New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-06-28
TO EXPLORE GRAND FALLS.
A CATARACT TWO THOUSAND FEET HIGH
IN LABRADOR.
TRUTH-LONG AND ToTLsOME JOURNEY
FROM TILE COAST.


st. Johns. N. F.. June ls.-At last the mystery
which has so long hung over the Grand Falls in
the interior of Labrador, is likely to be cleared
| up. The accounts we have regarding these falls,
which are on the Grand Tor Hamilton River,
more than 200 miles from the coast, represent
them as being 1000 feet In height. Above the
falls the river is said to be 500 yards broad con-
tracing to fifty yards at the falls themselves If
this account be true, then in the whole world
there is no other fall having such volume Of
water descending at bound from such stupen-
dons height Niagan's volume Of water Is far
greater but its height is only l64 feet. The
famous falls of Zambesi are but 100 feet, but the
enormous mass Of its water gives it a grandeur
surprising IL is said, even the majestic Niagara.
In the Yosemite Valley there is said to be a fall
of 1850 feet, but this is broken into three leaps
and the volume of water Is not equal TO that of
the Grand Falls of Labrador. Thus, taking into
account the combination of height and volume
these Grand Falls of Labrador throw all others
into the shade.
Most people, however, regard fall of 1000
feet as utterly inconccvable and beyond the
bounds of credence; and yet the accuracy of the
account is vouched for by the only two white
men who have ever seen them. These are two
employees of the Hudson Bay Company, MeSsrs
Maclean and Kennedy-men of high standing i'll
the service-who visited these falls at different
times, and whose accounts agree IN most essential
particulars. Maclean conducted an expedition
into the interior IN 1899, and was stopped by
these falls. Kennedy reached them under the
guidance of an Indian, who was an Iroquois and
bad spent MOST of his life in Labrador AS to
the Labrador Indians. they give the falls wide
berth, owing TO n tradition long current among
them that they are haunted by evil spirits and
that no man can look upon them and live. The
Iroquois guide did not share in these supersti-
tions, and boldly marched to the spot much
dreaded.
Even if we suppose their accounts exaggerated
or that the observers were mistaken, there must
be some stupendOus natural object on this river,
and its careful examination is we'll worthy the
ambitions Of our modern adventurous explorers,
who are deferred by no difficulties and are ever
pushing back the bounds of the unknown. Sup
posing that this drop of 1000 feet was effected
in part by rapids, and only 1000 or 1900 feet
by the actual fall itself, still it would be mar
vellous fall, and It's exploration would be an
achievement which would make traveller
famous.
The problem is likely to be solved this year
under an American leader. Henry G.. Bryant, of
Girard College, Philadelphia, is in correspondence
with T. \. MollOy, the energetic and intelligent
American Consul of this city. Mr.. Bryant
has written the Consul asking for in
formation as TO the best route for
reaching these falls, the ways and means, the
times of sailing Of Labrador steamers, supplies
and equipments, etc. lie informs Mr.. MOlloy that
he is busy organizing an exploration party and
that he viii Ike here in the course of ten DAYS
or fortnight, with the view Of proceeding TO
Hamilton Inlet by the llrst Labrador mail steamer
From that point be intends to push forward into
the interior, making the exploration of the Grand
Falls his primary object, but also aiming at further
discoveries in the almost unknown wilderness of
this great peninsula, time and circumstances
may permit.
4 properly organized aud equipped expedition,
having these objects in view, led by skilfu and
rcsolute chief may, even in the short season when
travelling by water is practicable, make important
additions 10 our knowledge of Labrador The as
cent Of Grand River, which falls into the head
of Hamilton Inlet, to the Grand Falls q distance
probably of 900 to $50 miles, presents no nsuper-
able difficulties. There are numerous rapids, some
Of them rather formidable, involving portages OF
considerable length, wild and rugged banks,
gloomy forests, and lakes Of considerable extent
Little game is 10 DE found in summer, and few
fish. But what these difficulties TO the stout
hearts Of American travellers? Perhaps the
greatest trouble will arise from the MOSQUITOES and
black flies, which in this region are reported To
posses vigor and pertinacity unknown elsewhere
With the aid, however, Of mosquito nets at NIGHT
and various chemical compounds for smearing the
e.. foscd portions of the person during the day,
even the vicious Labrador mosquito may be con-
quered. After time, most persons get Injured TO
those pests, which, no doubt were created for
some wise but nscrutable purpose. The fortunes
however which they are capable of inflcting on
unsophsticated travellers with rich blood in
their veins are inconceivable. have known per-
sons 10 return from tramp into the interior Of
this island with face and neck covered with ulcers
and features swollen and distorted that their
most intimate friends would not recognize them
The whole system becomes poisoned, and in some
cases the eyes get bunged up" These, however
are exceptional cases. With proper care and due