A MODERN SAM PATCH.
A Canadian, Mr H. P. Peer, jumped from the new suspension bridge at Niagara Falls, into the river below on May 21st. The dis. tanoo was one hundred and ninety-two feet. Bl« dress consisted of a suit of tights and an inflated rubber life preserver,, of his own construction. A sponge protected his month and nostrili, and his ears were stuffed with sponge, slightly moistened with spirits. (Tver his shoulder he wore a leather brace with a ring in the centre, to which was attached a cable composed of 220 feet of No. 24 brass wire in six strands. This was used for the purpose of assisting to retain his position. The wire was reeled over a cylinder attached to the guard rail of the bridge, and which was operated with a brake handle like that used upon old-time walls, so that the man's speed as he descended could be controlled to a ctrtain extent. He struok the water feet formost, and came up in a few seconds and swam off rapidly to a boat, in whioh he was rowed to the shore, the crowd moanwhile cheering lustily. Peer was formerly a sailor, and became an adept by jumping from the mastheads efvessels.
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Bibliographic details
Otago Witness, Issue 1449, 30 August 1879, Page 24
Word Count
207
A MODERN SAM PATCH.
Otago Witness, Issue 1449, 30 August 1879, Page 24
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