Howard letters 1850s

friction wears away the rock in proportion of 'a foot a year', so that every year the Falls are one foot further up the river, and nearer Lake Erie. It is believed the Falls have receded from Queenston, seven miles lower down the river. The river above the Falls, is studded with islands thirty seven in number. The width of the stream varies from several hundred yards to three miles, at the Falls it is about three quarters of a mile wide. The total descent of Lake Erie to Ontario is 334 feet. I have been as far under the Falls as it is possible to go. - - - - -

This letter I shall post to-morrow the 28th July, 1858. --