The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1872-12-10
MISCELLANY.
.FRANK Chiffon.
A STORY OF NIAGARA.


Niagara, the father of waters The name
is significant of something grand words are
inadequate to describe the mighty cataract.
The waters which rush down from Lake SUI
perior, passing through Lake Huron and Lake
st. Clair, and onward across Lake Erie, fina ~
force their course in a northern direction into
Lake Ontario. On first leaving Lake Erie,
they flow in tranquil current, and divide
leaving an island in the centre, on which a
thousand cattle save one are said to feed. Then
the rapidity of the current increases, till those
who voyage on its bosom see in front of them.
raised high in the blue sky, cloud of vapor.
This is said to be the crown of Niagara, the
vapory particles collecting from the boiling
cauldron below.
Proceeding onward, aroaring sound is heard,
the current increases in rapidity, and ahead
appears line of foaming breakers. Those
who once get within their power must give up
all hope of life. No vessel built with mortal
hands can live amidst those furious rapids.
In the centre rocky island appears, thckly
covered with trees, and while one portion of
the stream rushes directly on, and takes leap
downwards Of 900 feet, the other and smaller
portion sweeping around Goat Island, finds
its way into the lower level, over the cliff on
the right bank of the river. The last mem
toned fall is known'as the American fall, as
the territory on that side of the river belongs
to this country. VI tfta
Onward the waters rush, between lofty cliffs
at distance of three miles, when they meet
an opposing rock, and, circling round and
round, form fearful whirlpool. No one fall
ing into that circling eddy has ever escaped
with life. The stoutest boat would soon be
dashed to pieces.
AT length the waters find their way out by
a narrow passage, and rush onward into Lake
Ontario. A long fall across the direct current
of the river is known as the Horseshoe Fall.
Standing ON the British bank of the stream, it
is seen on the right, with the American fall
directly opposite the spectator. In the latter
fall many fearful accidents have occurred.
The scenery above the falls is very different
from that below. In the latter the banks are
high and precipitous, and the stream flows on
200 feet below the summit of the cliffs. Above
the cataract, on the contrary, the river presents
the appearance rather Of large lake. The
woods, consisting of frs and Birch and maple
come close down to the water, their branches
overhanging the stream. Here and there are
clearings. Many mills moved by water power,
and numerous farms, extend along the banks
on either side.
1t was somewhere above the rapids that a
young man, clad in homely costume but with
the appearance and bearing of gentleman,
was walking by the rivers brink. BY his side
was fair girl. He was speaking to her ear
nestly and gently, but she seemed to be turn
ing an indifferent ear to his words.
81 acknowledge your merits, Mr.. Carlton,
but really | cannot see that | should be ex-
pected to give my heart and hand, as you ask
me, to one who has not done anything to show
that he is above the ordinary run of respect
able young gentlemen" The girl spoke in a
somewhat bantering tone.
"But really, Miss Fanny Aveling, you are
expecting too much at the present day. Gen
tlemen cannot go forth with lance and fight
in tournaments, as in days of yore, to win the
you an honest heart, and have every reason
to believe shall establish comfortable home !;
and really, think, that is more sensible
thing than running the risk of getting knock
ON the head for no purpose whatever"
elbow fearfully matter-of-fact you are, an
swered Fanny. ~ tell you I do not like
matter-of-fact people. If you had been a
soldier or sailor, and had fought the battles of
your country, and got wounded, and obtained
number of medals for your gallantry, might
possibly have felt differently towards you.'
g But have had no opportunity of doing
anything of the sort, )" urged Frank Carlton.
g | came out here to form an estate, and |
have succeeded in what undertook, while a
number of other persons with similar oppor-
tunities have failed. do not say this for the
sake of boasting, but simply as fact which is
not discreditable."