Leaves from my log, a naval officer's recollections of personal adventures - Tapa blanda

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1869 Excerpt: ...the Falls, which at intervals seemed to swell more full and deep, made it long before I could coax "tired nature's best restorer" to wrap me in her arms, and when she did it was only to see again in my dreams the places we had visited in the day. Early next morning we were out and off to Bath Island for a swim. After breakfast we went over to Terrapin Tower, which, as I have said, occupies a most singular and awful position. A few rocks lie on the very brink of the great fall, seeming as if unable to maintain their position afcinst the tremendous rush of water. Upon these rocks the tower is built, and from its summit you obtain the most magnificent view that can be conceived--the rapids rolling tumultuously towards you--the green water of the mighty Falls at your feet--below you the hissing cauldron of spray, and the river with its steep banks beyond--in fact, the whole range of the Falls themselves and the world of raging waters around them, are seen from this commanding point. On the bridge leading to the tower the guides show you a projecting piece of timber about ten feet in length overhanging the abyss, which was the usual evening promenade of a Mr. Francis Abbot, the "Hermit of the Falls," an eccentric personage of whom my readers may have heard. Returning from the tower, we went to the "Cave of the Winds," which is at the foot of the rock between Goat and Luna Islands. Here again we had to put on waterproofs. This cave has been formed by the action of the water on the soft substratum of the precipice, and is about 100 feet wide, 130 feet high, and 30 feet deep. It derives its name from the fact that in consequence of the tremendous pressure on the atmosphere, it is filled with perpetual storms, and the conflict of the el...