Oldal 72 [72]
OCR
spray in front of the American Fall. Entering the cave you are behind the great sheet of falling water, which curtains the outer world from view. The roar of the water is fearful and unceasing. ‘The spray dashes and whirls about you and you behold the most awe inspiring scene at Niagara. Its immensity is startling. The cave was formed by the action of the dashing water in washing away the soft substratum of the precipice, leaving the stratum of limestone over-head. After ascending the stairs drive to TERRAPIN POINT. An easy stairway and path leads to the very brink of the Horseshoe Falls, which is before you in all its magnificence. It will at once be seen that the water is deeper as it passes the brink at the centre, than at the American Fall. The beautiful green centre will force admiration, for the stream bends solidly over the precipice and does not burst into foam as 1t drops from the ledge. In 1833, a tower 45 feet high, 12 feet in diameter at its base, and eight feet at the top, was built here to increase the facilities for viewing the falls. It stood until 1573, when it was torn down, being considered unsafe. In the gorge below, the water is churned into a milky whiteness. The Horseshoe Fall is frequently referred to as the Canadian Fall. It extends from Goat Island to the shore of the Dominion of Canada, In 1542, its crest line measured 2,260 feet; in 1890 it was 3,010 feet. This fall shows a mean total: recession of I04 51“ 100 feet in 48 years, the total area of recession being 275,400 superficial feet or 6 327/100 acres. In height the fall is 168 feet, the rapids above having a descent of 55 feet 1n three-quarters of amile. The volume of water estimated to pass over the fall 1s 15,000,000 cubic feet per minute, or, about one cubic mile per week. Many geologists feel assured that the Horseshoe Fall is the engine that ploughed the great gorge. It certainly falls away more rapidly than the American Fall, as the soft stratum of rock below is undermined by the action of the water so that finally the weight of the heavy limestone top forces it to fall. THREE SISTER ISLANDS. In driving to these islands, which are a short distance above the brink of the Horseshoe Fall, a very fine view is obtained of the Canadian rapids, the water running at the rate of 25 miles an hour. The Sister Islands are three of the most delightful spots about Niagara. On all sides the river is of wondrous beauty and the many freaks of the course of the river are charming to a great degree. While standing far out on the Third Sister Island a fine view is obtained of the river and the cascade that extends to the Canadian shore, varying in height from 10 to 15 feet. The drive around the head of Goat Island brings an entire change of scene. The river lies
