Sailing on the Great Lakes and Rivers of America (Making of America) Reissue edition

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1874 Excerpt: ... Genii of modern days, the Steamboat! Let us descend to the shore. It is evening I The sun, with all his glory has disappeared in tho west; but the moon sits in turn the arbitress of heaven. And now--"How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank; Here will we sit, and let the sounds of music Creep in our ears; soft stillness and the nlgtit, Becomes the touches of sweet harmony." Such a moonlight night I once enjoyed. The hum of day-life had gradually subsided, and there was naught to disturb the stillness of the hour, save the occasional laughter of those who lingered out in the open air. In tho direction of the moon, and on the Lake before me, there was a broad road of light trembling upon its bosom. A few moments more, two small boats with sails up to catch the gentle breeze, were seen passing and re-passing this broad road of light. Then the vocal song was raised on the waters, and woman's voice was borne on moonlight beam to the listening ear in the remotest shades. The voices became clearer and stronger as the boats approached nearer; then, again, dying away in the distance, seemed to be merged with the mellow rays of the moon. But let us leave poetry and fancy aside, and come to matters of fact, matters of accommodation, prepared for those who may favor our island with their visits this summer. There are several large hotels, with attentive hosts, ever ready to contribute towards the comforts of their visitors. Walking, riding, fishing, shooting, and sailing can be here pursued with great benefit to health. We have billiard-rooms and bowling-alleys; in the stores are found Indian curiosities; and, perhaps, the Indians themselves, who resort to this island on business, may be curiosities to those who have never seen them; they are the true &q...