The work left unfinished by J Oliet — the discovery of the mouth of the Mississippi — was accomplished by the indomitable La Salle. The discovery of a water route to China, the planting of colonies in the West, the building of a fort at the point where the Mississippi ?ows into the Gulf of Mexico — these were the magnificent schemes revolving in his mind while at Fort Frontenac, Canada. Having first Obtained a royal commission for perfecting the discovery of the great river, La Salle, with the necessary companions and stores, as cended Lake Ontario, entered the Niagara River, and, passing around the falls, selected a spot at the mouth of a stream now known as Cayuga Creek, on the American side, about two leagues above the cataract Where he commenced building the Griffin, a bark of sixty tons. This craft, after many delays, was finally fully equipped, and spreading her sails, boldly stood on her way westward — the first ves sel to navigate Lake Erie. This was in August, 1679.