A timber slide was a device for moving timber past rapids and waterfalls. The image here is of the main timber slide at Ottawa looking toward Canada’s parliament buildings. The men are riding a timber crib, which would carry up to 50 logs tied together down the chute. The ride was very fast and hilariously wet, which often attracted visiting dignitaries. In 1850, it was reported that up to 500 cribs went through this slide in one day. The logs were on their way to Montreal for shipment overseas.

Studio of William James Topley (1845-1930), Ottawa portrait photographer. View full size.