Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1860-10-31
A VISIT TO NIAGRA.
Medina, n. Y. Oct. sth, 1860.

: it was neatly adorned with arches of ever
d greens over the entrances on both shores
in honor of the Prince of Wales, who wa
{ then visiting the King of Cataracts.
The Prince was not to be seea on tht
!. American shore the first day of our visit
4 and as seeing him was one of the chief ob
! lects in view, We were obliged to eros,
over into Canada, then learn where he
; would make his appearance, then obtain as
!. conspicuous seat as possible for the pur-
pose of viewing his Highness. He did
not make his appearance Immediately. SO
! we contented ourselves with chatting and
viewing the scenery. If any of your rea-
ders have ever visited this place, they will
perhaps recOllect that upon the Canada
side. few rods below the Bridge, the
bank of the river is nearly perpendicular
two hundred and fifty feet above the wat
er, while on the American side it inclines
Outwardly, leaving a space between the
two banks, of eight hundred feet
There was rope about six inches in
circumference. suspended from one bank to
the other. on which certain French GEN
tleman thinks no more of crossing, than
the ladies do of crossing a muddy street.
While sitting there, our attention is direct
ed to Monsieur Blondin coming from the
opposite side, on brisk trot; he is not
large man, but rather small, and of light
complexion; his costume was that of an
Indian, and as he comes near the shore. we
discover his thin lips tightly compressed.
While scrutinizing his features closely our
attention is directed another way. by
splendid carriage driving into fhe.enclosurc.
First appeared some eight or ten boys of
about fourteen years of age, dressed in uni
form; them body of bully looking soldiers
formed in line in front of the waiting
spectators. Soon there appeared several
distinguished persons. among them We re-
cognized the future King of ENGLAND, (if
nothing occurs to prevent) He is a lad
of 10 years. about FIVE feet FIVE inches in
height, rather slender in fern. with light
brown hair, blue eyes, and fair complexion. |
He was quite plainly dressed, drab beaver
hat, black dress frock coat, with plain lin
en- collar turned over his coat collar. buff
kid gloves, drab cloth pants. and calf boots.
and appeared very modest aud unassuming.
He met Prof Blondin when he stepped on
the shore. received an introduction, cor
daily shook hands with him, and after q
few moments conversation. seated himself
IN the rustic summer house, in order to
view Blondin perform his almost supernat-
ural feats on the rope, which he commenced
by Immediately starting off on run un-
til he was about two hundred feet from the
shore, when he stopped and laid down his
balance pOle which was nearly fifteen feet
long, then laid himself down upon his
back, folding his arms across his breast;
then arose and stood on his head, spread
lis limbs widely apart, then fetching them
violently together, turned and jumped up
IN his feet; started off again-when about
he centre of the rope, turned a summcrset;
Rhcn within few rods of the opposite
shore, again laid down, and again standing
Ipon his head.
Ia few moments he was coming back: ,
when about half way over he made swing
'caching half way down to the water, went
lOwn and suspended himself by his feet
'ver the seething abyss; soon gathered him
elf up, and commenced turning around in
lis swing with such rapidity that he re- !
embed very much a small windmill max
ne its revolutions in the air. After per-
Orming sundry antics lie assembled, regain
4 the rope, and was soon on shore. chatting
ally with Prince and others of his party.
VOW. what do you think he Will do next !,
iIne? He took man across en- his back :
Icarly as heavy as himself, but this time
e neither ran Sr trotted, but he stepped >
low and very cautiously, and sat him down
wice to rest Methinks l hear you ask
low be reloaded his burden? really that is !,
mystery to me although saw him do IT.
ie carried him safely across amid the !,
houts and cheers Of the vast multitude :,
he sun was just sinking below the ives
ern horizon, rending the landscape soft
nd lovely as fairy land where rested
he smiles Of heaven. While viewing this
rcat panorama our eager-strained eyes be-
cid BlOndin on the rope. returning on -,
Tits The stills were slenderly made, :.
bout two feet in height; the bottoms were
hree iron prongs resembling a hens foot,
le wooden portions were covered with
lver-leaE When short distance from =
nc American shore, he gave leap, but n
ne of the iron prongs caught in the rope. a,
tipped him SO that he lost his balance; all h
cid their breath in horror for an instant, y
zpecting to see the daring man dashed up \,
! the rocks beneath him. but he alighted 81
stride the rope in safety. The task of re- f.
lining the rope upon the stiits, seemed d,
US as an impOssibility, but after two or G
ree attempts he gained his standing po- CT