The sun., 1898-01-23
THE FAILS OF JUANAoATLAM.
Ono OF the Grenteat, Though Lenat Known,
OF the scenic Won dcrs OF Mexico.

or the scenic Wohd OF Mexico.
From the 81. Louis Globe. Democrat.
GUADALAJARA, Mexico, Dec. 29.-Not fire.
quently in this advanced age does 1t transpire
that one of natures most marvellous works has
been allowed to remain unchronicled among the
recognized wonders of the earth. and generally
unknown to q majority of the inhabitants of u
world 1t was designed to adorn, yet, soques-
tered among the verdant hills and wales of CEN
trail Mexico, not because of any remoteness or
inaccessibility, for it is situated within days
journey by rail from the capital city of tho re-
public, and only few hours travel from the fair
metropolis Guadalajara, in the State of Jalsco,
but because Of the tardiness on the part Of
those who worship at natures shrine in avail
ing themselves Of the alluremonts of this truly
delightful section-this land of manana, of POGO
tempo. and sweet forgetfulness-all the more
sublime because Of It's unheralded majesty,
there exists q masterpiece of natures handi-
work, unrivalled in its own peculiar beauties
and environments. 1t Is the great waterfall Of
The Immediate approach to the falls is in IT,
self an artists dream of rural delights. Lcav-
ing the railroad at the little station Of FL Cas-
tillo, one is conveyed by a native tram car for
q distance of five miles through n beautiful
circular valley thousands OF acres in area, and
rounding hills and the delicate tints of its laby
rinths Of wild flowers. a mammoth sea she'll AT
frequent intervals above the tops of the tall grass
es and tropical shrubs glimpses are caught OF
the broad, winding Rio de Santiago, its waters
Fastening onward to the mad.
Having traversed perhaps two-thirds OF this
enchanting landscape, ones ear gradually be-
comes conscious of a low, distant Inurmur,
which steadily increases to deep rumble and
from that to q mighty roar, and presently the
Of a high precipice, from which is viewed,
through clouds OF vaporous mist, the sight Of
thousands of tons of water plunging over a wall
Of gray granite in a steady, unbroken cataract
$50 feet in width for n sheer distance of sixty
feet into a seething, eddying vortex below.
For time the mind is apt to be held in rapt
contemplation OF the grand spectacle; then BY
degrees the senses are awakened to the vari;
srS the eute and
At the extreme further shore portion of the
rushing flood Is turned aside by a spur of gran
combining, wall. from, which 1t rebounds in
fine, vell-like cascade while from the, top
e Se
scending torrents.
Associated with these falls is a strange and
beautiful phenomenon. 1t is the constant pres
ence of myrads of gorgeous butterflies, which
to and fro through the clouds of drifting vapor,
seemingly attracted and fascinated by the daz-
zling, buffeting avalanche of foam.
lures are the ever visible. ever changing rain
bow effects. Reflected in the silvery mists at
in a radiant span from shore to shore, the next
caught by counter current Of vapor and borne
upward in whirling column Of iridesccnt light
their delicate hues are blended into fantastic
combinations OF color such would challenge
reploduction through calcium agencies.
stairway of masonry down the side OF the cliff.
at the foot of which, shu; in by massive walls of
solid rock, the cannonading Of the waters is
deafening. Here one is completely enveloped
In the driving mist which at first partially OBJ
scures tho vision, but gradually the eyes be-
come accustomed to the change from the upper
atmosphere. and behind the sheet of descend
Ing water, deep. cayernous fissures can be dis
cerned, from the glistening walls of which fit-
ful shadows are thrown back in unreal, gro
tesque array. Just above the falls the river at
tans width Of $40 feet, and near the centre
Is romantic little island, densely covered with
Towering plants and banana trees and popu-
lated by tropical birds OF brilliant pumage. In
the coves and recesses along the banks of the
stream water lilies grow In great profusion. and
the air is constantly laden with their perfume.
Nestled among the hill in tho distance on the
opposite side of tho river is the picturesque
little hamlet Of Juanacatlan, Its ancient bel
fries and red-tiled roofs just visible above tho
tree tops. and Immediately below the falls Is the
manufacturing village OF FL Salto tThe Falls)
where within the past four years large cleo
trio plant. Transmitting current for upward
of 10000 arc and incandescent lights distance
of eighteen miles 20 the city OF Guadalajara,
has been established, together with several fac
tories, all of which derive their power from the
tremendous force of the great cataract, yet
without detrnctng in the least from its su-
perb grandeur and though the industries of this
waters OF JuaDacatlan would still continue to
plunge In unimpaired volume and beauty from
their granite heights through the shimmernR
mist clouds below. JOSE DE OLIyAREs.