Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-10-17
THE HIGHEST FALLS.
Explorer Bryant Returns From His
Expedition to Labrador.
HE SAW A MAMMOTH CATARACT.
The Story Told of Difficult Trip Well
Rewarded.
WONDERS OF THE ROCKY PENINSULA

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 16.-Mr. Henry G.
Bryant, of No. 1927 North Broad street, ar
rived home yesterday from trip of ex-
ploration to Labrador, by which he has
successfully settled the vague theories that
have been aflrat in regard to the Falls OF
the Grand rivera stream that flows from
the vast tablelands of the interior, discharg-
ing itself into the head of Hamilton Inlet.
Mr.. Bryant has accurately measured the
Grand River Fall and has proved it the
largest in the world. 1t has drop at its
highest point of 316 feet, thus exceeding
Niagara by 152 feet.
Mr.. Bryant, who is lawyer by profession
and an ardent sportsman and traveller, some
time ago read fugitive newspaper article
in regard to the Falls In 1888 Mr.. r. F.
Holme young Englishman, attempted to
reach them, and failed through want of pro-
visions. Mr.. Bryant heard of this, and, his
curiosity excited, decided that he, too,
would make the attampt. He succeeded,
although previous to last summer the falls
had been seen by only two white men-em-
ployes of the Hudson Bay Company.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE JOURNEY.
In order to obtain accurate surveys of the
country he intended to traverse, Mr. Bryant
associated with him Prot. Keneston, the
Corresponding Secretary of the Washington
Geographical Society and the engineer VINO
made the preliminary surveys of the Cana
dian Pacific Railroad. The two made
careful preparations, and left New
York on June 3 last, arriv-
ing at st. Johns, Newfoundland, on
July g. Here they were detained ten days
awaiting the steamer Curlew, upon which
they finally embarked on July 16, reaching
North West river, via Rigolet, on July q.
They spent week at Rigolet endeavoring
to obtain Indian guides, but the mountaineer
tribe they located superstitiously believe
that any one who beholds these mysterious
and dreadful falls-the abode of awful
demons-will die Immediately.
A DIFFICULT JOURNEY.
Failing to obtain the aid of the Indians
the travellers engaged sturdy Scotchman,
named Montague, and an Esquimaux. With
a canoe and river boat in which to carry
provisions and equipments, this party of four
left the mouth Of the Grand river on the Sd
of August By the 9th they had assembled
200 miles. They were compelled to drag
their boats almost the entire distance, so
swift was the current. This dragging with
a towline, tracking" as it is technically
called, was most difficult and dangerous
work, owing to the thick forest growth and
the precipitous character of the rivers
banks.
At the head of the canoe navigation they
encamped, stored their provisions and struck
off into the interior, following an indistinct
Indian trail, and carrying their canoe with
them. After crossing seven lakes and the
intervening portages, they abandoned their
canoe for the time being, forsook the Indian
TRAIL and carrying on their backs the neces-
sary provisions, mathematical instruments
and blankets, entered pathless wilderness.
After two days travel, with a compass as
their only guide, they reached the Falls and
their hardships were ended. The sight was
most magnificent and sufficiently rewarded
them for all the danger and troubles they
had undergone.
A SUPERB FALLS.
Over the great chasm into which the river
plunges, column of mist rises to great
height, in which the sunshine displays a
most beautiful rainbow. The roar is deaf
ening, and the travellers could hear it from
distance of 20 miles. Half mile above the
falls the river is 400 yards in width. Here
begins series of three rapids, which, as
they eddy and foam before the grand Cad,
are not inferior to those of Niagara itself
The banks of the river gradually narrow,
and, at the third fapid, the width does not
exceed $50 feet. The water, compressed
into this narrow gorge, rises into great cones
and leaps with overwhelming force into the
depths below.
The height of the fall was found, by ac-
curate measurement, to be 316 feet. At
great peril Mr.. Bryant managed to descend
the precipitous bank to the bottom, and
there obtained aneroid readings This was
the most dangerous feat of the whole jour
ney. Prof Kenaston took careful measure
ments of the rapids and falls, and also upon
the return trip made compass survey of
the river. Mr.. Bryant obtained many fine
photographs of the falls from various points,
and kept record of the meteorological
observations during the entire journey.
The distance from the falls to the mouth
of the river is 250 miles, The party obtain.
ed 200 specimens of the Flora of the coun-
try through which they passed, and also
made large geological collection. Num-
bers of black bears were seen, and two were
shot. Spruce partridges and wild geese
were slaughtered in abundance.
THE RETURN TRIP.
Upon the return trip the descent of Grand
river occupied only seven days; the ascent
had taken a month. Ryolet was reached
on September % and Indian Harbor on the
oath. The party arrived at ST. Johns upon
the 26th. Mr.. Bryant, aided by Prof
Kenaston, has solved most import
ant geographical problem,s and has
made solid addition to our pre-
vious limited knowledge of Labrador.
He deserves the highest praise for his cour-
age and perseverance, as also does Prof |
Kenaston for the able manner in which he !
assisted his comrade. Both gentlemen have I
returned in excellent health, and are none |
the worse for the great dangers and hard |
ships they have encountered. The greatest |
interest in their enterprise is felt through |
out the country, and their disc very will be |
hailed with satisfaction everywhere.