THE FALLS BY MOONLIGHT.

*

157

I gathered a specimen of the Black or Under Rock, another of the Superficial or Upper Rock, also, some Spar, and a substance very soft, and as white as snow, which, rather than be at a loss for a name, the fisherman told me was congealed spray! I now attempted to explore the shore below Mrs. Simcoe's Ladder, but after scrambling over a few rocks, I found the River ran close in with the Cliffs, and consequently was obliged to return. Nothing further presenting itself to my curiosity, I ascended the Ladder very much fatigued, having been four hours below. From the top of the Ladder I took another sketch of the East, or United States Falls, being a good point of view.

Met with Mr. Macomb, of New York, at Chippawa, by whom I sent a few lines to Mr. Morris, of Canadarqua.-In the evening went and took a Moonlight View of the Falls.-This day no clouds; sun very scorching; hazy.

MONDAY, AUGUST 25th.

8 A. M. Left Chippawa; turned off the main road, descended the steep bank, and rode to

* These substances were analyzed, but not accurately, by Dr. Moyes. The Black-rock was an imperfect limestone, containing a large portion of clay: it was precisely the same as the understratum of the Genesee Falls. The specimen of the upperstratum, which forms the bed of the river, was a very perfect. and pure limestone. The white substance was gypsum.

the edge of the River near the Mill-race; dismounted and remained half an hour to sketch the Rapids. The effect was far more grand than when seen from above; it was a Sea of Breakers! The Fall is so considerable as to shut out the sight of Land when looking up the Rapids. I am surprised that painters have neglected the Rapids.

I could not pass Table-Rock without paying it another visit. I was now confirmed in my opinion, that this view is superior to the view from below. The air was uncommonly clear, and the Falls appeared to the greatest advantage. I took a final sketch of this noble object.

Bruce dipped his goblet into the Source of the Nile!-With more humility, but perhaps with greater thirst, I, on my hands and knees, drank of the Falls of the Niagara!

Two hours had nearly passed before I had resolution to leave the Rock; the greater my intimacy with the Falls, the more they won upon my affections.

I was now going to take leave, and perhaps for ever, of an object, to attain a sight of which, had been a principal design of mine for many years;—an object that for these last four days had been "my ever new delight!"-an object that J. O Esq. a gentleman of

the Law in New York, was this Summer induced to visit, who, to have a better view of the Falls, would not deign to dismount, but at the first sight, exclaimed, "Is that all?" and rode on! So true is that trite saying, "Many men-many minds!"

Noon; arrived at Queenstown; Fairbank's Tavern, three hundred and ninety miles. The distance from Queenstown to the Falls by the line of the River, is eight miles and three quarters: the greater part of this distance is well settled. I had no view of the River after leaving Table-Rock.-Buck-wheat was in flower.

Queenstown is at the foot of the Table-land. From the brow of the ridge above Queenstown the prospect is very extensive; the principal objects are, the River and Fort Niagara, unless I include Lake Ontario, which bounds the horizon to the North-East.

The Niagara is not navigable higher than Queenstown, consequently there is a portage from this place to Chippawa, which employs numerous teams, chiefly oxen; each cart being drawn by two yoke of oxen, or two horses. I passed great numbers on the road taking up bales and boxes, and bringing down packs of peltries. Fourteen teams were at the wharf waiting to be loaded. Here were also three schooners in one of them, the Genl. Simcoe,

Mr. Ogilvy, and friends, had taken their passage, and secured one for me. I here met with friend Paudit, of Tannawantee.

my

I sat down to a miserable dinner at Fairbank's Tavern, and after dinner sent my introductory letter to Col. Hamilton from his friend Mr. Bache, of New York, which procured me an invitation to supper. The goodness of my supper made amends for the badness of my dinner. Col. Hamilton has a good house and garden. Very warm day.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26th.

Walked to the summit of the ridge before breakfast; breakfasted with Mr. Clarke; sold my horses to Mr. Innis for one hundred dollars, being seven dollars and fifty cents gain. My horses had very much improved by the journey; Lewis was an excellent groom, and had taken good care of them. I expected at least one hundred and twenty dollars for the young Bay, which I had bought at Canajoharee. He would have fetched two hundred at New York; yet I felt myself much obliged to Mr. Innis for giving me one hundred for the two. The market had been overstocked; no other person would buy them at any price. Mr. Innis did not want them he was on the point of setting out for the Grande Portage, and expected, therefore,