. •**rgjr| ExLxr-Eja:.. The Colonnade Hotel. COLONNADE HOTEL. OPPOSITE the Erie depot, and just one block from the Union depot, is situated the Colonnade Hotel, uhicli was erected in i88g, and which, under the management of Canavan & Donnelly, has become a popular hostelry. The Colonnade is a three-story building, with accommoda- tions for fifty guests; fitted out with electric bells and modern conveniences, and being but three blocks from the Falls of Niagara, is a convenient stopping place for tourists. Carri- ages mav be secured from the management of the Colonnade. Rates si. 50 to S2 per day. Rooms engaged in advance by communicating with the management. THE ELDORADO AT YOUNGSTOWN. T^HE \isitor to Niagara Fall who desires to pass a few hours ■'■ or a few days at historic old Fort Niagara or the fishing grounds in the vicinity, should enjoy the hospitality of Land- lord Steele of the EIDorado Hotel on the banks of the Niagara river as it sweeps majestically out into Lake Ontario. The El- Dorado is a modern hotel, erected by Mr. F. C. Steele, formerly proprietor of the Brackett House at Rochester, and who knows, as the writer can attest, how to care for guests. From the promenade over the dining hall the picture that surrounds the visitor is a remarkably beautiful one. Across the ri\er is Niagara-on-the-Lake, seven miles above is Brock's monument looming up midst a lilue sky and in a mass of The EIDorado. (92) deep green verdure; the broad ri\er winding in and out as it leaves Lewiston and carrying with it the sweet perfume of the flowers an Austin. Te\ .%') 90 B mgor. Me lb b^ Bar Harbor. Me 17 15 Baltimore. Md 1000 BattleCreek. Mich 8 81 Bav City. Mich 7 9S Bellefontaine, Ohio q 20 Billings. Mont 57 "^5 Bloomington, 111. ih 'es Moines. Iowa 2315 Detroit. Mich fa 90 Deur Lodge. Mont. . .. 59 5,0 Delaware. (.)!iio 8 40 Duhitli, Minn. . 24 50 Dubuque, low i I54S Dunkirk. N*. V i .76 Elmira. N. V 3 45 Erie. Pa 3 05 El Paso. Tex . 50 =io Emporia, Kan 2885 Evansville. Ind 18 31; Fort Dorige. luwa 24 if Fort Scott. Kan 27 60 Fort Worth. Tex 37 75 Fort Wayne. Ind ic bo Galveston, Tex 4060 Grafton. \V. \*a 10 40 Green Bay, Wis 18 q5 Greenville. Tex 3? 3o Grand Island. Neb 30 i; Grand Rapids, Mich q 8S Guthrie, Oka. Ter 34 95 Harrisburg, Pa , \'a 11 64 Helena, Mont 59 So Holly Springs, Miss.. .. 2480 Hot Springs, Ark , 2q 00 Houston, Tex 29 10 Indianapolis, Ind 13 25 Iowa City. Iowa 19 64 Jackson, Mich 8 Si Jackson. Miss 2q 50 lacksonville. Fla 3o 25 Junction City, Kan 2q 31 Jamestown. N. V 2 66 Kalamazoo, Mich q 49 Kansas City, Mo 2> So Key West, Fla 4q 15 Knoxville, Tenn 2020 LaCrosse. Wis - 20 S6 Laiayette. Ind 1^87 Lancaster. Pa 9 2S Lansing. Mich 7 q4 Laredo, Tex 46 So Leavenworth, Kan S25 55 Lewiston. Me 13 Oo Lexing:ton, Ky 146; Lincoln, Neb 27 40 Lima, Ohi j q 30 Little Rock, Ark . 27 00 Louisvil e, Kv '5 75 Lynchburg, \'a 10 20 Mackinaw, Mich i3 40 Madison, Wis i6 92 Manstield, Ohio. 7 8j Marietta, Oliio 10 4= Mattoon. Ill 1/ 10 Me.idvilie. Pa 4 55 Memphis. Tenn 24 15 Mevidan, M.s-^ 27 iS Mexico City. Mex 32,^0 Milwaukee. Wis i5 55 Moorehead, Minn 31 53 Mt. Clemens, Midi 6 52 Nashville. Tenn 21 25 Nebraska City. Neb 26 oo New Haven. Ct q O4 New Orleans, La 30 ^o Oil City. Pa ' 4 u-s Oiympia. Wash 74 50 Omaha, Neb 2^ 7^ Oshkosh, Wis 17 97 Palatka.Fla 32 2^ Palestine. Tex .. 3615 Parkersburg. W. Va 10 75 Peoria. Ill i? 25 Petoskey. Mich 13 40 Philadelphia. Pa 9 25 Pittsburgh. Pa 5 95 Pittsfie'd, Mass 7 32 Piqiia, Ohio 10 20 Portland, Ore 74 So Portland, Me 131=^ Port Huron. Mich s 65 Prairie du Chine. Wis... iq 79 Pueblo. Colo 42 50 Red Cloud, Neb 3150 Richmond, Ind 11 6$ Rochester. N. V. 152 Rock Island, 111 1797 Rome. X. V 3 qo Sao^inaw, Mi-. I 7 qo Salem, Ore. 7~ 5: SaltLake City, Utah.. ..:^54 50 Saratoga. N. Y 6 54 .San Antonio. Tex .... 42 20 Sandusky, Ohio 735 San Francisco Cal 75 55 Sault Ste. Mar.e. Mich... 15 05 Savannah. Ga 28 70 Seattle. Wash 74 So -■^elnia. Ala 26 45 Shreveport. La 33 00 .^lierman, Tex 35 60 Sioux Citv. Iowa 2575 Sioux Falls. S. D. 26 6b Spokane, W; s 1 69 50 Springheld, \i... s . 849 .St. Augustine, Fla 32 25 Sifubenvill t*. Oimj 7 4S St. Louis. Mo tq 25 St. Paul, Si inn 24 So St. Joseph. Mv». ._ 2S 50 Superior City. Wis 24 50 Syracuse, N. V 3 12 Tacoma, W,:sh 74 50 Tampa, Fla 3N 75 Taylor, Tex. 39 >o Texarkana, Ark 31 35 Terre Haute. Ind. iS 50 Tiffin, Ohio 8 15 Titusville. Pa 4 i5 Toledo, Ohio 8 20 Topeka. Kan 27 00 Toronto, Canada (Boat). 1 50 Toronto, Can. da (Rail). 2 6s Troy, N. V 6 15 Urbana, Ohio 9 4S LItica, N. V 41^ Vicksburg. Miss 30 So Vincennes. Ind 16 75 \'inita, Ind. Ter . 30 70 Virginia Citv, Nev 78 so Waco. Tex.. 39 10 Warren. Pa 3 22 Washington. D. C 1120 Waukesha, Wis iS 75 Wheeling, W. \'a 7 95 Williamsport. Pa 5 79 Winnipeg. Manitoba v5 70 Xenia, Ohio 10 50 Zanesville. Ohio 9 .>5 ^^^^^^^^^V^ND^Al^,,^ Qv. N ?^^ Michigan T entr al 'THE NIAGARA FALLS ROUTE ^^1 wJ' A K1RST = CLASS LINE FOR KIRST-CLASS TKAVHL. THE ROUTE OF THE FAMOUS NORTH SHORE LIMITED. CHICAGO, DETROIT, NEW YORK, BOSTON, AND TO THE THOUSAND ISLANDS Axn Rapids of the St. Lawrence, MICHIGAN CENTRAL TRAIN AT FALLS VIEW STATION. Canadian Resorts, Green Mountains, White Mountains, Portland, and the New Ensrland Coast, Northern Michigan Resorts. Send ten cents for a SUMMER NOTE BOOK, illustrated and descriptive. O. \V. RIJCtOLES, ■; ; t f' r t t" T 1'/.* | HrCftI6flif ir, EVfBAL VJ ^-TH[N[UiMr»us RouTi R H L'HOMVIEOIETI, General Sii])erintenck-nt, I)K'IR( )rr. r.e n\ Pns.-'r an.l VU. Agt., CHIC.-VGO. k^