Which is here seen to the best advantage, is about 144 rods wide, and
158 feet high. The depth of the water in the center is estimated at 20
feet. An experiment to demonstrate the depth was made in 1827. An
unseaworthy vessel, drawing 18 feet of water, increased by leakage to
more than 20 feet, was sent over the Falls, and cleared the ledge
without touching.
The name “Horseshoe” is hardly true to the present shape, which is now
more nearly rectangular. The horseshoe curve has been marred by the
falling of portions of the cliff at various times, until its original
symmetry has nearly departed. The precipice near the Terrapin Tower has
suffered loss from this cause, until it was regarded as unsafe to
continue the use of the Tower, and it was removed in 1873.
[Illustration: TERRAPIN TOWER.--REMOVED IN 1873.]
Along the south shore of the island, the walk or drive toward the east
keeps in view the rapids, and leads us next to the group known as the