In this we received the aid of the medical profession. One doctor is remembered as putting it this way: "I tell my people," said he, "that when they want to wash their hands clean they must use clean water, and similarly if they require, as I wish them, to clear out their lungs, they must get fresh air where the clearest and freshest air is to be got, by crossing the lake on your steamers to Niagara."
Another doctor with a large family practice said: "When I find the digestion of the children of any of my families getting out of order I prescribe a 'book ticket on the Niagara route.' It provides in such cases a splendid natural emetic." There is many a well grown citizen in Toronto whose vigor has been promoted or life saved in infant days by the pure air gained by these trips across the lake. Excursions by societies, Sunday schools, national and benevolent bodies were sought out and encouraged to devote their energies to providing outings for their associations and friends. Every possible method was employed to get new business. We certainly needed it, as we certainly had not, so far, a very profitable time.
Gradually the business on the route showed signs of growth until we saw that if we were to deserve our position with the railway companies and meet the increasing traffic we must add to our equipment. The railway officials had also expressed their opinion that another steamer would soon be needed and stated that in adding it the Navigation Company would receive the continued support of their companies. The first year of peace closed satisfactorily, and 1885 was marked in white upon the milestones of our progress.
FOOTNOTES:
[2] Which in itself is a monument to the energy and years of faithful service of Miss Janet Carnochan, the valued Historian of the District.
[3] Passenger Train Schedules—
| Local Railways, 1843. | ||
| Albany. | Syracuse. | Buffalo. |
| Lv. 6.00 a.m. | Arr. 5.15 p.m. | Arr. 7.00 a.m. |
| 1.30 p.m. | 2.00 a.m. | 3.00 p.m. |
| 7.30 p.m. | 8.00 a.m. | 9.00 p.m. |
| New York Central, 1855. | ||
| Albany. | Syracuse. | Buffalo. |
| Lv. 6.30 a.m. | Arr. 12.00 noon. | Arr. 7.00 p.m. |
| 7.30 a.m. | 1.25 p.m. | 7.00 p.m. |
| 9.00 a.m. | 3.50 p.m. | 1.00 a.m. |
| 6.00 p.m. | 12.30 a.m. | 6.30 a.m. |