MIDST gay acclaim did the Bird Center personally conducted tour to Europe steam out of Bird Center yesterday morn. The bells cried “Off to Europe,” and the rails clicked the same news as the great steam steed started on the long journey to Niagara Falls. Throngs of people got on and off at every station, and many admiring glances were cast at the Bird Center tourists who, massed together, made quite a noticeable effect. Mr. Gus Figgey, who says he is the chaperon of the party, has made the welkin ring with laughter and gaiety. At the first stop he purchased oranges for the crowd, and later in the day entertained them with personal anecdotes of travel. At the second stop Mr. Figgey addressed the town from the rear platform, and received a rousing round of cheers. Last evening he entertained ye Editor at supper in the dining-car. It has been a beautiful trip.
Niagara Falls was reached without further mishap. These Falls are situated on the Niagara River, between the Canadian side and the United States. They are a hundred and sixty-two feet in height and are considered by competent critics to be one of America’s most famous natural beauties. The train stopped twenty minutes and Mr. Figgey had several fast hacks convey the party to the various points of interest. By way of getting an expression of opinion from the various members of the party, the Editor secured short statements for the readers of the _Argosy_.
“Great sight,” said Mr. Figgey. “Those Falls have power enough to run all the factories in the U. S. A.”
“A notable sight,” said Mrs. Riley Withersby.
“More impressive than Dante’s ‘Inferno,’” said Mrs. J. Milton Brown.
“A masterpiece of Nature,” said Reverend Walpole.
“Unequalled in history,” said Wilbur Fry.
“Fine, but wait till you see Saint Peter’s in Rome,” said Mr. Ernest Pratt, who was in Europe several years ago.
“Too bad I can’t get a good photo of it. The Falls would make a beautiful moving picture,” said Mr. J. Milton Brown.
“Truly a sublime spectacle,” said Mr. Smiley Greene, the popular undertaker.
It was with mingled feelings of sadness that ye Editor saw the gay party steam eastward, as he was obliged for business reasons to return to Bird Center. Other communications from members of the party will be printed from time to time.