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Circa Date
circa 1887
Transcription
22
as [ ] the sharp keen clashing & kissing sounds cannot be studied well inasmuch as the ledges on which most of the special & most variable of the sounds are produced are then covered with convolving spray [& entirely hidden] except for above this point of observation.
The reason that although the torrent of comets is, at high water, continuous, while the exploding notes are widely & irregularly intermittent is because unless influenced by the irregular winds [of peculiar character] most of the comets leap out into free air & pass the ledges upon which at other times they are wrecked
As to the origin of those hissing kissing clashing sounds which wrap themselves about the heavy central notes like a net, they are produced by the chafing & [glinting] against the precipice of that portion of the fall which is broken into fragments about the size of raindrops. Upon the origin of these sounds I once made an observation one moonlight night far too close for comfort or safety when I visited the fall to observe the lunar bows that reach such fine development in the ample spray of high water. The lowest bench or ledge that extends behind
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the fall & on which the exploding & other notes are formed is about 400 feet above the base of the fall & communicates with a platform on the brink of the chasm by an irregular ledge only six or eight inches wide at one place which however affords a good foot hold to those who not afraid of the mere appearance of danger. After reaching the ledge that extends behind the fall where it [which] is 3 or 4 feet wide by means of the 6 inch ledge communicating with it, one may approach the mighty torrent as it rushes past as nearly as he likes or sometimes even pass behind it (sometimes) if he dares.
[Omit]
One night after enjoying the (glorious) night-song of the fall & the glorious rainbows (of the moon) arching in sublime tranquility through the midst of the wild uproar (about the base of the fall) I ventured out on the narrow bench close alongside the tremendous rush of white water & began to admire the rare beauty of the [thin] gauzy water tissue which formed the edge of the fall as well as the sublime grandeur of the view above & below. I could see the fine threads of the fairy outside tissue by having the moon behind it & wishing
Date Occurred
1872-1874
Resource Identifier
MuirReel32 Notebook01 Img014.Jpeg
Contributing Institution
Holt-Atherton Special Collections, University of the Pacific Library
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