hv_swaynej_diary_1798_089

28 set out for Ng early and rode about 20 miles to the falls of Niagara the greatest Phenomenon and the most gratifying sight I had ever beheld the water beginning a very rapid descent about three quarters of a mile above the cataract, there is an Island of 10 or fifteen acres just above the precipice which divides the sheet of water in its fall at one patch of 150 feet, a continual mist arises which may be seen for many miles and it is thought the roaring of the Cataract may be heard for 20 or 30 miles on a still morning, a short distance above there are erected a Grist mill, Saw mill, and Forge and excellent seats for that purpose there are 17 saws in one frame which cuts a log in to boards at one through, and would I should suppose cut 10,000 feet of boards in a day, several other miles are in contemplation at the same place after viewing the falls from the top we went about half a mile down the river, and descended about 35 feet by an Indian Ladder that was created for the purpose thence down a