IRIS ISLAND.

"Go to the cool and shady bowers, Where flow the wild cascades;

Stroll through each green and deep recess,

And dark romantic glades.

Then, rest thee, on the mossy bank,

Or onward further stray,

And gaze upon the mighty stream,

That winds its course away."

THE ISLANDS.

"Say, shall we wind

Along the streams? or walk the smiling mead?
Or court the forest glade?"

There are several islands, which, from their locality and peculiar position, in reference to the Falls, have attracted the attention and curiosity of strangers; and a visit, to some of them, is never neglected by those who have an opportunity. The one most interesting is Iris, or, as it is commonly called, Goat Island. Many years since, a resident at Schlosser put some goats on the island, and hence the name. The present proprietors have given it the name of Iris Island. As that is very appropriate, it is proper that it should be generally adopted.

It lies in latitude 43 deg. 6 min. and longitude 2 deg. 5 sec. west from Washington city; and contains between 60 and 70 acres. Though the soil is an accumulation of earth upon a heap of rocks, yet it is very fertile, producing all the native plants of the country in great luxuriance. A circuit round it, which visiters usually take, is about a mile. By the Boundary Commissioners, who were appointed under the Treaty of Ghent, it was very properly adjudged to belong to the United States; and the Indian title being extinguished, it fell into the hands of private individuals. Just at the upper end of the island, commence the terrific rapids that lead on to the Falls. There the river divides; the main body passing on the south-western side, and the lesser on the northeastern. The lower end of the island is like the main

Jaunt to the Island.

shore below the Falls

-a perpendicular bank, from 70

to 90 feet, and thence, to the water's edge, a sloping precipice of from 100 to 120 feet. A small portion of the island has been cleared off, and is in a state of cultivation; but the principal part is forest trees, of various kinds: some of which, when covered with their rich foliage, the rays of the sun are seldom admitted.

yet covered with native through the density of

In making the tour of the island, occasion will be taken to mention and describe such other islands that lie in the Niagara river, as have in any way drawn the attention of the public.

"Summer! delicious summer! thou dost fling
- Thy unbought treasures o'er the glorious earth!
Music is in thy step, and in thine eye

A flood of sunshine! On thy brow is wreathed
Garlands that wither not, and in thy breath
Are all the perfumes of Arabia!"

The party leave the hotel, and turn down a short street, called Bridge street. They fall into conversation with the guide, making such inquiries of him as are usually interesting to travellers, and such as are commonly made. The information which follows, is in answer to such questions:

Besides seeing the Falls, travellers, who remain for any length of time, find various amusements.

For those who like in-door exercise, there is a ball or nine-pin alley. There is, also, in the village, got up exclusively for the use of travellers, several billiard tables.