IXVSIXTH ANNUAL REPORT

COMMISSIONERS

OF THE . , , _. _ ... '

MAR 28 18

State Reservation at Niagara

For the Fiscal Year

From October, 1888, to September ^o, 1889.

TRANSMITTED TO THE LEGISLATURE JANUARY 2 2, 1890.

//

ALBANY:

JAMES B. LYON, STATE PRINTER.
1890.

FRANKLIN INSTITUTE LIBRARY

PHILADELPHIA, PA.

Class.

Book Accession.

REFERENCE

'With the (Compliments of

ANDREW H. GREEN, Pres't, JAMES MOONEY,

JOHN HODGE, JOHN M. BOWERS

and DANIEL BATCHELOR,

Commissioners of the State Reservation at IKiagara.

HENRY E. GREGORY, Treasurer & Secretary,

214 Broadway, new York.

SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

COMMISSIONERS

OF THE

State Reservation at Niagara

For the Fiscal Year

From October, 1888, to September 30, 1889.

TRANSMITTED TO THE LEGISLATURE JANUARY 2 2, 1890.

ALBANY:

JAMES B. LYON, STATE PRINTER,

1890.

COMMISSIONERS.

ANDREW H. GREEN, President.

JAMES MOONEY.
JOHN M. BOWERS.

JOHN HODGE.
DANIEL BATCHELOR.

Treasurer and Secretary.
HENRY E. GREGORY.

Superintendent.
THOMAS V. WELCH.

State of New York

No. 23.

IN ASSEMBLY,

___________ January 22, 1890.

SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT

COMMISSIONERS OF THE STATE EESEEVATION AT
NIAGAEA, FOE THE FISCAL YEAE, FEOM OCTOBEE
1, 1888, TO SEPTEMBEE 30, 1889.

To the Honorable the Legislature :

The Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara,
as required by law, submit their annual report for the
fiscal year from October 1, 1888, to September 30, 1889.

Their last annual report contained a summary state-
ment to the effect that the buildings and other objects
which had for years been permitted to deface the land-
scape at Niagara had been removed from the territory
of the Reservation. This preparatory work having been
accomplished, it seemed to be the duty of the Com-
missioners to proceed to do that for which chiefly they
were constituted a State Board, to wit: To restore the
scenery of tthe Falls of Niagara to its natural condition
and to preserve it from possible injury and violation as

4 Sixth Annual Report of the

long as it should remain under their care and subject
to their control.

The Legislature, it may fairly be assumed, recognized
the fact that the preliminary labors of the Commissioners
had been performed, for in 1887 it enacted, by chapter
656, that the Commissioners " shall have power to lay out,
manage and maintain said Reservation." By the same
act the sum of $20,000 was appropriated for the care
and maintenance of the Reservation ; but no money was
granted for the purpose of laying out the grounds and
of restoring the scenery of the Falls to its natural con-
dition. This omission delayed for one year the work of
restoration.

The Legislature, in 1888, likewise appropriated $20,000
for care and maintenance; but, following the example
of its predecessors, omitted any provision for the
essential work of restoration and improvement.

By chapter 569, Laws of 1889, the Legislature increased
the annual sum for maintenance to $25,000; but passed
an act fixing the pay of State laborers at not less than
two dollars a day, and of those employed otherwise
than day laborers at a rate of not less than twenty -five
cents per hour. This increase of wages and salaries
renders it impossible to accomplish with $25,000 any
more than was formerly done with $20,000,

By chapter 570, the Legislature this year granted the
Commissioners the sum of $15,000 "for repairs of roads,
bridges and betterments on the Reservation," and the
State Engineer and Surveyor was "authorized to make
such .surveys and maps, and to set such monuments,
as may be requested of him by the said Commissioners."

This may be said to be the initial expression of
legislative willingness to aid the Commissioners in their

COMMISSIONEES OF THE STATE ReSEKVATION AT NlAGAKA. 5

efforts to fulfill the purposes for which they were
appointed. The work of restoration might have been
undertaken earlier had the Legislature deemed it wise to
provide the necessary funds. During the last two years
much work of a substantial and permanent character
might have been done, and the scenery about the Falls
would by this time have presented increased attractions.

The comprehensive plan of restoration which the
Commissioners desire to carry out will require moderate
annual appropriations for some years to come. The
work which has been so long postponed should now be
pushed forward with as much rapidity as the nature of
it will permit.

Former reports have contained statements concern-
ing expenditures which the Commissioners considered
especially important.

In the last report reference was made to the indif-
ferent condition of the walks and roads within the
Reservation, and particularly to those on Goat Island.
The Commissioners requested an appropriation for the
reconstruction of the existing Goat Island roads and for
laying out and constructing new and better ones. They
are still of the opinion that measures should be speedily
undertaken to provide good and substantial walks and
roads at Niagara.

By far the greatest enjoyment of a visit to the Falls
is obtained in the course of a leisurely walk. The
saunterer at Niagara derives far more satisfaction from
a sojourn there than one who takes all his sight-seeing
seated in a carriage. Indeed, it is impossible, except on
foot, thoroughly to see the principal charms of the
Niagara scenery. Walking, nevertheless, is objectionable
to large numbers of visitors, and they who decide to

6 Sixth Annual Keport of the

make the circuit of Niagara in carriages should be
enabled to do so comfortably. Smooth and solid roads
are a necessity. Portions of the roads on Goat Island
are so thickly shaded by the primitive forest that mud
remains upon them, deep and black, long after the rain
has ceased, to the obstruction of vehicles and the
discomfort of visitors.

Among the first essentials of a public pleasure ground
are goods walks and roads. However sublime the natural
scenery within its limits, however perfect its artificial
adornments, they will not prove in the highest degree
attractive to the people, unless access to them is both
easy and inviting. While the Niagara Reservation is
not a park, in the commonly accepted sense of the
word, it will be generally agreed that, since it includes
within its borders the stupendous cataract whose power,
grandeur and beauty have thrilled the souls and awed
the minds of men of all sorts and conditions, from
the savages of the Iroquois and the Neutral Nation to the
poets and philosophers of the most civilized countries —
it will be generally agreed that here, if anywhere,
means of access to the principal points of view should
be convenient and agreeable.

There is but one Niagara. The traveler who fails to
include the great cataract in his itinerary is sure to
regret it. The State, having assumed the ownership of
the land about the Falls, invites all people to come
and visit its most wonderful possession. To make
adequate provision for the comfort and convenience of
his guests is the duty of an enlightened host. It would
hardly be deemed extravagant to take the requisite
measures to prevent annoyances to visitors while on
the domain of the State, or to render the many points

Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara. 7

of natural attractiveness accessible by sufficient roads,
bridges, walks and resting-places.

A view upward from the foot of the Falls can only
be had after having made a descent of nearly 200 feet.
Many, who do not count themselves weak, hesitate to
undertake the trip. Thousands, however, desire so to do.

The simple facilities afforded by an elevator to be
operated by the force of the water, whereby a safe
transit may be made by the aged and weak as well as
by the strong and robust, at a nominal charge, merely
sufficient to pay the operating expenses, would be a
public convenience by which thousands would be enabled
to witness some of the most attractive views of the Falls.

For those who prefer, however, to make the descent
on foot, there should be a stairway free of charge to
everybody. y

Inasmuch as the annoyances, impositions and abuses
most frequently complained of at Niagara arise between
visitors and the drivers of public conveyances, it seems
wise and in the interest of the traveling public to make
the exercise of walking on the Reservation as attractive
as possible.

It is important to be kept in mind that outside of the
limits of the Reservation the Commissioners have no
authority to prevent impositions or protect visitors from
injustice.

The restoration of the sloping bank of the river from
the Grove to Bridge street, as has been pointed out
in previous reports, should no longer be delayed. It
was formerly very largely covered by buildings. These
having been removed, the surface, of course, presents an
irregular, mutilated and barren appearance. Grading and
filling to a limited extent have somewhat relieved the

8 Sixth Annual Report of the

ugliness of the contour of the surface here. But much
remains to be done. Turf and trees are especially needed.

In the selection of young trees and in the arrange-
ment of them, special knowledge and taste will be sought
by the Commissioners. Years must necessarily elapse
before the plantations can attain the growth required
for the concealment of the village structures that border
on the Reservation. This portion of the mainland is
particularly mentioned because it is near the Falls and
in close proximity to the main entrances to the Reser-
vation. The bank of the river for a considerable distance
beyond Bridge street likewise needs to be graded and
planted.

It should be said that, in view of the necessity that
exists for the planting of portions of the Reservation,
it seems advisable to establish a nursery to provide the
trees that will be needed. A small and secluded part
of Goat Island may properly be used for this purpose.

The bridges of the Reservation, although at present
in a safe condition, are mainly of wood and demand
frequent repairs. They can not be regarded as per-
manent structures. Periodical inspections are required
to satisfy the Commissioners that they are fit and safe
for the use of the public. Sooner or later, one by one,
they must be replaced by structures of iron, steel or stone.

The foot-bridge that connects Goat Island with Luna
Island is but an inferior affair. A stone or iron bridge
placed a few rods back from the brink of the Falls should,
as early as practicable, be constructed.

The importance of protecting the southern shore of
Goat Island from the action of the river, was brought
to the attention of the Legislature in the last annual
report, as well as in that of 1887. It is hardly necessary

Commissioners of the State Eeservation at Niagara. 9

to state that, during the past year, owing to lack of
funds, no measures of a permanent character have been
adopted to prevent this abrasion of Goat Island. Mean-
time, the current with unabated force carries on its
devastating work. While there are no means of ascer-
taining exactly how much of the soil of Goat Island
is annually worn or washed away, there can be no
doubt that the process of destruction goes incessantly
on. The river dashes against the island with enormous
force and velocity. It has a descent of about fifty feet
in the last mile of its course to the brink of the preci-
pice. An island of granite would inevitably yield to
the eroding power of such an irresistible current.

Goat Island is so valuable and so beautiful that any
diminution of its size is to be regretted as a loss that
can not be replaced. Ownership imposes obligations, and
one of these is to see to it that the property of the
State suffers no injury by reason of neglect on the part
of those who are invested with authority and its accom-
panying responsibility.

During the great storm of January, 1889, when the
river was much swollen and the force of the current
increased, the erosive energy was considerably augmented
and the amount of damage noticeably greater. Nor did
the mainland escape. There was some washing of the
soil near the old French landing. The smaller islands
also suffered. The tumultuous torrent flowed over the
bridge between the first and second Sister Islands, as
well as over parts of each of these islands. The injury
wrought by this mass of rushing water was quite serious.
Portions of the surface soil were washed away, leaving
the rock exposed. Trees and shrubs were prostrated or
swept away. A section of the pier at the head of the
2

,

10

Sixth Annual Report of the

race-way by which water is conducted to the Inclined
Railway was carried away. The fence and sidewalk along
the Rapids between the Grove and the bridge to Bath
Island were forced out of place np on the bank. The
water in the river below the Falls rose over twenty feet,
causing much damage to the dock of the "Maid of the
Mist." In the Grove and on Goat Island many trees were
blown down.

The Niagara, it has been said, drains half a continent.
Between its banks pours the overflow of all the great
lakes, except Lake Ontario.

The following extracts are from a paper prepared by
Assistant Engineer L. Y. Schermerhorn and given in
notes explanatory of Crosman's Chart of the Great Lakes :

"The lately completed lake surveys, made by the United
States, have reduced to exactness much that previously was only
approximate, and the perfection of methods used gives a perfec-
tion to the results which seldom obtains in surveys covering
so great geographical extent and involving so many details.

" The water surface of the Great Lakes with the land draining
into it presents a total drainage basin of over 270,000 square
miles, assembled as follows :

Area of

water surface.
Square miles.

Area of

water-shed.

Square miles.

Aggregate
area of basin.
Square miles.

St. Mary's river

31,200

150

22,450

23,800

25

410

25

9,960

15

7,240

51,600
800

37,700

31,700
3,800
3,400
1,200

22,700
300

21,600

82,800
950

Lake Michigan

Lake Huron and Georgian bay.
St. Clair river

60,150
55,500

3,825

Lake St. Clair

Detroit river

3,810
1,225

Lake Erie

32,660

Niagara river

Lake Ontario

315

28,840

95,275

174,800

270,075

Commissioners of the State Eeservation at Niagara. 11

" The water surface of Lake Superior nearly equals the com-
bined areas of New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and
Connecticut ; Lakes Michigan and Huron together nearly equal
the area of the State of New York, Lake Erie, the combined areas
of New Jersey and Delaware and Lake Ontario, about three-
fourths of the area of Maryland. The combined area of the lakes
exceeds the area of England, Wales and Scotland. * * *

" The recently perfected levels of the United States Lake Sur-
veys, between tide water and the lakes, fixes the elevation of their

mean surfaces above mean sea level as follows :

Feet.

Lake Ontario 246T6o

Lake Erie 572TV

Lakes Huron and Michigan 581^

Lake Superior 601TV

"The difference of twenty and one-half feet between Lakes
Superior and Huron occurs in the rapids of St. Mary's river ;
the eight and four-tenths feet between Lakes Huron and Erie,
mainly in Detroit river.

" The difference of 326 feet between Lakes Erie and Ontario
occurs in the vicinity of Niagara Falls, and is principally assembled
as follows : One hundred feet in the five miles of rapids between
Lewiston and the lower Suspension Bridge ; ten feet in the rapids
between the bridge and the Falls ; 160 feet at the Falls ; fifty feet
in the rapids immediately above the Falls, and six feet in the
upper Niagara river.

"The mean depth of Lake Superior is about 475 feet; the
deepest point marks a depth of 1,008 feet, or 406 feet below the
level of the sea. Lake Huron has a mean depth of about 250 and
a maximum depth of 750 feet. Lake Michigan has a mean depth
of 325 feet and a maximum depth of 870 feet. Lake Erie is com-
paratively shallow, having an average depth of less than seventy
feet, and a maximum of 210 feet. Lake Ontario has a mean depth
of about 300 feet, and a maximum of 738, or nearly 500 feet below
the level of the sea. The channels of the rivers connecting the
lakes seldom exceed the depth of fifty feet. If the lakes could be
drained to the level of the sea, Lake Erie would disappear, Lake
Huron reduced to quite insignificant dimensions, Lake Michigan
to a length of about 100 miles, with a width of twenty-five
or thirty miles, Lakes Ontario and Superior, although with

12 Sixth Annual Eepokt of the

diminished areas, would still preserve the dignity of their present
titles as Great Lakes. * * *

"The following represent the average discharges at the outlets of
the lakes : Lake Superior, at St. Mary's river, 86,000 cubic feet per
second ; Lakes Michigan and Huron, at St. Clair river, 225,000
cubic feet per second ; Lake Erie, at Niagara, 265,000 cubic feet
per second ; Lake Ontario, at St. Lawrence river, 300,000 cubic
feet per second.

" The aggregate discharge of the lakes is double that of the
Ohio and nearly equals half the discharge of the Mississippi. The
area of the lake basin is a third larger than the basin of the Ohio,
or about a fifth the combined areas of the basins of the Missis-
sippi and its affluents. The outflow of the lake basin is slightly
less than half the rainfall, while on the Mississippi and Ohio the
discharge is about a fourth the rainfall. If the average discharge
of the lakes passed through a river one mile wide with a mean
velocity of one mile per hour, such a river would have a depth of
forty feet from shore to shore.

" The volume of water in the lakes is about 6,000 cubic miles, of
which Lake Superior contains a little less than one-half. Perhaps
a better idea of this volume may be obtained when it is said that
it would sustain Niagara Falls in its present condition for about
100 years."

In March, 1889, there was introduced into both Houses
of the Legislature a bill entitled "An act to authorize
the Niagara Hydraulic Electric Company to erect machinery
under Niagara Falls for the purpose of utilizing the
water power of said Falls for manufacturing electricity
and to erect the necessary machinery for the same." It
was referred to the Judiciary Committee in the Senate,
and to the Committee on Internal Affairs in the Assembly.
On April third the President of the Board sent a letter
to the Legislature, under cover to the Speaker, in which
objections to the measure were stated. On April fourth
a similar letter was addressed to the Chairman of the
Assembly Committee on Internal Affairs, and on April
fifth, a letter to the Chairman of the Senate Committee

•'<-

^

The Whirlpool Rapids.

Commissioners of the State Eeservation at Niagara. 13

on Finance, also aimed against the same measure. Copies
of these communications are printed in the appendix to
this report.

Notwithstanding these remonstrances the bill was
reported favorably in both Houses. On May seventh it
came up in the regular order in the Senate. On motion
of Senator Walker it was, by a vote of 19 to 11, recom-
mitted to the Judiciary Committee, and so disposed of
for the session.

The Commissioners conceived it to be their duty to
oppose the passage of the bill, inasmuch as its pro-
visions were in direct contravention of the purposes for
which the lands of the Eeservation had been taken by
the State for the public use. The company asked to
be permitted to turn aside the water where it rolls
over the precipice at Prospect Park; then, by blasting,
to construct a vault or cave in the rock and behind
the Fall. Here it proposed to place dynamos to be
operated by water descending through a tube or well
upon turbine wheels. Should the company be allowed
to undertake operations as here indicated, the Falls
and the scenery would be permanently defaced, and a
precedent established that would be followed by deplor-
able consequences. The Commissioners hope that the
general condemnation which this extraordinary and pre-
sumptuous project received will effectually discourage
other persons from seeking to secure legislative sanction
for similar undertakings.

It may as well be understood that the Commissioners
will decline to entertain propositions or applications, on
the part of individuals or corporations, to utilize the
water power at Niagara; nor will they countenance any
scheme or project the success of which would be likely
to result in defacement of the landscape, or in any way

14 Sixth Annual Report of the

interfere with the performance of the duty intrusted
to them, namely, that of restoring the scenery to its
natural condition. No contrivances for private pecuniary
profit, no advertising devices will be allowed on the
Reservation.

During the year eight pairs of iron needle beams have
been placed in the main bridges. Five pairs had previously
been inserted. The strength and security of the bridges
are thus increased. A wrought iron pipe or conduit
has been substituted in place of the old wooden one
by which water was supplied to the Inclined Railway. The
machinery in the wheel-pit of the Inclined Railway has
been examined and repaired. A new manilla cable has
been placed in position on the railway. The wooden
stairway and walk to the Terrapin rocks have been
removed and new and enlarged ones substituted. The
charts of the United States Lake Survey, which were pre-
sented to the Commissioners, have been hung in the
library.

The library, it should be understood, is a frame building
in Prospect Park already there when the State acquired
possession. It has been allowed to remain, as an appro-
priate depository for charts, maps and books that may
be donated to the State.

A folding guide, in cheap form, including a map of
the Reservation and vicinity, has been prepared under
the direction of the President of the Board. This is
designed to furnish all necessary information to visitors,
such as directions as to the way of reaching the points
of view within the Reservation, together with carriage
rates, other items of expense and suggestions of interest.

The New York Central and Hudson River Railroad
Company issued, during the year, what purported to be
a guide to Niagara. It, however, contained many erro-

COMMISSIONERS OF THE STATE RESERVATION AT NIAGARA. 15

neous statements. The President of the Board having
directed the attention of the company to these errors,
assurance has been received that they will be corrected.

The number of visitors to the Reservation during the
year has been somewhat smaller than last year. The
sensational and foolhardy performances which have been
described in the public prints since the submission of
the last report have taken place, if at all, outside of
the jurisdiction of the Commissioners.

The monthly receipts from the Inclined Railway were
as follows:

1888.

October $229 30

November 84 10

December 20 25

1889.

January 49 05

February 13 05

March 58 55

April 84 20

May 242 00

June 423 85

July 1,042 85

August 1,888 90

September , 938 00

$5,074 10

At the beginning of each month during the year, the
total receipts and earnings of the Reservation for the
month immediately preceding have been transmitted to
the State Treasurer. Interest on balances in bank at
three per cent has been remitted to the same official
quarterly.

The Comptroller has honored a requisition made quar-
terly upon him for a fourth part of $20,000 appropriated

16 Sixth Annual Eeport of the

for the care and maintenance of the Reservation by
chapter 270, Laws of 1888.

The treasurer's report herewith submitted contains a
statement in detail of all receipts and expenditures for
the fiscal year ended September 30, 1889, of which the
following is a summary:

Balance September 30, 1888 $23 46

Receipts.

Inclined Railway $5 ,074 10

Rentals 2,135 00

Sales .' 37 95

Interest Ill 58

7,358 63

From State Treasurer 20,000 00

Total $27,382 09

Disbursements.

Pay-rolls at Niagara $11,207 44

Labor, materials, etc 6,842 23

Commissioners and treasurer, traveling

expenses, etc ' 1,482 97

Total $19,532 64

Remitted, to State Treas-
urer $7,358 63

Interest of previous year, 35 14

7,393 77

26,926 41

Balance September 30, 1889 $455 68

Total receipts since organization of the Commission

June 9, 1883 $109,781 10

Total disbursements 109 ,325 42

Balance $455 68

Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara. 17

The following is "an estimate of the work necessary
to be done and of the expenses of maintaining said
Reservation for the ensuing fiscal year," ending with

September 30, 1890.

Maintenance.

Salaries, office and traveling expenses $4 , 300

Reservation police, watchmen, etc 5 , 700

Mechanics and laborers 7,000

Materials, tools, trees, etc 7 , 000

Miscellaneous . 1,000

Total $25,000

Improvements.

Repairs of roads, filling, grading, planting, etc $25 , 000

For an hydraulic elevator 35 , 000

For bridges, repairs, etc 5 ,000

For iron railing on Goat Island, etc 1 , 500

$66,500

Estimated Receipts from October 1, 1889, to September 30, 1890.

Inclined Railway $6,000

Cave of the Winds 1,200

Ferry and steamboat landing 500

Carriage service 100

Baggage-room 50

Total $7,850

An able and interesting essay by Prof. G. K. Gilbert,
of Washington, D. C, on the history of the Niagara
river is appended to this report.

In the report of the superintendent, hereto annexed,
will be found details of the work of the year.

ANDW. H. GREEN,
JAMES MOONEY,
JOHN HODGE,
JOHN M. BOWERS,
DANIEL BATCHELOR,
Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara.
Henry E. Gregory, Secretary.
3

Report of the Superintendent

OF THE

STATE RESERVATION AT NIAGARA

FOR THE

Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 1889.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT.

To the Board of Commissioners of the

State Reservation at Niagara :

Gentlemen. — I respectfully submit the annual report of the
superintendent.

During the fiscal year ending September 30, 1889, the affairs of
the State Reservation at Niagara have been carried on, without
serious difficulty. The number of tourists visiting the Reservation
has increased, while the number of excursionists from neighboring
localities, has not been so great as in other years. Although upon
occasions, visitors from various localities, exceeding 5,000 in
number, have been present on the same day, no disorder has been
manifest, and notwithstanding the many dangerous places, no
accident has occurred, within the Reservation, during the year.
Owing to the constant passing in and out of visitors, no accurate
account of the number can be obtained. Observation extending
over the period which has elapsed since the establishment of the
Reservation and comparison with the registered number of visitors
to the Queen Victoria Niagara Falls Park confirm the impression
that 500,000 visitors to the Reservation per annum, is not an
excessive estimate.

Assuming 500,000 visitors per annum, to be a fair estimate, and
that there has been saved to each the amount of the tolls formerly
charged upon the grounds, now included within the Reservation,
to wit : Fifty cents admission to the Islands, twenty-five cents
admission to Prospect Park, and twenty-five cents for the use of
the stairway at the Inclined Railway in Prospect Park, aggregating
one dollar for each visitor, there has been at this time saved to
the public the amount paid by the State, for the lands included
within the State Reservation at Niagara, and the cost of maintenance
up to the present time.

An examination of the statement of the number of excursionists,
hereto appended, aggregating 142,860 persons, shows that a very

22 Sixth Annual Report of the

large proportion of the visitors to the Reservation are residents
of the State of New York.

The revenue from the Inclined Railway and leases, amounted to
nearly one-half as much as the total expenditures by the super-
intendent. If to the present sources of revenue, were added a
much needed elevator, for ascending and descending the cliff
between the American and the Horseshoe Falls, on Goat Island,
operated by the State like the Inclined Railway for a nominal
charge, and having a free stairway attached, the aggregate revenue
from the Inclined Railway, and a suitable elevator, would go far
towards paying the annual cost of maintenance.

The necessity of a commodious elevator, to take the place of the
Biddle Stairway at the Cave of the Winds, has been commented
upon in former reports of the superintendent. Visitors to the
Reservation, desire to obtain the view to be had from the base of
the cliff on Goat Island, between the American and the Horseshoe
Falls. The great drawback to the enjoyment of visitors at this
point is the labor of descending and ascending a narrow winding
stairway eighty feet in height. The structure is old and unsuitable
for the accommodation of the number of persons who desire to see
the Falls from this favorable point of view. The debris slope under
the cliff between the American and Horseshoe Falls commands
unrivaled views of the cataract. It is the central point from which
the magnificent scenery on either hand may be viewed to advantage.
Near the edge of the water a walk of a quarter of a mile in extent
can be constructed from the American to the Horse-shoe Falls.
Such a footway would be as free from danger as the walk from
the steamboat landing to the base of the American Fall at Pros-
pect Park, which is now visited by more than 100,000 people each
year. The general public are practically debarred from the enjoy-
ment of the views of the scenery to be obtained from the slope
between the two Falls, for want of proper facilities for descending
and ascending. An hydraulic elevator could be operated to advan-
tage in the locality. An elevator would be more safe and sightly
than the present structure, and would not only be a means of
great enjoyment to the public, but a sure and unobjectionable
source of revenue to the State.

Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara. 23

The Storm of January 9, 1889.

The severe storm of January ninth, caused considerable damage
to the Reservation. The principal damage is the largely increased
erosion upon the southern shore of Goat Island. The island is
mainly a deposit of gravel upon the Niagara limestone which forms
the bed of the river. The soil varies in thickness from forty feet
at the western margin to a thin wedge at the eastern end of the
island where the rock comes to the surface. The eastern and
southern margins of Goat Island are rock-bound ; the western
margin is a steep, rocky bluff. Along the southern margin the bed
of the island is composed of layers of gravel, clay, gravel, quick-
sand and gravel, downward from the surface in the order named.
Ordinarily the water in the river does not rise above the lower
layer of gravel, which averages about two feet in thickness.
During the storm of January ninth and tenth last, the wind forced
the water of Lake Erie, through the outlet of the lake, into the
Niagara river in such quantity as to raise the level of the river
above the Falls four feet, reaching the bed of quicksand on the
southern shore of Goat Island, which offered little resistance to
the force of the water. Where the southwestern portion of the
island juts out into the river the swollen current washed away
about ten feet of the bed of the island for a distance of 300 feet,
and increased the already existing erosions at various points along
the southern shore. In some places the washing away of the
shore caused the embankment to cave in, undermining the foot-
path, necessitating its abandonment at such points and the con-
struction of a guardrail for public safety. At the first place of
erosion, just below the Three Sisters Islands, the foot-path has
caved in a-d the erosion impinges upon the driveway. The
southern shore of Goat Island, viewed from the Three Sisters
Islands, now presents in many places a raw, perpendicular bank,
where formerly there was an inclined surface, partially covered by
vegetation.

The tendency of the current is to wash away the southwestern
portion of the island which curves outwardly into the rapids.
A number of deflecting piers of logs and stone have been con-
structed to protect the shore from the force of the water and the

24 Sixth Annual Report of the

large masses of ice floating in the river at times during the spring
and winter months. The existing piers are inadequate and if the
bank of the island is to be properly guarded the piers will require
to be replaced b}r means of protection more continuous and
substantial.

It is stated that a storm, similar to that of January ninth and
tenth, occurring in the year 1847, entirely washed away Gull Island*
about two acres in extent. Gull Island was situated south of
Goat Island and just above the Horseshoe Falls.

At the times of very high water the group of the Three Sisters
Islands obstructs the water in the river, causing it to rise above
those islands to a higher level than in other places in the river.
During the storm of January ninth the water covered a portion
of the First Sister Island, the ends of the bridge between the
First and Second Sisters Islands and flowed over the Second
Sister Island, doing considerable damage to the surface. The
upper end of the Third Sister Island was submerged and the soil
and vegetation carried away from that locality, leaving the rocks
bare to a much greater extent than formerly and overturning a
number of trees at the margin of the island.

Many trees upon the Reservation were destroyed by the gale.
Upon the islands fifty-nine (59) trees were blown down, as follows :
Ten basswood, five birch, seven maple, three elm, eight white cedar,
eleven red cedar, seven pine, three ironwood, one hemlock, one
white oak, one black ash, one hickory, one buttonwood. In Pros-
pect Park seventeen (17) trees were overturned, as follows : Four
white cedar, two red cedar, one hickory, four basswood, two box
alder, three ironwood, one pine. Along the river bank two (2)
willows were blown down Two-thirds of the trees were living
and ranged mainly from six to thirty inches in diameter. A
buttonwood on Goat Island, five feet in diameter, the largest tree
upon the Reservation, was prostrated. By reason of the mild
winter the ground was almost free from frost and in its soft and
wet state afforded little resistance to the force of the wind upon
the trees.

Upon Goat Island there is an abundant young growth to take
the place of the trees destroyed, but in Prospect Park and along
the river bank, on the mainland, the necessity for fresh planting,

Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara. 25

to repair the losses sustained at times from storms and the con-
stant decay of the older trees, can not be too urgently presented.

On the mainland the high water washed away a portion of the
made land at the " Old French Landing," at the eastern terminus
of the Reservation, and a large portion of the pier at the head of
the raceway which furnishes water for the operation of the Inclined
Railway. The repair of the damaged pier would be attended by
considerable expense. The new iron conduit supplies water more
freely than the wooden box formerly in use, and at present there
is abundant water for the operation of the Inclined Railway, except-
ing at seasons of floating ice. As the laying of a pipe iD the
raceway for a water supply has been mentioned the reconstruction
of the pier may be held in abeyance for the present, if desired.

Below the Falls the water in the river rose twenty-four (2-1) feet,
being four feet deep in the waiting-room at the foot of the Inclined
Railway and endangering the railway building, from which the large
front windows were blown by the gale. The building erected for
shelter upon the dock at the steamboat landing was unroofed, an
out-house in the same locality carried away and a summer house
in Prospect Park blown down.

The bridges upon the Reservation were not injured by the wind
or high water during the storm. If ice had been floating in the
river, as is frequently the case in the month of January, it is
probable that some of the bridges to the smaller islands would have
been destroyed.

Bridges.

Eight pairs of iron needle beams have been placed in the bridges
between the mainland and Goat Island.

The planking of the main bridge, from the shore to Bath Island,
has been renewed, the joists doubled in number by the addition of
oak stringers, new approaches of plank made at the ends of the
bridge and one of the piers of the bridge filled with stone and the
cribbing repaired.

The new planking extends from center to center of the main truss
rods, thereby widening and improving the appearance of the road-
way of the bridge. The roof of the bridge gate-house has also been
repaired and the structure repainted.
4

26 Sixth Annual Report of the

The needle beams of the bridge are apparently in a safe condition
at present.

The three bridges to the Terrapin rocks have been repaired.
In some instances it was necessary to renew the main stringers of
the bridges. The trusses have been repaired, the cross-beams
renewed and the three bridges entirely replanked. The present
structures should be replaced by new bridges within a year or two.

The water flowing over the Second Sister Island during the
storm of January ninth, removed the stone covering from the
anchor rods of the second bridge. The stones have been relaid,
and the damage caused by the storm repaired.

The cribbing around the base of the rock which supports the
south end of the bridge to the Third Sister Island was worn by
floating ice, and a portion of the stone filling of the crib washed
out. The crib has been refilled and the timber work repaired and
protected by a covering of oak plank and sheet iron.

Railroad Livery Privileges.

The number of visitors to the Reservation has been as great as
in former years, but their stay has been of short duration. This
has been largely due to the sale of livery tickets on the railroad
trains, by which visitors, without going to the hotels, have been
hurriedly taken to "points of interest" outside of the Reservation,
places where admission fees are charged, and which are owned or
controlled by the firm which had the exclusive privilege of selling
livery tickets upon the railroad trains, and in the depot yards, and
to bazaars and stores owned or controlled by the same firm. Until
recently, the carriage drivers of the livery company have not been
allowed to drive visitors to outside "points of interest" or to
bazaars or stores not owned or controlled by their employers.
The result has been an imposition upon the traveling public, and
a great injury to many of the business people of the community,
who have been wrongfully discriminated against by the operation of
the exclusive livery privileges granted by the railroad companies.

The people coming here to visit the Reservation have been turned
over by the railroad companies to a single firm, to be handled in
various ways for their financial benefit. The result has been that
the object of the State in establishing the Reservation has been to
a certain degree defeated.

Commissioned of the State Eeservation at Niagara. 27

As instructed by the Commissioners the superintendent stated
the facts to the railroad companies in September, 1887, and secured
the insertion of certain restrictions in the contract for the exclusive
livery privileges. These restrictions, as outlined in the corres-
pondence of the railroad conpanies with the superintendent, have
been from the outset deliberately evaded and ignored by the livery
company. During the present season proprietors of hotels,
finding the operation of the exclusive livery privilege detrimental
to the general business of the place, made complaint to the railroad
company, and were assured, that thereafter no soliciting for car-
riages would be allowed, upon its railroad trains. Notwithstanding
this assurance, it is evident, from complaints made at this office
that such solicitation still continues. The livery company, also
owns or controls bazaars, and " points of interest " where admis-
sion fees are charged and to which their passengers are systematically
taken, notwithstanding the assurance given to the superintendent,
by the railroad company, December 22, 1887, that such a manifestly
unjust and improper arrangement would not be permitted.

It is evident that a satisfactory condition of affairs can not exist
here so long as the business interests of all of the people in this
community who cater to the traveling public are Substantially at
the mercy of one firm and their employes.

The carriage owners, residents of the village, who have been
deprived of employment by the exclusive privileges granted to
one firm have been clamorous for employment, and visitors upon
the streets, between the depots and the Eeservation, have been
subjected to frequent solicitation, which local public sentiment, in
a measure, palliates, owing to the practical monopoly of the
handling of visitors granted to one firm largely foreign to the place.
The village authorities can greatly reduce the annoyance of
visitors by refusing licenses to drivers, not more than half a dozen
in number, who are commonly known to be improper persons, to
act as the drivers of carriages used for hire, and by a reasonable
enforcement of the village ordinances relating to soliciting and
the numbers of carriages and rates of fare.

Eeservation Carriage Service.
The Eeservation carriage service was in operation from June
fifteenth to October fifteenth. The existence of the service is

28 Sixth Annual Report of the

becoming more generally known, and it is constantly growing in
favor with the traveling public.

Licensed Careiage Drivers.

Eight public carriage stands have been designated upon the
public streets within the Reservation, in the territory outside of
the Prospect Park and the islands, at points under the supervision
of the Reservation police. The arrangement is a convenience to
the traveling public and also a benefit to the carriage drivers.

The privilege of using such stands is subject to revocation in
case the driver violates the ordinances of the Commissioners.
During the year seven complaints have been made against licensed
carriage drivers. Two licensed drivers have been excluded from
the Reservation for violation of the ordinances.

Hand Railing.

The hand railing for the Inclined Railway stairs has been com-
pleted. It is 800 feet long, consisting of pine boards, matched and
oak hand rail. The railing assists pedestrians in ascending and
descending the stairs, and also prevents visitors from falling upon
the tracks of the Inclined Railway.

Two hundred feet of iron railing have been erected along the
high bank on Goat Island.

Two hundred feet additional of iron guard-rail are required in
the vicinity of the new stairway on Goat Island and 600 feet to
replace the old and unsightly picket fence along the high bank in
Prospect Park.

Stairways.

The annual examination of the stairways, bridges and railings
within the Reservation was completed April twenty-seventh.

A new stairway to the Horseshoe Fall has been built. It con-
sists of nine flights of stairs and nine landings. Three of the
landings have balconies for observation and permanent seats for
the convenience of visitors. The foundations are of stone laid in
cement. The risers are of iron, the stringers of pine and the treads
and railing of oak. The stairway affords many fine views of the
Horseshoe Falls and the mode of ascent is much more easy than
formerly.

COMMISSIONERS OF THE STATE RESERVATION AT NIAGARA. 29

At Prospect Point visitors frequently climbed up the terrace
on the left in order to continue on their way to the islands. This
practice was accompanied by considerable danger. A new flight
of stone steps, with copings similar to the two flights already
existing, has been constructed in order to afford more convenient
access to the Point. The new steps were necessary and they
greatly increase the safety and convenience of the public.

The four flights of stone steps in Prospect Park were injured
by the ice. They have been repaired, the entrance to Prospect
Park at Cascade street repaired, the stone steps at the entrance to
Goat Island rebuilt, and the approach to the Third Sister Island
bridge repaired.

The structure inclosing the Biddle stairs has been repaired and
an additional iron stay-rod fastened from the building to the rock
to prevent swaying by the wind. Dangerous stone on the face of
the cliff, overhanging the pathway to the Cave of the Winds, has
been removed and the pathway cleared and repaired.

The Biddle stairs, although old and unsightly, are apparently
strong and safe.

The flight of steps at the entrance to Goat Island was decayed
beyond repair. It has been removed and a new stairway with iron
risers constructed. New steps have also been built on Goat Island,
near the entrance to the Three Sister Islands, and also on the
Second Sister Island, to replace a flight of steps carried away by
the water during the storm.

An additional substantial stairway is much needed to take the
place of the dilapidated steps leading to the Spring on Goat Island.

Buildings.

The Hall, the Library and the summer houses in Prospect Park
and on Goat Island have been painted in uniform and more suit-
able colors. The roof of the gate-keeper's house on Goat Island
has been shingled, and the out-houses and stairways upon the
Reservation painted.

The Pavilion on Goat Island and the Cave of the Winds build-
ing have been repainted. Painting made necessary by the altera-
tions in the Library building has been done and the roof of the
Inclined Railway structure repaired and repainted.

30 Sixth Annual Report of the

The toilet-rooms at the bottom of the Inclined Kailway were
carried away by the high water during the storm of January last.

New toilet-rooms have been built. A balcony has also been
added to the waiting-room at the foot of the Inclined Kailway, which
doubles the accommodation for visitors and affords a good view of
the river and Falls.

A store-room has been built in the lumber yard on Goat Island,
and the materials heretofore stored in the Library building in
Prospect Park removed thereto.

The stone fountain in Prospect Park has been rebuilt, a new
stone walk built at the foot of the Inclined Railway and the stone
walk to the dock repaired.

A hard-wood floor should be laid in the Inclined Railway building,
the roof reshirgled and the structure inclosing the Inclined Railway
repaired. When this shall have been done, all of the buildings,
within the Reservation, will be in good condition.

Iron Water Pipes.

The iron water conduit, between the lower race, and the reservoir
in Prospect Park, has been constructed. It consists of a riveted
boiler-iron pipe, twenty-four inches in diameter, extending under
Cascade street, walled in with stone and Portland cement at each
end. The supply of water, for the operation of the Inclined Rail-
way, received from the pipe is greater than that obtained from the
wooden bos conduit, formerly in use. Proposals were asked for
the construction of the work and the contract awarded to the
lowest bidder.

While the iron water-pipe was being placed in position, the
wheel-pit in the Inclined Railway building was repaired, and an
overflow from the wheel-pit into the tail-race constructed.

The damage done to the pier at the head of the race by the
storm of January ninth does not prevent the operation of the
Inclined Railway, excepting at times of very low water. The iron
conduit affords an abundant supply of water, and by the changes
recently made in the wheel-pit, waste of water is prevented, and
the water supply more effectually controlled. The reconstuction
of the pier would require a considerable outlay, which may be
better expended in laying a pipe for a water supply in the present
race-way, so that the channel may eventually be filled.

Commissioners of the State Eeservation at Niagara. 31

A new manilla cable has been attached to the cars of the
Inclined Railway. The average duration of a cable is one year.
The cable lately removed was in use and in good condition for
nearly two years.

Four pairs of new wheels have been procured for the cars of
the Inclined Railway.

Charts of the Lake and River Region.

Upon the application of Colonel O. M. Poe, Corps of Engineers,
Detroit, Mich., a complete set of the Lake Survey Charts has been
issued gratuitously for the Library upon the Reservation grounds.
The set comprises fifteen charts of Lake Superior, three charts of
the River Saint Marie, one chart of the Straits of Mackinac, fifteen
charts of Lake Michigan, eight charts of Lake Huron, one chart
each of Saint Clair river, Lake St. Clair, and Detroit river; eleven
charts of Lake Erie, one chart of Niagara Falls, six charts of Lake
Ontario, and six charts of the St. Lawrence river.

The building heretofore known as the Art Gallery has been
repaired and remodeled so as to be suitable for a library building.
Ten windows have been placed in the alcoves, which were not
lighted, the slate roofing and the glass deck have been repaired
and all traces of the so-called "Art Gallery" removed. The set of
Lake Survey Charts have been framed in proper order and occupy
all of the alcoves on the east side and two on the west side of the
building. They present to the traveling public an accurate outline
of the northern and northwestern lake and river region.

It may be advisable to place in the remaining alcoves photo-
graphs of the Falls from the earliest views taken, down to the
present time, giving the date of each, and arranging the views in
their proper order. Such a collection would show the actual change
in the contour of the Falls from year to year and could be added
to in the future. The views can now be obtained from the local
photographers, and it may be well to make the collection while the
older negatives are yet in existence.

On January fourth and fifth large masses of rock fell from the
brink of the Horseshoe Falls. The effect of the displacements is
visible upon the outline of the Fall.

32 Sixth Annual Report of the

Nursery for Young Trees.

A piece of ground for the establishment of a nursery for yoiiDg
trees has been prepared upon Goat Island. A small outlay would
provide a nursery of young trees indigenous to this locality, from
which transplanting could be carried on as soon as the ground
should be in condition for planting.

The grounds are now cleared of unnecessary buildings and
judicious planting may be done from time to time. The establish-
ment of a nursery for young trees appears to be necessary for the
proper prosecution of that work.

Grading and Planting.

Unnecessary and unsightly buildings having been removed
from the river banks, the work of grading and planting may be
commenced as soon as the necessary appropriation shall be made.

The bank of the river should be graded and planted as soon as
possible. This is particularly true of the strip of land between
Cascade street and Mill street, from which buildings have been
recently removed. The surface is traversed by race-ways. It is
bare and uneven with large hotels and other structures standing
out prominently in the background. The river bank in this
locality is almost entirely denuded of trees, and it mars the
appearance of the Reservation, especially when viewed from the
islands, or the Canadian shore. Judicious planting would partially
shut out the village from the river bank. Bath Island was almost
entirely covered by buildings when the Reservation was estab-
lished. With the exception of the office building, all have been
removed, and considerable grading and filling done, but the Island
is almost bare of trees or shrubbery, and presents a bleak and
unnatural appearance. It should be properly graded and planted
as soon as possible.

Many of the sumachs, which are rapidly overrunning the upper
end of Goat Island, should also be removed, and the meadow
suitably planted.

In Prospect Park and in some other places where little grading
is called for, planting may now be done to replace dead trees and
trees recently prostrated by storms.

Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara. 33

It having been determined to discontinue the upper raceway
between Bridge street and Mill street, the filling of the channel and
the grading of the bank of the river in that locality could be carried
forward with advantage during the coming season. The removal of
the retaining walls, tail-races, and overflows in the vicinity, would
greatly improve the appearance of the Reservation.

Roads and Walks.

The approach to Goat Island has been macadamized with broken
stone ; 500 yards of gravel have been spread upon the carriage turn-
outs at the American Fall, the Horseshoe Fall and the Three
Sister Islands, and some repairs made upon the roads on the
mainland and on the islands.

The roads and foot paths of Goat Island are always in bad
condition during the wet season. The road is a common dirt
road. It has been repaired with gravel, from time to time, during
the year, in order to keep it in passable condition, until such
time as the work of constructing permanent roads shall be
commenced.

Four hundred loads of material have also been placed upon the
roadway between Bridge street and Prospect Park and 600 loads
of filling placed upon the Canal street slope adjacent to Bridge
street.

The roads and walks within the Reservation have been trimmed
and the entire territory upon the mainland mown. The prevailing
wet weather rendered much attention necessary to the care of the
grass in Prospect Park. The mowing, trimming, clearing away of
the fallen trees upon Goat Island, and the ordinary incidental
work, has kept the limited number of laborers allowed employed
during the year.

The roads within the Reservation are mainly common dirt roads
and are entirely inadequate and unsuitable. After rain the road
through the woods on Goat Island is very heavy, and being shaded
dries slowly. Upon the mainland and included within the Reser-
vation are about two miles of village streets, upon which the
village authorities, since the establishment of the Reservation, have
ceased to make repairs. These streets, within the Reservation
are in some places in bad condition,
5

34 Sixth Annual Report on State Reservation at Niagara.

A considerable amount has been expended each year in tempo-
rary repairs of the roads, which, owing to their defective construc-
tion, lack of proper bottoming, drainage and materials, has been
largely wasted. Properly constructed roads, such as are event-
ually contemplated, once established, would cost little for main-
tenance. Public economy, as well as State pride, urge the early
adoption of measures for the permanent improvement of the roads
within the Reservation.

Respectfully submitted.

THOMAS V. WELCH,

Superintendent.

REPORT OF THE TREASURER

Fiscal Yeae Commencing Octobee 1, 1888, and Ending
Septembee 30, 1889.

The Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara, in Account
with Henry E. Gregory, Treasurer.
1888.
Oct. 1. By balance on hand at this date $23 46

Receipts.
Oct. 30. Quarterly advance from the State

Comptroller $5,000 00

1889.
Jan. 9. Quarterly advance from the State

Comptroller 5,000 00

April 6. Quarterly advance from the State

Comptroller 5,000 00

July 9. Quarterly advance from the State

Comptroller 5,000 00

20,000 00

1888.
Nov. 2. Draft on Cataract Bank, October

receipts . ' $530 45

Dec. 3. Draft on Cataract Bank, Novem-
ber receipts 85 40

31. Draft on Cataract Bank, Decem-
ber receipts 21 75

Feb. 1. Draf on Cataract Bank, January

receipts 49 05

March 2. Draft on Cataract Bank, February

receipts 30 05

31. Draft on Cataract Bank, March

receipts 60 55

May 2. Draft on Cataract Bank, April

receipts 84 20

Juae 1. Draft on Cataract Bank, May

receipts ...,...,, 355 00

36 Sixth Annual Beport of the

June 30. Draft on Cataract Bank, June

receipts $435 85

August 2. Draft on Cataract Bank, July

receipts 1 , 452 85

Sept. 3. Draft on Cataract Bank, August

receipts 2,398 90

30. Draft on Cataract Bank, Septem-
ber receipts 1 , 743 00

$7,247 05

Dec. 31. Interest on balances at Manufac-
turers and Traders' Bank $18 51

1889.
March 31. Interest on balances at Manufac-
turers and Traders' Bank 25 59

June 30. Interest on balances at Manufac-
turers and Traders' Bank 37 84

Sept. 30. Interest on balances at Manufac-
turers and Traders' Bank 29 64

Ill 58

Total , $27,382 09

ExPENDITUBES.

1 8SS ^°- °* ^n- °*
looo. abstract, voucher.

Nov. 1. xlvi 480. Pay-roll at Niagara for

October $991 79

xlvi 481. F. P. Lanigan, insurance . . 3 75

xlvi 482. John M. Bowers, Commis-

sioner,traveling expenses 22 90
7. xlvi 483. T. V. Welch, Superinten-
dent, office expenses .... 327
Dec. 3. xlvi 484. Pay-roll at Niagara for

November 732 00

xlvi 485. T. V. Welch, Superinten-
dent, office expenses. ... 3 25
31. xlvi 486. M. Ryan, Inclined Railway

machinery 23 25

xlvi 487. Niagara Falls Printing

House, printing 6 00

xlvi 488. Wm. Shepard, mason work, 3 00

xlvi 489. Macwirth Bros., slate work 9 15

xlvi 490. The Bell Telephone Co... 10 30
xlvi 491. T. B. Secord, lumber 54 18

COMMISSIONEKS OF THE STATE RESERVATION AT NIAGARA. 37

1 fiSS ^°- °* ^°' °*
looo. abstract, voucher.

Dec. 31. xlvi 492. H. C. Harrower, needle

beams $448 00

xlvi 493. P. C. Flynn & Son, painters, 39 64

xlvi 494. David Phillips, bridges ... 198 96

xlvi 495. J. Binkley, coal 38 45

xlvi 496. J. Johnson, smith work. ... 16 32

xlvi 497. Phillips & Young, iron pipe 485 00

xlvi 498. H. S. Ware, hardware 90 69

xlvi 499. Rhodes & Babcock, sta-
tionery 4 10

xlvi 500. Niagara Falls Gas-light Co. 1 82

xlvi 501. Cataract Bank, for A. P.

Burdick 6 22

xlvi 502. George E. Wright & Co.,

stairway 16 97

xlvi 503. Niagara Falls Water-works

Co 140 00

xlvi 504. Jas. Mooney, Commissioner,

traveling expenses 1 75

xlvi 505. Henry E. Gregory, Treas-
urer and Secretary, sal-
ary for October, Novem-
ber and December 275 00

xlvi 506. Henry E. Gregory, Treas-
urer and Secretary, trav-
eling expenses 58 09

xlvi 507. Henry E. Gregory, Treas-
urer and Secretary, office
expenses 12 18

xlvi 508. John Hodge, Commis-
sioner, traveling expenses 5 52

xlvi 509. Pay-roll at Niagara for

December 744 92

$4,446 47

1889.

Jan. 10. xlvii 510. T. V. Welch, Superinten-
dent, office expenses ... $1 14

Feb. 1. xlvii 511. Pay-roll at Niagara for

January 766 79

xlvii 512. T. V. Welch, Superinten-
dent, office expenses. ... 4 05

38

1889
Feb. 1. xlyii

No. of
abstract,

Mar. 1. xlvh

14. XLVII
XLVII
XLVII
XLVII

xlvh

XLVII
XLVII
XLVII

XLVII
XLVII

30. xlvii

Sixth Annual Eeport of the

No. of
voucher.

513. Henry E. Gregory, Treas-

urer and Secretary, sal-
ary for January $91 70

514. Pay-roll at Niagara for

February 716 86

515. T. V. Welch, Superinten-

dent, office expenses .... 4 50

516. Philpott & Leuppie 21 77

517. Niagara Falls Gas-light Co. 2 86

518. P. B. Secord, buildings ... 122 25

519. J. Binkley, coal 58 46

520. Maloney & McCoy, ice. . . . 50 09

521. H. S. Ware, hardware 38 42

522. P. C. Flynn & Son 44 86

523. Niagara Falls Printing

House 3 00

524. The Bell Telephone Co. . . . 6 00

525. Henry E. Gregory, Treas-

urer and Secretary, trav-
eling and office expenses 30 70

526. Pay-roll at Niagara for

March 794 95

Apr. 3. xlviii 527. Daniel Batchelor, Commis-
sioner, traveling expenses $9 50
4. xlviii 528. T. V. Welch, Superinten-
dent, office expenses .... 31 50
6. xlviii 529. John Hodge, Commis-
sioner, traveling expenses 21 40
May 2. xlviii 530. Pay-roll at Niagara for

April 846 10

9. xlviii 531. T. V. Welch, Superinten-
dent, office expenses .... 46 33
June 3. xlviii 532. Pay-roll at Niagara for

May 1,095 12

XLvin 533. T. V. Welch, Superinten-
dent, office expenses. ... 48 91
xlviii 534. Henry E. Gregory, Treas-
urer and Secretary, sal-
ary for February, March,
April and May 366 66

^2,758 40

COMMISSIONERS OF THE STATE RESERVATION AT NIAGARA. 39

1 SftQ ^°- °* ^°- °'
looy. abstract, voucher.

June 29. xlviii 535. J. Binkley, coal $17 49

xlviii 536. Wm. Wall's Sons 179 60

xlviii 537. Kearney & Barrett 90 00

xlviii 538. Philpott & Leuppie, tools,

etc 10 39

xlviii 539. Jackson Architectural Iron

Works 200 00

xlviii 540. H. S. Ware 82 73

xlviii 541. P. C. Flynn & Son 317 24

xlviii 542. P. C. Flynn & Son 115 56

xlviii 543. M. A. McBean, seed 5 94

xlviii 544. J. Johnson, tools 4 86

xlviii 545. James Reynolds, iron rail-
ing 60 00

xlviii 546. D. Phillips 577 52

xlviii 547. D. Phillips 203 67

xlviii 548. G. W. Wright 49 49

xlviii 549. William Shepard . 156 76

xlviii 550. William Young, cartage ... 10 10

xlviii 551. Drake Whitney, surveying, 5 00

xLvin 552. Downing Vaux, map 50 00

xlviii 553. De Grauw, Aymar & Co.,

National flag. 12 75

xlvih 554. Henry E. Gregory, Treas-
urer and Secretary, trav-
eling expenses 34 40

xlviii 555. Henry E. Gregory, Treas-
urer and Secretary, office

expenses 36 39

xlviii 556. Henry E. Gregory, Treas-
urer and Secretary, salary

for June 91 66

xlviii 557. Pay-roll at Niagara for

June 995 91

xlviii 558. James McCarthy 21 00

xlvui 559. T. V. Welch, Superintend-
ent, office 4 55

xlviii 560. D. Phillips 97 90

xlvih 561. George E. Wright & Co. . . 88 69

$5,985 12

40 Sixth Annual Report of the

1 QQQ NO. Of No. Of

iooy. abstract, voucher.
Aug. 1. xlix 562. Pay-roll at Niagara for

July $1,198 50

xlix 563. F. P. Lanigan, insurance . . 20 00

xlix 564. Daniel Batchelor, Commis-
sioner, traveling expenses 24 47

xlix 565. John M. Bowers, Commis-
sioner, traveling expenses 31 00

xlix 566. Henry E. Gregory, Treas-
urer and Secretary, salary
for July 91 66

3. xlix 567. John Hodge, Commissioner,

traveling expenses 1 84

xlix 568. T. V. Welch, Superintend-
ent, office 32 88

Sept. 3. xlix 569. Pay-roll at Niagara for

August 1,197 50

xlix 570. T. V. Welch, Superintend-
ent, office 20 62

4. xlix 571. Henry E. Gregory, Treas-

urer and Secretary, sal-
ary for August 91 66

30. xlix 572. James McCarthy, 108 50

xlix 573. Wm. Shepard. 238 35

xlix 574. G. Elias & Bro 24197

xlix 575. James McCarthy 108 50

xlix 576. Geo. W. Tifft Sons & Co . . 25 40

xlix 577. D. Phillips 19 45

xlix 578. D. Phillips 91 85

xlix 579. D. Phillips 174 59

xlix 580. Phillips & Co 168 98

xlix 581. Geo. E. Wright & Co 190 31

xlix 582. Geo. E. Wright & Co 59 73

xlix 583. H. S. Ware 257 15

xlix 584. P. C. Flynn & Son 229 85

xlix 585. P. C. Flynn & Son 58 41

xlix 586. J. Johnson 13 95

xlix 587. Thomas Cleary 23 63

xlix 588. Wm. Pool & Son, advertis-
ing 2 25

xlix 589. Philpott & Leuppie 45 98

COMMISSIONERS OF THE STATE RESERVATION AT NIAGARA. 41

1 QftQ N°- of ^°- of
looy. abstract, voucher.

xlix 590. E. O. Babcock, stationery. . $11 60

xlix 591. Geo. S. Hanes, tools 4 50

xlix 592. Peter A. Porter, advertising 2 75

Sept. 30. xlix 593. S. S. Pomroy 2 70

xlix 594. James McCarthy 92 75

xllx 595. The Bell Telephone Co... 3 10

xlix 596. T. V. Welch, Superinten-
dent, office expenses .... 4 78

xlix 597. Henry E. Gregory, Treas-
urer and Secretary, sal-
ary for September 91 66

xlix 598. Henry E. Gregory, Treas-
urer and Secretary, trav-
eling expenses 77 80

xlix 599. Henry E. Gregory, Treas-
urer and Secretary, office
expenses 15 03

xlix 600. Niagara Water-works Co . . 140 00

xllx 601. Pay-roll at Niagara for

September 1,127 00

$6,342 65

Remittances to State Treasurer.
1888.

Nov. 2. Draft for October receipts $530 45

Dec. 3. Draft for November receipts 85 40

31. Draft for December receipts 21 75

1889.

Feb. 1. Draft for January receipts. 49 05

Mar. 2. Draft for February receipts 30 05

31. Draft for March receipts 60 55

May 2. Draft for April receipts 84 20

June 1. Draft for May receipts 355 00

30. Draft for June receipts 435 85

Aug. 2. Draft for July receipts 1 , 452 85

Sept. 3. Draft for August receipts 2,398 90

30. Draft for September receipts 1, 743 0n

7,247 05

6

42 Sixth Annual Report of the

1888.
Dec. 31. Draft for balance of interest on hand, $35 14

Draft for interest $18 51

1889.

Mar. 31. Draft for interest 25 59

June 30. Draft for interest 37 84

Sept. 30. Draft for interest 29 64

Ill 58

$146 72

$26,926 41
Sept. 30. Balance in Treasurer's hands 455 68

Total $27,382 09

HENRY E. GREGORY,

Treasurer.
Examined and found correct November 19, 1889.

John M. Bowers,

Auditing Committee.

Receipts for the Year Ending September 30, 1889.

1888. Inclined Railway.

October $229 30

November * 84 10

December 20 25

1889.

January 49 05

February 13 05

March 58 55

April 84 20

May 242 00

June 423 85

July 1,042 85

August 1 1,888 90

September 938 00

Total $5,074 10

Commissioners op the State Reservation at Niagara. 43

1888. Leases-

October $300 00

1889.

May 100 00

June 10 00

July • 410 00

August 510 00

September 805 00

Total $2,135 00

1888. Sales'

October $1 15

November 1 30

December 1 50

1889.

February 17 00

March 2 00

May 13 00

June 2 00

Total $37 95

Recapitulation.

Inclined Railway $5, 074 10

Leases 2,135 00

Sales 37 95

Total $7,247 05

u

Sixth Annual Report of the

Detailed Statement of Leases and Sales.
Leases.

Date.

o

© <D

5 <o

3
53

NAME.

What leased.

Amount.

1888.
Oct . .

2

1
3

1
2
3
1
2
3

1

2
3

Gr. W. Wright

Cave of the Winds .

Baggage room . . .

Steamboat

Cave of the Winds .
Baggage room ....

Steamboat

Cave of the Winds .
Baggage room ....
Carriage service . . .

Steamboat

Cave of the Winds .
Baggage room ....

$300 00

100 00

10 00

100 00

300 00

1889.
May . .
June .
July . .

Maid of the Mist Ass'n. . .

J. F. Reilley

Maid of the Mist Ass'n. . .
G. W. Wright

Aug..

J. F. Reilley

Maid of the Mist Ass'n. . .
G. W. Wright

10 00
100 00
300 00

J. F. Reilley

10 00

Sept..

J. C. Level, Agent Res'n . .
Maid of the Mist Ass'n. . .

G. W. Wright

J. F. Reilley

100 00

200 00

600 00

5 00

Total

$2,135 00

Sales.

Date.

NAME.

What sold.

Price.

Amount

1888.
October . .

John Chambers . .
T. Tugbv

T. Tugby

T. Tugby

One 6-light sash . .
Two 4-light sash. .

Twn sash

$0 50
65

$1 15
1 30

November .

December.

Three old sash . . .

1 50

1889.
February. .

Fallen wood from
Goat Island ....

17 00

March ....

Fallen wood from
Goat Island ....

2 00

May

Fallen wood from

Goat Island ....

Three old signs. . .

Fallen wood from
Goat Island ....

$10 00
3 00

H.E.Slocum ..

13 00

June

Total

2 00

$37 95

COMMISSIONERS OF THE STATE EESEEVATION AT NIAGARA. 45

1888. Pay-rolls.

October $991 79

November 732 00

December 744 92

1889.

January 766 79

February 716 86

March 794 95

April 846 10

May 1,095 12

June 995 91

July 1,198 50

August 1,197 50

September 1, 127 00

Total $11,207 44

Classification of Pay-rolls.

Salaries $2, 614 94

Police 4,083 08

Inclined Railway 1,394 00

Proapect Park 930 76

Roads 1,364 16

Goat Island 611 25

Buildings 138 75

Railing 70 50

Total $11,207 44

Number of Employes During the Year Ending September 30, 1889.

YEAR.

1888.

October

November. . . .
December

1889.

January

February. . . .

March

April

May

June ,

July

August

September . . .

Permanent
employes.

10
10
10

10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10

Laborers.

Teamsters.

7

1

7

1

5

4

3

3

3

5

2

10

1

11

9

9

9

Total.

18
18
15

14
13
16
17
21
21
19
19
19

46 Sixth Annual Report of the

Excursions for the Year Ending September 30, 1889.

Date.

1888.
Oct. 10
10

1889.
May 1, 2
3
5

June

10
11
11
15

15
15

15

16
16
16
16
16
18
18
23
23
24
25

25

27
27
27
30
30
30
30
30
30
30

WHERE FROM.

Boston, Raymond excursion .
Erie railway .

Five regiments return, from N. Y. Cen.

Loekport, union school

Buffalo, via N. Y. C. railroad

Port Rowan, via Grand Trunk railway.
Toronto, Ont., Baptist Church Society.

St. Thomas', Ont., " Grangers "

Rochester, N. Y., Railroad Employes,

via West Shore railroad

Brewers' Convention ...

Buffalo, N. Y , Church of the Ascension

Society, via N. Y. C. railroad

Hamilton, Ont., Baptist Church Soc. .
New York, N Y., Brooklyn Sangerbund

Buffalo, N. Y., Turner Society

Buffalo, N. Y., via N. Y. C. railway ....

Buffalo, N. Y., via Erie railway

Buffalo, N. Y, via N. Y. C. railway. . . .
Amer. Railway Master Mechanics' Ass'n
Emporium, via B., N. Y. and Pa. rail'y.
Buffalo, N. Y., via N. Y. C. railway. . . .
Jamestown, N. Y., via N. Y. C. railway.
Toronto, Ont., Ch of the Ascen. Soc'y
Toronto, Ont., Cook's Church of the

Ascension Society

Sons of Veterans, via West Shore Ry . .
New Jersey Editorial Association. . .
Carter's Vestibule Train, Chicago Exp.

Toronto, Ont., Zion church

Scranl'n and C'bondale,Pa., via Erie Ry.
Jamestown, N. Y., via N. Y. C. railway.
Buffalo, N. Y., via N. Y. C. railway. . .

Elmira, N. Y., via Erie railway

Susqu'na and Binghamton, via Erie Ry .

Buffalo, N. Y., via Erie railway

Loekport, N. Y., via Erie railway

Number
of cars.

Estimated

number

of visitors.

2

120

5

300

7

420

40

2,500

4

240

4

240

48

2,980

5

300

4

240

9

540

4

240

4

240

6

360

3

180

4

240

2

120

7

420

3

180

5

300

6

360

4

240

15

900

3

180

3

180

3

180

4

240

5

300

6

360

4

240

12

720

4

240

11

660

12

720

6

360

2

120

1

60

157

9,420

Commissioners of the State Eeservation at Niagara. 47
Excursions — ( Continued).

Date.

1889.
July 1

1
1
1
1
1
1

2
2
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
6

9

9

9

10

10

10
13

14
14
15

14
15
16
16

where from.

Number
of cars.

Toronto, Ont., Manchester Unity Ldg.,

I. O. of O. F

Toronto, Ont., Dominion Day Excur. .

KiDgston, Ont., Kingston Rifles

Hamilton, Ont., Dominion Day Excur.

Buffalo, N. Y., via Erie railway

Toronto, Ont., via Erie railway

Toronto, Ont, via Street cars for Sus-
pension Bridge

Buffalo, N. Y., Lafayette St. Ch. Soc'y .
Rochester, N. Y., via P. and E. railroad
Via N. Y. C. and West Shore railway. .
Albany, N. Y., via N. Y. C. Ky. (special)
Hornellsville, N. Y, via Erie railway. .

Toronto, Ont., Rheaboan Lodge

Buffalo, N. Y., via Erie railway

Lockport, N. Y, via Erie railway

Toronto, Ont., Gallic Society

Toronto, Ont., Western Lodge, I. O. of

O. F

Buffalo, N. Y, Western Amateur Press

Association

Buffalo, N. Y., Sunday train

Lockport, N. Y., Sunday train

Toronto, Out., Bleiven Street BaptLt

Church Society

St. Catherine's, Ont., Baptist Church

Separate School

Buffalo, N. Y, St. James' Epis. church.
Toronto, Ont, Brown Street church . .

Queen Victoria Park

Buffalo, N. Y, Baptist church

Buffalo, N. Y., I. O. of O. F., Rebekah

Lodge

Buffalo, N. Y., Railway Accountants
Hamilton, Ont, Grand Trunk Railway

Employes

Cleveland, O., via Nickel Plate railway

Bradford, Pa., via Erie railway

Toronto, Ont, Toronto Opera House

Ushers

Buffalo, N. Y, via N. Y C. railway . . .
Toronto, Ont, St. Vincent de Paul Soc
Toronto, Ont, All Saints Church Soc.
Hamilton, Ont, via Hamilton and

Northwestern railway

6
4

15

7
5

2
13
12

6

Estimated

number

of visitors.

240
360
120
300
360
60

100
300
360
2,100
480
600
240
840
240
240

240

60
780
240

120

120
240
240
100
420

360
240

900
420
300

120

780
720
360

240

48

Sixth Annual Report of the
Excursions — (Continued).

Date.

18 9.
July 17

18

19
19

20

20

21
21

21

21

21
21
21

22

23

23
24

24

25

25

25

25
26

26

27

27

28

WHERE FROM.

Toronto, Ont., Choir of the Church of
the Redeemer

Franklin, Oil City and Meadville, Pa.,
via N. Y., P. and O. railway

Cleveland, O., via Erie railway

Toronto, Ont., employes, Grand Trunk
railway

Toronto, Ont., employes, Heinzeman's
piano factory

Toronto, Ont., Grand Trunk railway
conductors

Buffalo, N. Y., via Erie railway

Via Lake Shore and Michigan Southern
railway

Le Roy, Batavia and Rochester via
Erie railway

Via Western New York and Pennsyl-
vania railway

Rochester, N. Y, via Erie railway. . .

Lockport, N. Y, via Erie railway. . .

Buffalo, N. Y., via New York Central
railway

Toronto, Ont., Christie, Brown & Co.,
employes

Chautauqua (Newton's) via Buffalo,
New York and Philadelphia railway,

Toronto, Ont

Lexington, Ky

Syracuse, Weedsport, etc., via New
York Central railway

Toronto, Ont., Ladies Aid Society. . .

Bradford, Ont., Methodist Episcopal
Church Society

Erie, Pa., Methodist Episcopal Church
Society

Chicago, 111., Vestibule express train. .

Toronto, Ont., nut and bolt manufac-
turing company

Chautauqua, N. Y, Newton's via Buf-
falo, New York and Philadelphia Ry.,

Toronto, Ont., Switchmen's Mutual Aid
Association

Guelf, Ontario, Bell Organ Manufac-
turing company

Philadelphia, Pa., Old Settler's express,

Number
of cars.

7
2

9

12

7
4
2

23

6

5
2
1

4
4

10
5

6
10

Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara.
Excursions — {Continued).

49

Date.

1889.
July 28

28

28

28
29

29

29
30
30
31

where from.

Lockport, N. T., via Erie railway

Lockport, N. Y, via New York Central
railway ......'

Buffalo, N. Y., via New York Central
railway

Rochester, N. Y., via West Shore railway

Toronto, Ont., Taylor Manufacturing
Company

Owen Sound, Ont., Young Men's Chris-
tian Association

Toronto, Ont., St. Bartholomew's church

Toronto, Ont., St. Matthew's church. . .

Oil City, Olean, etc

Oshawa, Ont, via Grand Trunk railway,

Medina, Middleport and Lockport via
New York Central railway

Toronto, Ont., Dr. Wild's church

Chicago, 111., Vestibule train

Toronto, Ont., Methodist Episcopal
church

Ransomville, Wesley Methodist Epis-
copal church

Cincinnati, Dayton, Lima, etc., via Cin-
cinnati, Hamilton and Dayton railway

Chautauqua, N. Y

Erie, Pa., Watson Paper Manufacturing
Company, employes .

Toronto, Ont, Trade and Labor Union,

Rochf ster, N. Y., via West Sbore railway

Red Creek, Sodus, etc., via R., W. and
O. railway

Pittsburg, Pa

Cleveland, O., via Nickel Plate railway,

Lockport, N. Y., via Erie railway. ....

Buffalo, N. Y., via New York Central
railway

Buffalo, N. Y., via West Shore railway,

Rochester, N. Y, via West Shore railway

Toronto, Out., Zion Cong, church

Buffalo, N. Y, Hudson Street Baptist
church

Buffalo, N. Y., Lovejoy Street Presby

terian church

7

Number
of cars.

6
4

19

9

474

14
4
5

4

2

95
4

10
5
5

10

16

41

5

19
10

Estimated

number

of visitors.

360

240

1,140
540

300

240
300
240
240
240

28,640

840
240
300

240

120

5,700
240

600
300
300

600

960

2,460

300

1,140

600
480
300

480

480

50

Sixth Annual Bepokt of the
Excuksions — (Continued).

Date.

1859.
Aug. 6

6
6
6

7

7
7
7

WHERE FROM.

9
9

9
10

10

11

11
11
11

12
12
12
13

13

13
14
14

14

14
15
15

Lockport, N. Y., Methodist Episcopal
church

Toronto, Ont., Trinity church

Electric Light convention

Buffalo, N. Y., via Erie railway

Canandaigua, N. Y., via New York Cen-
tral railway

Milton, Ont., via North Western railway.

Oil City and Meadville, Pa

Springfield, Peoria and Bloomington,
111., via N. Y., P. and O. railway ....

G-owanda, N. Y., Meth. Epis. church . .

Dansville and Bath, N. Y, via Delaware,
Lackawanna and Western railway.

London, Ont., general railway excursion

Indianapolis, Ind., via C. C. C. and I.
railway

Kansas City, Mo

Oakville, Ont

Waterloo, N. Y., Harugari Society. . . .

Philadelphia, Pa

Toronto, Ont., stone masons and brick-
layers

Chautauqua, N. Y., Newton's excursion.

Buffalo, N. Y., via New York Central
railway

Lockport, N. Y., via Erie railway

Buffalo, N. Y, via West Shore railway

Rochester, N. Y., via Erie railway

Toronto, Ont., via Erie railway

Toronto, Ont., civic holiday

St. Catherines, civic holiday

Chicago, Valparaiso and Cleveland via
Nickel Plate railway.

Lockport, N. Y., Baptist and Southern
churches

Buffalo, N. Y., Catholic Ind. school . . .

Lockport, N. Y., German Luth. church.

Buffalo, N. Y., Order of United Friends
of America

Dansville and Bath, N. Y, via Delaware
Lackawanna and Western railway . .

St. Catherines, Ont., I. O. of O. F

Youngstown, O

Lisbon, O., Quaker excursion. ..,,.,..

Number
of cars.

7
4

7
6

10

7

10

48
5

12

7

6
4
3
4

4
5

21
5
4
8
7

15
4

34

10
4

7

16

6

4

10

9

COMMISSIONEKS OF THE STATE RESERVATION AT NIAGARA. 51

Excursions — {Continued).

Date.

1889
Aug.

15
15
15
15
16

18

18
18

18
18
18
18

18

19
19
19

20

20
20
20
20
20
20
21

21

21
21
21

21
22
22
22
23
23
23

WHERE FROM.

Number
of cars.

Via R. W. & O. railway 10

Toronto, Ont., Foresters 9

Peterboro, Ont., via Grand Trunk Ry . 8

Cincinnati, O., via Erie railway 15

Baltimore, Washington and Philadel-
phia via N. C. and N. Y. C. railway . . 30
Newark, Port Jervis and Paterson,N. J.,

via Erie railway. . 21

Pittsburg, Pa., via Lehigh Valley 9

Pittsburg, Pa., via Northern Central

and New York Central railway ..... 10

Youngstown, O 9

Rochester, N. Y, via R. W. and O. Ry. 12

Cleveland, O., via L. S. and M. S. Ry . . 8

Lockport, N. Y., via Erie railway 4

Buffalo, N. Y, via New York Central

railway 41

Toronto, Ont., Kilgore Brothers Manu-
facturing Company 4

Streetsville, Ont., A. O. U. W. via Can-
ada Pacific railway 8

Brookl)n, N. Y., Thirteenth Regiment,

N. C. N. Y. S. 9

Erie railway ... 18

Buffalo, Pittsburg and Rochester. .... 12

Attercliff, Ont., via Grand Trunk Ry . . 8

Philadelphia, Pa., via Lehigh Valley Ry. 6

St. Catherines, Ont., Mich. Cent. Ry. . . 8

Seda, Mich., via Erie railway 12.

Fort Wayne, Ind 13

Brampton, Ont., Peel county, Pioneer

picnic 8

Toronto, Ont., St. Matthew's English

church 4

Elmira, N. Y 9

Ohio and Indiana via Nickel Plate Ry. 21
Hornellsville, Rochester and Batavia,

N. Y., via Erie railway 25

Toronto, Ont 5

Newark and Akron via West Shore Ry. 20

Bradford, Pa 18

Erie railway 12

Philadelphia, Pa 8

Am.. Florists' Asso. (Conv. at Buffalo), 7

New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio Ry..( 32

Estimated

number

of visitors.

600
540
480
900

1,800

1,260
540

600
540
720
480
240

2,460

240

480

540

1,080
720
480
360

480
720
780

480

240

540

1,260

,500
300
,200
,080
720
480
420
920

52

Sixth Annual Report of the
Excursions — (Continued).

Date.

1889.
Aug. 23
23
23

23

23
24

24

24
24

24
25
25
25
25
23

23
23
24
*24
24
26

27
27
29
29
29
30

30

29
31
31

WHERE FROM.

Sept.

Number
of cars.

Albany, N. Y., via West Shore railway.
Toronto, Ont., St. Phillip's church .
Cincinnati, O., via Cincinnati, Hamilton

and Dayton railway

Chautauqua, N. Y

Somersville, Ky

Toronto, Ont., employes Abell Iron

Works :

Salamanca, N. Y., via Erie railway . .
Auburn, N. Y., " Knights of Pythias."
New Hampshire and Rhode Island,

" G. A. R ," en route

Cleveland, O., via Nickel Plate railway.

Lockport, N. Y., via Erie railway

Buffalo, N. Y., via Erie railway

Rochester, N. Y., via West Shore Ry. .
Buffalo, N. Y., via N. Y. C. railway. . . .
St. Louis, Mo., and Springfield, 111., via

Erie railway ; ..... .

Cincinnati, O., and Philadelphia, Pa.

Allenburg, Ont., in wagons

Rochester, N. Y

Buffalo, N. Y

Lockport, N. Y

Gait, Ont., Forester and Temperance

societ

Toronto, Ont., St. Stephen's church. . .
Hagersville, civic holiday excursion. . .
Lockport, N. Y , German Lutheran Ch

Toronto, Ont., M. E. church

Harrison Valley, Pa

Baltimore, Washington and Philadel-
phia (Trov )

Syracuse, Utica and Rochester, via

West Shore railway

Toronto, Ont

Grand Trunk Employes

American Scientific Association Conv

Morris Run, Pa

Corning- & Elmira, N. Y., via Erie rail'y
Rochester, N. Y., via West Shore rail'y

Lockport, N. Y., via Erie railway

Buffalo, N. Y., via N. Y. C. railway ...

14
6

30
6
4

6
10

10

12

9

5

5

12

20

15
20

5

4
2

13

9
5
9

15

9

7

23

6

1,357

9

12

8

5

19

Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara. 53
Excursions — {Continued).

Date.

WHERE from.

Number
of cars.

Estimated
number

of visitors.

1889.

Sept. 1

Buffalo, N. Y., via Erie railway

3

180

2

Queen Victoria Park

200

2

Rochester, N Y., Dutch Reformed and

M. E. churches

8
6

480

2

360

4

Erie, Pa., union excursion of Clark's

Business Coll. and Lutheran church.

10

600

4

Caledonia, Ont., Presbyterian church .

5

300

4

Meadville, Pa., via Erie railway

9

540

4

Cincinnati, 0., via Erie railway

6

360

5

Hamilton, Ont, "Kni'tsof Maccabees."

10

600

5

Woodbridge, Oat., English church . . .

5

300

6

Scranton, Pa., via L)., L. and W. rail'y.

12

720

7

Buffalo, N. Y., visitors to Buffalo fair. .

20

1,200

7

Boston, Mass., Raymond excursion . . .

4

240

7

Bell's Cap, Pa

8

480

8

Lockport, N. Y, via Erie railway

5

300

8

Buffalo, N. Y., via N. Y. C. railway . . .

47

2,820

8

Rochester, N. Y., via West Shore rail'y

6

360

8

Rochester, N. Y., via Erie railway ....

7

420

8

3

180

8

Lockport, N. Y., via Erie railway

2

120

11

Hartford, Conn, "Putnam Phalanx". .

3

180

13

16

960

14

New York city, via N. Y. C. railway. . .

6

360

15

Elizabeth and Newark, N. J., via Erie

12

720

15

4

240

15

Lockport, N. Y., via Erie railway

2

120

15

Buffalo, N. Y, via N. Y. C. railway. . . .

14

840

17

Toronto, Ont., visitors from

8
2

480

21

Philadelphia, Pa., via Erie railway. . . .

120

24

Medina, N. Y., via N. Y. O, Frary En-

2

120

24

Dunkirk, N. Y., via N. Y. O, Pioneer

2

120

24

Hornellsville and Attica, via Erie rail'y

8

480

26

8

480

27

Canandaigua, Leroy and Batavia, via

8

480

324

19,640

54 Sixth Annual Eepoet on State Keservation at Niagara.
Excursions — Recapitulation — {Concluded).

Year.

MONTH.

Cars.

Persons.

1888

October

7

48

157

474

1,357

324

420

1889

May

2 980

1889

June

9,420

1889

July

28 640

1889

August

81,760

1889

September

19 640

2,367

142,860

APPENDIX.

LETTERS.

New York, April 3, 1889.
To the Honorable the Legislature :

The attention of the Commissioners of the State Reservation at
Niagara has been directed to a bill introduced into the Legislature
on the fourteenth ult., and entitled "An act to authorize the
Niagara Hydraulic Electric Company to erect machinery under
Niagara Falls for the purpose of utilizing the water-power of said
Falls for manufacturing electricity and to erect the necessary
machinery for the same."

The Commissioners respectfully represent that, in their
judgment, this bill should not become a law.

By chapter 286, Laws of 1885, the lands of the Niagara Reser-
vation were placed under the control and management of com-
missioners whose duty it is to restore the natural scenery of the
Falls, and to see to it that the object of the State in acquiring
these lands is not defeated.

To pass this bill would be to act in direct opposition to this
object as expressed by the Law of 1885.

The Honorable the Legislature is aware that it was mainly for
the purpose of preventing private persons and corporations from
appropriating and disfiguring the waters and banks of the Niagara
river in commercial and money-making enterprises, that the lands
of the Reservation were made public property for the use and
enjoyment of the people.

Since the Commissioners were appointed, mills and factories that
had been erected, from time to time, on the islands and shore of the
Niagara, with their machinery, have been removed. The lands
of the Reservation having been freed from these encumbrances, the
scenery of the Falls may now be said to be in the way of restoration
to its original sylvan condition, and the expressed object of the
law, in process of execution.

58 Sixth Annual Eeport of the

The Commissioners, to whom the State has committed the care
of the public domain at Niagara, deem it a duty to call the attention
of the Honorable the Legislature to the manifest inconsistency of
this and all similar schemes to make use of the lands of the Reser-
vation, or the water-power of the Falls, for manufacturing purposes,
and bespeak the cooperation of the Legislature in their efforts to
preserve the scenery of the great cataract from fresh and most
objectionable intrusions.

The Commissioners respectfully represent that this proposed
encroachment upon the Reservation and the consequent injury to
the scenery that would follow the passage of the bill above referred
to, would be in direct contravention of the objects for which the
Reservation was established, as repeatedly expressed in the laws
of the State, and that the bill, therefore, should not be received
with favor by your honorable body.

Very respectfully.

ANDW. H. GREEN,

President Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara.

New Yoek, April 4, 1889.

Hon. Samuel Frederick Nixon,

Chairman Assembly Committee on Internal Affairs :

Dear Sir. — I have been informed that a bill, entitled "An act
to authorize the Niagara Hydraulic Electric Company to erect
machinery under Niagara Falls," etc., introduced into the Legis-
lature March fourteenth, has been referred to the Committee on
Internal Affairs in the Assembly.

I have addressed a communication to the Legislature stating
objections to this measure.

The bill, as you are no doubt aware, gives the said company
permission to extend pipes and receivers and such machinery as
may be required under the Falls, and to cross the lands of the
Reservation with their machinery and appliances, and also to
erect one or more elevators.

This bill is in direct contravention of the objects for which the
State made the Reservation public property. The Commissioners

Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara. 59

of the State Reservation have been engaged for several years in

getting rid of mills and machinery, a part of which was an electric

plant. It is now proposed by this bill to recommence the work

of defacing the scenery of the Falls by the erection of other

structures similar to those that have been removed and equally

objectionable.

Permit me to direct your attention to the communication, recently

sent to the Legislature, on this subject. It is hardly necessary for

me to repeat that the Commissioners regard the bill and its objects

as well as all similar schemes for money-making at the Falls, with

the utmost disfavor, and they trust that you will so effectually

discountenance this scheme as to discourage the projectors of

others of the same sort that are intended to subserve no justifiable

public purpose.

Very respectfully yours.

ANDW. H. GREEN,

President Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara.

New York, April 5, 1889.
Hon. George B. Sloan, Senate :

Dear Sir. — I addressed a communication to the Legislature on
the third instant, stating objections to the bill entitled "An act to
authorize the Niagara Hydraulic Electric Company to erect
machinery under Niagara Falls," etc. This bill was introduced
into the Senate by Senator Raines on March fourteenth.

The purpose of the bill is so antagonistic to the plan and object
of the State in establishing the Reservation, that it would seem
only necessary to direct the attention of the Legislature to its
provisions to ensure its defeat.

The Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara propose
to carry out the intention of the Legislature in acquiring this
property for the public use, and they desire to prevent any
encroachment upon the Reservation that would defeat this
intention.

It is not long since that the Commissioners disposed of an
electric plant which came into their possession when the lands of
the Reservation became public property.

60 Sixth Annual Eeport on State Keservation at Niagara.

The Commissioners trust that you will use your influence
against the bill, for they would regret the intrusion upon the
Reservation of any structures or machinery that would tend to
deface the scenery or introduce incongruous appliances within
the limits of the State's property at Niagara.

Very respectfully yours.

ANDW. H. GREEN,
President Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara.

PLATE I.— Bird's-eye view of Niagara river.

THE HISTORY OF THE NIAGARA RIVER.1

By G. K. Gilbert.

The Niagara river flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. The
shore of Erie is more than 300 feet higher than the shore of
Ontario ; but if you pass from the higher shore to the lower, you
do not descend at a uniform rate. Starting from Lake Erie and
going n rthward, you travel upon a plain — not level but with only
gentle undulations — until you approach the shore of Lake Ontario,
and then suddenly you find yourself on the brink of a high bluff
or cliff overlooking the lower lake, and separated from it only by
a narrow strip of sloping plain. The birds-eye view in Plate I is
constructed to show the relations of these various features, the
two lakes, the broad plateau lying a little higher than the shore of
Lake Erie, the cliff, which geologists call the Niagara Escarpment,
and the narrow plain at its foot.

Where the Niagara river leaves Lake Erie at Buffalo and enters
the plain, a low ridge of rock crosses its path, and in traversing
this its water is troubled; but it soon becomes smooth, spreads
out broadly, and indolently loiters on the plain. For three-fourths
of the distance it can not be said to have a valley, it rests upon
the surface of the plateau ; but then its habit suddenly changes.
By the short rapid at Goat Island and by the cataract itself the
water of the river is dropped 200 feet down into the plain, and
thence to the cliff at Lewiston it races headlong through a deep
and narrow gorge. From Lewiston to Lake Ontario there are no
rapids. The river is again broad, and its channel is scored so
deeply in the littoral plain that the current is relatively slow, and
the level of its water surface varies but slightly from that of
the lake.

The narrow gorge that contains the river from the Falls to
Lewiston is a most peculiar and noteworthy feature. Its width

' This essay contains the substance of a lecture read to the American Association for
the Advancement of Science at its Toronto meeting, August, 1889.

62 Sixth Annual Report of the

rarely equals the fourth of a mile, and its depth to the bottom of
the river ranges from 200 to 500 feet. Its walls are so steep that
opportunities for climbing up and down them are rare, and in
these walls one may see the geologic structure of the plateau.
They are constituted of bedded rocks — limestone, shale and sand-
stone — lying nearly horizontal, and a little examination shows
that the same strata occur in the same order on both sides. So
evenly are they matched, and so uniform is the general width of
the gorge, that one might suspect, after a hasty examination, the
two sides had been cleft asunder by some Plutonic agency. But
those who have made a study of the subject have reached a dif-
ferent and better conclusion — the conclusion that the trench was
excavated by running water, so that the strata of the two sides
are alike because they are parts of continuous sheets, from each
of which a narrow strip has here been cut.

The contour of the cataract is subject to change. From time to
time blocks of rock break away, falling into the pool below, and
new shapes are then given to the brink over which the water leaps.
Many such falls of rock have taken place since the white man
occupied the banks of the river, and the breaking away of a very
large section is still a recent event. By such observation we are
assured that the extent of the gorge is increasing at its end, that
it is growing onger, and that the cataract is the cause of its
extension.

This determination is the first element in the history of the river.
A change is in progress before our eyes. The river's history, like
human history, is being enacted, and from that which occurs we
can draw inferences concerning what has occurred and what will
occur. We can look forward to the time when the gorge now
traversing the fourth part of the width of the plateau will com-
pletely divide it, so that the Niagara will drain Lake Erie to the
bottom. We can look back to the time when there was no gorge,
but when the water flowed on the top of the plain to its edge, and
the Falls of Niagara were at Lewistown.

We may think of the river as laboring at a task — the task of
sawing in two the plateau. The task is partly accomplished.
When it is done the river will assume some other task. Before it
was begun what did the river do ?

COMMISSIONEKS OP THE STATE EESERVATION AT NIAGARA. 63

How can we answer this question ? The surplus water dis-
charge from Lake Erie can not have flowed by this course to Lake
Ontario without sawing at the plateau. Before it began the cut-
ting of the gorge it did not flow along this line. It may have flowed
somewhere else, but if so it did not constitute the Niagara river.
The commencement of the cutting of the Niagara gorge is the
beginning of the history of the Niagara river. We have accom-
plished somewhat of our purpose if we have discovered that our
river had a beginning.

We are so accustomed to think of streams, and especially large
streams, as permanent, as flowing on forever, that the discovery
of a definite beginning to the life of a great river like the Niagara
is important and impressive. But that discovery does not stand
alone. Indeed, it is but one of a large class of similar facts
familiar to students of geology. Let us consider for a moment
the tendency of stream histories and the tendency of lake histories.
Wherever streams fall over rocky ledges in rapids or in cataracts,
their power of erosion is greatly increased by the rapid descent,
and they deepen their channels. If this process continues long
enough, the result must be that each stream will degrade its
channel through the hard ledges until the descent is no more rapid
there than in other parts of its course. It follows that a stream
with cascades and water-falls and numerous rapids is laboring at
an unfinished task. It is either a young stream, or else nature
has recently put obstructions in its path.

Again, consider what occurs where a lake interrupts the
course of a stream. The lower part of the stream, the outflow-
ing part, by deepening its channel continually tends to drain
the lake. The upper course, the inflowing stream, brings mud
and sand with it and deposits them in the still water of the lake,
thus tending to fill its basin. Thus, by a double process, the
streams are laboring to extinguish the lakes that lie in their way,
and given sufficient time, they will accomplish this. A stream
whose course is interrupted by lakes is either a young stream, or
else nature has recently put obstructions in its path.

Now if you will study a large map of North America, you will
find that the region of the Great Lakes is likewise a region of
small lakes. A multitude of lakes, lakelets, ponds and swamps

64 Sixth Annual Report of the

where ponds once were, characterize the surface from the Great
Lakes northward to the Arctic ocean, and for a distance southward
into the United States. In the same region water-falls abound,
and many streams consist of mere alternations of rapids and
pools. Farther south, in the region beyond the Ohio river, lakes
and cataracts are rare. The majority of the streams flow from
source to mouth with regulated course, their waters descending
at first somewhat steeply, and gradually becoming more nearly
level as they proceed. At the south the whole drainage system is
mature ; at the north it is immature. At the south it is old ; at
the north, young.

The explanation of this lies in a great geologic event of some-
what recent date — the event known as the age of ice. Previous
to the ice age our streams may have been as tame and orderly as
those of the Southern States, and we have no evidence that there
were lakes in this region. During the ice age the region of the
Great Lakes was somewhat in the condition of Greenland. It was
covered by an immense sheet of ice and the ice was in motion. In
general it moved from north to south. It carried with it whatever
lay loose upon the surface. It did more than this, for just as the
soft water of a stream, by dragging sand and pebbles over the
bottom, wears its channel deeper, so the plastic ice, holding grains
of sand and even large stones in its under surface, dragged these
across the underlying rock, and in this way not only scoured and
scratched it, but even wore it away.

In yet other ways the moving ice mass was analagous to a river.
Its motion was perpetual, and its form changed little, but that
wh-ieh moved was continually renewed. As a river is supplied by
rain-, so the glacier was supplied by snow falling upon regions far
to the north. To a certain extent the glacier discharged to the
ocean like a river, breaking up into icebergs and floating away ;
but its chief discharge was upon the land, through melting. The
climate at its southern margin was relatively warm, and into this
warm climate the sheet of ics steadily pushed and was as steadily
dissolved.

Whatever stones and earth were picked up or torn up by the ice,
moved with it to its southern margin and fell to the ground as the
ice melted. If the position of the ice margin had been perfectly

Commissioners of the State Beservation at Niagara. 65

uniform, its continuously deposited load might have built a single
high wall ; but as the seasons were cold or warm, wet or dry, the
ice margin advanced and retreated with endless variation, and this
led to the deposition of irregular congeries of hills, constituting
what is known as the " drift deposit." Eventually the warm
climate of the south prevailed over the invader born of a cold
climate, compelling it to retreat. The motion of the ice current
was not reversed, but the front of the glacier was melted more
rapidly than it could be renewed, and thus its area was gradually
restricted. During the whole period of retrenchment, the deposi-
tion of drift proceeded at the margin of the ice, so that the entire
area that it formerly occupied is now diversified by irregular sheets
and heapings of earth and stone.

The ancient configuration of the country was more or less
modified by the erosive action of the ice, and it was further modi-
fied by the deposits of drift. The destructive and constructive
agencies together gave to the land an entirely new system of hills
and valleys. When the ice was gone, the rain that fell on the land
could no longer follow the old lines of drainage. Some of the old
valleys had perhaps been obliterated ; others had been changed
so that their descent was in a different direction ; and all were
obstructed here and there by the heaps of drift. The waters were
held upon the surface in innumerable lakes, each overflowing at
the lowest side of its basin, and thus giving birth to a stream that
descended to some other lake. Often the new lines of descent —
the new water courses — crossed regions that before had had no
streams, and then they were compelled to dig their own channels.
Thus it was that the whole water system of a vast region was
refashioned, and thus it has come to pass that the streams of this
region are young.

Like every other stream of the district of the Great Lakes, the
Niagara was born during the melting of the ice, and so we may
begin our chronicle with the very beginning of the river.

If you will again call to mind the features of a general map of
the United States and Canada, and consider the direction in which
the streams flow, you will perceive that there is a continuous
upland, a sort of main divide, separating the basin of the Great
Lakes from the basin of the Mississippi. (A part of its course
9

66 Sixth Annual Kepoet of the

appears as a broken line on the maps in Figures 3 and 4.) It is not
a mountain range. In great part it is a region of hills. In places
it is only the highest part of the plain. But it is nevertheless a
continuous upland, else the waters would not be parted along its
course. When the ice had its greatest extent, it passed over this
upland, so that the waters produced by its melting fell into the
Ohio and other tributaries of the Mississippi, as well as into
streams that discharged to Delaware and Chesapeake bays. After-
ward, when the glacier gradually fell back, there came a time
when the ice front lay in the main to the north of the great water-
parting, but had not yet receded from the Adirondack mountains,
so that the water that flowed from the melting glacier could not
escape by way of the St. Lawrence river, but gathered as a lake
between the upland divide and the ice front. In fact it formed
not one but many lakes, each discharging across the divide by
some low pass ; and as the great retreat progressed, these lakes
were varied in number and extent, so that their full history is
exceedingly complex.

The surfaces of these lakes were stirred by the winds, and waves
beat upon their shores. In places they washed out the soft drift
and carved cliffs; elsewhere they fashioned spits and bars. These
cliffs and spits and other monuments of wave work survive to the
present time, and have made it possible to trace out and map
certain of the ancient lakes. The work of surveying them is
barely begun, but from what is known we may add a chapter to
the history of our river.

There was a time when one of these lakes occupied the western
portion of the basin of Lake Erie, and discharged across the
divide at the point where the city of Fort Wayne now stands,
running into the Wabash river and thence into the Ohio. The
channel of this discharge is so well preserved that its meaning can
not be mistaken, and the associated shore-lines have been traced
for many miles eastward into the Ohio, and northward into
Michigan. Afterward, this lake found some other point of dis-
charge, and a new shore-line was made twenty-five feet lower.
Twice again the point of discharge was shifted, and other shore-
lines were formed. The last and lowest of the series has been
traced eastward across the States of Ohio and Pennsylvania and
into western New York, where it fades away in the vicinity of the

Commissioners of the State Eeservation at Niagara. 67

town of Careyville. At each of the stages represented by these
four shore-lines, the site of the Niagara was either buried beneath
the ice or else submerged under the lake bordering the ice. There
was no river.

The next change in the history of the lakes was a great one.
The ice, which had previously occupied nearly the whole of the
Ontario basin, so far withdrew as to enable the accumulated water
to flow out by way of the Mohawk valley. The level of discharge
was thus suddenly lowered 550 feet, and a large district previously
submerged became dry land. Then for the first time Lake Erie
and Lake Ontario were separated, and then for the first time the
Niagara river carried the surplus water of Lake Erie to Lake
Ontario.

The waves of the new-born Lake Ontario at once began to carve
about its margin a record of its existence. That record is wonder-
fully clear, and the special training of the geologist has not been
necessary to the recognition of its import. The earliest books of
travel in western New York describe the Ridge road, and tell us
that the ridge of sand and gravel which it follows was even then
recognized by all residents as an ancient beach of the lake.1 In
the Province of Ontario the beach was examined and described by
the great English geologist, Charles Lyell, during his celebrated
journey in America,2 and it afterward received more careful study
by Mr. Sandford Fleming,3 and by the geologists of the Canadian
Survey.4 In western New York it was traced out by the great
American geologist, James Hall, during his survey of the geology
of the fourth district of the State.5 Within a few years more
attention has been given to detail. Professor J. W. Spencer has
traced the line continuously from the he'ad of the lake at Hamilton
past Toronto, Windsor and Grafton to the vicinity of Belleville,6

1 C. Schultz, Jr.: Travels on an inland voyage * * * in the years 1807 and 1808,
New York, 1810, p. 85.

De Witt Clinton: Discourse before the New York Historical Society, 1811, p. 58.
Francis Hall: Travels in Canada and the United States in 1816 and 1817, Boston, 1818,
p. 119.

2 Travels in North America in the years 1841-2. New York, 1845. Vol. 2, pp. 86-87.

3 Sandford Fleming : Notes on the Davenport gravel drift. Canadian Journal, New
Series, vol. 6. pp. 247-253.

4 Geological Survey of Canada, report to 1863, pp. 914-915.

5 Natural History of New York. Geology, Part IV, pp. 348-354.

6 Communicated to the Philosophical Society of Washington; to be published in
Vol. ll of the Bulletin of the Society.

68 Sixth Annual Keport of the

beyond which point it is hard to follow. South of the lake, I
myself have traced it from Hamilton to Queenston and Lewiston ;
thence to Rochester, and all about the eastern end of the basin to
Watertown, beyond which point it is again difficult to trace.
Southeast of the present margin of Lake Ontario, there was a
great bay, extending as far south as Cayuga lake, and including
the basin of Oneida lake, and it was from this bay that the dis-
charge took place, the precise point of overflow being the present
site of the city of Rome. For this predecessor of Lake Ontario
Professor Spencer has proposed the name of Iroquois.

Putting together the results of his survey and of my own, I
have been able to prepare a map (PL II) exhibiting with a fair
amount of detail the outline of the old lake. It will be observed
that the northeastern portion of the shore is not traced out. In
fact it is not traceable. The water was contained on that side by
the margin of the glacier, and with the final melting of the ice all
record of its shore vanished.

The form and extent of Lake Iroquois, and the form and extent
of each other lake that bordered the ice front, were determined
partly by the position of the pass over which the discharge took
place and by the contour of the land ; but they were also deter-
mined to a great extent by the peculiar attitude of the land.

Perhaps a word of general explanation is necessary in speaking
of the attitude of the land. Geologists are prone to talk of eleva-
tion and subsidence — of the uprising of the earth's crust at one
place or at one time, and of its down-sinking at another place or
another time. Their language usually seems to imply the rise or
fall of an area all together, without any relative displacement of
its parts ; but you will readily see that, unless a rising or sinking
tract is torn asunder from its surroundings, there must be all about
it a belt in which the surface assumes an inclined position, or, in
other words, where the attitude of the land is changed. If the
district whose attitude changes is a lake basin, the change of atti-
tude will cause a change in the position of the line marked about
the slopes of the basin by the water margin, and it may even cause
the overflow of the basin to take a new direction.

The Ontario basin has been subjected to a very notable change
of attitude, and the effect of this change has been to throw the

Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara. 69

ancient shore-line out of level. When the shore-line was wrought
by the waves, all parts of it must have lain in the same horizontal
plane, and had there been no change in the attitude of the basin,
every point of the shore-line would now be found at the level of
the old outlet at Rome. Instead of this, we find that the old
gravel spit near Toronto — the Davenport ridge — is forty feet
higher than the contemporaneous gravel spit on which Lewiston
is built ; at Belleville, Ontario, the old shore is 200 feet higher
than at Rochester, N. Y. ; at Watertown 300 feet higher than at
Syracuse; and the lowest point, in Hamilton, at the head of the
lake, is 325 feet lower than the highest point near Watertown.
From these and other measurements we learn that the Ontario
basin with its new attitude inclines more to the south and west
than with the old attitude.

The point of discharge remained at Rome as long as the ice was
crowded high against the northern side of the Adirondack
mountains, but eventually there came a time when the water
escaped eastward between the ice and the mountain slope. The
line of the St. Lawrence was not at once opened, so that the sub-
sidence was only partial. The water was held for short times at
various intermediate levels, recorded at the east in a series of faint
shore-lines. Owing to the attitude of the land, these shores are
not traceable all about the basin, but pass beneath the present
water level at various points.

Finally the ice blockade was raised in the St. Lawrence valley,
and the present outlet was established. During the period of
final retreat the attitude of the land had slowly changed, so that it
was not then so greatly depressed at the north as before ; but it
had not yet acquired its present position, and for a time Lake
Ontario was smaller than now, its western margin lying lower
down on the slope of the basin.

An attempt has been made in PI. Ill to exhibit diagramatically
the relations of ice dams and basin attitudes to one another and to
the river. The various elements are projected, with exaggeration
of heights, on a vertical plane running a little west of south, or
parallel to the direction of greatest inclination of old water-planes.
At N is represented the Niagara escarpment and the associated
slope of the lake basin ; at A the Adirondack mountains. R and

70 Sixth Annual Report of the

T are the passes at Rome and at the Thousand Islands. Succes-
sive positions of the ice front are marked at I1, I- and I3. The
straight line numbered 1 represents the level of lake water
previous to the origin of the Niagara river ; 2 gives the first
position of the water level after the establishment of the Rome
outlet ; and the level gradually shifted to 3 ; 4 is the first of the
series of temporary water levels when the water escaped between
the mountain slope and the ice front ; 5 represents the first
position of the water level after the occupation of the Thousand
Island outlet ; and 6, the present level of Lake Ontario.

Itshouldbe added parenthetically that the shore of Lake Iroquois
as mapped in PL II is not quite synchronous. Between 2 and
3 of PI. Ill there was a continuous series of water levels, but it
was not easy to map any one except the highest. The northern
part of the map delineates the margin of water level 2, and the
southern part the margin of water level 3.

It is easy to see that these various changes contribute to modify
the history of the Niagara river. In the beginning, when the
.cataract was at Lewiston, the margin of Lake Ontario, instead of
being seven miles away as now, was only one or two miles distant,
and the level of its water was about seventy-five feet higher than
at present. The outlet of the lake was at Rome, and while it there
continued, there was a progressive change in the attitude of the
land, causing the lake to rise at the mouth of the Niagara until it
was 125 feet higher than now. It fairly washed the foot of the
cliff at Queenston and Lewiston. Then came a time when the
lake fell suddenly through a vertical distance of 250 feet, and its
shore retreated to a position now submerged. Numerous minor
oscillations were caused by successive shiftings of the point of
discharge, and by progressive changes in the attitude of the
land, until finally the present outlet was acquired, at which
time the Niagara river had its greatest length. It then encroached
five miles on the modern domain of Lake Ontario, and began a
delta where now the lead-line runs out thirty fathoms.

While the level of discharge was lower than now, the river had
different powers as an eroding agent. The rocks underlying the
low plain along the margin of the lake are very soft, and where a
river flows across yielding rocks, the depth to which it erodes is

s

J -

COMMISSIONEES OF THE STATE RESEEVATION AT NlAGAEA. 71

limited chiefly by the level of its point of discharge. So when
the point of discharge of the Niagara river — the surface of the
lake to which it flowed — was from 100 to 200 feet lower than now,
the river carved a channel far deeper than it could now carve.
When afterward the rise of land in the vicinity of the outlet
carried the water gradually up to its present position in the basin,
this channel was partly filled by sand and other debris brought
by the current; but it was not completely filled, and its remark-
able present depth is one of the surviving witnesses of the shifting
drama of the Ontario. Near Fort Niagara twelve fathoms of water
are shown on the charts.

Mr. Warren Upham has made a similar discovery in the basin
of the Red River of the North. That basin held a large lake,
draining southward to the Mississippi — a lake whose association
with the great glacier Upham appropriately signalized by naming
it after the apostle of "the glacial theory," Louis Aggassiz. The
height of the old Agassiz shore has been carefully measured by
Mr. Upham, through long distances, and it is found to rise contin-
uously, though not quite uniformly, toward the north. Similar
discoveries have been made in the basins of Erie, Huron and
Michigan, and the phenomena all belong approximately to the
same epoch. So, while the details remain to be worked out, the
general fact is already established that during the epoch of the ice
retreat the great plain constituting the Laurentian basin was more
inclined to the northward than at present.

It was shown, first in the case of Lake Agassiz, and afterward,
as already stated, in the case of Lake Ontario, that the change
from the old attitude of the land to the present attitude was in
progress during the epoch of the ice retreat. The land was grad-
ually rising to the north or northeast. In each lake basin the
water either retreated from its northern margin, so as to lay bare
more land, or encroached on its southern margin, or else both
these changes occurred together; and in some cases we have reason
to believe that the changes were so extensive that the outlets of
lakes were shifted from northerly passes to more southerly passes.

To illustrate the effect of the earlier system of land slopes upon
the distribution of water in the region of the Great Lakes, I have
constructed the map in PL IV. Ic does not postulate the system

72 Sixth Annual Beeobt of the

of levels most divergent from the present sj'stem, but a system
such as may have existed at the point of time when the last
glacial ice was melted from the region. The modern system of drain-
age is drawn in broken lines ; the hypothetic system in full lines,
with shading for the lake areas ; and a heavier broken line toward
the bottom of t\e map marks the position of the present water-
parting at the sc uthern edge of the Laurentian basin.

In the ancient system of drainage, Georgian bay, instead of
being a dependency of Lake Huron, is itself the principal lake,
and receives the overflow from Huron. It expands toward the
northeast so as to include the basin of Lake Nipissing, and its
discharge is across a somewhat low pass at the east end of Lake
Nipissing, and thence down the Ottawa river to the St. Lawrence.
Lake Michigan, instead of communicating with Lake Huron by a
strait, forms a tributary lake, discharging its surplus through a
river. Lake Superior has the same relations as now, but its over-
flow traverses a greater distance before reaching Lake Huron.
Superior, Michigan, Huron and Georgia constitute a lake system
by themselves, independent of Erie and Ontario, and the channel
of the Detroit river is dry. Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, both
greatly reduced in size, constitute another chain, but their con-
necting link, the Niagara river, is a comparatively small stream,
for the diversion of the upper lakes robs the river of seven-eighths
of its tributary area.

Whether this hypothetic state of drainage ever existed, whether
the ice retreated from the Nipissing pass while still the changing
attitude of the land was such as to turn the Georgian outlet in that
direction, are questions not yet answered. But such data as I
have at present incline me to the belief that for a time the upper
lakes did discharge across the Nipissing pass.

Professor Spencer has described a channel by which Georgian
bay once drained across a more southerly pass to the valley of the
Trent river, and thence to Lake Ontario. x He states that there is
an ancient shore-line about Georgian bay associated with this
outlet, and that he has traced this line westward and southward
until it comes down to the shore of Lake Huron, demonstrating
that during the existence of that outlet also, the Detroit river ran

l Proc. A. A. A. S., 37th Meeting (Cleveland), pp. 198-199.

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Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara. 73

dry. The Trent pass is much higher than the Nipissing pass, so
that it appears necessary to assume that during the history of the
Trent outlet for the upper lakes, the great glacier still occupied
the region of Lake Nipissing, preventing the escape of the water
in that direction.

The map in PI. V represents the system of lakes and outlets at
that time. It is largely theoretic, but at the same time I believe
its general features consistent with our present knowledge of
the facts.

Unless I have misunderstood Professor Spencer, Lake Ontario
was at high stage in the first part of the epoch of the Trent valley
outlet, and was afterward at low stage. I have selected as the
date of my map the epoch of the high stage, with the outlet of
Ontario at Rome, and have indicated an ice sheet so extensive as
to block the way, not only at Lake Nipissing, but at the pass of the
Thousand Islands. The date of this map is earlier than the other ;
it belongs to a time when the northward depression of the land was
greater. Lake Erie is represented as less in extent, for its basin
in that position would hold less water. Huron and Ontario would
likewise be smaller were their waters free to escape over the lowest
passes ; but the ice blocks the way, and so their waters are raised
to the level of higher passes. Of the contemporaneous relations
of the upper lakes we know nothing at present. They are drawn
as though communicating with Lake Huron, but it is equally pos-
sible that they fell into some other drainage system. Here again
the Detroit channel was not in use, and the Niagara river was
outlet only for the waters of the Erie basin.

Graphic methods are ill adapted to the communication of
qualified or indefinite statements. By the aid of a map one can
indicate definitely the relation of Albany to other places and things,
but he can not say indefinitely that Albany is somewhere in eastern
New Tork, nor can he say, with qualification, that it is probably
on the Mohawk river. For this reason I have decided to publish
these two maps only after hesitation, because I should greatly
regret to produce the impression that the particular configuration
of lakes and outlets here delineated has been actually demon-
strated. The facts now at command are suggestive rather than
conclusive, and when the subject shall have been fully investigated
10

74 Sixth Annual Report of the

it is to be expected that the maps representing these epochs will
exhibit material differences from those I have drawn. The sole
point that I wish to develop at this time is the probability that
during a portion of the history of the Niagara river, its drainage
district — that area from which its water was supplied — was far
less than it is at the present time. There is reason to believe that
during an epoch which may have been short or loug, we can only
vaguely conjecture, the Niagara was a comparatively small river.

The characters of the gorge are in general remarkably uniform
from end to end. Its width does not vary greatly ; its course is
flexed but slightly; its walls exhibit the same alternation of soft
and hard rocks. But there is one exceptional point. Midway,
its course is abruptly bent at right angles. On the outside
of the angle there is an enlargement of the gorge, and this enlarge-
ment contains a deep pool, called the Whirlpool. At this point,
and on this side only, the material of the wall has an exceptional
character. At every other point there is an alternation of shales,
sandstones and limestones, capped above by an unequal deposit
of drift. At this point, limestones, sandstones and shales disappear,
and the whole wall is made of drift. Here is a place where the
strata that floor the plateau are discontinuous, and must have been
discontinuous before the last occupation of the region of the glacier,
for the gap is filled by glacial drift.

Another physiographic feature was joined to this by Lyell and
Hall. They observed that the cliff limiting the plateau has, in
general, a very straight course, with few indentations. But at the
town of St. Davids, a few miles west of Queenston, a wide flaring
gap occurs. This gap is partly filled by drift, and although the
glacial nature of the drift was not then understood, it was clearly
perceived by those geologists that the drift-filled break marked
the position of a line of erosion established before the period of
the drift. Putting together the two anomalies, they said that the
drift-filled gap at the Whirlpool belonged to the same line of ancient
erosion with the drift-filled gap at St. Davids. 1 Their conclusion
has been generally accepted by subsequent investigators, but the
interpretation of the phenomena was carried little farther until

l Travels in North America. By Charles Lyell. New York, 1845. Vol. II, pp. 77-80.
Natural History of New York. Geology, Part IV. By James Hall, pp. 389-390.

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Commissioners of the State Eeservation at Niagara. 75

the subject was studied by Dr. Julius Poblman.1 He pointed out
that the upper course of the ancient gorge could not have lain
outside the modern gorge. If the course of one gorge lay athwart
the course of the other, we should have two breaks in the con-
tinuity of the strata, instead of the single one at the Whirlpool.
The upper part of the ancient gorge necessarily coincides with a
part of the modern gorge ; and so, when the cataract, in the pro-
gressive excavation of the canyon, reached a point at the Whirl-
pool where it had no firm rock to erode, it had only to clear out
the incoherent earth and boulders of glacial drift. To whatever
distance the gorge of the earlier stream extended, the modern
river found its laborious task performed in advance.

Let us put together what we have learned of the Niagara history.
The river began its existence during the final retreat of the great
ice sheet, or, in other words, during the series of events that closed
the age of ice in North America. If we consider as a geologic
period the entire time that has elapsed since the beginning of the
age of ice, then the history of the Niagara rrver covers only a
portion of that period. In the judgment of most students of
glacial geology, and, I may add, in my own judgment, it covers only
a small portion of that period.

During the course of its history, the length of the river has
suffered some variation by reason of the successive fall and rise
of the level of Lake Ontario. It was at first a few miles shorter
than now ; then it became suddenly a few miles longer, and its
present length was gradually acquired.

With the change in the position of its mouth there went a
change in the height of its mouth ; and the rate at which it eroded
its channel was affected thereby. The influence on the rate of
erosion was felt chiefly along the lower course of the river,
between Lewiston and Fort Niagara.

The volume of the river has likewise been inconstant. In early
days, when the lakes levied a large tribute on the melting glacier,
the Niagara may have been a larger river than now ; but there
was a time when the discharge from the upper lakes avoided the
route by Lake Erie, and then the Niagara was a relatively small
stream.

l Proc. A. A. A. S., 35th Meeting (Buffalo), pp. 221-222.

76 Sixth Annual Kepoet of the

The great life work of tlie river lias been the digging of the gorge
through which it runs from the cataract to Lewiston. The begin-
ning of its life was the beginning of that task. The length of the
gorge is in some sense a measure of the river's age. In the main
the material dug has been hard limestone and sandstone, inter-
bedded with a coherent though softer shale ; but for a part of the
distance the material was incoherent drift.

The geologic age of the earth — the time during which its
surface has been somewhat as now, divided into land and ocean,
subject to endless waste on the land and to endless accumulation of
sediment in the ocean, green with verdure and nourishing the
varied forms of animal life — this time is of immense duration.
Even the units into which geologists divide it, the periods and
epochs of their chronology, are themselves of vast duration.
Human history is relatively so short, and its units of centuries
and years are so exceedingly brief, that the two orders of time are
hardly commensurate. Over and over again the attempt has been
made to link together the two chronologies, to obtain for the
geologic units some satisfactory expression in the units of human
history. It can not in fairness be said that all these attempts have
failed, for some of them are novel and untested ; but, however
successful or unsuccessful they may have been, the interest in the
subject remains, and no discussion of the history of the Niagara
river would be complete without some allusion to its value as a
geologic chronometer. It is true we know but little of the ratio
the river epoch bears to the extent of the glacial period, or to any
longer geologic unit ; but yet were we able to determine, even
approximately, the time consumed by the river in cutting its
gorge, we should render less hazy and vague our conception of the
order of magnitude of the units of the earth's geologic history.
The problem has been attacked by numerous writers, and the
resulting estimates have ranged from three or four thousand
years to three or four million years.

The method of reaching a time estimate has been, first, to
estimate the present rate of recession — the rate at which the
cataract is increasing the length of the gorge ; second, to compute,
with the aid of this estimate and the known length of the gorge,
the time necessary for the entire excavation ; and, third, some

COMMISSIONEES OF THE STATE RESERVATION AT NIAGARA. 77

writers have modified their result by giving consideration to various
conditions affecting the rate of erosion during earlier stages of the
excavation. The enormous range of the resulting estimates of
time has depended chiefly upon the imperfection of data with
reference to the present rate of recession of the falls. It is but
a few years since measurement of the rate of recession was
substituted for bald guessing.

This measurement consists in making surveys and maps of the
falls at different times, so that the amount of change in the interval
between surveys can be ascertained by comparison of the maps.
In 1842 Professor Hall made a survey of the outlines of the falls,
and he published, for the use of future investigators, not only the
map resulting from the survey, but also the bearings taken with
the surveying instrument in determining the principal points of
the map.1 He likewise left upon the ground a number of well-
marked monuments to which future surveys could be referred.
Thirty-three years later a second survey was made by the United
States Army Engineers, and they added still further to the series
of bench marks available for future reference. Three years ago,
my colleague, Mr. R. S. Woodward, executed a third survey.2

Plate VII exhibits the outline of the crest of the falls, together
with the brink of the cliff in the vicinity of the falls, as determined
by Mr. Woodward in 1886, and also shows a part of the same out-
line as determined by Professor Hall forty -four years earlier.3 If
both were precise, the area included between the two lines would
exactly represent the recession of the Horseshoe and American
falls in forty-four years, and the retreat of the cliff face at Goat
Island in the same time. I regret to say that there is internal
evidence pointing to some defect in one or both surveys, for there
are some points at which the Woodward outline projects farther
towards the gorge than the Hall outline, and yet we can not believe
that any additions have been made to the face of the cliff. Never-
theless, a critical study, not merely of these bare lines on the chart,
but also of the fuller data in the surveyors' notes, leads to the
belief that the rate of recession in the central part of the Horse-

1 Natural History of New York, Geology, Part IV, pp. 402-403.

2 Science, Vol. VIII, 1886, p. 205.

3 The south side of this chart is placed uppermost (in violation of the conventional
rule) so that it may accord with the bird's-eye views.

78 Sixth Annual Keport of the

shoe Fall is approximately determined, and that it is somewhere
between four feet and six feet per annum. The amount fallen
away at the sides of the Horseshoe is not well determined, but
this is of less importance, for such falling away affects the width
of the gorge rather than its length, and it is the length with which
we are concerned.

The surveys likewise fail to afford any valuable estimate of the
rate of retreat of the American Fall, merely telling us that its rale
is far less than that of the Horseshoe — a result that might be
reached independently by going back in imagination to the time
when the two falls were together at the foot of Goat Island,
and considering how much greater is the distance through which
the Horseshoe Fall has since retreated. The rate of retreat of the
central portion of the Horseshoe is the rate at which the gorge
grows longer.

Now if we were to divide the entire length of the gorge by the
space through which the Horseshoe Fall retreats in a year, we
might regard the resulting quotient as expressing the number of
years that the falls have been occupied with their work. This is
precisely the procedure by which the majority of time estimates
have been deduced, but in my judgment it is not defensible. It
implies that the rate of retrogression has been uniform, or, more
precisely, that the present rate of retrogression does not differ
from the average rate, and this implication is open to serious
question. I conceive that future progress in the discussion of the
time problem will consist chiefly in determining in what ways the
conditions or circumstances that affect the rate of retrogression
have varied in past time. In order to discuss intelligently these
conditions, it is necessary to understand just what is the process
by which the river increases the length of its gorge.

There can be no question that the cataract is the efficient
engine, but what kind of an engine is it ? What is the principle
on which it works ?

It has already been stated that the rocks at the falls lie in level
layers. The order of succession of the layers has much to do with
the nature of the cataract's work. Above all is a loose sheet of drift,
but this yields so readily to the wash of the water that we need
pay no attention to it at present. Under that is a bed of strong

PLATE VII.— Chart of the Cliff Line at tile head of the Niagara Gorge,
compiled to show the Recession from 18-1 3 to 1886.

Explanation.— Broken line, crest of falls and cliff as mapped by N. Y. State Geol-
Survey in 1842. Full line, crest of falls as mapped by the U. S. Geol. Survey
in 1886, with other features as mapped by the U. S. Lake Survey in 1875.

COMMISSIONERS OF THE STATE PRESERVATION AT NIAGARA. 79

limestone. This is called the Niagara limestone, and its thickness
is eighty feet. Beneath it is a shale, called the Niagara shale,
with a thickness of fifty feet; and then for thirty-five feet there is
an alternation of limestone, shale and sandstone, known collectively
as the Clinton group. This reaches down very nearly to the
water's edge. Beneath it, and extending downward for several
hundred feet, is a great bed of soft, sandy shale, interrupted, so far
as we know, by but a single hard layer, a sandstone ledge, varying
in thickness from ten to twenty feet. These are the Medina shales
and the Medina sandstone. The profile in the figure indicates that
the hard layers project as shelves or steps, and that the softer
layers are eaten back. I have been led so to draw them by con-
siderations of analogy only, for underneath the center of the great
cataract no observations have been made. We only know that the
river leaps from the upper surface of the Niagara limestone and
strikes upon the water of the pool. The indicated depth of the
pool, too, is a mere surmise, for in that commotion of waters direct
observation is out of the question. But where the United States
Engineers were able to lower their plummet, a half a mile away, a
depth was discovered of nearly 200 feet, and I have assumed that
the cataract is scouring as deeply now as it scoured at the time
when that part of the gorge was dug.

It is a matter of direct observation that, from time to time, large
blocks of the upper limestone fall away into the pool, and there
seems no escape from the inference that this occurs because the
erosion of the shale beneath deprives the limestone of its support.
Just how the shale is eroded, and what is the part played by the
harder layers beneath, are questions in regard to which we are
much in doubt. In the Cave of the Winds, where one can pass
beneath and behind one of the thinner segments of the divided
fall, the air is filled with spray and heavier masses of water that
perpetually dash against the shale, and though their force in that
place does not seem to be violent, it is possible that their con-
tinual beating is the action that removes the shaly rock. The
shale is of the variety known as calcareous, and as its calcareous
element is soluble, it may be that solution plays its part in the
work of undermining. What goes on beneath the water of the pool
must be essentially different. The Niagara river carries no sedi-

80 Sixth Annual Keport of the

ment, and therefore can not scour its channel in the manner of
most rivers, but the fragments of the limestone bed that fall into the
pool must be moved by the plunging water, else they would
accumulate and impede its work ; and being moved, we can under-
stand that they become powerful agents of excavation. Water
plunging into a pool acquires a gyratory motion, and, carrying
detritus about with it, sometimes bores deep holes, even in rocks
that are hard. These holes are called technically "pot-holes," and
there is much to commend the suggestion that the excavation
within the pool i? essentially pot-hole work.1

The process which I have described is that which takes place in
the central part of the Horseshoe Fall, where the greatest body of
water is precipitated. At the margin of the Horseshoe, and also
at the American Fall, in which places the body of falling water
is much less, the process is different. There is there no pot-hole
action and no pool. The fallen blocks of limestone form a low
talus at the foot of the cliff, and upon them the force of the descend-
ing water is broken and spent. Such of you as have made the
excursion through the Cave of the Winds, will recall that though
for a few steps you traveled upon an undisturbed rock stratum,
one of the layers of the Clinton group, the greater part of the
journey lay across large, fallen blocks of limestone, irregularly
heaped. Where, then, the volume of falling water is relatively
small, the great bed of shale below the Clinton ledges plays no
part, and the rate at which the limestone breaks away is deter-
mined purely by the rate of erosion of the shale bed lying just
beneath it.

The difference between the two processes is of great importance
in the present connection, because the two rates of erosion are
very different.

I am fully aware that this sketch of the cataract's work is not a
satisfactory explanation of the mode of recession, but it yet serves
a present purpose, for it renders it possible to point out that the
rate of recession is affected by certain factors which may have
varied during the earlier history of the river. We see that the
process of recession is concerned with a heavy bed of hard rock

l I am indebted for this suggestion to Mr. W. J. McGee,

COMMISSIONEES OF THE STATE RESERVATION AT NIAGARA. 81

above, with beds of softer rock beneath, with the force of falling
water, and possibly, also, with the solvent power of the water.

Concerning each of these factors a number of pertinent questions
may be asked, quest ons that should certainly be considered,
whether they are ans ered or not, before any solution of the time
problem is regarded as satisfactory. To illustrate their pertinence,
a few will be propounc ed.

Question 1. Does thu limestone vary in constitution in different
parts of the gorge ? If its texture or its system of cracks and
joints varies, the process of recession may vary in consequence.

Question 2. How does the limestone bed vary in thickness in
different ] arts of the gorge ? This question is easily answered,
for at all points it is well exposed for measurement.

Question 3. How is the thickness of the limestone related to the
rate of recession? This is more difficult. The debris from a
very thick bed of limestone would oppose great resistance to the
cataract and check its work, The debris from a very thin bed
would afford small and inefficient pestles for pot-hole action, and
might lead to a slow rate of recession. If the thickness now seen
at the cataract were slightly increased or slightly diminished, it is
not at once apparent how the rate of recession would be affected,
and yet there might be an important difference.

We have seen that the pre-glacial stream whose channel is
betrayed at the Whirlpool, removed the Niagara limestone through
a portion of the gorge, and

Question 4 asks : Through what portion of the gorge was the
Niagara limestone absent when the Niagara river began its work ?

Question 5. Does the rock section beneath the limestone — the
shale series with its imbedded harder layers — does this vary in
different parts of the gorge ?

Question 6. Through what distance were the several members
of the underlying rock series removed by the action of the
pre-glacial stream ?

Coming now to consider the force of the falling water, a little
consideration serves to show that the force depends on at least
three things : The height through which the water falls, the degree
of concentration of the stream, and the volume of the river.
11

82 Sixth Annual Report of the

The height of the fall is the vertical distance from its crest to
the surface of the pool below.

Question 7 asks : How has the height of the crest of the fall
varied during the history of recession?

Question 8. How has the height of the base of the fall varied ?
And this involves a subsidiary question, — to what extent has the
excavated gorge, as left by the retreating cataract, been refilled,
either by the falling in of fragments from the cliffs, or by
contributions of debris brought by the current ?

Question 9. What has been the form of the channel at the crest
of the fall, from point to point, during the recession ? Wherever
the channel has been broad, and the water of uniform depth from
side to side, the force of the falling water has been applied dis-
advantageous^; wherever the channel has been narrow, or has
been much deeper in some parts than in others, the force of the
water has been applied advantageously.

There are many ways in which it is possible that the volume
of the river was made to differ at early dates from its present
volume. During the presence of the ice, there was a different
climate, and there were different drainage systems.

Question 10. During the early history of the river, was the
annual rainfall on which its water supply depended greater or
less than now ?

Question 11. Was the evaporation from the basin at that time
greater or less than now ? It is believed that at the present time
the Niagara river receives less than half the water that falls upon
its basin in rain and snow, the remainder being returned to the air
by evaporation from the lakes, from the surface of the land and
from vegetation.

Question 12. Was the water supply increased by ablation?
There may have been times when the overlapping edge of the
glacier discharged to the Laurentian basin large bodies of water
furnished by the melting of ice that had congealed from the clouds
of regions far away.

Question 13. Was the drainage area of the river at any time
increased through the agency of ice barriers ? Just as the Winnipeg
basin was made to send its water to the Mississippi, so we can
imagine that regions north of the Great Lakes and now tributary

COMMISSIONEES OF THE STATE BESERVATION AT NIAGARA. 83

to Hudson's bay, had their discharge temporarily turned to Lake
Superior and Lake Huron.

On the other hand, we have seen that the discharge of the whole
district of the upper lakes was for a time turned away from the
Niagara river. Therefore, we ask :

Question 14. To what extent and for what periods was the
volume of the river diminished through the diversion of the
discharge of the upper lakes ?

Assuming all these questions to be answered one by one, and
the variations of different sorts determined, it is still necessary
to learn the relations of those variations to each other, and so
we ask :

Question 15. How have the variations of rock section, the
variations of cataract height, the variations of form of channel and
the variations of volume been related to one another in point of
time? What have been their actual combinations?

Question 16. How have the various temporary combinations of
factors affected the process of retreat and the rate of recession.

The tale of questions is not exhausted, but no more are needed
if only it has been shown that the subject is not in reality simple,
as many have assumed, but highly complex. Some of the ques-
tions are, indeed, easily answered. It may be possible to show
that others are of small moment. It may even be that careful
study of the local features will enable the investigator to infer the
process of cataract work at each point from the existing condition
of the gorge, and thus relieve him from the necessity of considering
such remote questions as the nature of glacial climate and the
history of glacial retreat. But after all paring and pruning what
remains of the problem will be no bagatelle. It is not to be solved
by a few figures on a slate, nor yet by the writing of many essays.
It is not to be solved by the cunning discussion of our scant, yet
too puzzling knowledge — smoothing away inconvenient doubts with
convenient assumptions, and cancelling out, as though compen-
satory, terms of unknown value that happen to stand on opposite
sides of the equation. It is a problem of nature, and like other
natural problems demands the patient gathering of many facts, of
facts of many kinds, of categories of facts suggested by the ten-

84 Sixth Annual Report on State Reservation at Niagara.

tative theories of to-day, and of new categories of facts to be
suggested by new theories.

I have said our problem is but the stepping stone to another
problem, the discovery of common units for earth history and
human history. The Niagara bridges the chasm in another way,
or more strictly, in another sense, for the term of its life belongs
to both histories. The river sprang from a great geologic revolu-
tion, the banishment of the dynasty of cold, and so its lifetime is a
geologic epoch ; but from first to last man has been the witness of
its toil, and so its history is interwoven with the history of man.
The human comrade of the river's youth was not, alas, a reporter
with a note-book, else our present labor would be light. He has
even told us little of himself. We only know that on a gravelly
beach of Lake Iroquois, now the Ridge road, he rudely gathered
stones to make a hearth, and built a fire ; and the next storm
breakers, forcing back the beach, buried and thus preserved, to
gratify yet whet our curiosity, hearth, ashes and charred sticks. 1

In these Darwinian days, we can not deem primeval the man
possessed of the Promethean art of fire, and so his presence on
the scene adds zest to the pursuit of the Niagara problem. What-
ever the antiquity of the great cataract may be found to be, the
antiquity of man is greater.

1 American Anthropologist, Vol. II, pp. 173-174.