Depositing the fee of 25 cents at the toll-gate, we are soon within the
privileged domain. The grounds are what were formerly known as the
“Ferry Grove” and “Point View,” and previous to their improvement were
free to the public. The Company who purchased them, however, have
provided an almost endless variety of artificial adjuncts to render the
place attractive, and the small fee exacted for admission is not,
therefore, an unreasonable one.
At the verge of the American Fall, they have constructed a solid wall at
what is now called “Prospect Point,” extending it all along the brink of
the precipice, thus rendering secure from accident the place where the
finest view of the Fall can be obtained. Looking up the stream, the
foaming rapids, white-crested and tumultuous, greet the vision in a
continuous stretch, until water and sky seem to blend. In the immediate
foreground is the American Fall, its waters almost in reach of the
outstretched hand. Directly across the stream are Luna and Goat Islands,
while sweeping away to the right in a grand curve, is the Horseshoe
Fall. The American Fall is year by year assuming the horseshoe form, by
the wearing away of the cliff in the center, the indentation in the
front line of the Fall being quite prominently visible from Prospect
Point, although less noticeable from a front view.
The visitor who may be disposed to carry away a souvenir of this
locality will find a skillful photographer in readiness to make
pictures, stereoscopic or otherwise, of from one to twenty persons, with
both the American and the Horseshoe Fall as a background.
Near the Point is located a bazaar for the sale of curiosities, in
itself a museum well worthy of a visit, whether to purchase be the
intention, or only to inspect the articles exposed for sale.
The Ferry House is near the center of the Park, and is the upper
terminal station of the