Year: 1860




ara Falls; for the prediction made by ge-
ologists that the chain OF lakes above Nj
agara will ultimately but at far distant
day, be drained through the deep gorge that
will extend to them, is here verified, for
this rocky ridge once rose so high as to-
form the eastern horizon Of chain Of
lakes that extends up Black River Valley,
the recorded testimony Of which is seen in
the numerous terraces that extend on either
side of the stream far up the valley into
Ludlow. The numerous pot holes that
abound in Duttonsville Gulf" on tue line
Of the Rutland and Burlington Rail Road
about mile south west of the falls, and at
an elevation of one hundred feet above
them, attest the fact that an outlet of the
chain of lakes before alluded to, lay through
that rocky gulf anterior to the time that this
eastern barrier was cut in twain by the
eroding waters. These inevitable conclu-
sions force themselves upon the miad of the
observer, hence we trust that pardon will
be granted For the slight DEPRESSION from
our subject.


Passing down upon the southern side of
the gorge, the first marked spot (for some
lover of nature has attached names in paint.
to the various points of interest) is known
as the Lovers Leap"


Here the jutting slate rock stands out in
an angle of the stream, affording one who
has the nerve to stand upon perpendcu-
lar precipice a hundred feet above the
foaming current that lashes itself in the
deep abyss below him, one of the widest
and most romantic scenes in nature.
10 the north is seen, amid the giant
boulders, the rushing waters. flowing on
apace as though in haste to love the base
of Lovers Leap" then turning abruptly
at right angles, they speed their way di-
rectly to the east, and often hide their
toamy caps beneath the water washed and
fractured lodges, that are thrown together
in stupendous heaps, and in low water
pifuBc the ueep worn channel.


Passing down hundred rods, on a rus.
tic footpath, skirted with thick under.
brush of evergreen and forest trees, the
visitor finds himself in the Rotunda."
This consists, as its name implies, of cir
cular enclosure, surrounded with smooth
ly worn and water washed ledge, the top
and sides of which are arrayed with that
drapery which nature uses to decorate her
widest and most secluded haunts: and
Iuckerman with all his successful labors in
collecting MOSES, can exhibit no rarer, or
more beautiful varieties, than are used TO
deck the rocks of this romantic spot.


Eureka Cave" is near the Rotunda,,
and claims visit. No pendant staactites
are found upon the roof of this cavern, for
the rock is mica slate, and solid but the
smooth rounded outline of its walls pro-
clam the fact that water was the agent en-
pioyed to scoop out this deep recess.


The cave is so spacious as to afford an
excellent spot for juveniles to partake of
the repast of picnic party, and being less
than mile from the railroad, and in the
midst OF scenes SO enchanting, it would
seem proper place for the Sabbath school
and other juvenile associations to resort TO.
for with their merriment and sweetmeats.
they would here partake of the inspiration
afforded by the lavish display of Natures
widest and most beautiful scenery.


Less than half dozen rods from the
cave, just upon the verge of the stream, the
preadamic waters scooped out pot hole
that now is elevated about twenty feet
above the river bed, and of size sufficient
TO admit dozen persons.


Leaning Ger the northern edge of this
rock basin. one of the most beautiful and
widest views burst upon the mind thai can
be conceived. As far up and down the
gorge as the eye can reach, there are seen,
on either bank, the rounded inches and fan
tastIc carvings made by water, which bring
to the mind of the beholder the descriptions
ie has had of ancient ampiiheatres and the
I'D city Petra, that were cut by man ont of
he solid rock.


Years Of hard labor were required IN
accomplish those works OF art, but centu-
les rolled round while water was AT work
n this sequestered glen, in giving the final
ouch to this master work Of nature
Niagara can be painted and withaI il
makes agood picture; but that picture new !:
r awakens spark of the admiration tba, >
lows into flame of enthusiasm that one
eels in beholding the reality, and so il is with
yayendish Falls and their SURROUNDINGS.
photographs and pencil sketches NAV con-
ey to the mind faint shadows of the reality.
ut the lover of the beautiful in nature, if
e would drink in full draught of the en- !,
busiasm, and feel the glow of inspiration
fforded in contemplating the sublime :.
randeur connected with these falls, must :.
lsit them in person, and from the rock ba-
n before named, (which some one has =
Sacred to Love- y and elsewhere u
mid the roar of the rushing waters, take