The narrowing of the channel in the vicinity of the Suspension Bridge
greatly accelerates the current, and the tremendous force with which it
rushes through the gorge from this point to the “Whirlpool,” throws the
water into violent commotion. When it is considered that the calculated
weight of the water that passes over the Falls every hour is 100,000,000
tons, and that this volume of water must find its way through a channel
only about 300 feet wide, the terrific force with which it rushes along
may be at least partially understood. Although the depth of the stream
is here estimated at 250 feet, the force of the current is such as to
_elevate_ the water from ten to forty feet above its natural level.
[Illustration: WHIRLPOOL AND RAPIDS.]
At the Whirlpool, the river takes a sharp turn almost at a right angle,
circling around in the cauldron which it seems to have excavated for
itself, and finally making its exit through a narrow gorge, the vast
body of water no doubt passing out far below the surface, in a channel
of immense depth.
The Whirlpool may be seen to advantage from either the Canadian or the
American side. At the latter, the approach is through the grounds of De
Veaux College, the fee for admission going to the funds of the
institution. On the Canada side, extensive preparations have been made
for the accommodation of visitors by the WHIRLPOOL RAPIDS PARK COMPANY.
A river-side walk has been constructed, partially by excavation from the
side of the cliff, and a delightful park on the bank of the river, with
plenty of trees and shrubbery, renders a promenade on this shore very
attractive. An inclined railway, to facilitate the journey between the
upper and lower levels, has been constructed, and equipped with cars,
operating in a novel and ingenious manner. The cars have tanks below the
seats; these tanks are filled with water from a spring at the back of
the entrance building, by means of a pipe leading into the tank. 50 lbs.
weight of water is sufficient to overcome the balance of the cars, and
to carry the loaded car to the foot of the railway, the light one being
simultaneously drawn to the top by the same power. Formerly these cars
were operated by steam-power, but the present is by far the safest and
most economical plan, there being no machinery to get out of order, no
danger of damage from bursting of boiler, etc., the entire apparatus
necessary being the check or governor, by which the person in charge can
regulate or stop the speed of the car with perfect ease. These cars take
12 passengers each; the tanks are capable of containing 2,800 lbs. of
water. As they reach the foot of the incline, a bolt or pin removes the
fastening to the discharge pipe and discharges the water, thus leaving
the car in readiness for its next ascent, which is made in about one and
a half minutes. The total length of the railroad is 285 feet.
At the water’s edge, a photographic studio is located, thus giving to
all an opportunity of being portrayed with the Whirlpool Rapids in the
backgrounds.
Returning again to the Falls, we find on the Canada side several points
of interest, not yet considered in these pages. At Table Rock an
opportunity is afforded of visiting the MUSEUM, a collection of natural
curiosities, works of art, etc., well worthy of a visit. A zoological
garden is kept in connection, and an observatory affords a good outlook
from a lofty stand-point.