“And here you will permit me to allude to an incident which has occurred in my recent visit to Canada, in which I perceived the cooperation of the people of that Province in the same great moral reformation.  While at Quebec, I visited the falls of Montmorenci, a cataract which, but for yours, would be among the greatest wonders of nature.  In going to it, I passed through the parish of Beauport, and there, by the side of the way, I saw a column with an inscription upon its pedestal, which I had the curiosity to stop and read.  It was erected by the people of Beauport in gratitude to the Virgin, for her goodness in promoting the cause of temperance in that parish.  Perhaps I do not sufficiently sympathize with the people of Beauport in attributing to the Virgin so direct an influence upon this moral reform; but in the spirit with which they erected that monument I do most cordially sympathize with them.  For, under whatever influence the cause may be promoted, the cause itself can never fail to make its votaries wiser and better men.  I cannot make a speech.  My heart is too full, and my voice too feeble.  Farewell!  And with that farewell; may the blessings of heaven be upon you throughout your lives!”

Mr. Adams was greatly delighted with his visit to Niagara Falls.  A letter-writer thus describes it:—­

“Mr. Adams seems incapable of fatigue, either physical or mental.  After a drive in the morning to Lewiston, he stopped, on his return to the Falls, at the whirlpool.  The descent to the water’s edge, which is not often made, is, as you will remember, all but vertical, down a steep of some three hundred and sixty feet.  One of the party was about going down, when Mr. Adams remarked that he would accompany him.  Gen. Porter and the other gentlemen present remonstrated, and told him it was a very severe undertaking for a young and hearty man, and that he would find it, in such a hot day, quite impracticable.  He seemed, however, to know his capacities; and this old man, verging on four score years, not only made the descent, but clambered over almost impracticable rocks along the margin of the river, to obtain the various views presented at different points.  The return was not easy, but he was quite adequate to the labor; and after resting a few minutes at the summit, resumed his ride, full of spirits and of animated and instructive conversation.  After dinner, he crossed over to Goat Island, and beheld the cataract from the various points, and continued his explorations until all was obscured by darkness.  He seemed greatly impressed by the wonderful contrast presented by the scene of rage and repose—­of the wild and furious dashing of the mighty river down the rapids, with its mad plunge over the precipice—­and the sullen stillness of the abyss of waters below.  I wish I could repeat to you his striking conversation during these rambles, replete with brilliant classical allusions, historical illustrations, and the most minute, and as it seemed to me, universal information. * * * * * * I sincerely concur with the worthy captain of one of our steamboats, who said to me the other day,—­’Oh, that we could take the engine out of the old “Adams,” and put it into a new hull!’”