within the range of this ample vortex, where it frequently remains for several days, twisted about: by every rapid evolution of the whirlpool, until, apparently by mere chance, it is violently expelled from the extreme verge, or is drawn out by the impetuosity of the contending current. It differs from many other whirlpools, in possessing none of that absorbing power which is generally felt at their centres.

A few years ago, a British soldier, stationed at Queenstown, went to see the Whirlpool: Several of his regimental comrades, and a few other persons, accompanied him on the excursion. In the course of conversation on the subject, one of the Canadians expressed his conviction of the impossibility of any man's sailing across the basin without being driven along by the current of the tremendous vortex. The soldier heard the remark, and seemed rather sceptical,--probably supposing, that it was spoken for the purpose of imposing on his English credulity, by an endeavour to make the phenomenon appear more marvellous. When he had for some time attentively surveyed the river, he offered to wager a certain sum, that he would sail across the basin on a bare pine-plank. His bet was immediately taken, and a plank prepared for his embarkation. Like a true son of Neptune, disdaining all apprehensions, he proceeded down the banks with the plank on his shoulder, and a paddle in his hand; and, on approaching the edge of the water, embarked with a hearty cheer from his companions.

In the twinkling of an eye, he was hurried into the middle of the raging basin, being compelled by the uncontrollable force of the current to abandon the channel and take the rapid circuit of the vast pond. He used the most strenuous exertions to regain the course of the river, but without being able to effect his purpose. At length, convinced of the utter impossibility of saving himself, he began to cry out loudly to his comrades for assistance. Ropes were procured with the utmost dispatch ; but, before they could be properly arranged for effecting his rescue, he had become so completely vertiginous and inebriated by the whirling motion, as scarcely to be able to preserve his equilibrium on his frail seat, which, though of great length, was twisted round as rapidly as the radii or spokes of a large water-wheel. Five minutes' longer delay. on the part of his friends, would have cost him his life; and his name would then have been immortalized, as that of a daring but unfortunate individual, who was literally entitled, in its most select signification, to the epithet of "an expert circumnavigator." He was, however, speedily extricated from his very dangerous situation; and his adventure serves now as a beacon to warn others from engaging in such a hazardous enterprize.

The Falls of West Flamborough, in the District of Gore, though little known, rank among the greatest curiosities of Upper Canada. They are situated in a retired and unfrequented part of the country, in the midst of precipitous hills covered

with their native forests. But since the Canadians seldom talk of the curiosities of their country, nor even appear to derive the least satisfaction from hearing strangers speak of them as grand, romantic, and picturesque, it is probable that few, if any, preceding writers, ever heard of these Falls. My attention was first directed to them by Colonel Simons, of the Gore Militia. They are situated, within half a mile of each other, on two small rivers that unite a little below the lower Fall, and, after passing through the village of Coote's Paradise, disembogue themselves into Burlington Bay. These Falls have not yet been distinguished by: any more particular appellation, than those of the Great and Little Fall.

The Great or principal Fall is over a superincumbent rock, between whose brow, and the bed of the river which it overshadows, is a distance of more than 130 feet. The bottom of the stream that receives the falling waters, is composed of a ledge of broken rocks, whose unequal points, splitting as it were the tremendous sheets on their descent, produce an immense mass of foam and a sort of boiling agitation, which emits, at intervals of two or three seconds, immense columns of dense vapour. Below the Fall, the river runs in a serpentine course, through one of the wildest and most gloomy vallies that I ever beheld.

The situation of the Little Fall is still more romantic than the other. Until you arrive within two or three yards of this cataract, it is impossible

to obtain even the most indistinct view of it. Loud and appalling sounds strike the ear, splendid rainbows attract the eye; but you look around in vain for the concealed cause, and cannot discover the place from which they proceed. You must, in fact, attain the very brink of the precipice, before you can perceive a single gleam of the descending torrents: And even that is difficult; for the passage to its edge is rendered almost impervious both to force and sight, by the abundance of underwood, and the number of prodigious trees whose overhanging boughs are partially immersed in the rolling current, and betray their impotence in attempting to resist its impetuous fury.

Before its arrival at the Falls, the brook, or small river, flows gently along a narrow channel worn in the extended summit of a rocky hill, which is elevated 200 feet above the subjacent country. In consequence of this peculiarity, the hill, when viewed at a certain distance below the Falls, presents the appearance of having been split asunder, and completely separated from the surrounding parts of the landscape, by some violent convulsion of nature. The opening, or valley, exhibits an exceedingly terrific aspect. Immense trees, torn up by the roots, and huge fragments of rocks which appear to have wandered by some means from their original destination, lie in mingled confusion on its sides, as if reserved to hurl destruction on some future navigator of the interfluent stream below. This Fall, though formed by a less col

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lection of waters than the other, descends from a more lofty elevation: For there is a distance of 150 feet between the edge of the rock over which the water pours, and the bed of the river below. In Winter, these. Falls appear still grander and more imposing, than in Summer. The spray, in its upward flight, becomes frozen into icicles, which are as clear and transparent as crystal; and the surrounding trees, gorgeously apparelled in white, bend under the weight of their hoary locks and pendent concretions, which reach from their summits to the surface of the water, and are occasionally waved to and fro by the contending currents of air, to the instant destruction of many of their branches, that snap, like brittle glass, when in this state of congelation.

Within half a mile of these Falls, and situated in a valley between Flambro', West, and Ancaster, there is a mineral spring, the waters of which are so strongly impregnated with a solution of brimstone, that the woods, for a considerable distance around, are scented with its odour. Cattle of all kinds are so fond of this water, that they instinctively come, from places several miles remote, for the purpose of drinking it.

In the vicinity of Long Point, there is another spring of a similar description. The water is stronger; and the stones which surround it, are incrusted with pure sulphur.

At a short distance from the Falls of Niagara, is a still more curious spring. It emits sulphurated