Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1883-08-03
A LEAP FOR LIFE.

When l was young fellow, now
many years ago, frequently spent part
of my vacations, with an uncle, who
lived in a beautiful part of Wales, and
whose house was only mile or two
from the coast--in that ncighborhood,
very wild and PERCEPTIONS, and remark
able for the peculiar character of the
strata of which many of the wave and
weather-beaten cliffs were composed.
My uncle was n keen geologist and had
imbued me with some of mis- own inter-
est in the subiect; and many u long and
pleasant ramble we had together, armed
with our little hammers and specimen
cases; sometimes starting directly after
breakfast, and remaining absent till the
evening, either carrying our simple
luncheon with us, or adjourning for re-
frcshment to some humble village hos
telry, when such happened to be within
easy reach.
These were pleasant days. l often
look back to them now when / am an
elderly gentleman, subject to eout and
rheumatism, and tied for most of the
week to dingy Office in the city. But
they were very nearly being brought to
an abrupt conclusion by an incident
that occurred during one of our more
distant excursions; and as the relation
of this incident commentaries rare
instance of combined pluck, presence of
mind and heroic self-sacrifice, l do not
think need any further excuse for en-
tering upon the details connected with
it. Few people are ever likely to be
placed in a similar position; should,
however, such an occasion arise, let us
hope they may not be found wanting in
ability to follow so admirable an ex-
ample.
During one of my visits to my uncle,
he had at the same time as guests two
professional geologists of some emil
nence, who had heard of the special ia
cilities the neighborhood afforded for
the pursuit of their favorite science, and
had had some correspondence with my
uncle on the subject, which resulted in
their receiving an invitation from my
hospitable relative to come to his house
and judge of the matter for themselves.
This invitation was accepted, and the
geologists arrived; two very pleasant,
well-informed men, between whom and
my uncle very interesting and ami
mated conversation speedily ensued, in
which the terms "granitic debris, "
'boulder clay" "newer formations" "
"dip of the strata were freely ban.
died about in n manner very cdifying to
listen to, if not altogether Ineligible to
the majority of their hearers.
For the first day or two we contented
ourselves with showing the strangers
the features of scientific interest more
Immediately in the vicinity and with
these they were greatly gratitied. But
my uncle was anxious that they should
inspect n district some miles off, pecul-
iarly rich in specimens, and which ht
had himself visited several years be.
fore, but never since L had been the
companion of his expeditions; therefore
1t was new to me rs well as to oul
guests. Everything was arranged fol
our start; and we set off after an early
breakfast, driving the first portion O.
the distance, and putting up our traI
at farmhouse, to await our return
while we pursued the remainder of on
excursion ON foot. 1t was an exquisite
day; and as we walked along the cliff
here of very remarkable height an,
magnficencc indulged in loud ex
pression3 of admiration at the beaut
of the scenery, the bold line of coas
stretching away for miles on each side
the tremendous precipices descending
sheer to the blue waters that lappe
their base; only here and there broker
by some jagged and pointed rocks, tina
threatened rapid destruction to any III
fortunate vessels which should be cas-
upon them.
Our expedition was great success
Many rare specimens of different fos
sils were added to our collections, an
my uncle was much gratified that hi
exertlons for the entertainment of hi
guests had been so satisfactorily II
warded. We had taken some sandwiche
and sherry with us, and enjoyed ou
lunch during an interval of cessatio
from our geological researches. BY TIL
time we had reached the extreme en-
of our expedition, and were on the poir
of retracing our steps when one OF tn
strangers expressed desire to round
promontory short distance ahead, s
as to inspect the line of coast Just b,
yond; the proposal was agreed to; an
we all started along the cliff, which {
this place was of lesser altitude tina
at some points we had previousl
passed, though still it was about iifl
or sixty feet above the level of the SCI
which at the time was at full flo,
and washed against the rocky wall b
low us. To round the promontory "
found it was necessary to descend Ii
tie way, and then proceed along narro
ledge of projecting rock, so very narro
in some parts that IL would have be,
impossible for any one to have attemI
ed the passage unless he had renal.
ably good and steady head.
We were all experienced climb bers,
the risk was disregarded; and the ty
geologists and my uncle had Just turn,
round rather sharp angle, and W
closely following, when the rock
which trod suddenly gave way und
my feet, and after abrief but ineffectu
struggle ! slipped down, with my ia
towards the sea. Uttering a cry, |
stinctively flung my hands upwart
one of them In some marvellous mann
caught projecting portion of the ledl
the other was strongly grasped by I
uncle, who, being mercifully close TO n
turned at my shout. and instantly seiz
hold of my extended hand. For two
three minutes, which seemed an ct,
nifty 10 us both. my brave relative, wi
though an elderly, was very power
man, held me suspended in this frigl
ful manner,iwhile he endeayored
take In the situation and decide on
plan Of action. Our Mortified frien
wsfs pewerlsss 10 help, as they 60,