Who has been over the Niagara Falls in a barrel

A.� Thirteen at last count - and�four of those were killed. At least another six were stopped before they could try. Daredevils haven't restricted themselves to a mere barrel.< xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

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Q.� What else, then

A.� We've had tightrope walkers over the falls - Blondin, most famously. And there was one poor chap who tried going over on a jet-ski.

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Q.� What's so special about Niagara

A.� The falls, which separate the United States from Canada, are spectacular. Niagara is split into three falls: American Falls; Bridal Falls; and Horseshoe Falls, on the Canadian side. Daredevils never attempt the American Falls - because the rocks at the bottom would be fatal.

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Q.� Who's the first barrel-roller

A.� Widow Annie Edson Taylor, an unemployed dance and etiquette teacher from Michigan - she was 63, but claimed to be 20 years younger - went over the top of the 167ft Horseshoe Falls in a 54in oak barrel in 1901. She had pictures taken of her with the barrel and hoped to sell them before her big plunge. The photographs weren't ready for sale, so she delayed the feat. Next time, the photos were ready, but the weather was poor and the crowd was small. Finally, on 24 October, plenty of people turned up to buy the pictures, so Edson Taylor sealed herself into the barrel and was sent off down the river. She survived and later tried to make money on a lecture tour, but died penniless 20 years later. Strictly speaking, that wasn't the first stunt, though.

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Q.� For why

A.� Lots of daft things had done before that. Niagara was a beauty spot and the hotel owners were always putting on stunts. In 1827, three hoteliers bought an old lake schooner named Michigan, painted it up as a pirate ship and put several animals including some two bears, 'worthless and fierce' dogs, a buffalo and geese aboard. Only a goose survived the plummet.

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Q.� Nice.

A.� Slightly more tasteful was the stunt by Jean Francois Gravelot, better know as The Great Blondin. On 30 June, 1859, Blondin successfully walked across the river on a 1,100ft tightrope. That summer he completed eight more crossings - the most difficult when he carried his manager, Harry Colcord, on his back.

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Blondin's amazing stunt

A.� Next barrel-plunger was Bobby Leach on 13 June, 1898. This professional stuntman and early parachutist negotiated the falls successfully. He reputedly died after later�injuring himself when he slipped on an orange peel. Third barrel-roller was an English barber called Charles Stephens. He was smashed to pieces. All they ever found were barrel staves and one tattooed arm. And there were even nastier days to die...

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Q.� How

A.� George Stathakis went over the top in 10ft barrel on 4 July, 1930. The huge container was caught behind the falls for 14 hours and Stathakis suffocated.

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Q.� And people still try this

A.� It's now banned. Daredevils face huge fines if they try going over Niagara: up to $25,000 in America, $10,000 in Canada, both with jail sentences. However, recent attempts have been made.

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Q.� When

A.� On 5 June, 1990, Jessie Sharp hoped to advance his career as a stuntman by going over the falls in a white water kayak without a helmet or a life vest. It was a poor career move. His body was never recovered. On 1 October, 1995, Robert Overacker attempted to go over the falls on a jet-ski and parachute. At the brink, he ignited a rocket-propelled parachute strapped to his back, intending to land safely on the river below. Both rocket and parachute worked perfectly - until Overacker then discovered the parachute was not tethered to his body. He fell to his death.

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By Steve Cunningham