Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-06-29
Mrs N. Z. GoRMAN, Editress.
Letter from the Editress.

turesque scenery Of this noble river has been
often depicted by some Of the most descrip-
tive writers, as well as by the pencils Of the
best painters; but to be fully appreciated, it
must be seen from some gallant steamer as
she plows the waters Of this majestic river
A Railroad runs just along the waters edge
the entire length from New York, but by
this route passengers only have an opportu-
nifty to view the beautiful scenery on the OPP
posite side of the river, and even there it is
imperfect and unsatisfactory, SO rapidly are
they borne along. But by the steamer, l
had full opportunity TO have a clear survey
Of the romantic scenery on either side of the
Hudson. 4
It would be too tedious to particularize the
many enchanting landscapes, lovely villas,
and charming rhral homes that everywhere
met my enraptured vision. saw every de-
s~cription OF architectural taste and comfort,
uncovered in splendid groves of immense
arbor vito and spruce pine trees, of natural
growth-from the stately mansion with its
lofty observatory, to the less pretentious but
not less beautiful Cottage, the very persona
fcation Of domestic comfort and happiness
Towering cliffs, rising promontories, splen-
didly cultivated farms, magnificent towns and
cities, and the most sublimely grand view of
the Catskill mountains in the distance, chal-
lenge the admiration and charm the senses
all along the entire route of the river to Al
bany. But | must pass on.
Arriving at Albany, the seat of government
Of the great State of New York. we at once
took the cars for the Falls, and therefore had
no time to look around that beautiful and re-
nowned city. By day-break next morning,
after 20 hours constant travelling, we found
ourselves at the great Suspension Bridge
which crosses the Niagara river below the
Falls. Having learned that better view of
the Cataract was to be had on the Canada
side, we took our seats on the cars and soon
found ourselves passing over this stupendous
and wonderful piece Of mans ingenuity and
skill. The bridge is Of enormous strength,
made entirely Of iron, is 800 feet long, and
forms q communication between the States
and Canada.
After n few inquiries about the nature of
our baggage by the Custom House officer of
her Majesty on the Canada side, we soon
found ourselves comfortably quartered at the
"Cliton House" an excellent Hotel, occupy
ing a commanding position and a~ffording a
fine view Of the Falls on both sides of the
river.
After a few hours rest and a good break.
fast, we sailed forth with our travelling
friends to see all the sights. We first proceed
cd to the Ferry, and after gazing for Will,
at the Horse Shoe falls above, we entered tn,
ferry boat and after hard rowing over tn,
tempestous, boiling waters, we reached th'
inclined plane Railway and were safely car
ried to the top of the bluff, though it seeme
to me a very dangerous and hazardous under
taking. Passing through a beautiful grow
we crossed the bridge to bath Island,
where warm and plunge baths may be had a
all hours Of the day. From this point W
see several small i~slets, most of which ar
more or less connected with thrilling inc
dents Of danger, escape or death, as told u
by the guides and inhabitants of the islanC
Crossing this bridge we reach Goat {
Iris Island" which divides the Falls. I'll
name Iris is derived from the number
beautiful rainbows that are frequently see
near it. Three paths diverge from the or
of the bridge; we followed the one that leac
through the trees that line the margin of
rapsIg email leland ~ onr WIGHT &c roach.
by a narrow bridge, "Luna Island" so nam'
because it is the best point from which
view the Lunar B0U, which is only wish
once a month, when the moon is full and ST
fciently high in the heavens. The Sol
Boo is alwas visible when the sun shines
the Falls.
The Centre Fall" over which we pass
in our return to Goat Island, which seems
mere ribbon of water in the distance, is So
10 be over $40 feet wide, and is a very graz
ful sheet of water. Proceeding a little f
ther on We come to "Biddle's Stairs" bu
by the late Nicholas Biddle for the purpc
Of enabling visitors to descend the perpend
ular p~recipice. They are 80 feet high, a
the total descent is 1S5 feet. / found it
be n very tiresome trip to ascend its windi
=, stairway, but the view from its summit v
we'll worth the labor and fatigue / had und
gone. Between this point and the Cen
Fall is the spot where the celebrated S
Patch made his famous leaps.
Before descending Biddle's Stairs, we p
ed On to the extremity Of the Island
crossed the bridge to "Terrapin Tow
which occupies a singular and awful post
A few scattered masses Of rock lie on
very brink of the great Fall, seeming
unable TO maintain their position against
tremendous rush Of water and upon Il
rocks this Tower is built. From the sun
we obtain the most magnificent view that
be conceived. The rapids above rolling
multuously towards you-the green wat
the mighty Falls at your feet-below you
kissing caldron of spray, and the river
its steep banks beyond-in fact, the W
range Of the Falls themselves, and the v
Of raging waters around them, are seen
this commanding point causing one t
claim, in the language of Mrs. Sigourne