By Water to the Columbian Exposition | Page 7

one of the
oldest settlements in that part of the State. Here is located the famous
"Pittsford Farm," which is one of the finest stock farms in the East. It is
at this place that Shetland ponies, Jersey cattle and Angora cats are
raised in great numbers. Uncountable varieties of water-fowl can
always be seen at this point.
Having passed Brighton, we arrived at Rochester long ere the first gold
dye of sunset was stealing into the vast blue arch on high, having
traveled forty-two miles that day.
Near the center of the city destined for our nightly abode, a multitude
of curious spectators had assembled in order to view the handsome
yacht. I made the observation that during our entire voyage the
"Marguerite," wherever she made her appearance, was universally
admired.
The important city of Rochester is situated on the Genesee River, seven
miles south of its entrance into Lake Ontario. It is one of the leading

manufacturing cities of the country, having more than 150,000
inhabitants. In 1802 it was founded by Colonel Nathaniel Rochester, a
representative pioneer of the Genesee River Valley. In 1834 it received
its charter as a city, and has since increased in population and
importance with marvelous rapidity. The fertility of the surrounding
country and the splendid water-power furnished by the Genesee River,
together with unexcelled transportation facilities, have contributed
largely to its growth.
Both in the latter part of the afternoon and evening, we deserted the
yacht for the purpose of admiring the various beauties and points of
interest, which give this town such a far spread reputation.
We received the conviction that Rochester, in fact, deserves its fame.
Covering an area of about seventeen square miles, it is laid out chiefly
in squares, with streets from sixty to one hundred feet wide, shaded by
beautiful trees. It abounds in handsome and tasteful residences, which
are for the most part surrounded by carefully tended lawns and gardens.
Its fire-proof office buildings and warehouses, are a credit to the city;
only few, even in the metropolis, are equal to them in magnificence.
In the center of the city are the upper Falls of the Genesee, a
perpendicular cataract of ninety-six feet, over which Sam Patch made
his last and fatal leap.
To the prominent public institutions of Rochester belong the State
Industrial School, two large hospitals, an Institution for Deaf-Mutes,
and charitable organizations of every description. The principal
business thoroughfare, Main Street, is in the heart of the city, and
crosses the river over a handsome iron bridge.
The manufactures of Rochester are extensive and varied. In early years
flour was the chief product, giving it the title "Flour City;" there being
no less than eighteen mills within its limits. Rochester might be also
appropriately styled the "Flower City," for its nursery trade is hardly
surpassed by that of any other place in the world. The suburbs are
highly cultivated, having 4,000 acres of fruit trees, and nurseries
containing from 250 to 500 acres.

Other important industries are cotton and paper mills; oil refineries;
boot and shoe, clothing, furniture, perfumery and tobacco
manufactories.
A feature that attracts thousands of visitors daily, is the great Powers
Art Gallery, the private property of Mr. D.W. Powers, occupying the
greater part of the two upper floors pertaining to the Powers Building.
In fact, a plentitude of resources makes the city interesting to the
tourist.
The next day, when "morn was blushing in the sky," we bade farewell
to Rochester; and, sailing on the other sixty-mile level, we continued
our journey through a charming region past Greece, Spencerport, King
& Adams, Cooley's Basin, and arrived at the attractive village of
Brockport. Beautifully situated in the midst of a country teeming with
abundance and inhabited by a prosperous and contented population, it
contains many features of interest. Here is located a State Normal
School, and also several extensive manufactories of agricultural
implements.
Passing Holley, Hulberton and Hindsburg, we came to Albion, the
capital of Orleans County. The latter village is nicely laid out with wide
streets and shaded by large trees. It contains many handsome residences
and public buildings.
Having proceeded more westward, beyond Eagle Harbor and
Knowlesville, we caught sight of the pleasant town of Medina, about
midway between Rochester and Buffalo, noted for its quarries of
dark-red sandstone. Located in the midst of a fine fruit country, it has
the reputation of being one of the best fruit markets in the State.
Speeding through the thriving villages of Middleport, Reynall's Basin
and Cataract Springs, we neared a deep ravine, through which the Erie
Canal passes, following a natural waterway. Here we met the most
remarkable drop of the canal, in its chain of five continuous double
locks, resembling a flight of stairs.
Entering these, the "Marguerite" gradually rose