Improvements proposed. explore it out; but, the route appearing very difficult, the offer is declined. The almost impenetrability of the trees and bushes, the rocks hanging dangerously above, and the necessity of climbing and again descending many steep and forbidding passes, have, as yet, prevented a full exploration of this place; but, the grounds around the Whirlpool having come into the occupation of Mr. Walter E. Hulett, a most public-spirited man, it will be different for the future. He intends making the descent down the bank more convenient, to examine the whole vicinity, to remove obstacles that impede the movements of visiters, and, without affecting the wild, romantic aspect, yet, to make every place accessible that visiters may desire to view. Heretofore, no person has resided near the Whirlpool, and there was no accommodation or provision for the comfort of travellers. Mr. Hulett intends to establish such accommodations, as will make the place in all respects agreeable for a more protracted etay, to those who may desire to tarry, than has heretofore been the case. One of the party expresses some surprise, that this water power has not been brought into use; "the rapids, though larger, are similar to those above the Falls, and they may be controlled in the same way." Guide." The hill, or high bank, appears to be the only obstacle." Traveller. That, now, is of but little consequence, as power may be used at almost any distance, by means of the elasticity of the air, confined and conveyed in cast iron pipes." Return to the upper bank. Some of the party seek for new and strange plants, for this place, like Iris Island, produces many varieties, not readily found in other parts of the country. "And midst the craggy piles and boulders, here, Peep through the fissures, and the prospect grace. And in deep study wile the time away. Having spent an hour below the bank, in rambling over the rocks, and engraving their names upon the trees, they retrace their steps. Arriving at the top of the hill, they proceed along the upper bank, for a quarter of a mile or more. Here are presented some noble views of the formidable river, driving furiously along. "Thou seest not all: but piecemeal thou must break To separate contemplation, the great whole; And, as the ocean many bays will make, That ask the eye, so, here, condense thy soul To more immediate objects, and control Thy thoughts, until thy mind hath got, by heart, Its eloquent proportions, and unrol, In mighty graduations, part by part, The glory which, at once, upon thee did not dart.” Having traversed the shore, till wearied with the walk, they return to the summer-house, where they seat and rest themselves. While enjoying the cool retreat, and the beauty of the prospect, the conversation is still on the scene before them. One inquires- "Do you not suppose it possible to cross the river, here, in safety ? The guide replies "No one has ever thought it possible; though a life boat has been spoken of, and, if Maelstrom, of Norway. obtained, there is a person at the Falls, by the name of Joel R. Robinson, a most skilful waterman, who would not hesitate to attempt it." To which, another gentleman adds - "With such a boat, no doubt, it might be accomplished. While looking at the Whirlpool, of Niagara river, my thoughts have been drawn to the Maelstrom, of Norway; contrasting the two together, to discover if there is any resemblance between them; but I find none." An American gentleman, who sailed along the edge of the Maelstrom, says "The waves foamed around us in every form. The sensations I experienced, are difficult to describe. Imagine to your yourself an immense circle, moving round, of a diameter of one and a half miles, the velocity increasing as it approximates towards the centre, and gradually changing its dark blue color to white-foaming, tumbling, rushing to the vortexvery much concave, as much so as the water in a tunnel when half run out; the noise, too, hissing, roaring, dashing all pressing on the mind at once- - presented the most awful, grand, and solemn sight I ever beheld. It is evidently a subterranean passage. From its mag nitude, I should not doubt, but that instant destruction would be the fate of a dozen of our largest ships, if they were drawn in the same moment. A lady remarks-"As to the foaming, tumbling, dashing, and roaring, our eyes and ears must witness that the scene before us cannot be surpassed; but the great peculiarity of the Maelstrom, the tunnel-like appearance, is not found here; still, of all the beautiful and romantic places along Niagara's stream, nature's matchless handiwork, this spot comes most up to my estimation of the picturesque, combined with the grand and solemn." 157135 Benjamin Rathbun. Traveller.- -"If the improvements were made, of which the place is susceptible, it would make a beautiful country retreat. The grounds, west of the road, I would enclose as a park; the forest part should be cleared of the under-growth, leaving here and there, dense as it now is, a clump of indigenous shrubs and plants, as impervious as nature has reared them. The whole should be intersected with roads and walks; steps, also, to descend the bank; a bathing and fishing house; a life-boat on the river; and a suspension bridge, from bank to bank. The water power should be brought into use, in carrying on mills and manufactories; and my cottage should be in the midst of the active and rural scene." Guide. To which could be added a view of the Falls, at a distance, if the woods on yon point of land at the south, in Canada, were cut down. This place was one of the favorite purchases of Rathbun, and on which he very justly placed a high value. It was he who erected this summer-house, and the other building which you observe. It was his design to carry into effect many of the improvements which you have just mentioned. "Say, why we strive lustrous name to gain, As there is, at almost every important point in this vicinity, some work remaining of the taste and enterprise of this individual, of so much notoriety, and so many inquiries are made relative to him, it is proper to give to the public such notices as have come to the know Tavern-keeper, merchant, and banker. ledge of the author. Perhaps no more strong delusion ever came over the public mind, as to any man, than prevailed in reference to Rathbun. In 1816, he kept a public-house at Sherburne, in the state of New York. Near his tavern, he had a store of goods he also issued notes, as a private banker. His store was fitted up in a superior style, and the interior of his public-house was really a model, and the admiration of travellers. It was much in advance, in appearance and in general accommodations, over the other publichouses of the country. He soon after failed; and, much reduced, he sought for employment in another part of the country. It is stated, that the relations of Mrs. Rathbun proposed that she should return to them, her husband being alike bankrupt in property and character; but she declined the offer, preferring to share adversity as well as prosperity with the man of her choice. He first came to Niagara Falls, and proposed to get a public-house built for his occupation there; but, relinquishing that idea, he succeeded in obtaining charge of the Eagle Tavern, at Buffalo. Under his management, the reputation of that house was soon raised from a very low state, to one of the highest character. He enlarged the buildings, and erected adjoining ones. Every thing he did, was in good style. As a landlord, he became eminent; all that called on him, were pleased, and commended him to others. His bar was said to be stocked with the choicest wines; his table was abundant; his beds, the best evidence of a well kept house, every thing the weary traveller could desire; and his servants were the most attentive and obliging. It was, in those days, a luxury to be a guest at the Eagle Tavern, The citizens of Buffalo were |