Friday.—­Returned by the same steamer to Toronto, and finished up my business satisfactorily.  Took a walk with Mr. Fisken to see the new college, which is at a stand-still for want of funds, and saw the Government observatory; and then visited the stone prison, which I did not like, as there is no work for the prisoners—­all lying idly about—­great contrast to Kingston.  The town all in confusion nominating the candidates.  In Toronto all the footpaths are planked with wood, which is very comfortable to walk upon.

Saturday.—­Took a steamer at seven, A.M., for Niagara.  Arrived at that town, of 1800 inhabitants, about twelve.  A small place, of 3000 inhabitants, on the left, is Young’s-town, on the American side, where their flag was flying in opposition to our union-jack.  There is a fort at both places.  Seven miles farther up the Niagara river, which we were now in, having left Ontario, we landed at Queenstown, a small place right opposite Lewistown, U.S.  Here Brock’s monument was erected and blown up.  We then took rail seven miles, passed Drummondsville battle-ground, and arrived at Clifton-house.

THE FALLS.

Oh my God! how I was stunned and unable to comprehend the vastness of the scene!  It was not until I reached Table Rock, and looked upon the fall of bright green water, that it came upon me in its full might and majesty.  Niagara was at once stamped upon my heart an image of beauty, to remain there changeless and indelible until it ceases to beat.  It is overpowering to think that the outpourings of lakes Superior, Huron, Erie, Michigan, and St. Clare, covering a surface of 150,000 square miles, all roll down this 157 feet fall, with, it is said, sixteen times the power, deducting one-third for waste, of all the water-power used in Great Britain.  I wandered to and fro, and saw the cataracts from all points of view.  At the Great Horseshoe is decidedly the best view, near Table Rock:  you can see the rapids approaching the verge as if gathering strength to take the giant leap.  When the sun shines the rainbow appears like molten gold upon the spray; and when the day is gloomy it crumbles away like snow, or like the front of a great chalk cliff.  But always does the mighty stream appear to die as it comes down.  The rise of spray is great at times.  But enough.

Sunday morning, very early, I went down a spiral staircase leading to the foot of the Horseshoe Fall, where I could have passed 153 feet behind the falling sheet, but I soon got wet, and returned.  Table Rock projects out many feet above this place, and will come down ere long, as it is much cracked.  I then visited an Episcopal church at Drummondsville, where the desperate battle was fought—­a beautiful village above the Falls—­and heard a good sermon.  Returned to Clifton-house, and ascended to the promenade on the top, which is very commanding.  After dinner, with Mr. Parker, from