2-995-861 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Farina [sic], with a man on his back, crossing the Niagara on a tightrope - from a sketch taken by the late master H. Ingram, from Clifton House balcony, August 29, 1860. '...Mr. Mullin having been strapped on his back, [Farini] took his balancing-pole and started; but only went a few feet, for the tackling of the rider was out of order, and they had to return. Things were soon put to rights, and off they went, cautiously, and apparently unsteady; but they reached the first parallel guy, where the rider dismounted. Both sat down on the rope, a slight cheer was given, and Mullin taking off his cap waved it in the air. Another start was made, and they went on, until, reaching near the centre of the rope, they sat down again. Mullin calmly surveyed the scene, took off his cap again, and, taking a steady view of the Falls, appeared to be quite unconcerned. Farini, meantime, motioned for the little steamer Maid of the Mist to come nearer the rope, when he suspended himself by his arms and turned a somersault. They sat together after this for some time, chatting away, and pointing first at one object and then another. The rider mounting again, they turned back to the American shore, and, after a tedious journey, reached it in safety'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.