He was trained for an acrobat and tight-rope walking, and came to this
country with a troup of pantomimists.
While here he visited Niagara Falls, and the idea at once struck him that,
if he dared to cross those terrible waters on a rope, his fortune would be
made. He made up his mind to try it, and stayed in the village of Niagara
for weeks, until he had learned just how it would be possible for him to
perform the feat.
Then he set about getting the scheme well advertised, and securing plenty
of money for himself if he succeeded in accomplishing it.
On August 17th, 1859, he made the trip across the Falls in the presence of
50,000 spectators.
His rope was 175 feet above the waters.
He was not satisfied with merely walking across; he crossed again
blindfolded, and then carrying a man on his back, and once again wheeling
a barrow before him.
In the summer of 1860 he crossed once more in the presence of the Prince
of Wales, and carried a man on his back, whom he set down on the rope six
times, while he rested.
* * * * *
News has reached us that a great avalanche of snow has fallen upon the
Monastery of St.
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