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diff --git a/old/46680-8_2014-08-25.txt b/old/46680-8_2014-08-25.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1999d2f --- /dev/null +++ b/old/46680-8_2014-08-25.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8280 @@ +Project Gutenberg's Fishing With The Fly, by Charles F. Orvis and Others + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most +other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of +the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at +www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have +to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. + + + +Title: Fishing With The Fly + Illustrated + +Author: Charles F. Orvis and Others + +Release Date: August 25, 2014 [EBook #46680] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FISHING WITH THE FLY *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger from page images generously +provided by the Internet Archive + + + + + + + +FISHING WITH THE FLY + +By Charles F. Orvis and Others + +Copyright 1883 + + "Together let us beat this ample field, + + Try what the open, what the covert yield." + +--Pope. + +"Gentlemen, let not prejudice prepossess you. I confess my discourse is +like to prove suitable to my recreation, calm and quiet. So much for the +prologue of what I mean to say."--Izaac Walton. + + + + +FISHING WITH THE FLY. + + + + +ETCHINGS ON A SALMON STREAM. + +By Charles Hallock + +I suppose that all that can he instructively written of the salmon has +already been said. The processes of natural and artificial propagation +have become familiar to all who desire to learn; the secrets of their +periodical migrations--their advents and their absences--have been +fathomed from the depths of ocean; their form and beauty have been lined +by the artist's brush, and their flavor (in cans) is known to all the +world where commerce spreads her wings. And yet, the subject always +carries with it a perennial freshness and piquancy, which is renewed +with each recurring spring, and enhanced by every utterance which +attempts to make it vocal; just as the heavenly choirs repeat the +anthem of the constructed universe intoned to the music of the assenting +spheres! The enthusiasm which constantly invests it like a halo has not +been dissipated or abated by the persistent pursuit of many centuries, +albeit the sentiments of to-day are but the rehearsal of the original +inspiration, and present knowledge the hereditary outcome of ancient +germs. + +All down the ages echo has answered echo, and the sounding forks have +transmitted orally the accented annals wherever the lordly salmon swims. + +Now, hold rhapsody, and let us look to the river! Do you mark the regal +presence in yonder glinting pool, upon which the sun flashes with an +intensity which reveals the smallest pebble on the bottom? Nay? You +cannot see that salmon, just there at the curl of the rapid? Nor his +knightly retinue drawn up there abreast just behind him in supporting +position? Then, my friend, you are indeed a novice on the river, and the +refraction of the solar rays upon its surface blinds your unaccustomed +eyes. Well, they do certainly look but shadows in the quiet pool, so +motionless and inanimate, or but counterfeiting the swaying of the +pensile rock-weeds of the middle stream. What comfortable satisfaction +or foreboding premonitions do you imagine possess the noble lord while +he is taking his recuperative rest in the middle chamber, after passing +from his matriculation in the sea? Faith! you can almost read his +emotions in the slow pulsations of his pectoral fins, and the inflection +of his throbbing tail! Perhaps he shrinks from the barricade of rock and +foam before him; or hesitates to essay the royal arch above the gorge, +which reflects in prismatic hues of emblematic glory the mist and +mysteries of the unattempted passage. + +And his doughty squires around him; do they share his misgivings, or +are they all royal bloods together, _sans peur sans reproche_, in scaled +armiture of blue and silver, eager to attain the land of promise and +the ultimate degree of revelation? Ah! the way is indeed beset with +difficulties and crucial tests, but its end is joy and the fulness of +knowledge: and "knowledge is the beginning of life." + +Let us go nearer, and with caution. Ha! what flash was that across the +pool, so swift and sudden that it seemed to begin and end at once? It +sped like a silver arrow across the line of sight, but it was not a +silver arrow; only _the salmon_ on his route up stream, at the rate of +90 miles per hour. Were it not for the obstructions of the cascades and +the long rapids, and perchance the wicked set-nets of the fishermen, +it would not take him long to accomplish his journey to the head of the +stream, and there prepare for the spawning-beds. But were-the way to +procreation made thus easy, and should all the salmon of a season's +hatching survive, they would stock their native rivers so full in a +couple of years that there would be no room for them. So the sacrifice +of life is necessary that life may continue. Strange the paradox! + +I love to see the salmon leap in the sunlight on the first flood of a +"June rise," and I love to hear his splash in the darkness of the still +night, when the place where he jumped can be determined only by the +sound, unless perchance his break in the water disturbed the reflection +of a star. I have stood on heights afar off at the opening of the +season, ere my unconsecrated rod had chance to exercise its magic, or my +lips and feet to kiss the river, and with the combined exhilaration of +impatience, desire, and joy, watched the incessant spirits of silvery +spray until my chained and chafed spirit almost broke at the strain; +and I have lain on my couch at midnight sleepless and kept awake by +the constant splash of the salmon leaps. More interesting, if not so +stimulating, is the leap of the salmon at obstructing falls, with the +air filled with dozens of darting, tumbling, and falling fish--the foam +dashing and sparkling in the sun, the air resonant with roar, and damp +with the ever-tossing spray. Nay, more: I have seen a fall whose breast +was an unbroken sheet thirty feet perpendicular, inclosed by lateral +abutments of shelving crags which had been honey-combed by the churning +of the water in time of flood; and over these crags the side-flow of +the falls ran in struggling rivulets, filling up the holes and providing +little reservoirs of temporary rest and refreshment for the running +salmon; and I have actually seen and caught with my hands a twelve-pound +salmon which had worked its way nearly to the counterscarp of the +topmost ledge in its almost successful effort to surmount a barrier so +insuperable! Surely, the example of such consummate pertinacity should +teach men to laugh at average obstacles which stand in the pathway of +their ambition! + +I always become enthusiastic oyer the rugged grandeur of some Canadian +rivers with which I am familiar. + +We have no such rivers in our own domain, except on the Pacific slope; +and except in parts of Scotland and Norway, the streams of Europe must +be tame in comparison. It is because so few of our own anglers have +the experience to enable them to draw contrasts, that they do not more +appreciate the charm of salmon fishing. Even a vivid description +fails to enforce the reality upon their comprehension, and they remain +listless and content with smaller game. Beyond the circumscribed horizon +of grass-meadows and the mountain trout streams of New England and the +Blue Ridge their vision does not reach. There is a higher plane both of +eminence and art. + +Opportunely for man's periodical proclivities, nature has given to +salmon and green peas a vernal flavor and adaptation to each other, as +well as to his desires, so that, when the spring comes around they act +directly on his liver, expelling all the effete accumulations of +winter, stimulating the action of the nerves and brain, and imparting an +irresistible desire to go a-fishing. They oil the hinges of the tongue +and keep it wagging until June. When that auspicious, leafy +month arrives, not all the cares of State will hold a President, +Vice-President, or even a Vice-Regent, from taking his annual outing on +the salmon streams. Representatives of royalty and representatives of +republicanism join sympathies and hands. The Governor-General of Canada +sails to his favorite river in a government vessel with her officers in +full panoply of brass buttons and navy-blue. The President of the United +States abandons the well-worn star routes for more congenial by-paths. +Wealthy Americans in private yachts steam away to the tributaries of the +St. Lawrence, and clubs cross lines on their exclusive casting grounds. +The humbler citizen, with more limited purse, betakes his solitary way +to the rehabilitated streams of Maine, enjoys fair sport, and while he +fishes, thanks the indefatigable Fish Commissioners of the State for the +good work which they have accomplished. + +"So everybody is happy, and nobody left out; and therefore so long as +the season lasts--Hurrah for Salmon and Green Peas, and vive la Salmo +Salar! I may, peradventure, give you some instructions that may be of +use even in your own rivers; and shall bring you acquainted with +more flies than Father Walton has taken notice of in his Complete +Angler."--Charles Cotton. + +"Eh, man! what a conceit it is when ye reach a fine run on a warm spring +mornin', the wuds hatchin' wi' birds, an' dauds o' licht noos and thans +glintin' on the water; an' the water itsel' in trim order, a wee doon, +after a nicht's spate, and wi' a drap o' porter in't, an' rowin' and +bubblin' ower the big stanes, curlin' into the linn and oot o't; and you +up tae the henches in a dark neuk whaur the fish canna see ye; an' than +to get a lang cast in the breeze that soughs in the bushes, an' see yer +flee licht in the verra place ye want, quiet as a midge lichts on yer +nose, or a bumbee on a flower o' clover."--Norman McLeod, D.D. + +"Salmon fishing is confessedly the highest department in the school of +angling."--George Dawson. + +[Illustration: 0016] + + +1. Prince Wm. of Orange. + +2. Butcher. + +3. Jock Scott. + +4. Silver Doctor. + +5. Fairy + +6. Silver Gray. + +7. Curtis. + + +"The noblest of fish, the mighty salmon, refuses bait utterly, and only +with the most artistic tackle and the greatest skill can he be taken; +the trout, which ranks second to the salmon, demands an almost equal +perfection of bait, and in his true season, the genial days of spring +and summer, scorns every allurement but the tempting fly. The black bass +prefers the fly, but will take the trolling spoon, and even bait, at all +seasons; whereas the fish of lesser station give a preference to bait, +or accept it alone. This order of precedence sufficiently proves what +every thorough sportsman will endorse--that bait fishing, although an +art of intricacy and difficulty, is altogether inferior to the science +of fly fishing."--_Robert B. Roosevelt._ + +"Sometimes a body may keep threshin' the water for a week without +seein' a snout--and sometimes a bodyhyucks a fish at the very first +thrau!"--_Christopher North._ + +"Salmon fishing is, to all other kinds of angling, as buck shooting to +shooting of any meaner description. The salmon is in this particular the +king of fish. It requires a dexterous hand and an accurate eye to raise +and strike him; and when this is achieved, the sport is only begun, +where, even in trout angling, unless in case of an unusually lively +and strong fish, it is at once commenced and ended. Indeed the most +sprightly trout that ever was hooked, shows mere child's play in +comparison to a fresh run salmon."--_Sir Walter Scott._ + +"'I chose the largest fly I could find,' said the captain, 'because +the water here is very deep and strong; and as the salmon lies near the +bottom I must have a large fly to attract his attention; but I must not +have a gaudy fly, because the water is so clear that the sparkle of the +tinsel would be more glittering than anything in nature; and the fish, +when he had risen and come near enough to distinguish it, would be very +apt to turn short.' + +"'You have it now, precisely,' said the parson; 'the depth of the +water regulates the size of the fly, and the clearness of the water +its colors. This rule, of course, is not without exceptions; if it were +there would be no science in fishing. The sun, the wind, the season, +the state of the atmosphere, must also be taken into consideration; for +instance, this rapid we are going to fish now, is the very same water +we have been fishing in below, and therefore just as clear, but it is +rough, and overhung by rocks and trees. I mean therefore to put on a +gayer fly than any we have used hitherto.'"--_Rev. Henry Newland._ + +"I unhesitatingly assert that there is no single moment with horse or +gun into which is concentrated such a thrill of hope, fear, expectation, +and exultation, as that of the rise and successful striking of a heavy +salmon. I have seen men literally unable to stand, or to hold their rod, +from sheer excitement."--_H. Choimondeley Pennell._ + + + + +FLY CASTING FOR SALMON. + +By George Dawson. + +There is no essential difference between trout and salmon casting. The +same general principles apply to both, and it only requires the careful +application of the skill attained in 'the one to become equally expert +in the other. The difference is simply the difference in weight. A +twelve-foot trout rod weighs, say, eight ounces, and an eighteen-foot +salmon rod, with reel, weighs two or three times as much. The one can +be manipulated with one hand; the other requires both. With the one you +ordinarily cast forty or fifty feet; with the other sixty or eighty; and +with rods equally approximating perfection, it is as easy to cast the +eighty feet with the one as the forty feet with the other. I do not mean +to say that no more muscular exertion is required in the one case than +in the other, but simply that with such slight effort as is necessary +with either, it is as easy to place your fly where you wish it with the +one rod as with the other. No great muscular exertion is necessary to +cast with either. Indeed, the chief difficulty in casting is to get rid +of the idea that a great deal of muscular effort is necessary to get out +a long line. That coveted result is not to be attained by mere muscle. +If you have a giant's strength you mustn't use it like a giant. If you +do you will never make a long or a graceful cast with either trout +or salmon rod. With both there must be only such strength used as +is necessary to give the line a quick but not a snappy back +movement--keeping up the motion evenly until the fly is placed where you +desire it. + +The most difficult attainment, in both salmon and trout casting, is to +be able, with instinctive accuracy, to measure the distance traversed +by the backward movement of your line. If you begin the return too soon +your line will snap and thereby endanger your fly; if you are too tardy +it will droop and thereby lose the continuity of tension indispensable +to a graceful and effective forward movement. This essential art +can only be attained by practice. Some attain it readily; others +never;--just as some measure time in music with unerring accuracy, +without a teacher; some only acquire the art after protracted drilling, +and others never acquire it at all. + +There is almost as perfect rhythm in fly-casting as in music. Given a +definite length of line and the expert can measure his cast by his one, +two, three, four, as accurately as a teacher can regulate the time of +his orchestra by the movement of his _baton_. While this is true in +casting with either rod it is most noticeable in easting for salmon. +The heavy line, the massive springy rod, and the great distance to be +traversed, render each movement--the lift from the water, the backward +flight of the line, the return motion, and the drop at the point +desired--as distinct to a quick perception as the beat of a bar in +music. + +But there are occasions when it would not do to cast by count. If the +wind is strong in any direction the movement of the line is perceptibly +effected; and if the wind happens to be at your back, it requires great +skill and care to counteract its influence and secure satisfactory +results. With such a wind, unless you are perfect master of the +situation, you will be apt to snap off more flies in an hour than you +will be likely to lose legitimately in a fortnight. Nine-tenths of all +the flies I ever lost took their departure before I learned how to cast +safely with a high wind at my back. + +In many salmon rivers the pools are so placed and the general body +of water is of such depth that you can always cast from your anchored +canoe. As, under such circumstances, there are no obstructions behind +you, less care is required in keeping your fly well up in its backward +flight than when casting from the shore--as in some rivers you always +have to do. + +In the salmon season the water is usually well down in the banks, and +in many rivers the slope from high water mark to the summer channel is +considerable. In casting, as a rule, you stand near the water; unless, +therefore, you cast high--that is, unless you keep your fly well up +in its backward flight it will almost certainly come in contact with +a stone or boulder of some sort and be broken. To avoid this mishap +requires great care. You must keep the point of your rod well up +always--several degrees higher than when casting on the water. My first +experience in shore-casting where the banks had a precipitous slope cost +me a great many pet flies; and I never got to feel really "at home" in +casting under such circumstances. It detracts from the sport when +your mind is occupied with the proper swing of the line. But enough of +ecstacy remains to enable one to overlook this inconsiderable drawback. +Only give the angler an opportunity to cast from any sort of standpoint +and he will speedily discover the proper lift and swing to overcome any +obstacle, and be happy. + +Salmon casting--especially the frequency of the cast--depends largely +upon the character of the water you are fishing. If the pool is straight +and narrow and the current strong, and you are casting from a canoe, you +can so manipulate your fly as to render frequent casts unnecessary--the +important thing being not to let your fly sink, as it is not likely to +do in such a current. In large pools where the current is sluggish, as +is sometimes the case, frequent casts are necessary in order to touch it +at every point with your fly on the surface. Where you are able to cast +across a pool, if the current moves with a moderate force, you can sweep +it at each cast by giving your rod the proper motion. This latter class +of pools are those most coveted, because you can cover a great deal +of ground with very little effort. If you fall in with a pool--as +you sometimes will--where the current is so sluggish as to be almost +imperceptible, frequent casts are unavoidable. Without them, not only +will your fly sink, but your line will soon acquire a slack which not +only gives one an uncomfortable feeling but is unsafe in case of a rise. +The very first requisite in salmon fishing is a taut line. It is not +only requisite for safety, but without it it is impossible to promptly +and properly recover your line for a new cast. + +But there is nothing so tests a salmon angler's skill and patience as +to cast in an eddy or whirl. No matter how carefully or at what distance +one casts, the moment the fly touches the water it begins to come back +upon you, compelling constant casting if you cast at all. The result +is a great deal of hard work with very little effect, because to keep a +straight line your fly must be lifted almost the very moment it finds a +lodgment on the surface. In such a pool one soon becomes weary with his +efforts to place and hold his fly in the desired position, for it is not +often that he is rewarded by a rise. Since my first experience in such a +pool I have never hankered after its counterpart. And yet it was a sort +of success in this wray: Having become tired casting I allowed my fly +to go as it pleased. It was soon out of sight, having been drawn down by +one of the whirls, and in reeling up to prevent its being twisted around +the rock I presumed to be the primary cause of the whirl, I found myself +hooked to a fish which had taken my fly at least ten or twelve feet +below the surface. When I first felt him he came up as easily as a +six-ounce chub, and I supposed I had nothing heavier than a medium sized +trout. But as soon as he felt the hook and saw my canoe he showed his +mettle, and gave me just such a fight as I might have expected from a +twenty-pound salmon, as he proved to be. That was the first and last +salmon I ever took with the fly so far under water. The rule with some +anglers is "to let the fly sink a little"; my rule is never to let it +sink at all. When a fish strikes I want to see him. There is no movement +that so thrills and delights me as the rush of the salmon for the fly. +To me, half the pleasure of a rise is lost if I don't see the head and +shoulders of the kingly fish when he leaps for the lure. + +The manner of casting is almost as varied as the casters themselves. You +will seldom see two salmon anglers cast precisely alike. Some cast with +a straight backward and forward movement, without the divergence of +a hair. Others secure a half sweep to the line by giving the backward +movement over the left shoulder and the return over the right, or _vice +versa_. Still others almost invariably cast sideways, or "under" as it +is called, seldom lifting their rod perpendicularly. Some stand as erect +and motionless as a statue when they cast. Others sway to and fro as +if they made their body rather than their arms do the work; and others +still push themselves forward as they cast, as if they were not sure +their fly would reach its destination unless they followed it. These, +however, are simple mannerisms. Each may be equally expert--that is, +equally successful in placing his fly just where he wants it and just at +such distance as he please. My own preference and practice is, a slight +sway of the body and a nearly straight backward and forward movement of +the line. There are, of course, occasions when a semicircle sweep of the +line, or a lateral movement, or an under cast is necessary to reach +some desired objective point. All these movements, when they are deemed +necessary, will come from experience; but for unobstructed waters I +prefer a straight cast, and only such slight motion of the body as +will give occasional respite to the arms; for it is no boy's play to +so handle a ponderous salmon rod for hours in succession as to give the +needed sweep to an eighty-foot line. + +The flies used for salmon are more numerous and varied than those used +for trout, and quite as uncertain and puzzling to those who use them. I +have taken salmon, as I have taken trout, out of the same water within +the same hour with flies of directly opposite hues, and of shapes and +sizes which were the counterpart of nothing "in the heavens above, +in the earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth." There are, +however, standard flies which experience has shown to be generally more +"taking" than others, and for this sufficient reason are always found +in salmon anglers' fly books. But no expert deems any fly or any dozen +flies invariably adapted to all waters and all conditions of wind and +weather. It is superlative nonsense, therefore, to multiply varieties +indefinitely. It is only necessary to have an "assortment," gaudy and +sombre, large and small, but plenty of them. It is very unpleasant to +run short when you are two or three hundred miles away from "the shop." +Those who have had any considerable experience know just what they want, +and the only safe thing for the novice to do, when ready to lay in his +stock, is to seek advice of someone who knows something of what may be +required in the waters to be visited. + +And then let him go to the quiet and roaring rivers where salmon +congregate, experiment with such flies as he has, lure the fish by his +skilful casts, strike quick, fight hard, and be happy. + +Albany, Dec. 7th, 1882. + + + + +THE SALMON AND TROUT OF ALASKA. + +By L. A. Beardslee, Captain D. S. Navy. + +From the great salmon of the Yukon, to the tiny fingerlings, which in +innumerable quantities throng in the various creeks of Alaska, and are +as ambitious to seize a single salmon egg as are their larger brethren +to appropriate great masses of the same, however illy the bait may cover +and disguise the hook which impales it, there is not, I am convinced, +an Alaskan fish, which through any merit of its own, is entitled to +an introduction to the angling fraternity through the medium of this +volume, and to the companionship of the beautiful fac-similes of the +flies, which in life they scorned. + +From personal observation and collected information, I am prepared to +accuse all of the salmon family which are found in Alaska, of the grave +offence of utterly ignoring the fly, either as food or plaything, and of +depending upon more gross and substantial resources. + +They are odd fish, and require peculiar treatment both in catching and +discussing. And it is to this cause alone that they are indebted for the +honor of being made honorary members of the gallant band of game-fishes +of which this volume treats. + +I have selected them as the subject of my contribution, because a +single glance at the array of well-known names of those who are to be +my co-contributors, convinced me that if I wished to present any new, +interesting, or valuable facts upon any icthyological subjects within +my range, I would have to travel well out of the ordinary tracks, and go +prospecting in some "far countree." + +This I have done, and I feel confident that I alone of the contributors +have been forced by circumstances over which I had no control, into a +situation where the obtaining of my notes became pleasure instead of +toil. + +The notes which will be woven into this paper are not all of them +entirely new. Some have entered into a series of letters, which over +the signature "Piseco" have appeared in the columns of the _Forest and +Stream_, during 1879-80-81. Through the courtesy of the editor of that +journal, I am permitted to again make use of them. + +I have preferred a grave charge against the salmon and trout of Alaska; +it is but just that I should explain the basis upon which it is founded, +and endeavor to establish my claim to be somewhat of an authority on the +subject. + +From the middle of June, 1879, to the latter part of September, 1880, I, +as the commander of the U. S. ship of war _Jamestown_, was stationed +in the Territory of Alaska, with general instructions to restore and +preserve order among the incongruous collections of Whites, Creoles, and +Indians of which the inhabitants of that forsaken country was composed. + +My command was moored in Sitka Harbor, but during the two summers and +autumns of my sojourn, my duties called upon me to make frequent trips +of from ten to two hundred miles, to various portions of the Territory. + +These trips were made in small steamers which I hired, steam launches +and boats of the ship, and Indian canoes, and in them I explored many +of the straits and sounds which separate the islands of the Alexander +Archipelago. + +Naturally fond of fishing and gunning, my Orvis rods, with full +assortment of flies, all gear necessary for salt-water fishing, and my +rifle and shot-gun, were my inseparable companions; and after days spent +in explorations, sometimes of bays and sounds never before entered by +white men, and in one case of a large bay forty miles deep by fifteen +broad, existing where the latest charts showed solid land only, my +evenings were spent poring over works on natural history, icthyology, +and ornithology, and jotting down in my note-book descriptions of my +finds. Such jolly times! One day a mineral lode, another great flocks of +ptarmigan, another a bear, a mountain sheep, or some new fish--gave me +something to dream of. + +The Alexander Archipelago, of which Baranoff, Kruzoff, and Tchitagofi +Islands are the principal, is separated from the coast by Chatham +Strait, which, beginning at the southward as a continuation of Puget +Sound reaches to above 60° north at Chilkhat; it is from three to ten +miles wide, deep and steep, too, throughout, bordered on the coast side +by high, heavily timbered, snow-clad mountains, and on the other by +high wooded islands. On both sides, many of the ravines are occupied by +immense glaciers, from which flow icy streams, the birthplace of salmon. + +Running nearly east and west there are several straits and sounds +connecting Chatham Strait with the Pacific Ocean, of which Peril +Strait, Icy Strait, and Cross Sound, are the principal. These, too, +are bordered, as is Chatham Straits, and are the homes of glaciers and +glacial streams. + +Many of these streams I have personally fished, and among those under my +command were several with kindred tastes, and I became possessed of the +results of their experience. + +I have read all that I could find of works on Alaska, and since my +return have naturally conversed much with every one whom I have met who +had also an Alaskan episode in his life, and have collected testimony +on the point at issue. One and all affirm that my experience has been +theirs, and the most strenuous efforts with well selected flies have +failed to record a single capture of trout or salmon. The first bit of +evidence I collected is worth recording. When the news that the Yankees +had purchased Alaska, and thus become owners of the land north as well +as south of British Columbia, was communicated to the Scotch Admiral +of the English squadron at Victoria, Vancouver's Island, he ejaculated, +"_Dom the country! let 'em have it; the blausted saumon won't rise to a +floi._" Such was our united experience and verdict. + +Of course, as we caught no end of them (trout and salmon) there were +baits which would seduce them, and these were, for the trout, salmon +roe, and for the salmon, live herrings. + +There was no poetry in our trout fishing, for compared with salmon roe +in slippery, sticky, slimy chunks, fish worms are aesthetically dainty. + +There are several little lakes and more streams in the vicinity of +Sitka; some within reach for a day's fishing, and some within an hour's. +The principal of these are _Piseco Lake_ and stream, back of and running +through the town; _Indian River_ and pond, _Saw-Mill_ creek and lakes, +from one to five miles to the eastward; the _Redoubt_ river, lake, and +fall, seven miles to the southward; and a nameless lake and outlet on +Kruzoff Island, the lake embedded in a deep valley, one side of which is +formed by the foot-hills of Mount Edgecomb, a noble, eternally snow-clad +extinct volcano. In all of these trout or salmon are abundant in the +season; in some both, and in some are found species which do not exist +in others. + +At the "_Redoubt_" I believe that all varieties and species are found. +The place is named from a huge dam winch the Russians built across the +mouth of a deep and wide ravine, thus forming a large lake of the river +which here empties into the sea. The dam is provided with a number of +salmon gates and traps. From the first run to the last, every passing +school leaves here its tribute, seduced by the proximity of the +beautiful lake; which tribute, duly smoked or salted, is barrelled for +the San Francisco market by a very "lone fisherman," a Russian who for +many years, without other companionship than his klootchman (Indian +wife) and dogs, has devoted his life to the business. + +If in this paper I make an occasional blunder, by transposition, +or misapplication of the terms "specie" and "variety," or fail on a +scientific nomenclature, I beg that it will be remembered that my claim +is not to be an authority on icthyology, when such names are necessary, +but on Alaska fish, which get along very well with their English, +Indian, or Russian names. + +I find in my note-book memoranda of the capture of +_bathymaster-signatus, chirus deccagramus, and even a +cotlus-polycicantliocejrfialous_, but had not Professor Bean instructed +me, I should have continued (and I believe I did) to call the first two +after the fish they most resembled, viz., rock cod and sea bass; and +of the last named I have lost and forgotten the description. But we +can spare him; the salmon and trout will, I feel sure, furnish all the +material needed, and I will confine myself to them. + + +THE SALMON. + +Five species of salmon haye been identified as found in Alaska; these +are: + +The Oncorhynchus Chouicha, + +The Oncorhynchus Keta, + +The Oncorhynchus Nerka, + +The Oncorhynchus Kisutch, + +The Oncorhynchus Garbosha. + +I am indebted to Professor Bean for the above list. In it I recognize +some familiar Russian names, and I will supplement the nomenclature. The +"_Keta_" is the big hump-backed salmon of the Yukon, sometimes attaining +a weight of sixty pounds; the _Nerha_ is also called by the Russians +_Crassnarebia_, or red-fleshed; and the distinction is well made, for +compared with it, the flesh of the other species seems to fade into +pink; the "_Kisutch_" or "black throat" is so called on account of the +intense blackness of the roof of the mouth and throat; the flesh is +lighter red than the _Nerkas_, but more so than any other species, +and as a table fish it excels all others, bringing twice the price at +retail; the _Garbosha_ is the small hump-back, and strikingly resembles +the "red fish" of Idaho. This is the only salmon that I am sure +ascends any of the streams near Sitka, except at the Redoubt, where +the _Kisutch_ and _Crassna-rebia_ are taken in late August and +early September. The common name for the _garbosha_ is the +"dog salmon," and a more _hideous_ object than one of them as found +swimming listlessly or dying in one of the pools, it is hard to conceive +of. I find this note of description: "Aug. 26th.--In a shallow pool +I saw a fish some two feet long, feebly struggling as though he were +trying to push himself ashore. I picked him up and laid him on the +grass. A sicker fish never continued to wag his tail; his skin was +yellow, picked out with green and blue spots, from an inch to three +in diameter; and one on his side was about an inch wide and six inches +long, bleeding and raw as though gnawed by mice. One eye was gone, one +gill cover eaten through, and every fin and the tail were but ragged +bristles, all web between the rays having disappeared." + +The first run of the salmon is well worth description. About the middle +of May, varying from year to year by a few days only, the inhabitants of +dull, sleepy old Sitka experience a sensation, and are aroused from the +lethargy in which they have existed through the long winter. The word +spreads like wildfire, _the salmon are coming!_ Everybody rushes to the +heights which furnish prospect, and strain their eyes for confirmation. + +One of our sailors, musically inclined, paraphrased very neatly the old +song, "_The Campbells are Coming!_ huzza! huzza!" and achieved fame by +portraying the emotions nightly under the lee of the forecastle. + +So good an outlook has been kept by the keen-eyed Indians, and the +Creole boy in the belfry of the Greek church, that when first the glad +tidings are announced, the fish are many miles away, and no signs of +their advent visible to the unpracticed eye. Ear away to the southward, +there hangs all winter a dense black bank, the accumulation of the +constant uprising of vapor from the warm surface of the Kuro-siwo, +or Japanese Gulf Stream, which washes the shores of this archipelago; +condensed by the cold winds sweeping over the snow-clad mountains to +the northward, it is swept by them, and piled up as far as the eye can +reach, covering and hiding the southern horizon as with a pall. + +Presently our glasses reveal bright flashes upon the face of this +curtain; and soon, to the naked eye, it appears as though the whole +horizon had been encircled with a coral reef, against which the dashing +waves were being shattered into foamy breakers. The breakers advance, +and soon among them we discern black, rapidly-moving forms, and here +our previous nautical experience comes into play, and, "Holymither, d'ye +mind the say pigs!" as shouted by Paddy Sullivan, the captain of the +afterguard, explains most graphically the phenomenon. + +The salmon _are_ coming, and with them, among, and after them, a host +of porpoises; an army so great, that an attempt to estimate in numbers +would be futile. + +The Bay and Sound of Sitka are dotted with many beautiful, well-wooded +islands; between them, the channels are deep and blue, and these are +soon thronged by the fleeing salmon and their pursuers; the harbor is +soon reached; but it does not prove one of safety, for although there +are immense flats covered only at half to whole tide, where the salmon +could, and the porpoises could not go, the former avoid them, and, +clinging to the deep water, seek vainly the protection of our ship and +boats, which do not deter the porpoises in the slightest degree. For +two or three days, our eyes, and at night, our ears, tell us that the +warfare, or rather massacre, is unceasing; then there comes an interval +of several days, during which there are no salmon nor porpoises. + +I had formed an idea, a wrong one, that the presence of salmon would be +made manifest by the leaping of the fish; on the contrary, were we to +judge by this sign alone, but very few had visited us. + +The first school had hardly gotten fairly into the harbor, before I, +with others, was in pursuit. + +The cannery boats, and Indians, with their seines, and I with a trolling +line and fly-rod. + +A single fish apparently, was at intervals of perhaps a minute, leaping +near a point. Indian Dick, one of my staff, excitedly pointed that way, +and urged me to go. "_There! there! sawmo sugataheen_" (plenty). I +was inclined to look elsewhere, or wait for a larger school; but Dick +remonstrated, "_Man see one fish jump, sir, may be got thousand don't +jump, be under_." And Dick was right; but a very small percentage leap +from the water, of which I became more fully convinced when I went with +Tom McCauley, head fisherman of the cannery, on seining trips, or +rather on a seining trip, for the affair disgusted me; and, as with my +experience of Spanish bull-fighting, one trial was enough. Imagine so +many fish that _tons_ were the units used in estimating, penned up by +the walls of the seines, into an enclosure, massed so solidly that five +Indians, striking rapidly at random into the mass, with short-handled +gaff hooks, at such rate that, upon one day's fishing, this boat, +manned by eight Indians and one white man, secured _thirteen tons_ of +marketable fish. It was bloody, nasty butchery, and sickened me. Not a +fish attempted to leap out of the net. + +McCauley supplied me with some data, from his point of view. + +"_About the middle of June, the fish are plentiful enough to start the +cannery, and the season lasts from ten to twelve weeks" He has observed +"Seven different kinds of salmon, all of which are good for canning and +for the table; but two species which come latest are the most valuable, +the flesh being very red and rich with oil_" (Kisutch and Crassna +Rebia); that "_all of the salmon 'dog' more or less, and that the +dogging begins immediately after they have attempted to enter the +streams, not before August; that after this process has begun_ (and he +discovered it in fish which, to my unexperienced eyes showed no signs of +it) _the value for canning was depreciated_," and all such he rejected, +and gave to the flock of poor Indians, who, in their canoes, followed +us to secure them. If McCauley's ideas are correct, the Alaska salmon +caught in salt water, should be superior to those of the Columbia River +and elsewhere, caught in brackish water. During the season of 1879 there +was packed at this cannery, 144,000 lbs. of fish; the largest catch +of any one day was 30,000 lbs. (over 16 tons); the greatest quantity +canned, 9,000 lbs.; the largest fish obtained, 51 lbs.; and the average +weight 12 lbs. The cost of the fish can be estimated at less than +one cent per pound. Just what "dogging" is, I don't know. McCauley's +opinion, which was shared by many others familiar with the fishing, is +that it is a sickness indicated by a change of form and color, produced +by contact with fresh water, and that the most hideously hump-backed, +hook-jawed, red and purple garbosha, was once a straight-backed, comely +fish; which, if true, upsets some theories. All I know about it is, that +previous to the advent of the garboshas, in August, no change of form +and color is observable in any of the fish, none of which enter the +streams. During August, at the same time and place in the creeks, there +can be seen garbosha salmon in all stages of the transformation, and +the change in form and color is coincident. Some are silvery and nearly +straight; others tarnished, and with slight elevation of back; others +red, with greater protuberance; and finally, some purple-red, with fully +developed humps, which more than double their height above the median +line; and these monsters the Indians like best, and say that they are +better for smoking than any other. + +Another idea which I had imbibed in regard to salmon, became greatly +modified by my experience. I thought, and I believe many do, that the +instinct which prompts the salmon to run in from the sea, is to reach, +by the shortest route, the place of birth; and that they make a straight +wake from the ocean to the mouth of their native creeks; and that while +impelled by this instinct, they refrain altogether from food. In all +of this, I think that I was mistaken; and that the fish which begin to +swarm in Sitka Harbor in May, and continue coming and going for nearly +three months before any enter the stream, are simply visitors, which, +on their way north, are driven in to seek shelter from the porpoises and +other enemies. + +That they feed at this time, I have plenty of evidence. We caught small +ones, on hand-lines baited with venison. Numbers were taken trolling, +using any ordinary spoon. I had with me pickerel, bass, and lake trout +spoons, of brass and silvery surface. All were successful, the silvery +ones the most so. + +And I had many good strikes upon _spectabilis_ or salmon trout, of six +to eight inches, spun on a gang and trolled. The Indians in Chatham +Strait catch a great many upon hooks baited with live herring; these are +attached to short lines, which are fastened to duckshaped wooden buoys, +and allowed to float away from the canoe. I have myself been present at +the capture of a number in this manner. + +The Greek Priest, and companies of the least poor of the Creoles, own +seine boats, which go out daily; and after every fair clay's seining the +sandy beach in front of Russian town presents a picturesque appearance, +dotted as it is with heaps of from one to three tons of salmon, whose +silvery sheen reflects the light of the bonfires, around which, knives +in hand, squat all the old squaws and children, cleaning on shares. +Nearly all of the fish taken by them are smoked for winter's use. + +Every glacial stream in Alaska is, in its season, full of salmon, +alive and dead. One, which for want of a better, was given my name, and +appears on the charts as _Beardslee_ River, I will describe; for in it I +saw, for the first time, that which had been described to me, but which +I had doubted; a stream so crowded with fish that one could hardly wade +it and not step on them; this and other as interesting sights fell to me +that pleasant August day. + +As we, in our little steamer, neared _William Henry Bay_, situated +on the west side of _Chatham Strait_, and an indentation of _Baranoff +Island_, we found ourselves in a pea-green sea, dotted here and there +with the backs of garbosha salmon; the fish, which were of the few that +had survived the crisis of reproduction, having drifted out of the +hay, and with their huge humps projecting, were swimming aimlessly, +and apparently blindly (for after anchoring, they would run against our +boats, and directly into hands held out to catch them), in the brackish +surface water; made so and given its peculiar color by the water of +Beardslee River, which arising at the foot of a glacier, had been fed +by rivulets from others on its course to the sea, and through its lower +specific gravity, rested upon the salt water. These sick salmon were so +plentiful that I thought that a large percentage had lived and escaped +the danger, but upon landing at the mouth of the river, saw that I was +mistaken. For several miles the river meanders through an alluvial flat, +the moraine of receded glaciers. The moraine was covered with a thick +growth of timothy and wild barley, some standing six feet in height; +much more pressed flat by layers, three and four deep, of dead salmon, +which had been left by the waters falling. Thousands of gulls and fish +crows were feeding upon the eyes and entrails of these fish, and in the +soft mud innumerable tracks of bears and other animals were interspersed +with bodiless heads of salmon, showing that they, too, had attended the +feast. I waded the river for over two miles, and the scene was +always the same. That wade was one to be remembered. In advance of +me generally, but checked at times by shoal water, there rushed a +struggling and splashing mass of salmon, and when through the shoaling, +or by turning a short corner, I got among them, progress was almost +impossible; they were around me, under me, and once when, through +stepping on one I fell, I fancy over me. All were headed up stream, and +I presumed, ascending, until, while resting on a dry rock, I noticed +that many, although _headed up_, were actually slowly _drifting down +stream_. + +In many pools that I passed, the gravel bottom was hollowed out into +great wallows, from which, as I approached, crowds of salmon would +dart; and I could see that the bottom was thickly covered with eggs, and +feasting on them were numbers of immense salmon trout. + +I saw frequently the act of spawning; and I saw once, a greedy trout +rush at a female salmon, seize the exuding ova, and tear it away, and +I thought that perhaps in some such rushes, lay the explanation of the +wounds which so frequently are found on the female salmon's belly after +spawning. + +At first, I thought there were two species of salmon in the creek; one +unmistakably the hideous garboslia, the other a dark straight-backed +fish; but upon examining quite a number of each variety which I had +picked up, I found that all the hump-backed fish were males, and the +others all females; that is, all that I examined; but as they were all +spent fish, I could not be sure. I therefore shot quite a number of +livelier ones, and found confirmation. + +I saw one female that was just finishing spawning. She lay quiet, as +though faint, for a couple of minutes, then began to topple slowly over +on to her side, recovered herself, and then, as though suddenly startled +from a deep sleep, darted forward, and thrust herself half of her length +out of the water, upon a gravel bar, and continued to work her way until +she was completely out of water, and there I left her to die. + +A very large proportion of the fish were more or less bruised and +discolored; and upon nearly all there extended oyer the belly a fungoid +growth resembling rough yellow blotting paper. + +The size of the fish was quite uniform, ranging from two feet to thirty +inches. + +But that I had seen the living spent fish in the bay, I could have +readily believed the truth of the impression of many, that the act of +spawning terminates the life of the salmon of the Pacific coast. + +One more point on the salmon, and I will leave them. + +Upon our first arrival, we all indulged very heartily upon them, and in +two or three days, a new disease made its appearance among us. A number +of us were seized with very severe gripes and cramps, and these lasted, +in all cases, for several days, and in some for a much longer period, +two of the men becoming so reduced that it was necessary to send them +to hospital. The direct cause, our doctor ascertained, was the diet +of salmon to which we had taken; and by regulating and reducing the +consumption, the difficulties were checked. + +In conclusion, I would say that I have made every effort that would +naturally occur to a fisherman to take Alaska salmon with flies, of +which I had good assortment, and never got a rise. + + +ALASKA TROUT. + +I am indebted to Professor Tarleton II. Bean for a classification of the +various trout, of which specimens had been duly bottled and labelled, +during our stay in Alaska. I had fancied, from differences in the +markings, that I had _five_ species at the least, but Bean ruthlessly +cut the number down to three, viz.: + +_Salvelina Malma, or Spectabilis, or Bairdil_ + +_Salmo Gardnieri_, and + +_Salmo Purpuratus_, or Clark's trout. + + +The first named, called commonly by us the salmon trout, was abundant in +all of the streams, from about middle of June until middle of September, +evidently timing their arrival and departure by the movements of the +salmon, upon whose eggs they live. I have noted, on June 1st, "No salmon +trout yet in any of the streams. Several fine, large ones captured by +the Indians in nets set in sea." Ten days after, the streams were full +of them, and in the earlier part of the interim many would run into the +pools of the lower parts with the flooding tide, and out again on the +ebb. + +When they left us in September, it is probable that they migrated +south, for in a letter to _Forest and Stream_, dated Portland, Oregon, +September 28, a correspondent states that, in that month, "there begins +to appear in the streams near the Columbia river, a trout," whose +description tallies exactly with that of the _spec-tabilis_, except that +the correspondent speaks of their affording _fine sport with the fly_; +this the trout while in Alaska fails to do. At first, the _spectabilis_ +affect the rapids, but after a few days seek the deep pools, where they +gather in great numbers, and bite ravenously on hooks covered with spawn +and sunk to the bottom. Occasionally, when spawn was out, we used a bit +of fresh venison; but at the best they cared little for it, and when +the blood became soaked out, the bait was useless. Although fairly gamey +when hooked, fishing for these trout was but a poor substitute, for one +who had felt and remembered the thrills caused by sudden strikes of our +Adirondack fish. I have often when pool-fishing, seen them leisurely +approach the bait, and nibble at it as a dainty, full-fed kitten will at +a bit of meat, and when one did get the hook, we found it out only by a +slight resistance to the series of light twitches which it was necessary +to give it. They have evidently been taught by experience that salmon +roe is not apt to attempt escape. The usual size of the fish ranged from +six to twelve inches--now and then one larger. The largest taken by any +of us, near Sitka, fell victim to my "salmon spawn fly," and gave +my little Orvis rod half an hour's good work. It measured twenty-one +inches, but was very light for the length, weighing but two and +three-quarter pounds. At the Redoubt river, much larger ones were taken; +and two which I shot in Beardslee river were over two feet in length; +how much they weighed I never found out, for their surroundings of +sick and dying salmon, upon whose eggs they were feeding, prejudiced me +against them and I left them. + +In shape and color the _spectabilis_ vary greatly, both factors +depending upon the length of time they have been in fresh water. When +fresh run, they are long and lean, shaped somewhat like the lake trout +of Adirondack lakes. The colors are dark lustrous olive-green back, +growing lighter as the median line is approached, and blending into a +silvery gray tint, which pales to a pure white on the belly; the green +portion is sprinkled with golden specks; the flesh is hard, and very +good for the table. After a yery short sojourn in the creek, bright +crimson specks appear among the golden, which, however, fade to a pale +yellow; the lustre of the green disappears, they become heavier, but the +flesh becomes soft and uneatable, and the skin is covered with slime. +Salmon trout taken late in August and early in September, were full of +ripe ova. + +Professor Bean placed some fish, that had been taken in salt water, into +a bucket of fresh, and the crimson spots made their appearance in less +than a day. + +When fully decked with these, and fattened, they resembled our +_fontanalis_ greatly--the head, however, being somewhat larger, and the +tail less square. + +_Salmo Gardneri_. My acquaintance with this species is yery limited. The +first one that I saw I took in Sawmill Creek, well up to the head, in +September, 1879. Seeing that it differed greatly from the _spectabilis_, +I preserved it in alcohol, and it was subsequently identified by +Professor Bean. It measured a trifle over ten inches, and was very +plump, weighing seven and a quarter ounces. In my notes, I describe it +thus: "Body, dark green on back, but in general colors very much like +a steel head or quinnat salmon; covered with round, black spots, from +one-sixteenth to one-eighth inch in diameter; these extend considerably +below the median line, and the tail and dorsal fins are covered +with them; the second dorsal adipose, but less so than that of the +_fontanalis_, having a slight show of membrane, on which there are four +spots; ventral and anal fins, yellowish in centre, bordered with red; +belly, dull white; tail, nearly square; scales, quite large, about the +size of those of a fingerling chub; flesh, firm; and skin, not slimy. No +signs of ova or milt." + +On the 28th of April, 1880, I made note: "The first salmon of the season +made their début to-day--that is, if they are salmon, which I doubt. + +"Five beauties, from thirty to forty inches long, were brought +alongside, in a canoe paddled by a wild-looking and awe-struck Siwash, +who, with his crouching Klootchman and papoose, gazed upon our ship, +guns, and us with an expression that showed them to be unfamiliar +sights. He was evidently a stranger, and was taken in, for he took +willingly two bits (25 cents) each for the fish, and no Sitka Siwasli +but would have charged treble the price. Through an interpreter, I +learned that he had spent the last seven months in a shanty on the +western side of Kruzoff Island, and that well up, among the foot-hills +of Mount Edgecomb, there was a little lake, from which there flowed a +small stream into the Pacific, and that in the headwaters of this stream +he had speared these fish, which run up the stream in the fall, remain +all winter in the lake, and in early spring spawn in the head of the +outlet." + +All of this militated strongly against the theory that they were salmon, +and when, on being dressed, the females were found to be full of ripe +ova, said theory was upset completely. My ten-inch specimen of last +September supplied us with a clue, and it was soon decided that these +magnificent fish were indeed trout; for in every respect except size, +and size of spots, some of which were a quarter of an inch in diameter, +the fish were identical. Whitford, the oldest inhabitant, confirmed +the Indian's story, and gave me in addition the Indian name for the +fish--_Quot_ and that of the Russians, which I forget, but it meant +"Mountain Trout," and said that they are found only in the lakes, high +up in the mountains, and that in winter the Indians spear and catch them +through holes in the ice. + +We found the flesh to be very delicious--far more so than the best of +the salmon. The processes of cooking, both by broiling and boiling, had +a curious effect, for the flesh, which, when uncooked, was of a very +bright red, blanched to pure white. + +The trip to Mount Edgecomb, in the early spring, involved hardship and +danger; and although several of us resolved that we would undertake +it, for the sake of such fish, somehow we never did, and I have thus +described all of the _gardneri_ that I ever saw. + +_Salmo purpuratus (Clarkii)_. The most beautiful of the trout family, +although in no way equal to our Eastern trout in any other respect. + +The _purpuratus_ is a lake trout, and found only in low-lying lakes. +Just back of Sitka, at the foot of the mountains, and elevated perhaps +twenty feet above the sea, is a little lake dubbed by me "_Piseco_". + +Handy to get at, and its outlet running through the centre of the town, +it became, in early spring, our first resort for fishing. Arriving in +June, 1879, many of us had, through days of fruitless endeavor, during +the summer and autumn, grown to disbelieve the tales of the inhabitants, +that this lake abounded in trout; but on the 20th of May, 1880, from +somewhere, there thronged the shallow edges, among the lily pads, great +schools of these trout, and for about two weeks there was no limit to +the number one could take of them. Salmon spawn was the best bait, but a +bit of venison would answer. A fly they would not rise to. In size, they +ranged from six to twelve inches--the latter size being, however, very +exceptional; their average was about eight inches. The description in my +notes is: "Specimen, May 27th. Length, nine and one-half inches; depth, +two and three-eighth inches; weight, five ounces; colors--back, rich, +dark brown, growing lighter toward medial line; at which, covering it +for a space of half an inch, there is a longitudinal stripe of rich +purple, extending from opercle nearly to tail; below the median line, +bright olive-green, lightening to silvery white on belly. All of the +tinted portion is profusely sprinkled with oval black spots, which mark +also the dorsal, caudal, and adipose fins; the ventral and anal fins are +yellowish bordered with crimson; tail, nearly square. + +"The entire tinted portion has a beautiful golden iridescence, so that +when held in the sunlight, and looked at from the rear, it seems to be +gilded." It may be noticed that, with the exception of the purple stripe +and the golden iridescence, the description of this fish is almost +identical with that of the _gardneri_. I think it quite possible that +they are the same at different ages, and that later in life these +Clarkii may become ambitious and seek more lofty lakes. None that were +taken contained ova. + +Where they came from, unless they run up the inlet at night, no one +found out, for although closely watched in the daytime, none were ever +seen in it. + +After about two weeks the greater portion disappeared, and although +sought in the deep waters of the lake, could not be found. Major William +Governeur Morris, the Collector of Customs of Alaska, assures me, +however, that during the summer of 1882, he found certain places in the +lake where he caught them until August. On July 4th he with a friend +catching four hundred and three in three hours, baiting with a single +salmon egg. + +I am not sure that we could not have again found them, but the fishing +having grown slack in the lake, and growing daily better in the creeks, +we spent most of our time on the latter. + + +COMPARISON OF ALASKA WITH EASTERN TROUT. + +The principal differences between the Alaska and Eastern trout are, +first, all Alaskans have hyoid teeth, the eastern trout have not. + +No Alaskan trout will take a fly. All Alaskan trout, I think, spend a +portion of their lives in salt water. Length being equal, the Alaska +trout, with the exception of the Gardneri, or mountain trout, are +lighter than those of our eastern streams. + +Using as a standard the average weight of a number of ten-inch +Adirondack trout, the following table will show this: + +[Illustration: 0051] + + Fontanalis-Adirondack, length 10 inches, + Fresh-run Spectabilis, " 10 " + Crimson-specked " 10.3 " + Sal mo Clarkii, " 9 " + Salmo Gardneri, " 10.1 " + +In conclusion, I must again request that this contribution shall not be +considered and judged as an attempt to scientifically describe the fish +treated upon, but rather as what it really is, a condensation of the +field-notes of an amateur angler. + +I have, in giving the sizes, weights, and other data in regard to the +Alaska salmon and trout, depended almost entirely upon my personal +knowledge and experience; it may not be out of place to add to them some +data gathered from reliable authorities. + +In his report on the resources of Alaska, Major Mm. Governeur Morris +writes: "Sixty thousand Indians and several thousand Aleuts and +Esquimaux depend for the most part upon dried salmon for their winter +sustenance." + +The Hon. Wm. S. Hodge, formerly Mayor of Sitka, states in an official +report: "And additional testimony comes to us from numerous persons, +that at Cook's Inlet the salmon average in weight sixty pounds, and some +of them reach a weight of one hundred and twenty pounds, and Mr. T. G. +Murphy only last week brought down from there on the _Newbern_ a barrel +full, containing only _four_ fish." Surgeon Thomas T. Minor, who some +years ago visited Cook's Inlet, in connection with business of the +Smithsonian Institution, makes statements which confirm the foregoing. + +In the vicinity of Klawaek a cannery is established. A catch of seven +thousand fish at one haul of the seines is not unusual, many weighing +over forty pounds. + +Mr. Frederick Whymper, artist to the Russian Overland Telegraph +Expedition, says in his well-written and interesting account of his +adventures: "The Yukon salmon is by no means to be despised. One large +variety is so rich that there is no necessity when frying it to put fat +in the pan. The fish sometimes measure five feet in length, and I have +seen boats whose sides were made of the tough skin." + +And a writer who, if disposed to strain the truth would not do so to say +anything in favor of Alaska, says in an article in Harper's Magazine, +Vol. LV. page 815: "The number of spawning fish that ascend the Yukon +every June or July is something fabulous.... It would appear reasonable +to anticipate, therefore, the adoption by our fishermen of some +machinery by which they can visit the Yukon when the salmon begin to +run, and while they ascend the river catch a million pounds a day, for +the raw material is there, of the largest size, the finest flavor, and +the greatest number known to any stream in the world.'" + +My general views about Alaska differ widely from those of the writer, +but on the salmon question, I indorse all I have quoted, excepting only +the word flavor. + +I do not think the Alaska salmon equal in this respect to those of the +Atlantic coast, and far behind those of the Rhine; they are, however, +superior to those of the Columbia River. + +In speaking of the salmon, I find I have omitted to mention that in +early spring, before the arrival of the salmon trout, and after their +departure in fall, great quantities of fingerling salmon pervaded the +streams, and bit eagerly at any kind of meat bait. + +While the _spectabilis_ were present, these little fellows kept out of +sight and notice. + +Since the body of this paper was written there has been on exhibition by +Mr. Blackford, of Fulton Market, Yew York, a number of trout, pronounced +to be the _salmo irideus_, one of which, weighing fifteen pounds, was +sent to the Smithsonian Institution, and there identified by Professor +Bean as being "_Salmo gardneri, the great trout of Edgecomb Lake_." + +I, studying these fish in their glass tank, did not form this opinion, +for Blackford's trout had a broad red band extending from just back of +the eye to the tail, covering the opercule, a marking not existing on +any of the Edgecomb trout I have seen. But the Professor assures me that +"_color on the lateral line is not a specific character_." On comparing +my notes of description of these fish, I find that in all other respects +they did appear identical, hence that the conclusion arrived at by +Prof. Bean, that "the _gardneri_ and the _irideus_ (or rainbow trout of +McCloud River), are identical seems well founded. If so, and my crude +supposition that the Clarkii, obtained in Piseco Lake near Sitka are +also identical with the gardneri turns out to be correct, there can be +a condensation of nomenclature, which will lead to at least one valuable +result from this paper. + +"No sooner had the barbed hook fastened in its insidious hold, and the +impaled monarch learned that he was captive, than every effort of his +lithe and agile frame was brought into play to recover freedom. In every +struggle, in every effort to burst thee bonds that made him captive, +there was an utter recklesness of consequences, a disregard for life +that was previously unknown, as from side to side of the pool he rushed, +or headlong stemmed the sweeping current. Nor did the hero confine +himself to His own element; again and again he burst from its surface +to fall back fatigued, but not conquered. The battle was a severe one, a +struggle to the death; and when the landing net placed the victim at +my feet, I felt that he had died the death of a hero. Such was my first +sea-trout, no gamer, truly, than hundreds I have captured since; +but what can be expected of a race of which every member is a +hero?"--_Parker Gilmore_. + +"If, indeed, you be an angler, join us and welcome, for then it is known +to you that no man is in perfect condition to enjoy scenery unless +he have a fly-rod in his hand and a fly-book in his pocket."--_Wm. G. +Prime_. + +"It was something more than a splendid trout that he brought to our view +as we met him at the landing. The young heart in the old body--the +genuine enthusiasm of the veteran angler--the glorification of the +gentle art which has soothed and comforted many an aged philosopher--all +this he revealed to us, and we wanted to lift the grand old man to our +shoulders and bear him in reverent triumph up the ascent."--A. Judd +Northrop. + +"From the fisherman's point of view, the sea trout is equal to the +finest grilse that ever ascended Tay or Tweed, exceeding, as he does, +for gameness and pertinacity every other British fish."--_David +Foster_. + +[Illustration: 0056] + +1. Silver Doctor. + +2. Scarlet Ibis. + +3. Black June. + +4. Gray Drake. + +5. Captain. + +6.'Academy. + +"As to flies, the indifference of sea-trout about kind, when they are in +the humor to take any, almost warrants the belief of some anglers that +they leap in mere sport at whatever chances to be floating. It is true +they will take incredible combinations, as if color-blind and blind to +form. But experiments on their caprice are not safe. If their desire is +to be tempted, that may most surely be done with three insects, adapted +to proper places and seasons. One need not go beyond the range of a +red-bodied fly with blue tip and wood-duck wings for ordinary use, a +small all gray fly for low water in bright light, and a yellowish fly, +green striped and winged with curlew feathers, for a fine cast under the +alders for the patriarchs."--_A. R. Macdonough_. + +"His tackle, for brieht airless days, is o' gossamere; and at a wee +distance aff, you think he's fishin' without ony line ava, till whirr +gangs the pirn, and up springs the sea-trout, silver-brieht, twa yards +out o' the water, by a delicate jerk o' the wrist, hyucked inextricably +by the tongue clean ower the barb o' the kirby-bend. Midge-flees!"--_The +Ettrick Shepherd_. + +"O, sir, doubt not but that Angling is an art; is it not an art to +deceive a trout with an artificial fly?"--_Izaak-Walton._ + +"Sea-trout show themselves wherever salmon are found, but not always +simultaneously with them. In rivers where the salmon run begins in +May or early June, you need not look for sea-trout in any considerable +numbers before well on into July. Intermediately they are found in +tide-water at the mouths of the salmon rivers, and often in such numbers +and of such weight as give the angler superb sport."--_George Dawson_. + + + + +SEA-TROUT. + +By Fitz James Fitch. + +Sunday morning, August 2, 1874, found us, Mr. A. R. Macdonough and +me, at Tadousac, a French. Canadian village, very small for its age, +situated on the northeast shore of the Saguenay River, one and a half +miles from the junction of its dark and mighty waters with the turbid +and mightier St. Lawrence. This day was the beginning of the culmination +of four months of preparation for a month's release from the business +world, its toil, care and worry. The preparations began with the payment +of $150 in gold--$171.20 currency--the rent named in a lease securing +to us the exclusive right to fish a river on the north shore of, and +emptying into, the St. Lawrence many miles below the Saguenay. We left +New York sweltering in a temperature that sent the mercury up to the +nineties; were fanned by the cool evening breeze of the Hudson, and +later by the cooler breath of the old Catskills, around which cluster +the recollections and associations of thirty years of my life. We had +travelled by rail to Montreal, 412 miles, and spent a day there; by +steamboat to Quebec, 180 miles, where we passed twenty-four hours. +We had left this, the most interesting city of English-speaking North +America, in the morning by steamboat, and, after a day of delights +upon this majestic river, the St. Lawrence, reached L'Anse à l'Eau, the +landing for Tadousac, 130 miles, in the evening of August 1st. + +We felt as we walked out upon the wide piazza of the Tadousac Hotel +that + + "summer Sunday morn + + When Nature's face was fair," + +and looked up that mysterious river, the Saguenay, and upon its +castellated mountains of granite, that indeed "the lines had fallen to +us in pleasant places." We had reached the end, as our course lay, of +railroads and steamboat lines, and must finish our journey in _chaloupe_ +and birch-bark canoe. We were there to leave civilization and its +conveniences for nature and primitive modes of life. In the story I +am relating my progress up to this point has been as rapid as was our +transit. From this point on it must correspond with our slower mode of +progression; and hence there must be more of detail in what follows. +I hope, but cannot expect, that the reader will find the change as +agreeable and free from irksomeness as we found our _chaloupe_, canoe, +tent, and life in the woods. + +After an excellent breakfast, we lighted cigars and walked down to the +humble cottage of my guide, David, on the beach of the little bay of +Tadousac, who had in charge our tents, stores, camp equipments, +and three new birch-bark canoes, ordered months before, +and for which we paid $75 in gold. David paddled us out to our +_chaloupe_, anchored in the bay, and introduced me to Captain Edward +Ovington, master, and his nephew, Fabian, a lad of sixteen or seventeen +years, his mate. The _chaloupe_ was thirty feet "fore and aft;" beam, +9 1/2 feet. Six or eight feet aft we called the quarter-deck. A +comfortable seat surrounded three sides of it, affording sittings for +eight or ten persons. Next forward of this, and separated from it by a +bulkhead, was a space of six or eight feet for freight. Next came our +cabin, eight by nine feet, and just high enough to enable us to sit +upright on the low shelf which was to serve as a seat by day and bed +at night. Then came the forecastle, in which was a very small cooking +stove. The vessel was rigged with main and topmast, strengthened by +iron shrouds, with a large mainsail, topsail, jib and "jigger," as it +is called by Canadian boatmen. It was in respect to the jigger that the +craft differed from a sloop-rigged yacht or boat. Clear aft, and back +of the rudder-post, was a mast about fifteen feet high; running from +the stern of the vessel was a stationary jigger boom, something like the +jib-boom, except that it was horizontal; on these was rigged a sail in +shape like the mainsail. The boat was a fair sailer, strong, well built, +and from four to six tons burden. In returning to the hotel we stopped +at and entered the little French Roman Catholic Church. It is not known +when it was erected. Jacques Cartier, in his second visit to America, +in 1535, explored the Saguenay; and Father Marquette made Tadousac his +residence for a short time. When he first came to this country in 1665, +tradition tells us, he established a mission there and built a log +chapel on the site where the church we entered stands. The latter is a +wooden building, about twenty-five by thirty feet, with a handsome altar +placed in a recess chancel, the rear wall of which is adorned with three +oil paintings. The centre one, over the altar, wras the Crucifixion. +A small porch, or vestibule, of rough boards, had been added in modern +times. A little antique bell swung in the belfry on the east gable, +which was surmounted by an iron floriated cross. The church was filled +with devout _habitans_, mainly--there was a sprinkling of summer +boarders and anglers--who listened with apparent interest to the +extempore sermon of a young French priest of prepossessing appearance +and manner. In the afternoon I attended the English Episcopal Church, +about a mile from the hotel, and midway between Tadousac and L'Anse +à l'Eau. Here I felt quite at home, enjoyed the services, and joined +heartily in the prayer for the "Queen, the Royal Family, and all who are +in authority." I was compelled to put a U. S. greenback, to represent my +contribution of one dollar, upon the plate. I have been sorry ever +since that I did not secure a reputation for honesty and fair dealing by +adding a dime to pay the premium on gold, and thus make good our (then) +depreciated currency. + +August 3d.--A gray flannel suit and shirt were donned this morning. +Our fishing clothes and paraphernalia were packed in large canvas bags, +toilet articles, etc., in grip sacks, and all else left in our Saratoga +trunks, and in charge of the hotel manager until our return. At 11 +o'clock we walked down to the beach where David and the Captain met us +with our respective canoes. I asked "Dah-veede" (he was very particular +about the pronunciation of his name), "how shall I dispose of myself in +this cranky thing?" + +"Sit down on the bottom, sir." The latter part of the sitting process +was rather emphatic. I wondered how I was to get up! All being on board +the good _chaloupe_ Quebec, the sails were spread to the breeze, and by +one o'clock we had beat out of the bay, down the Saguenay, and were on +the St. Lawrence. As we sailed, the canoes which had been in tow were +hoisted on deck; one, turned upon its side, was lashed to the shrouds +of the vessel on either side, and the third, turned bottom up, was laid +upon the cabin deck. The wind was N. W., and favorable, so that we made +about eight knots an hour. We landed at Escomains, to take on +board Pierre Jacques, a full-blooded Indian, possessing the usual +characteristics of his race--laziness and love of whiskey. He was Mr. +Macdonough's guide; and, despite the weaknesses mentioned, proved a +good guide and a most skilful canoeist. We continued to sail until ten +o'clock at night, when we dropped anchor. The night was dark and rainy, +the wind fresh, and the river very rough, causing our little craft +to dance, roll, and pitch in a most disgusting manner. We had no +seasickness on board, but much wakefulness on my side of the cabin. +Being thus "Rocked in the cradle of the deep," was not a success as a +soporific, in my case, at least. + +_August 4th_.--Seven o'clock, A. M. We have been sailing since daylight +this morning, and are now at anchor near the Sault au Cochon. Mr. +Macdonough had occasion to visit a country store near the falls, and +suggested that I try to catch a trout for breakfast. The stream which +empties into the St. Lawrence here is of considerable size--say forty +feet wide--and pours over a ledge of rocks, or precipice, about fifty +feet in height, into the head of a small bay. The water under and near +the fall is very rough and swift. My guide launched my canoe, paddled +me out, and placed me in such a position that I could cast in the eddy +formed by the swift waters from the fall. With a hornbeam rod, of ten +ounces in weight, and twelve feet in length, armed with two flies, I +whipped the waters. A few casts brought up a trout. I saw its head as it +rose for my dropper, struck, and hooked the fish. It ran down with the +current, my click reel singing the tune so delightful to anglers' ears, +until near one hundred feet of line was out. Placing my gloved thumb +upon the barrel of the reel, I checked its progress. The trout dashed +right and left, from and towards me, at times putting my tackle to a +severe test. It kept below the surface of the water; therefore, I could +only judge of the size of my captive by the strength it exerted in its +efforts to escape. My enthusiastic guide was much excited, and cheered +me by such remarks as, "Juge he big trout. He weigh three, four, five +pounds! He very big trout!" I concurred in his opinion, as it often +required the utmost strength of my right hand and wrist to hold my rod +at the proper angle. After playing the fish fifteen or twenty minutes, +without its showing any signs of exhaustion, I slowly, and by sheer +force, reeled the fish to the canoe, and my guide scooped it out +with the landing net. I then discovered it was not the monster we had +supposed it to be, but that it was hooked by the tail fly at the roots +of the caudal fin. The fish was killed, by a blow upon the head, and +weighed. The scales showed two pounds two ounces. The guide paddled +ashore, and upon the rocks near the falls built a fire, and prepared our +breakfast. The fish was split open on the back, spread out upon a plank, +to which it was secured by wooden pegs, set up before the fire, and +thus broiled, or more properly, roasted. A more delicious trout I never +tasted. + +Up to this point, what has been written has been abstracted from the +prolix journal that I kept of this bout. + +As I have taken my first sea-trout from Canadian waters it is fitting +that I turn to the subject of this article, + + +SEA-TROUT. + +Like all anadromous fishes its "ways are dark and past finding out." +Hence scientists, naturalists, anglers and guides differ widely and +materially in regard to its proper name, its species, and its habits. +Scarcely any two writers upon the subject have agreed in all these +points. Sea-trout (_Salmo Trutta_) abound in northern Europe. As stated +by Foster in his "Scientific Angler," in "nearly every beck and burn, +loch and river of Scotland and Ireland; and are readily taken with a +fly." These sea-trout have been mentioned and described by many eminent +writers--Sir Humphry Davy, Yarrel, Foster, and others. The description +given of this fish, the number of rays in its fins, its coloring and +markings, and lastly the absence of all red or vermilion spots render it +absolutely certain that they are not in species identical with the sea +trout of the Dominion of Canada. + +As is shown by Thaddeus Norris, in his admirable work, "The American +Angler's Book," conclusively I think, the supposed identity of the two +kinds of sea-trout mentioned have led many writers astray when speaking +of the sea-trout found in American waters. + +Norris has applied to the latter fish the name _Salmo Canadensis_, +given, I believe, by Col. Hamilton Smith, in 1834. Whether icthyologists +can find a better or more appropriate one matters not. It is desirable +that there be a name to distinguish this fish from all others, and this +one, if generally adopted, will serve all necessary purposes. + +In describing the fish Norris writes thus: "A Canadian trout, fresh from +the sea, as compared with the brook trout, has larger and more distinct +scales; the form is not so much compressed; the markings on the back are +lighter and not so vermiculated in form, but resemble more the broken +segments of a circle; it has fewer red spots, which are also less +distinct." He also thinks the sea-trout, until they attain the weight +of two pounds, more slender in form. Again I quote verbatim: "In color, +when fresh run from the sea, this fish is a light, bluish green on the +back, light silvery gray on the sides, and brilliant white on the belly; +the ventral and anal fins entirely white; the pectorals brownish blue in +front and the posterior rays rosy white. The tail is quite forked in the +young fish, as in all the salmonidæ, but when fully grown is slightly +lunate." + +Genio C. Scott, who laid no claim to being a scientist, but who was +a close observer, also compares the same fish, which he calls the +Silver-trout or sea-trout, _Trutta Argentina_, or _Trutta Marina_, with +the brook trout. He says, "The sea-trout is similar to the brook-trout +in all facial peculiarities. It is shaped like the brook-trout. The +vermicular marks on the back, and above the lateral line, are like those +of the brook-trout; its vermicular white and amber dots are like the +brook-trout's; its fins are like the brook-trout's, even to the square +or slightly lunate end of the tail. It has the amber back and silver +sides of such brook-trout as have access to the estuary food of the eggs +of different fishes, the young herring," etc. + +These descriptions differ but little, and are, I believe, as accurate +in the main as can be given. Both these writers, as will be seen, are +discussing, and have taken opposite sides upon the question, whether the +Canadian sea-trout is an anadromous brook-trout. This question was very +well presented by Mr. Macdonough (my companion) in an article entitled +"Sea-Trout Fishing," published in _Scribner's Monthly Magazine_ for May, +1877. He begins thus: "What is a sea-trout? A problem to begin with, +though quite a minor one, since naturalists have for some time past kept +specimens waiting their leisure to decide whether he is a cadet of +the noble salmon race, or merely the chief of the familiar brook-trout +tribe. Science inclines to the former view upon certain slight but sure +indications noted in spines and gill covers. The witness of guides and +gaffers leads the same way; and the Indians all say that the habits of +the sea-trout and brook-trout differ, and that the contrast between the +markings of the two kinds of fish taken from the same pool, forbids the +idea of their identity. Yet the testimony of many accomplished sportsmen +affirms it. The gradual change of color in the same fish as he ascends +the stream from plain silvery gray to deepest dotted bronze; his haunts +at the lower end of pools, behind rocks, and among roots; his action in +taking the fly with an upward leap, not downwards from above--all +these resemblances support the theory that the sea-trout is only an +anadromous brook-trout.... Indeed the difference in color between the +brook-trout and sea-trout ranges within a far narrower scale than that +between parr, grilse, and salmon." The reader who has not read the paper +would doubtless thank me for quoting it entire. + +As will have been seen, the conscientious and lamented Thad. Norris, +when he wrote as above quoted, thought that the Canadian sea-trout were +not the English _Salmo Trutta_, nor the _Salmo Fontinalis_, and as proof +gave this table showing the number of rays in the fins of the following +fish: + +[Illustration: 0069] + +He adds, speaking of the last two fish--"there being only a difference +of one ray in the pectorals, which may be accidental." I am credibly +informed that some years after his book was written, and after a more +familiar acquaintance with the _S. Canadensis_, his views underwent +an entire change, and that he wrote "the _S. Canadensis_ is the _S. +Fontinalis_ gone to sea." + +The space allowed me for this paper will not admit of my quoting further +from the writings of those above mentioned or of others upon this +subject. + +I will now state, as briefly as I can, my own views resulting from long +familiarity with brook-trout, gained by thirty-five years of angling for +them, my acquaintance with the sea-trout of Long Island, and those found +in Canadian waters. In regard to the markings of the fish _immediately +after migrating from salt to fresh water_ it is unnecessary to say more, +except that the vermicular marks differ somewhat in different fish. Some +that I caught and examined closely had, as Scott says, "vermiculate +marks on the back very plain and distinct." And on others, as Norris +writes, "the markings on the back were lighter and not so vermiculated +in form, but resembling more the broken segments of a circle." The fish +in this respect differ from each other far less than often do brook +trout, taken from the same pool. Norris thinks the sea-trout more +slender in form than the brook-trout until the former attains the weight +of two pounds. I have not been able to discover this difference between +sea-trout and the brook-trout taken from the waters of this State. The +trout of Rangeley Lake, and waters adjacent in Maine (I assume, as I +believe, they are genuine brook trout), are thicker and shorter than +trout of the same weight caught in the State of New York, or the +Canadian sea-trout. I have two careful and accurate drawings--one of +a sea-trout which weighed four and one-quarter pounds, and measured +twenty-two and one-half inches in length, and five and one-eighth inches +in depth--the other of a Rangeley trout that weighed eight pounds, and +measured twenty-six inches in length, and eight and a half inches in +depth. I have seen and measured several Rangeley trout two of seven +pounds each, one of four and one-half pounds, etc., and in all I think +there was a similar disproportion as compared with the other trout above +mentioned. + +As regards the number of rays in the fins of sea-trout I can only say +that while fishing for them I counted the rays and found them to compare +in number with those of the brook-trout as given by Norris in the table +inserted ante. + +All the writers from whom I have quoted, and all persons with whom +I have conversed who have fished for these sea-trout, concur in the +opinion that soon after the sea-trout enters fresh water, a change in +color and appearance begins, which ends in assimilating, as nearly as +may be, the fish in question to the brook trout. On the first day's +fishing, when my guide accompanied me, he opened the mouth of a trout +and called my attention to small parasites--"Sea-lice," he called +them--in the mouth and throat of the fish. He said that the presence of +these parasites was a sure indication that the fish had just left the +salt water; that they would soon disappear in fresh water. As a matter +of curiosity I examined the mouths of several fish, and invariably found +that if they presented the appearance described by Norris and Scott, the +parasites were present; but if they had assumed a gayer livery none were +to be found. The change in color, which begins with the trout's advent +to fresh water, is progressive, and ceases only when the object of its +mission, the deposit and impregnation of the spawn, is accomplished. In +proof of this I will state that during the last days of our stay on +the stream, and notably in fish taken fifteen or twenty miles from +tide water, it was not infrequent that we caught trout as gorgeous +and brilliant in color as the male brook trout at the spawning season. +Whether this change of color is attributable to the character of the +water in which it "lives, moves, and has its being," to the food it +eats, or other causes, it is impossible to say. I often caught from the +same or adjacent pools, trout fresh from the sea and dull in color, and +those showing in a greater or less degree the brilliancy of the mountain +brook trout. Of course they differ widely in appearance, and therefore +it is not surprising that the "Indians all say," as expressed by Mr. +Macdonough, "that the contrast between the markings of the two kinds of +fish forbids the idea of their identity." + +As mentioned by Mr. Macdonough the sea-trout have their "haunts at the +lower end of pools" [and upper end he might have added with truth], +"behind rocks, among roots," in short, in the same parts of a stream +that an experienced angler expects to find and does find the brook +trout. + +The sea trout will take the same bait, rise at the same fly, and rest +at the same hours of the day, as brook trout. The flies that I ordered, +made from samples furnished by Mr. Macdonough, who had had some years' +experience on the stream before I accompanied him, were much larger and +more gaudy than the usual trout flies, and ordinarily were sufficiently +_taking_ in character; but, on very bright days, when the water was low +and clear, we found that the flies used by us on the Beaver Kill, and +Neversink, in Sullivan County, New York, were better. The largest trout +taken by us on this bout--four and one-quarter pounds--was hooked with +a stone fly made by Pritchard Brothers, of New York, for use on those +streams. On one occasion, I took at one cast, and landed safely, two +trout, weighing three pounds and one-quarter, and one and three-quarters +pounds, respectively, upon one of the said stone flies and a mediumsized +gray hackle. + +In conclusion of this part of my article, I will say that, for the +reasons above given, I have no doubt but that the Canada sea-trout are +anadromous brook trout, and that they should be classed with the _salmo +fontinalis_, or, if preferred, _salvelinus fontinalis_. + +The trout in question come up the St. Lawrence from the ocean in large +numbers, and file off, probably in accordance with the instinct of +anadromous fishes, to the streams in which they were severally hatched. +The detachment for our stream reaches it invariably in the first days of +August. "When once fairly in the current" (I quote from Mr. Macdonough's +paper), "their movements up-stream are very rapid. Passionless and +almost sexless, as the mode of the nuptials, they are on their way to +complete, may seem to more highly organized beings, they drive with +headlong eagerness through torrent and foam, toward the shining +reaches and gravelly beds far up the river, where their ova are to be +deposited." They stop for but a short time for rest in certain pools; +one of these resting places was directly in front of our tents. Two, +three, or more, could be taken from it in the morning; sometimes, not +always, in the evening; but assuredly the ensuing morning; and so on, +until the beginning of September. + +When these fish return to "the ocean, that great receptacle of fishes," +as Goldsmith styles it, is a problem not yet solved. Some think they +remain until winter, or spring. I incline to the opinion that they +go back to the sea in the fall soon after their procreative duty is +performed. It is well known that the _salmo fontinalis_ gives no care or +thought to its offspring; and evinces no love or affection for it after +it passes the embryotic or ova-otic stage; and that during that +stage their parental fondness is akin to that of the cannibal for the +conventional "fat missionary." The voraciousness that prompts the +parent trout to eat all the eggs they can find as soon as deposited and +fertilized, would also prompt them to return to the estuaries so well +stocked with food suited to their taste and wants. + +What becomes of the young fry during early _fishhood_ is another +problem. From the fact that no small trout are caught or seen in the +rivers, at the source and in the tributaries of which millions are +hatched, it is fair to assume that the young remain where they were +incubated until they attain age, size, and strength that enable them +to evade, if not defend themselves against, the attack of their many +enemies. When this time arrives, they doubtless accompany their parents, +or the parents of other troutlings (it is, indeed, a wise fish "that +knows its own father"--or mother), on their migration to the sea. During +our stay upon the stream I caught but two trout as small as one-fourth +of a pound, but one of six ounces, and few as small as half a pound. The +average size of our whole catch was one pound four ounces. + +Since writing the foregoing, I have received from Dr. J. A. Henshall, an +answer to a letter that I addressed to him, before I began this article, +in which I asked him to give me the nomenclature of the sea trout of the +lower St. Lawrence, and also to inform me whether he thought these fish +anadromous brook trout. + +I here record my thanks to the Doctor for his courteous compliance with +my request, and give a copy of so much of his letter as relates to the +fish under consideration, which, to my mind, settles the question of +the _status_ of the sea-trout of Canada. + +"Cynthiana, Ky., Jan. 29, 1883. + +"Dear Sir,--The so-called 'sea-trout' or 'salmon-trout' of the lower St. +Lawrence, is the brook trout (_S. fontinalis_), but having access to +the sea, becomes anadromous, and like all anadromous and marine fishes, +becomes of a silvery appearance, losing, somewhat, its characteristic +colors. The brook trout has a wide range (from northern Georgia to the +Arctic regions), and of course presents some geographical variations in +appearance, habits, etc...but does not vary in its specific relations. +Mr. ------" (naming an American author to whom I referred), "was wrong +in calling this fish _Salmo trutta, S. trutta_ is a European species; +and if he applied the name to the Canadian brook trout it is a misnomer. +I cannot say, not having read --------" (a work by said author mentioned +by me). "Trusting this may meet your wants, I am, + + "Yours very sincerely, + +"J. A. Henshall. + +"P.S.--On next page please find nomenclature of the sea-trout of the +lower St. Lawrence. + +"Canadian Sea-Trout. + +"_Salvelinus fontinalis_, (Mitchell), Gill & Jordan. + +"Synonomy.--_Salmo canadensis_, Ham. Smith, in Griffith's Cuvier, x, +474, 1834. _Salmo immaculatus_, H. R. Storer, in _Bost, Jour. Nat. +Hist_., vi, 364, 1850. + +"Vernacular Names.--Canadian brook trout, sea-trout, salmon trout, +unspotted salmon, white sea-trout, etc. + +"Specific Description.--Body oblong or ovate, moderately compressed; +depth of body one-fourth to one-fifth of length; back broad and rounded. + +"Head large, not very long, sloping symmetrically above and below; head +contained four or five times in length of body. Nostrils double; vomer +boat-shaped; jaws with minute teeth; no teeth on hyoid bone; mouth +large, the maxillary reaching to the eye; eye large. + +"Scales very small, in two hundred and twenty-five transverse rows; +caudal fin slightly lunate in adult, forked in young; adipose fin small. + +"Fin rays: D. 10; A. 9; P. 13; V. 8; C. 19. + +"Color: back mottled with dark markings; sides lighter; belly silvery +white; red and yellow spots on body, mostly on sides. + +"Coloration often plain and silvery in sea-run individuals." + +The so-called "sea-trout" of Long Island, as stated by Mr. Charles +Hallock, in his "Fishing Tourist," and of certain streams in +Connecticut, as mentioned by Mr. W. C. Prime in "I go a-Fishing," are +genuine brook trout. Although they have access to the salt water, and go +there for food--and hence are fat and delicious in flavor--they _are +not anadromous brook trout_. They do not "pass from the sea into fresh +waters, at _stated seasons_" (Webster's Dic.). They are caught at all +times from February or March until the following autumn in fresh water, +and, as Hallock expresses it, "they run in and out with the tide." + +When this article was commenced it was my intention to write not only of +the sea-trout, but to give an account of our excursion in 1874; and in +doing so to speak of the events of each day succeeding those of which +I have written. It has already exceeded in length the measure that was +fixed upon, hence I can give the reader only a casual glance at us as we +proceed to our destination; and a look now and then into our camp. + +I left our party--breakfast over--at the Sault au Cochon, at about eight +A. M. of August 4th. Soon thereafter we set sail and made such progress +that a few hours brought us to the mouth of our river. It was low tide +when we reached it--low tide means something here, as the tide has a +rise and fall of fifteen feet--and hence the anchor was dropped near the +river's mouth, canoes launched, our personal baggage transferred to our +respective canoes--Macdonough's was named _Commodore_, in honor of his +father, who made an imperishable name on Lake Champlain in the war +of 1812, and mine _La Dame_, in honor of some one who lived in my +imagination; I never met her elsewhere. In the third canoe were placed +the tents, camp utensils, and stores for twenty-four hours. When all was +in readiness I lighted my pipe, seated myself on the bottom of my +canoe, leaned back against one of the _bords_ or cross bars; then David, +sitting upon the V formed by the sides of the canoe at the stern, with +paddle in hand, sent the birch bark flying up our river. Like most +Canadian trout streams it consists of a series of still, deep pools, and +swift, rocky rapids, alternating. Often the rapids have a fall of one +foot in ten, and are from one to five, and sometimes ten or more rods in +length. It is marvellous how these canoeists will force a loaded canoe +up them. In doing so they stand near the back end and use a long, +iron-pointed "setting pole." Before sunset we reached our camping place, +five or six miles from the St. Lawrence. The guides built a fire to +dispel the mosquitoes, which were fearfully numerous and bloodthirsty, +and then set about pitching our tents. M. and I lighted cigars, put our +rods together, and in ten minutes' time had taken from the pool in front +of us, each two trout, weighing from one pound two, to one pound eight +ounces each. Having caught enough for dinner we busied ourselves in +arranging our tents, preparing our beds, etc. My journal for the day +ends with the following brief entry: Nine P. M.--We are now settled in +camp, have eaten a good dinner, smoked our cigars, and are going to bed. + +_Aug. 5th_.--Having had a good night's sleep I rose at five A. M., made +a hasty toilet, took my rod and threw into the pool, within forty +feet of my tent, and took during a few minutes three trout weighing +three-quarters, one and a-quarter, and one and a-quarter pounds +respectively. M. soon followed and caught two of one and a-quarter +pounds each. Breakfast over we sent our guides with the canoes down to +the _chaloupe_ for the rest of our tents, stores, etc., and consequently +we can only fish the home pool to-day. With a hatchet I cut out a path +through the laurel thicket to the head of the pool, six or eight rods +distant; returned to camp, put on my India rubber wading pants and +rubber shoes (having a leather sole filled with Hungarian nails), took +my rod, walked to the head of the pool, and cast my flies on the swift +waters. In an instant a pair of capacious jaws emerged from the water. +I struck, and as the head disappeared, saw the tail and half the body of +an enormous trout.... In twenty minutes the fish was in my landing net. +I walked proudly and in a most contented frame of mind back to camp. +"That," said Mr. Macdonough, "looks like old times." The scales were +hooked in his jaw, the index showed three pounds, eight ounces.... Our +camp is on a sandy point of land around which curves the pool, and from +which, for the space of about one-eighth of an acre, all trees were cut +and the land cleared off, under the direction, tradition states, of +Sir Gore Ouseley, who first encamped here about twenty years ago, with +eighteen servants, retainers, and guides, of whom my guide was one, and +the cook. The stumps have rotted away, and the clearing is covered with +timothy and red-top grasses. We have cut much of this with our knives, +and intend to finish haying to-day. The grass when cured is to be used +in making our beds more luxurious. The pool in front is nearly two +hundred feet across at one point, and in places ten or fifteen +feet deep. In the centre and near the foot is a rock island about +seventy-five feet long. In the foot of the pool between this rock and +our camp large trout have been seen at all hours of the day. + +Opposite our camp is quite a hill covered with spruce, larch, and white +birch. We have canvas beds, supported by crotched sticks about eighteen +inches high, upon which poles are laid and the canvas stretched. +5 P.M.--I have filled two canvas sacks with hay for a bed, and a +pillow-case with the same, for a bolster. These, with my small feather +pillow, sheets, blankets, and night-shirts, will render sleeping in the +"bush" Christian-like and endurable. 7 p. m.--I have just cast into the +pool and caught a pound and a-half trout, making for the day six trout, +weighing nine pounds four ounces, and have not fished in the aggregate +one hour. The guides, Captain and Fabian, have arrived with the three +canoes and all stores. + +_Aug. 6th_, 7.30 a. m.--We have just finished breakfast. It consisted +of coffee, trout fish-balls, broiled ham, rice and wheat _crepes_ +(pancakes) with butter and maple sugar. My guide is an excellent cook +and our stores abundant and of good quality. We purchased them in Quebec +at a cost of $73.59 in gold. A tub of butter, barrel of bread, and sack +of coarse salt, to preserve the trout, were purchased at Tadousac, and +cost $11.34 in gold. + +5 P.M.--I have just come in from my first day's fishing. Began at 10 A. M., +quit at 4 P. M. I fished below and Macdonough above the camp. + +"M. killed 15 fish, weight 26 lbs., 4oz. + +"F. " 25" " 31 lbs., 4 oz. 57 lbs., 8 oz. + +_Aug. 7th_.--... Dinner is a great institution with us. Next to +catching a trout of three pounds or over it is the event of the day. +Ours of this evening was as follows: + +"Soup: bean with extract of beef. + +"Fish: boiled trout. + +"Vegetables: potatoes and boiled onions. + +"Pastry: rice cakes and maple sugar. + +"Dessert: crackers, cheese, and orange marmalade. + +"Wines: claret and sherry. + +"Tea: English breakfast." + +Our canoes are beauties. They are eighteen feet long, three feet three +inches wide in the centre, and fifteen inches in depth. With two men in +they draw but three or four inches of water. + +_Aug. 9th_.--We left our camp with one tent, two canoes, and provisions +for four days; walked through the woods three miles to a lake, through +which our river runs, which is eight miles above us by the stream. + +... It is a lovely sheet of water about three and a-half miles long +and one and a-half wide, surrounded, except at the inlet and outlet, by +rocky cliffs, in many places five to eight hundred feet high.... + +_Aug. 10th_.--To our usual breakfast was added this morning a broiled +partridge (ruffed grouse) which Fabian killed with a stick or stone +yesterday, in making the portage. While at breakfast a gray or silver +fox ran past us within twenty feet of where we sat. The woods are filled +with squirrels; their chattering is heard constantly. Large and very +tame fish-hawks abound--reminding one of the beach from Sandy Hook to +Long Branch.... We have tickled the lake with a spinner, trolled with +a long hand line, for pickerel. We fished but an hour with two lines. We +caught fourteen, weighing thirty-four pounds. + +_Aug. 11th_.--We fished down from the Middle Camp (as our present one is +called). M. had the morning's fishing in the "spring hole," and took six +fish averaging two pounds each. In the Magdalen pool I took three one +pound trout immediately upon throwing in. Suddenly not ten feet from +where I stood (I was in the water up nearly to my waist), and directly +in front of me, a monster fish from three to four feet long, and of +thirty or thirty-five pounds weight, shot up from the water, stood +seemingly upon its tail for an instant, and with a heavy splash fell +over into the pool. "My God! what is that?" I asked my guide. "It's +a _saumon_, sir," he calmly replied. I was all excitement and began +whipping vigorously where it rose. Failing to get it up, I put on a +salmon fly. By this time salmon were leaping above me, below me, and at +my very feet. I whipped diligently, letting my fly fall like thistledown +upon the water, and then with a splash to attract attention, and now +letting it sink and float with the current. It was all in vain; three +hours of my most skilful fishing failed to entice one of the wily +monsters. Neither could I get up a trout; they had all been driven away +by the salmon. I caused my guide to paddle me over the still pool just +above, and saw in the pellucid water, three or four feet beneath the +surface, ten or fifteen large salmon. They lay perfectly still for a +time, and then darted through and around the pool in every direction, as +if in play. Suddenly they would congregate in the centre of the pool and +lay with their heads up stream, the largest slightly in advance of the +rest, as motionless as if the water had become ice, encasing the fish. + +_Aug. 12th_.--At Main Camp.... The canoeing down from the Middle +Camp--five miles--was delightful, and at times very exciting; that is, +in running the rapids, which are numerous. In making a portage around +the "Little Falls" we started up a cock partridge. It alighted upon the +limb of a dead tree no higher than my head. "We approached within six +feet of it, and stood for a minute or two gazing at the graceful bird. +It returned our gaze with head turned aside, and a look of curious +inquiry which said, as plainly as if it had spoken, 'What kind of +animals are you?' I could easily have hit it with my landing-net handle +hut would not make it a victim of misplaced confidence." This incident +reminded me of the lines of Alexander Selkirk, in the English Reader, +which was in use in my early school-boy days: + + "They are so unacquainted with man, + + Their tameness is shocking to me." + +I may add that squirrels were constantly running about our camp, +exhibiting no more fear than those in the parks of Philadelphia. + +_Aug. 14th_.--"David build a fire between our tents, it is cold," I +called out about five o'clock this morning. "Yes, sir," he replied; "a +black frost this morning, had to thaw out my boots before I could get +them on." Our little encampment consists of two wall tents, ten feet +square, for the use of Mr. Macdonough and myself. They are about +fifteen feet apart, opening towards each other, upon a line twenty feet +from the pool, upon ground five or six feet above it. Back of our tents +is our dining-table, made of planks split from the spruce, and sheltered +with a tent fly. In rear of this is the kitchen fire; and still farther +back, two "A tents," one for the use of our men, and the other for-the +protection of our stores. + +I do not often look into our kitchen: Seeing Fabian wipe my +silver-plated fork upon his pantaloons, between courses, cured me of +this. "Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise." I did, however, +look into the kitchen to-day to see how our excellent bread was baked. +It was properly made with "raising powder," kneaded and formed into +loaves. A trench was dug in the ashes and sand, forming the bed of our +camp fire, wide and long enough to admit of three loaves. They were put +into the trench, without any covering except the hot sand and ashes, +with which they were surrounded on all sides, top and bottom. Live coals +were raked over the mound, and it was left for time and heat to do the +rest. An hour or so after I saw the bread taken from the ashes. It was +brushed slightly with a wisp broom, which removed the little of ashes +and sand adhering; and the bread was as clean as if it had just left the +baker's oven, and was of a uniform rich brown color. Lamb and green peas +(French canned) formed one course at dinner to-day. The flavor of fresh +mutton is much improved by non-intercourse with the butcher for two +weeks. + +_Sunday, Aug_. 16.--Another bright and beautiful day. It would be +pleasant to hear "the sound of the churchgoing bell, which these rocks +and these valleys ne'er heard," It is now near two weeks since we +entered upon our camp life, and we have seen no signs of civilization, +save in our camp; nothing but forest, rock, water and sky, all as they +came from their Great Creators hand. No sounds have been heard to carry +us back in thought to the world of life and labor, save the occasional +booming of the fog cannon at a government station on the south side of +the St. Lawrence. How strangely did the warning voice of this gun, +telling us of danger to the mariner, break upon the silence of the hour +as we sat watching the fairy forms and fantastic shapes in our first +evening's camp-fire! + +Pleasant as it is to the writer to live over again the days of which +he has written--to dwell upon the scenes in which he was an actor, so +vividly presented to his mind's eye as he writes of them--pity for the +too-long suffering reader has prompted him to close the lids of his +journal and restore it to its place in the book-case. + +It only remains to write somewhat of our success in fishing. The season +was a very dry one, our river very low, and no rain sufficient to affect +it fell during our stay, consequently the trout did not come up in +as large numbers as usual, and the clearness of the water rendered +successful fly-fishing more difficult. We caught on this occasion but +two hundred and forty-three trout, of the aggregate weight of three +hundred and four pounds. All these fish were taken with a fly, save one: +thereby hangs a tale heretofore untold. At Tadousac, on our way out, I +saw a gentleman, to whom I had been introduced, making something in the +construction of which he used three snelled hooks and about three inches +in length of thin white rubber tubing. I asked, + +"What is it?" + +"A devil," he replied. He gave me materials, and while sailing down the +river I made one. One day at the Home Pool I saw ten or a dozen +large trout. They paid no heed to my flies. "Try the devil," my guide +whispered. In a moment of weakness I yielded to the tempter and put it +on. The first cast caused commotion in the watery camp. At the second I +struck and soon drew out on the beach a pound and a half trout. I looked +upon the beautiful fish with compassion, cursed myself for resorting to +such unfair means, removed the cruel hooks as tenderly as I could from +the mangled and bleeding mouth, and taking off the _devilish_ invention +threw it as far as possible into the woods. + + .........."The beasts of game + + The privilege of chase may claim." + +I have not since used, and shall not in the future use, this rightly +named instrument, and hope no angler will. I have narrated this only +unpleasant feature of my bout to illustrate the _devilish_ ingenuity of +"pot fishermen" and the curiosity of sea-trout. I wonder what was the +gender of the fish! + +With a view of showing the capabilities of our river in the production +of fish, I have aggregated the scores from 1872 to 1882 inclusive. In +one of these years three rods were in use, in three others two, and in +the other years but one. The average time of fishing in each year was +about three weeks. + +Number of trout taken, 5,525; aggregate weight, 6,625 pounds; average +about one pound three ounces. In the year 1881 the average size of +two hundred and thirteen trout taken with a single rod in eight days' +fishing was one pound fourteen ounces. Not one of these fish was wasted. +A few were eaten upon the stream, but most of them were given to the +guides, who salted and packed them in barrels for future use. A sack of +coarse salt and empty fish barrels were always included in the anglers' +stores. + +Three days after the last date mentioned we were again on board our +_chaloupe_ "homeward bound." The loss in weight in our stores was made +good by the barrel of salted _anadromous salvelinus-fontinalis_ which +were to supplement and eke out the pork barrel of our honest and worthy +guides during the long ice-bound winter before them. + +Tadousac was reached about sunrise on a bright morning. At nine o'clock +we were in citizen's dress and seated at the hotel breakfast table. A +glance around the room showed that summer birds and Cook's tourists had +mainly migrated to more southern latitudes. Our trunks were re-packed, +our guides paid $1.50 each per day, and the captain $2.00, gold, and +bade adieu. We took the Saguenay steamboat for Quebec, the Grand Trunk +Railroad from Point Levi to Montreal, where we passed the night. The +next morning we travelled by rail to Rouse's Point and by boat down +that charming Lake, Champlain. At the various landings many persons, +including several friends, came on board. + +Nearly all carried snugly-cased fishing rods, whose summer work was +ended. The Chateaugay, the Saranacs, Paul Smith's, Baker's, Martin's, +and various other familiar names met our ears. We envied none of them. +Our cup of joy, happiness and contentment was full to the brim. There +was no room for "envy, hatred and malice," but a feeling of gratitude +and thankfulness to the Author of every "good and perfect gift," welled +up from our hearts. + +"Every angler has his own peculiar notion in regard to the best fly; and +the difficulty of presenting a perfect catalogue will be very apparent, +when it is considered that the _name_ of the fly of one writer bears a +different name and description from that of another, and it is more than +probable that the name and description of some of the flies in my list +may not be in accordance with the views and opinions of many old and +experienced anglers."--"_Frank Forester_." + +"After staying in a village parlor till the family had all retired, +I have returned to the woods, and partly with a view to the next day's +dinner, spent the hours of midnight fishing from a boat by moonlight, +serenaded by owls and foxes, and hearing, from time to time, the +croaking note of some unknown bird close at hand."--_Henry D. Thoreau_. + +"He sat down on a lump of granite, and took out his fly-book. It is a +sport, he added, as he was selecting the flies, that there is less to be +said against than shooting, I imagine. I don't like the idea of shooting +birds, especially after I have missed one or two. Birds are such +harmless creatures. But the fish is different--the fish is making a +murderous snap at an innocent fly, when a little bit of steel catches +him in the very act. It serves him right, from the moral point of +view."--_William Black_. + +"There is much diversity of opinion about the manner of fishing, whether +up or down the stream; the great majority of anglers, both In Europe and +this country, favor the latter method, and very few the former."--_John +J. Brown_. + +"'Beautiful!' Well you may say so, for what is more beautiful than a +well-developed pound trout?"--_Charles W. Stevens_. + +[Illustration: 0092] + +7. Ferguson, + +8. Abbey. + +9. Royal Coachman. + +10. Seth Green. + +11. Professor. + +12. Montreal. + +"Reader, did you ever throw the fly to tempt the silvery denizen of the +lake, or river, to his destruction? Have you watched him, as it skimmed +like a living insect along the surface, dart from his hiding-place, and +rush upon the tempting but deceitful morsel; and have you noticed his +astonishment when he found the hook was in his jaw? Have you watched +him as he bent your slender rod 'like a reed shaken by the wind,' in his +efforts to free himself, and then have you reeled him to your hand and +deposited him in your basket, as the spoil of your good right arm? If +you have _not_, leave the dull, monotonous, every-day things around you, +and flee to the Chazy Lake."--_S. H. Hammond._ + +"I now come to not only the most sportsman-like, but the most delightful +method of trout-fishing. One not only endeared by a thousand delightful +memories, but by the devotion of many of our wisest and best men for +ages past; and, next to my thanks for existence, health, and daily +bread, I thank God for the good gift of fly-fishing. If the fishes are +to be killed for our use, there is no way in which they are put to so +little pain as in fly-fishing. The fish rises, takes your fly as though +it were his ordinary food; the hook fixes in the hard gristly jaw, where +there is little or no sensation. After a few struggles he is hauled on +shore, and a tap on the head terminates his life; and so slight is the +pain or alarm that he feels from the hook, that I have over and over +caught a trout, with the fly still in his mouth which he has broken off +in his struggles an hour or even half an hour previously. I have seen +fish that have thus broken off swim away with my fly in their mouths +and begin to rise at the natural fly again almost directly."--_Francis +Francis._ + + + + +RANGELEY BROOK TROUT. + +By James A. Williamson, Sec. Oquossoc Angling Association. + +About twelve summers ago, when spending a delightful vacation at +Manchester, Vermont, under the shadow of Mt. Equinox, my attention was +called to a little book which gave a description of the exceptionally +large brook trout inhabiting the waters of the Rangeley Lakes. + +Never having heard, heretofore, of a fish of that species that weighed +more than three pounds, and never having caught any over a pound and a +half (although I had dropped a line in many waters and exerted my utmost +muscle in casting a line for fingerlings), I could not bring my mind +to believe that such fish as were described really existed, and at +once pronounced it another fish story. Although much interested in the +narrative I finally threw down the book in disgust, and as I did so, +observed for the first time that the author was Robert G. Allerton, a +very old friend, whom I had always esteemed a man of veracity. I at once +took a new interest in the subject and determined to investigate +the matter personally. I came to New York, had an interview with Mr. +Allerton, who was the Treasurer of the Oquossoc Angling Association, and +by his advice joined the club, and in due time started for the +promised land of mountains, lakes, and large trout, and after the usual +vicissitudes of travel reached my destination at Camp Kennebago about +the middle of September. + +The forests were just developing their autumnal hues, the air was fresh +and bracing, and all nature seemed to conspire to make one realize that +there was health in every breath inhaled, and beauty in every phase of +land and water. Having secured a first-rate guide and boat, and partaken +of a trout breakfast, which was relished immensely, such as can only be +appreciated by one who has left the haunts of civilization and gone into +the wilderness for recuperation, I considered my first duty was to pay +my respects to Mr. Allerton, who was in camp at Bugle Cove. From this +location Lake Mooselemeguntic lies spread out before you, while Mt. +Washington in the distance rears its snowy peak, overtopping Jefferson, +Monroe, and the other giants of the White Hills of New Hampshire. + +The crystal waters of the lake tempt us to cast a fly, and a suitable +place having been secured, we proceed to business. After making several +casts in a manner more or less scientific but without success, my former +unbelief came creeping over me, and, as my arm became tired and almost +refused to do its duty, a sense of despondency overcame me, which I am +sure sensibly affected the beauty if not the efficacy of my casts. But +suddenly I am awakened to the realization of the fact that a big fish +has seized the fly and is making the reel hum in its frantic endeavors +to secure its liberty. Fathom after fathom of the dainty line disappears +beneath the water, and at last prudence dictates a gentle snub, which +finally terminates in a decided check to the mad career of the quarry. +Having succeeded in turning his head in a different direction, another +rush is made across stream, making the line whiz as it cuts through +the water; then suddenly he takes a downward course and ceases from +all apparent effort to free himself. He now sulks for a long time, and +impatience begins to take the place of the excitement with which the +fight began. The guide, who, during the fray had hoisted his anchor, got +ready his landing-net, and was now holding his boat in position with the +oars, suggested that I had better send him a telegraphic message, which +was accordingly done by striking the rod with a key. The first few +strokes seemed to make little or no impression, but presently he +convinced us that he was still there, although we had some forebodings +that he had escaped by winding the line around a log or some other +object at the bottom of the stream. He was up and alive in every sense, +and performed the same tactics for liberty with apparently more vigor +than at first. These were kept up for about half an hour, when he again +took a turn of sulking, but this time of shorter duration, and when he +again began his rushes it was with an evident loss of strength, but no +diminution of determination and pluck. + +A friend who was watching and timing me from his boat came oyer to +inquire how the battle was progressing, and pertinently asked, "Whether +the fish was going to take me or I the fish." At last the strength of +the tackle, the pliability of the rod, and the determination of the +rodster overcame the pluck and strength of the fish, and he was brought +to the boat turned upon his side and was beautifully landed by the +guide. The scales were at once applied, with a result of eight pounds +full weight. + +My inquiring and interested friend informed me that I had been two hours +and twenty minutes in the fight, and as I sat down in the boat I, for +the first time, realized that I was tired. + +Now, my dear reader, do not think that this kind of sport is of common +occurrence, for from that time to this, I have taken but two fish of +equal weight; the average, however, has been much larger than trout from +any other locality in which I have fished. Any fish under half a pound +is considered unfit to land, and is again committed to the water to grow +larger. The number of trout does not seem to be falling off; but this +can be accounted for by the annual plant of fry from the Hatching House +of the Oquossoc Angling Association, who have for years past turned +about one million fish into these waters, and now contemplate increasing +the amount to five million; still I think there is a sensible diminution +of the size of the catch, which now run from one-half to four pounds, +and anything over that weight is the exception. This would seem to +confirm the supposition of Professor Agassiz, made many years ago, that +these large fish possibly may have reached an age of from 100 to 200 +years, as they were evidently very old. + +Any one who has been thrilled with the vigorous strike of one of the +ordinary sized fish would be almost beside himself when one from three +to five pounds rose to his fly, and if his tackle was good, the sport +derived therefrom, would serve him a lifetime; and when the shades +of night had fallen upon the camp, and he with his fellow-fishermen +collected around the great fire, point and vigor would be given to his +recital of how he caught and played the monster he that day had brought +to his creel. + +"Let it be seen that a love of the 'gentle art' openeth first the heart, +then the fly-book, and soon the stores of experience and knowledge +garnered up through long years, wheresoever we meet a 'Brother of the +Angle'; and that to us 'angling is an employment of our idle time,'; +that therein we find 'a rest to the mind, a cheerer of the spirits, a +diverter of sadness, a calmer of unquiet thoughts, a moderator of the +passions, a procurer of contentedness, and that it begets habits of +peace and patience in chose that possess and practice it.'"--_Thaddeus +Norris_. + +"Fly-fishing holds the same relation to bait-fishing that poetry does to +prose. Not only the fly, but every implement of the fly-fisher's outfit +is a materialized poem."--_James A. Henshall, M.D._ + +"Between the tyro and the proficient grayling fisher there exists a +wider gulf than is the case with the experienced and inexperienced in +any other branch in the whole art of fishing. Practical skill and +general artistic bearing are more fully exemplified in fishing for +grayling, than for trout and salmon, whilst upon the same ground +the unskilled efforts of the bungler stand at a yet more glaring +contrast."--_David Foster_. + +"Hooking a large grayling, I had good evidences of his plucky qualities; +the pliant rod bent as he struggled against the line, curling his body +around columns of water that failed to sustain his grasp, and setting +his great dorsal fin like an oar backing water, while we cautiously +worked him in, his tender mouth requiring rather more careful handling +than would be necessary for a trout; making a spurt up stream, he +requires a yielding line, but after a time he submits to be brought in, +rallying for a dart under the boat, or beneath a log, as an attempt is +made to place the landing net under him."--_Professor Milner_. + +[Illustration: 0102] + +13. Bee. + +14. Tomah Jo. + +15. "No Name." + +16. Blue Bottle. + +17. Grasshopper. + +18. Canada. + +"Do not despair. There was--alas! that I must say there was--an +illustrious philosopher, who was nearly of the age of fifty before he +made angling a pursuit, yet he became a distinguished fly-fisher."--_Sir +Humphry Davy_. + +"Fly-fishing for grayling and trout are not altogether identical. Both +are frequently found in the same water, and are to be taken with the +same cast of flies. Finer tackle, as a rule, is required in the case of +the former, as also smaller and brighter flies." --_David Foster_. + +"The grayling generally springs entirely out of the water when first +struck by the hook, and tugs strongly at the line, requiring as much +dexterity to land it safely as it would to secure a trout of six times +the size."--_Dr. Richardson._ + +"Grayling will often take the fly under water, rising so quietly that +you will scarcely see any rise or break of the water at all. It is +desirable, therefore, to watch the line narrowly, and to strike whenever +you think it stops or checks, and you will now and then be surprised, +although there is no break in the water, to find a good grayling on the +hook. For, as is often the case with trout, the big ones are very quiet +risers."--_Francis Francis._ + +"To be a perfect fisherman you require more excellencies than are +usually to be found in such a small space as is allotted to a man's +carcass."--_Parker Gilmore_. + +"The trout has, so to speak, a Herculean cast of beauty; the +grayling rather that of an Apollo--light, delicate, and gracefully +symmetrical."--_H. Cholmondely-Pennell_. + + + + +THE GRAYLING. + +By Fred Mather. + +The very name of my beloved fish calls up a host of recollections that +form themselves into a picture that, above all others, is the most +cheerful one adorning memory's wall. We old fellows live largely in the +past, and can afford to let younger men revel in the future; and in my +own case, I can say that, having filled Shakespeare's apothegm of "one +man in his time plays many parts," there are often retrospects of life +as a boyish angler, an older hunter, trapper, and general vagabond on +the frontiers; a soldier; and a later return to a first love. Of these +glances over the shoulder of time, a few trips to Northern Michigan and +its grayling streams mark the journey of life with a white stone. + +When Prof. Cope announced, in 1865, that he had received specimens from +Michigan, the English anglers in America were incredulous, and there +was some spicy correspondence, in the sportsmen's papers of those +days, concerning the identity of the fishes. As usual, the scientist +discomfited the angler, and proved his position. The fish had long been +known to the raftsmen and natives of Michigan by local names, but had +never been identified as the historic grayling. Some eight years +after the discovery of Prof. Cope that we had the grayling in American +waters; Mr. D. H. Pitzhugh, Jr., sent some of them to Mr. Charles +Hallock, then editor of _Forest and Stream_, and they were shown in New +York to the doubters, who even then were not convinced. + +Mr. Pitzhugh took great interest in the new fish, which, as a lumberman +and an angler, he had long known as a "Michigan trout," but had never +recognized as the gentle grayling, and he has since done more than any +other man to popularize it and introduce it to anglers. + +He invited Mr. Hallock, Prof. Milner, and myself to come up and fish for +it, and we each extolled its attractions in the press. As a consequence, +the fish has been nearly exterminated by vandals who fish for count, and +the waters where we fished at first are nearly barren. + +Of all game fishes the grayling is my favorite. It is gamy but not +savage; one does not feel the savage instinct to kill that the black +bass or the pike raises in him, but rather a feeling of love for a +vigorous fighter for its life who is handicapped with a tender mouth. +To me the fish is always thought of as the "gentle grayling," and the +"golden-eyed grayling," although the latter epithet is not always a +correct one, owing to the changes in the iris. + +In fishing for grayling it is well to use a mediumsized fly of a subdued +color; a yellow body and a brown wing is the fly that should be used +if only one is recommended; it is a most killing combination. Brown +Hackles, Bed Ibis, Professor, Queen of the Water, and other trout flies +are also killing; but the first-mentioned fly, whose name I do not know, +owing to a defective memory and the vagaries of fly nomenclature, is the +most killing, and a cast into the upper edge of a pool below a rapid is +usually most successful. * + +* Oak-fly. + +The beauty of the grayling is of a kind that is better appreciated after +some acquaintance. The bright colors of its "magnificent dorsal," as the +phrase went a few years ago, are not its chief claim to admiration. Its +shapely contour, striped ventrals, iridescent caudal, and its beatific +countenance win the heart of the angler and make him love the grayling, +and feel that it is a fish to respect for the higher qualities expressed +in its physiognomy, and not one that it is merely a satisfaction to kill +as he would a savage pike. True, we kill the grayling, but we do it in a +different spirit from that in which we kill some other thing. It was +not only my good fortune to know "Uncle Thad" Norris, but to have fished +with him. The dear lovable old man, who long since paid his fare to the +grim ferryman, once said: "When I look into a grayling's eye I am sorry +I killed it; but that feeling never prevents me from making another cast +just to see if another will rise." + +In another century Norris will be more read and appreciated than he is +to-day. Of all American angling writers of this century he will stand +foremost, and yet he never wrote as fully as he intended of the fish +that he told me had afforded him more pleasure than any other. He had +not revised his "American Angler's Book" for some time before his death, +and so his remarks on Back's grayling must stand as he wrote them before +the era of the Michigan grayling. He there says of the Arctic grayling: +"The grayling being a fish in the capture of which the American angler +cannot participate, we give no account of the manner of angling for +them, but refer the reader who may have interest or curiosity on that +score to English authors." He intended to revise that sentence and +give his own experience, but the Reaper judged him ripe for the harvest +before he did it. In my opinion he was one of those who should never +have been ripe for that harvest, and his loss to our angling literature +was a severe one. + +That the grayling will take bait, truth requires the admission; would +that it were not so. I would prefer that its food was the soaring +insect, or even the floating thistledown, with an occasional feather +from an angel's wing dropped in the moonlit flood; but science has +laid bare its interior with the searching scalpel, and the Caesarian +operation has brought forth the lowly caddis-worm and other larvae, and +the bait-fisher has taken advantage of the knowledge and pandered to the +baser appetite of the fish. + +That the grayling does not eat other fish is proved by its small month, +as well as by its known habits. It is not a leaper, like the trout, but +takes the fly from the surface with merely an exposure of a portion of +its head. When struck, it makes a rigorous rush, and, if it does not +fight as long as the trout does, it gives much resistance at the last +moment by the sidelong movement it makes when being reeled in, which is +due to the size and curvature of its dorsal fin. It inhabits only the +coldest of streams, and while the grayling of Europe is found in the +trout streams, it is not to be found there in Michigan. + +We have several species of grayling in America. Two of these only are +accessible to anglers, the Michigan grayling, _Thymallus tricolor_, and +one at the head waters of the Yellowstone, the _T. Montanus_, The other +species are Arctic. + +The Michigan fish is reported to grow to nearly two pounds weight; I +never saw one that I thought would weigh much over a pound, and I have +taken them in spawning season for the purpose of procuring their eggs. +Whether this fish will bear acclimatization to other waters, I cannot +say. I raised a few until a year old at my former trout farm in Western +New York, and when I left them I opened the pond and let them into the +stream below, but none have ever been taken there, as far as I know. It +seems a pity to allow this elegant fish to become extinct, as it will in +a few years in its limited habitat, and if opportunity offered I would +again try to domesticate it. + +The trout-fisher needs no special directions nor tackle to fish for +grayling; he may cast in the usual manner, only remembering that the +fish has a very tender mouth, and must be treated with this fact ever +in mind. The Michigan grayling streams are not suited for wading, and, +therefore, fishing from a boat is the rule. This may not suit some +anglers, to whom I can only say, every one to his fancy, but no wading +for me; dry feet are more comfortable than wet ones, and boat-fishing or +bank-fishing are more suitable to my taste, than to be immersed up to my +hips in cold water for half a day. + +I have killed, I believe, every game fish in America east of the Rocky +Mountains, except the salmon, for which I have a rod in readiness, that +I hope to use soon, and I can say that while I do not think the grayling +the superior of all of them for gameness, yet there is something of +romance in the remembrance of the grayling, a kind of sentimental +retrospect, that endears the fish to me above all others. Whether it was +owing to the pine woods and the genial companionship, I do not care to +consider; but each year there comes a longing to repeat the pleasant +experiences of the Au Sable and its delicate grayling. + + + + +TROUT FLIES + +"The trout-fly does not resemble any known species of insect. It is a +'conventionalized' creation, as we say of ornamentation. The theory is, +that, fly-fishing being a high art, the fly must not be a tame imitation +of nature, but an artistic suggestion of it. It requires an artist to +construct one; and not every bungler can take a bit of red flannel, a +peacock's feather, a flash of tinsel thread, a cock's plume, a section +of a hen's wing, and fabricate a tiny object that will not look like any +fly, but still will suggest the universal conventional fly."--_Charles +Dudley Warner_. + +"When you fish with a flie, if it be possible, let no pary of your line +touch the water, but your flie only."--_Izaak Walton_. + +[Illustration: 0112] + +1. Coachman. + +2. Leadwing Coach. + +3. Royal Coachman. + +4. Coachman red tip. + +5. Gilt Coachman. + +6. Cowdung. + +7. Fern. + +8. Blue Jay. + +9. Abbey. + +10. Red Ant. + +11. Black Ant. + +12. Seth Green. + +13. Professor. + +14. Blue Professor. + +15. Dark Stone. + +"A combination of English Jay is one of the most effective flies in the +world, as it can be put into as gay a fly as you please, and also into +as plain a one as you like."--_Capt. Peel ("Dinks")_. + +"When I think of the great secrets of Nature locked up from our +knowledge (yet under our eyes at every turn of your daily duty), and +imagine what a mine of intellectual wealth remains to be opened out +by quickness of sight, clearness of intellect, and the pickaxe of hard +work, a great panorama opens before me. How ignorant--how terribly +ignorant--are we of God's great laws as applied to the creatures +that live in the element in which we are forbidden to exist!"--_Frank +Buckland_. + +"The ancient belief in the stoppage of sport during a thunderstorm is +not strictly true."--_David Foster_. + +"A fish will _hook himself only_ in cases where the fly first touches +the water at the end of a straight line, or when the line is being +withdrawn smartly for a new cast. In all other cases the skill of the +angler must be employed."--_Charles Hallock_. + +"We had determined on a feast, and trout were to be its daintiest +dainty. We waited until the confusing pepper of a shower had passed away +and left the water calm. We tossed to the fish humbugs of wool, silk +and feathers, gauds such as captivate the greedy or the guileless. The +trout, on the lookout for novelty, dashed up and swallowed disappointing +juiceless morsels, and with them swallowed hooks. Then, O Walton! O +Davy! O Scrope! ye fishers hard by taverns! luxury was ours of which ye +know nothing. Under the noble yellow birch we cooked our own fish. We +used our scanty kitchen-battery with skill. We cooked with the high art +of simplicity. Where Nature has done her best, only fools rush in to +improve. On the salmonids, fresh and salt, she has lavished her +creative refinements. Cookery should only ripen and develop."--_Theodore +Winthrop_. + +"As a general thing, it is a waste of time to be forever changing your +flies. If the trout are not rising, it is entirely useless to fling an +assortment of flies at them."--_T. S. Up de Graff, M.D._ + +"In taking the fly, I award the palm to the trout, as he usually throws +himself out of the water to do so. The salmon does not, he scarcely more +than shows himself; but after being hooked the sport commences, and it +is all activity to the death, rarely any sulking."--_Charles W. Stevens_ + + + + +A TROUTING TRIP TO ST. IGNACE ISLAND. + +By W. Thomson + +Towards the end of August, 1877, I had become pretty well fagged out +with office work and felt that I must have a week or two of out-door +recreation or sport of some kind, so I naturally decided upon a +troutfishing expedition; and I selected, as the scene, the island of St. +Ignace, in Lake Superior, of which I had heard most excellent accounts +in regard to fish products. I had, it is true, caught a great many brook +trout throughout the summer, in small streams close at hand; but these +were mostly fish of inferior size, few indeed reaching one pound in +weight; while I was assured by an ancient fisherman of repute, that at +the Island, the real _Salmo fontinalis_ often attained to four, five, +and even seven pounds. + +This was the kind of ground I had been, for many years, anxious to find, +and I made up my mind to try it at all events. + +The first thing to do was to secure two suitable companions, and a man +or boy of all work. The former I quickly enlisted in the persons of a +genial M.D. and an overworked limb of the law. The latter opportunely +turned up in the shape of "Jim," a colored youth of sixteen, as black +as the ten of spades, but no less celebrated for his culinary skill +than for his impish tricks and imperturbable good humor and honesty. To +banish formality once for all, and put things upon an easy and familiar +footing at the start, I christened the M.D. "Squills" and the lawyer +"Bluffy," out of compliment to his usual style of treating witnesses +in court. In deference to my advanced age and _general good looks_, the +boys called me "Governor," I being then about fifty-three and neither +of them thirty. Our supplies, consisting of a ten by twelve tent, three +camp beds and bedding, two small boats, a stock of provisions for +six men for two weeks, one rifle, two fowling pieces, and our fishing +tackle, were soon got together, and in twenty-four hours from the first +proposal, we were ready to take the cars for Collingwood. At that point +we secured an ample supply of ice; and then embarked with our traps on +board a steamer bound for Duluth and intermediate ports, and touching at +St. Ignace on her way. + +This island is situated in Canadian waters, about thirty-five miles from +the mouth of Nepigon River, forty-seven miles east of the famous Silver +Islet and some seventy from Thunder Bay. I say island, but there are in +fact _two_ called St. Ignace; the largest being about sixteen miles +long by ten wide; with generally bluff shores and high headlands, one +of these rising to a height of thirteen hundred and fifty feet above the +lake level. The smaller island, at which steamers touch and upon which +we camped, is separated from the larger by a channel of from fifty to +a hundred yards wide, and is about two miles by a half a mile in size, +having one bold headland five hundred feet high. Neither island is +inhabited except by occasional Indians and other fishermen; nor do +either of them, so far as I observed, contain any agricultural land, the +formation being rock. Both, however, as well as contiguous groups, are +mostly covered with a thick growth of spruce, balsam, birch and mountain +ash. This last is so plentiful that in the autumn its brilliant red +leaves may be seen from quite a distance at sea, framed in a background +of dark green spruce, and presenting a most charming view. The larger +island contains in itself numerous small lakes which abound in pike +(_E. Indus_), and what we Canadians call yellow pickerel (_Stizostedium +vitreum_), really pike-perch. No one bothers catching these, however, as +the surrounding waters yield an enormous supply of choicer fish, +among which are said to be ten varieties of the salmon family; besides +whitefish, some of which attain to seventeen pounds in weight! I took +some trouble to ascertain the local names by which the various species +of trout are known, and the greatest attested weight of individuals of +each. I am indebted to Mr. Wm. Boon, of Barrie, Ontario, a professional +fisherman who spends four months of every year upon the island, for the +following list, which I give without vouching in any way for this queer +addition to the salmon family: + +1. Salmon trout, weight up to..................... 70 lbs. + +2. "Siskowitt," weight up to...................... 12 " + +3. Half-breed Siskowitt, weight up to............ 5 " + +4. "Potgut," very inferior fish, weight up to..... 12 " + +5. Rock or black trout, weight up to.............. 40 " + +6. Large gray or shovel-nose trout, weight up to.... 70 " + +7. "California trout/yellow spots and flesh, weight up to 10" + +8. "Half-breed red trout," weight up to........... 15 " + +9. Common brook or speckled trout, weight up to.. 7 " + +10. "Red trout," weight up to.......................42 " + +All of these, of course, are local names, but the fish are all true +trout; crossed and re-crossed, I presume, _ad infinitum_. The brook +trout is the only species found here with a square tail, those of all +the others being more or less forked. The "red trout" is far superior to +any of its confrères, and is called by the Indians--Pugwashooaneg, that +is, Paysplatt--District-fish, as it is taken only in this locality, and +only in the fall of the year as a rule. The Indians come from Nepigon +expressly to fish for it, and care for no other trout in comparison. +It is much more highly esteemed than the brook trout. This very day on +which I write this article, I had a salted piece of one of these "red +trout" for dinner and found the flesh of a bright pink, and the flavor +exquisite. I shall refer to it again. + +On our passage from Collingwood we touched at the following ports and +"landings," viz.: Meaford, Owen Sound, Killarney, Little Current, +Bruce Mines, Hilton, or St. Joseph Island, Garden River, and the Sault. +Thence, via Michipicoton Island to St. Ignace. I may say here, before I +forget it, that among the useful productions of this last are incredible +quantities of huckleberries and "sand cranberries." The former were just +in season at the date of our visit, and after the first day "Jim" always +gave us capital puddings and pies made from them. + +We found many pleasant people on board the steamer, with whom we picked +acquaintance in that free and easy manner peculiar the world over to +anglers. + +After a delightful trip of four days, we made the landing on our Island +at about five o'clock on a beautiful evening, and, having got our whole +outfit ashore, selected a charming spot in the midst of a spruce grove +as a camping ground. The tent was put up, beds and bedding arranged, +supplies for present use unpacked, a table improvised and things +generally "set out" in a most orderly manner by the Doctor and "Bluffy," +while I employed myself in the construction of a fish corral, the use +of which will be seen further on. Meantime, "Jim" had, with a few loose +stones, made for himself a very passable fire-place, and soon had tea +and coffee prepared, several appetizing dishes cooked, and called us to +supper at 6.30. After a hearty and enjoyable meal, we proceeded to put +the finishing touches to our work; sorted out and overhauled our fishing +tackle; caught a few minnows and placed them in a perforated bucket +in the lake; and before dark were all in ship-shape and thoroughly +comfortable. "Jim" slung his hammock between and beneath two umbrageous +trees, and by eight o'clock, with a full stomach and clear conscience, +was roosting in it, happy as a lord! From this coign of vantage, with +the gathering darkness to hide his _blushes_, he favored us with several +choice negro melodies rendered in a style and with a pathos which any +"professional" might have envied. As the night deepened we drank in with +appropriate senses all the delights of our surroundings. The great fire +before which we three sat, lighting up with weird and fantastic effects +the sombre foliage of the adjacent forest; the plaintive cry of the +distant loon; the harsher notes of the bittern, and the even, gentle +murmur of the softly lapping waves, all united to inspire us with a +sense of freedom and happiness unknown to the busy world. Serene and +contented, we "turned in" at ten, with blissful anticipations for the +morrow. We had not forgotten that prime necessity of a well-ordered +camp, light, but had brought with us several pounds of sperm candles, +two gallons of oil and a good swinging lamp, which, suspended from the +centre-pole, not only rendered the tent cheerful, but gave facilities +for performing with ease and comfort the thousand and one little jobs +which precious daylight could not be wasted upon. Reader, did you ever +"camp out" in the midst of a dense grove of pine or spruce trees? If +not, you have yet to enjoy the luxury of the most balmy and refreshing +sleep which can bless mortal man. There is a something in the delicious +aroma of the resinous woods which induces a perfect repose, obtainable, +in my experience, through no other means. A sound, sweet, wholesome, and +yet not heavy sleep; quiet and dreamless, and from which you awake, not +drowsy and cross, but with a buoyancy of spirits, a strength of body and +clearness of mind which make even hard daily toil seem a mere pastime. +And so, with thankful hearts sank we to rest on this our first night at +St. Ignace. There are no black flies on the Island, and the season was +too far advanced for mosquitoes to be troublesome; facts which added +not a little to our serenity of mind and took away the last excuse for +ill-humor. + +The next morning, after partaking of a breakfast which fully sustained +Jim's reputation as a cook, "Squills" and "Bluffy" agreed to go out in +the larger of the two boats, leaving the small one for me. They were +provided with various kinds of bait, including frogs, worms, grubs, +grasshoppers, and minnows, as well as a goodly supply of spoons and +other lures. I had decided upon trying flies for the first day, and if +found effective I intended to stick to them. The boys anchored out at +about a hundred yards from shore and went to work; and I moved slowly +along the coast-line, closely examining the bottom and the lay of the +submerged rocks, as well as the trend of the contiguous land. When an +angler is in strange waters he will find this preliminary survey to be +always a paying operation. By and by I found a lovely-looking reef which +extended from the shore to deep water. This reef or ledge was broad and +smooth on one side, but the other dipped down sharply, and presented +a rough, jagged, and cavernous face. Here, if anywhere, I judged +_fontinalis_ would be sure to lurk; so I anchored within twenty feet of +the precipitous edge of the reef, with water apparently about ten feet +deep under the boat, but of profound depth a few yards from the ledge. +At that time I had no split bamboo rod, a fact which I have ever since +regretted, but I had an excellent ash and lance-wood, which had killed +myriads of fish, and is still to the fore. I never was and never will +be a skilful fly-fisherman, or perhaps I should say--as too much modesty +savors of affectation--a skilful fly-_caster_. + +That is I never could, nor can I yet, make an effective and proper cast +of over forty-two feet from reel to fly. I have always found, however, +that I _take as many fish_ as those artistic anglers who can cast more +than double that distance. On this occasion I tried a white miller as +tail fly, and a common gray hackle as dropper, and they succeeded so +well that I only thereafter changed them as a matter of experiment. I +never at any time during this trip used more than two flies at once, as +that number gave me quite enough to do. + +Well, this morning of which I am now writing, was one to make glad +the heart of an angler. A southwest wind blew softly, and the sun was +obscured by warm gray clouds. No fish of any decency or self-respect +could _help_ biting on such a day! I felt so sure of good luck that I +put overboard a wicker-work basket, with a hole in the lid, so arranged, +with a falling spring door, that fish could be put in but could not get +out. This floated astern and would keep fully a hundred pounds of fish +alive, if necessary, for any length of time. Having fixed everything to +my liking, I stood up and made my first cast along the edge of the reef. +No result! but I thought I saw a faint suspicion of a shadowy form or +two, and a slight movement of the water just behind my flies. Have been +too quick, I thought; and so tried again, letting the flies this time +rest until they sank an inch or so below the surface, when I _attempted_ +to draw them slowly in. I say attempted, because they had not moved +six inches when first the dropper and then the tail fly were taken in a +rush, by two large trout which didn't draw towards me worth a cent, for +some fifteen minutes at least. On the contrary they darted away as if +the Old Hick was after them with a red-hot frying-pan; pulling in unison +like a pair of well-broken colts and severely trying my rather too light +tackle. Any decided check was out of the question. I could only put +on such pressure as the single gut leader would bear, and that was +sufficient to make a half-circle of my rod. I had beautiful open water +in which to play the fish, but as they rushed along and down the face +of the submerged cliff, I did not know what hidden dangers might lurk in +the unseen depths, nor at what moment a sharp, jagged rock might cut the +line, or some profound recess furnish a retreat from whence it might be +impossible to withdraw my prize. So far however, all went well. The fish +in their terror had sought deep water and not touched rock at all. Soon +the distraction of the heavy, ceaseless strain caused them to forget +the glorious maxim that, "in union is strength." and they began to pull +different ways. Now I was sure of them! and very gradually and gently, +inch by inch, I coaxed them away from the dangerous ground, and got them +safely above the smooth bottom of the plateau on the farther side of +the boat, where I could see their every motion and watch their brave +struggles for life. A prettier sight I never witnessed than the curious +way in which the movements of one fish neutralized those of the other. +If one sought the bottom, his mate went for the surface; if one rushed +away seawards, the other came towards the boat. They literally _played +each other_, and I was for awhile a mere spectator! After looking upon +these cross-purposes for some minutes, I noticed that the fish on +the tail fly became entangled with the line above his comrade on the +dropper, and both then began to whirl furiously round and round after +the usual manner of trout in a like predicament. When the wildest of +this flurry was over, I drew them cautiously to the boat and dipped up +both at once with my landing net. An immediate application of my pocket +scale proved their weight to be twenty-nine and thirty-three ounces +respectively, the heaviest trout being that on the drop or upper fly. +They were evidently a mated pair, and both were broad-shouldered, deep +fish, but not very long, the largest being only sixteen and a half +inches. Their backs were beautifully clouded and mottled, but the +carmine spots on their sides were not quite so vivid as those of dark +river-water trout. Fortunately they were merely lip-hooked, and being +at once placed in the floating creel, soon revived. Now I began to feel +big, and thought myself quite an expert, but in less than five minutes +the conceit was taken out of me with a vengeance, for on my very next +cast I struck a magnificent fish and lost him, and half my leader, +instanter. On feeling the hook old _Salmo_ went like a shot over the +brow of the declivity and (I suppose) into a hole, and cut the line +short off. After that mishap I became more careful, and never dropped my +fly more than six inches from the edge of the reef; and whenever a +fish was struck I drew him at once, at all hazards, away from the risky +ground and played him on the plateau. + +By ten o'clock I had secured fifteen beauties, some running close upon +three pounds. Eleven of these were as lively as ever, but four had been +hooked in the throat and soon died. + +As the day was now becoming bright and hot, I thought it time to look +after my boys, who were out of sight around a point. I soon came up with +them and found "Squills" asleep in the bottom of the boat while "Bluffy" +sat smoking, with his rod lying idly across the gunnel with the line in +the water. "What luck, boys?" I shouted. "Squills" awoke and replied, +"What luck yourself, Governor? Not one blessed fish in this region." I +settled on my sculls, ready for a quick start, and said, "Why, +Squills, you don't know _how_ to fish. Just compound a few of your best +prescriptions and throw them overboard. They have generally proved fatal +to your patients, and will murder the fish sure." + +"Squills" made a wicked dab at my head with his long-handled net, but +a stroke put me in safety, and I added, "And you, friend 'Bluffy,' just +rehash that famous trespass-case speech of yours, which gave the judge +fits and nearly killed the jury, and if you don't have lots of dead +fish, I'm a Dutchman." The poor boys, however, were past joking; and I +rowed back and examined their ground. They had actually been fishing all +the morning in water nine feet deep; over a bottom smooth as a billiard +table, without a weed, rock or stone to hide them from the fish; all of +which, within a hundred yards, could plainly see them and their boat. So +I said, "Come boys, we'll go to camp and have an early trout dinner, and +in the evening you shall catch fish to your heart's content." Then up, +after this manner, spoke the dolorous "Squills". + +"That is all right, Governor, but it strikes me that in order fully to +enjoy a trout-dinner, it is, above all things, necessary first to have +the trout." + +"True, most sapient medicus, and here they are," I rejoined, at the same +time lifting the lid of my creel. "Glory to Galen!" + +"Thunder and turf!" + +"Ghost of Walton! where did you get those, Governor?" both exclaimed +in a breath. "Boys," said I, "you are hungry, tired, and cross; possess +your souls in patience; come to camp; take some lime-juice and water, +with a little of something in it; eat, drink, and recover your strength, +and you shall have the best afternoon's sport you ever saw." These words +of wisdom cheered the fellows up wonderfully, and we all put off for +camp. + +That redolent and shiny youth, Jim, soon cleaned two of the dead fish, +together about five pounds, cooked them in a style of his own, and we +sat down at the unfashionable hour of eleven to our first camp dinner. +I will, for once, give the _menu_, merely to show what awful _hardships_ +we had to encounter! + +Brook trout, fried in red-hot lard, garnished with bread crumbs; broiled +mutton chops; baked potatoes; cold tongue; pickles; sauces and jellies: +aftercourse--pancakes with maple syrup; wind up--Stilton cheese. Didn't +we just suffer for our country? After the inevitable and welcome pipe +(not cigars), and some choice and (I am happy to say) _chaste_ anecdotes +by "Bluffy," we laid down for a two hours' siesta. Oh, the glory, the +happiness of out-door life, away from posts, telegraphs, or newspapers! +Oh, the delight of feeling that every fresh breath of pure ozone-laden +air, adds to health and wholesome animal spirits, and is rapidly +re-invigorating your system, and fitting you to more effectually take +part in renewed and honest work! + +At four o'clock the sun was again obscured by kindly clouds and we all +went ont to the reef; the boys, as before, in one boat, and I in +the other. And then occurred sport such as is seldom seen in genuine +troutfishing. My friends stuck to their minnow and grasshopper bait, +while I retained the fly. I induced them to anchor quite close to the +edge of the reef, so that they might, if necessary, drop their lines +perpendicularly down its face. They had not fished five minutes when +"Bluffy" gave a whoop, which might have awakened a petit-juror or scared +a witness out of his boots. I glanced that way, and found the man of +law standing up in the boat with curved and straining rod and a glow +of intense satisfaction pervading his jolly countenance. "I've got +him, Governor! He's a whopper; an old he fellow! None of your three +pounders," he yelled in great excitement. Sure enough, he _had_ him, and +after ten minutes of skilful play, landed a trout of over four pounds. + +This beat me all hollow! Indeed the largest _S. fontinalis_ I took on +this trip weighed three pounds, one ounce, being two ounces lighter than +the heaviest I have ever yet caught. + +"Squills" now got his hand in and brought out a dashing fish of three +and a-half pounds, in a manner so pretty and artistic as to elicit a +warm eulogium from the "Governor," who, of course, had not meantime been +idle himself. In fact, I had taken a double and single while the boys +got their two; but these outweighed my three. All through our excursion +the _largest_ fish were invariably taken by bait, but not so many of +them as by the fly. However, the fly was so much less trouble and so +much prettier, and cleaner to handle, I did not care to change, seeing +at once that we should catch more fish than we wanted anyway. + +It was a great treat to me to watch the enjoyment the boys had in their +sport. Neither of them had been out before for years, and no student at +the beginning of a long vacation could have manifested such unbounded +delight at his freedom, as did they with their fishing and its +accompanying pleasures. It is a fact worthy of note that while I, using +the fly, took only speckled trout (_S. fontinalis_), my friends, with +bait, secured several of other and larger kinds. + +Well, amid laughter, joke and repartee, the afternoon wore away, and +evening shades came all too quickly. + +Our sport had been almost unique in its exhilarating success and +joyousness. When the sun sank below the waters we had taken in all +seventy-six fine trout, none under one pound. Of this number my fly was +responsible for thirty-two, "Squills" had taken twenty-one, and "Bluffy" +twenty-three. A lovelier lot of fish was never seen; and with the +exception of eight dead ones, we transferred them all safely to the +corral, built in the edge of the lake near our tent, with large stones. +Here, about eighty per cent, of all the fish taken on this trip remained +alive during the whole time of our stay. Whenever one showed signs of +failing we dipped him out for present use. This corral, hacked up by our +supply of ice, gave us full assurances that our good luck would not be +followed by reckless waste. + +But I had almost forgotten the chief incident of this memorable day. +As we approached the camp we saw "Jim" on the shore dancing a double +"Virginny break-down" and grinning all over from head to foot; his +shining ebony face and gleaming teeth fairly illuminating the coming +darkness. On seeing us he yelled out, "I got him, gentlemen; I beats you +all; takes this nigger to catch fish!" + +The imp had actually made for himself a raft of drift-wood, paddled it +out to deep water, and taken with bait a great salmon trout of twenty +pounds! and it was now swimming about in the corral like a yery +leviathan among my morning's catch. This tickled us all so immensely +that we then and there bestowed upon "Jim" an extra "quarter" each. This +boy was indeed a treasure; a first-class cook and care-taker; willing, +faithful, and honest; while his store of songs, exhibits of dancing, and +never-failing fun and good-humor, would haye sufficed to keep cheerful +any camp in the world. Poor fellow! he was drowned two years later in +Lake Michigan, while bathing. + +If I did not fear to spin out this already dull narrative to an +inordinate length, I should like to give a detailed account of each of +the twelve days we fished and shot in this vicinity. + +_Twelve_ days only, mind you, for not a line was wet on Sunday. + +Our one rifle proved a useful adjunct, but we found no use for the +shot-guns, the season being too early and the weather too fine for +ducks. The delicately sighted Winchester, however, procured us several +fine specimens of the loon or great northern diver, and one or two large +blue cranes, all of which, I presume, now adorn "Squills'" sanctum in +British Columbia. + +Almost every day we had choice sport, and we limited our catch only by +the facilities we possessed for saving and carrying away the fish. + +One particular day we devoted to salmon and red trout, which we fished +for away off in very deep water, all of us using either spoons or +live herring bait, in trolling. We had plenty of wholesome exercise in +rowing, and very fair luck as regards fish; taking in all, seven salmon +trout and five red trout. + +The honors of this day fell to "Squills," who captured with his spoon a +salmon trout of nineteen pounds, while I got a red trout of ten pounds. +This last named fish is as pink in the flesh and as fine flavored as +_Salmo salar_. It is said by local fishermen to be in fact the same +fish, and they suppose that in ages long past sea salmon had some means +of reaching this lake, and when the waters subsided some were left, +and that from them the red trout is descended. As I have myself no +scientific knowledge whatever I cannot offer an opinion upon this point. +I can only say that if a skilled fisherman, or even a scientist, were to +receive one of these fish from, say Quebec, he could hardly distinguish +it from the veritable _Salmo salar_, though it bears even a more exact +resemblance to the salmon of Frazer Fiver, British Columbia. + +I am told that this red trout will rise to the fly, but I cannot vouch +for the fact, as all we took were captured with bait or spoon. + +A rather curious, though frequently occurring, thing happened one +evening as we were all fishing, with our boats not more than fifty feet +apart. I had hooked, and was playing a medium sized speckled trout, when +it was seized and gorged by a sixteen-pound salmon trout. I realized +the situation instantly and gave line freely, so as to allow the poacher +lots of time to swallow his stolen prey. The rifle was in the other +boat, and I asked the boys to come alongside, as we should probably have +to use cold lead, the fish being too large for our landing nets. By the +time they were in position, about sixty feet of my line had gone slowly +out, and I judged that the large fish had got the small one fairly in +his stomach. I then began to reel in very gently, and was surprised to +find that the big trout followed my lead with great docility until I had +brought him quite near the surface. Then he became alarmed and dashed +off--a proceeding to which I made no resistance, as I feared pulling the +bait from his throat. Being apparently satisfied that all was right, +my unknown friend soon became quiescent, and I could only feel a slight +tremor of the line as he settled his supper satisfactorily in his maw. +Again I coaxed him slowly and cautiously towards the boat in which +stood "Bluffy" with poised rifle. This time I ventured to make him show +himself within twenty feet of the muzzle of the gun, when "Bluffy" very +neatly put a bullet through his head, and he turned belly up and was got +on board. "Well done, "Bluffy," said "Squills;" "your _practice_ could +not have done greater _execution_ if you had been making out a bill of +costs for a client." + +"Well, no," says 'Bluffy;' "but I think perhaps one of _your curative +pills_ would have killed the fish more unutterably dead." + +"Peace, boys, peace," said the "Governor"; "this is a solemn occasion; +we have used unlawful and unsportsmanlike means to take a game fish; but +as it could not be helped we will condone the offence by giving the fish +away to the first deserving object we meet." + +"And that will be 'Jim,' quietly observed 'Squills.'" + +But dear me! what is the use of trying to tell all the fun and glorious +sport we had? The pen of a "Frank Forester" or a Hallock might do +justice to the subject, mine cannot. Suffice it to say that, as the days +went on, each one made me feel younger and younger, until I found it +hard to convince myself that I was over twenty-five. As to my comrades, +we had not been out a week before they were boys of sixteen! + +Last days will come, however, and all too quickly, let us bear up never +so bravely. The fifteenth morning saw us packing up and preparing to +return once more to civilized life and "the busy haunts of men." + +I am afraid to say how many trout we had at the finish, but I know that +we packed in ice more than three hundred pounds weight to take home with +us; and gave away, almost alive from the corral, nearly as many more +to the captain of the steamer, thereby calling down upon our heads the +earnest blessings of passengers and crew. + +I find, on looking over this MS. that I have forgotten to say that we +discovered several places along the channel edge of the island where +most excellent trout-fishing could be had from the shore; and that, by +the advice of local fishermen, my friends tried the "hearts" of killed +trout as bait, and found such very effective. This "heart" is a piece of +flesh which lies inside the pointed part of the fish's belly which +runs between the gill covers. It looks much like a genuine heart, and +_pulsates_ for several seconds after being removed from the fish. I +suppose that it is in fact a real heart. Never once did this bait fail +to attract a bite; but, of course, not many hearts could be obtained, +as we extracted the delicate morsel only from such fish as were required +for immediate consumption. + +Me finally bade farewell to our two weeks' elysium, with sorrowful +feelings, but before the lapse of twenty-four hours, kind and loving +thoughts of wives, little ones, and home re-asserted themselves, and +we landed at Collingwood in jubilant spirits and vigorous health, fully +prepared to resume our several avocations, and fight again the battles +of life with renewed courage and hope. + +P.S.--We were absent from Barrie twenty-five days in all, and the whole +trip cost us only one hundred and thirty-five dollars, or forty-five +dollars each. Our ice was kept almost intact by being wrapped in +blankets and covered with spruce boughs. Mr. Boon, before referred to, +has built and is this winter (1883) filling a large ice-house on the +small island for his own use and that of any visitors who may fish in +the neighborhood next summer. Mr. Boon took five hundred half barrels of +choice fish on these grounds last season; with nets, of course. + + + + +THE ANGLER'S GREETING. + +By W. David Tomlin. + +Whither away, friend! Your black slender rod-box and the creel denote +you are on fishing intent, but where are you bound? + +A momentary glance, a cordial good evening; the question then came--To +whom am I indebted for this greeting? An exchange of cards resulted in +a long and cordial grasp of hands; glad to meet you! Is it possible? The +magic pasteboard revealed two names not unknown to each other through +the columns of their favorite angling journal, and this visitor had +come to the little country station in quest of some of the fishing often +spoken of in the said paper. + +The fates had led the correspondent to the railway station to bid +good-bye to a friend when the angler unlimbered himself therefrom; and +was looking around as strangers do. + +"Can you recommend a quiet inn near this point where I can find decent +treatment? I am not inclined to be fussy." + +A few minutes' walk and I introduced him to mine host, who was a genuine +piscator, and nothing pleased him better than to have an angler under +his roof: he took possession of him and considered nothing too much +trouble, so long as he gave his guests good fishing, clean beds, a +square meal, and satisfaction. + +While supper was being prepared, we pleasantly chatted over the prospect +of sport, and the angler's aim and ambition. He wanted a day or two of +trouting, and some roach fishing with a fly, as he had read some letters +giving an experience in fishing for these dainty fish, and intended +trying them. The inspection of a well-filled fly-book showed how +carefully he had selected his stock. + +The early supper over, we strolled up the hillsides overlooking this +lovely vale. On the grassy downs we seated ourselves, and I pointed out +to him the various fishing points; yonder is a splendid reach where the +trout are always found; see that sheeny rivulet coming down through +that clump of trees! that is the best trout stream in this section of +country. + +Note the different water-courses. The canal runs through the middle +of the valley; see here, clear away to the west, a little brook comes +tumbling in; see just below that point, a silvery-looking stream on +the farther side of the canal--that is a fine trout stream; follow its +course until it loses itself in that big clump of willows: a saw-mill is +hidden in those willows, and the stream, after supplying the mill with +power, drops into a culvert under the bed of the canal; there it is +again in that piece of open moorland; there it is coming out from that +long clump of willows, and finally joining the stream mentioned before +as the best trout stream in this region; thus the two streams, the Gade +and the little Bourne, are swallowed up in the canal; and have always +been splendid waters for roach fishing. + +The hills hide the canal and streams in their winding course, or I +would point out to you the best fishing grounds for miles along this +Hertfordshire valley; but I presume there lies under your observation +enough fishing ground for a day or two. + +The sun is tending downward like a huge ball of fire, the vale is in a +dreamy shade; how glistening the appearance of the water-courses, like a +big silvery thread winding in and out along the vale! the evening air +is full of music; the bee is humming around you; what a flood of music +comes from the throat of that woodland thrush in yonder thorn hedge! the +strain is taken up, and the very woods echo again with the song of the +black-bird. As he ceases his roundelay, the soft clear note of another +bird strikes on the ear; for the moment' nature seems hushed; almost +breathless you wait; the notes come rich and clear, as silvery as a +lute, a flood of melody; the sound dies away and instantly the woods +ring again; all the sweet-throated songsters seem as if applauding the +song of the nightingale; we sit and drink in these sounds, until one by +one the songs drop into silence, leaving the nightingale to pour out its +tuneful music until far into the night. At this moment there comes in +the air the quivering boom of a bell ringing ont the hour of nine from +the steeple of the church yonder, faintly limned on the evening shadows. +Ah! listen again! there comes the evening chime. How the quivering notes +pulsate up here on these-hilltops! how silvery the tones; as the chords +of the vesper hymn rings out sweet and clear, our hearts beat in +rhythm to the strain! Lovely vale! Israel's grandest seer, who with eye +undimmed and natural force unabated, even from Pisgah's lofty heights +gazed on no lovelier scene than this we have surveyed. We descend into +the shadows; promising to meet my angling friend some time during the +following day, I wend my way homeward and to rest. + +The evening shadows were again falling ere I could join our angler, but +the flies were on the waters and roach were fairly jumping, the surface +of the stream was alive with fish, both roach and dace breaking water +around us. My friend was no novice; I found him whipping the stream from +bank to bank, and his creel testified to his success. He was using a +tail fly and dropper, a red hackle for the former, and an imitation of +the common blue house-fly for the dropper. These fish are fastidious in +their tastes; they do not rise at flies like a trout, but come to the +surface of the water and just break for the fly and at once turn tail +up. He who fishes for them must have a quick eye and steady hand; then +he can kill readily enough. They are a toothsome fish, but a trifle +bony. Eye and hand must work together, and when fish are feeding they +will readily take the fly. They are tender in the mouth and require care +in handling. They afford good sport in streams where they are abundant, +and are often killed weighing from one and a-half to two pounds. + +My angling friend had come well prepared with letters introducing him to +the owners of the fine trout streams, and readily obtained permission to +fish these preserved waters. It was rare sport to watch him daintily lay +out his line across the stream, his stretcher a June fly, or at times a +floating May-fly skittered across the surface until close to the farther +hank. Here lay a big _Salmo fario_. We had been watching him lazily +coming to the surface to suck in a fly or bug that had tumbled from the +trees overhead. A big cockchafer came spinning and buzzing down stream. +All laziness gone in an instant, up came the _Salmo_ showing his huge +sides. A fierce lunge and a heavy splash and the chafer was gone into +the cavern of the open mouth. The fly-book was out in an instant. A +dark brown fly somewhat resembling the 'chafer replaced the stretcher. +A careful cast a little up stream, a lunge and a miss from the trout. +Another cast close in to the bank, a slight jerk and the fly assumed the +appearance of the buzzing chafer; the same sharp dash, the hand was +as quick as the trout this time, the hook was driven home and the fun +began. Such a dashing, splurging, rushing I had never seen. He was +determined to use every art known to trout-lore before he surrendered. +The rod bent and sprung, the line fairly swished as he tore up stream; +above him lay the limb of a tree, scraggy and ragged; toward this he +plunged, but the line tightened on him; he tugged and jerked, but gained +not an inch; he came to the surface and thrashed the water with his +broad tail. Fatal error! as he did so the line came in as fast as +fingers could fly round, the landing net was slipped under him, a quick +upward movement and Master _Salmo_ was flung high and dry. He was too +big for the net and so was ignominiously flung ashore. + +What a noble trout! His silver sides and belly gleamed in the light, his +blood-red spots seemed to glow with indignation at his cruel death. He +had long been a lordling over the other trout and now was strangling! +Kill him! I cannot bear to see a trout gasping. Killed and scaled he +weighs three and a half pounds. A credit to the angler: but at times, +during the contest, it was a question to which the honor belonged; it +was: "Splendid rod!" "Ah! how skilfully he handles his fish." + +"Who would have dreamt that little thing would have stood such a +strain?" + +Gentle angler, let us leave our friend to the contemplation of the +beauties of the fairest of all England's garden landscapes, and the +preserved trout streams, and plunge with me into an American forest. + +By a beautiful lake in the famous State of Michigan a little settlement +is springing up. Over in that bay is a trout creek emptying; it is full +of trout--trout _galore_--trout by the hundreds can be seen. Come with +me, I will show them to you. Let me drop a fly into this hole. Ah! there +he is! see him dash for it. He won't come again, let us push along. + +Push along, you say? do you expect I am coming through that brush? Hot +much; I am not a crank. If you are so fond of trying to break your neck +for a string of trout, why go. I go! am quite willing to be alone on +this lovely little creek, for it contains some of the handsomest trout +it has ever been my good luck to kill. Here and there I drop in a +fly; sometimes a "Yellow May," sometimes a "Professor," sometimes a +"Stone-fly"; once in a while an "Ibis" is fancied by some fastidious +trout. How and then a "Floating May-fly" seems a favorite. Where the +brush overhangs and is a darksome, lonely spot, I drop in a "Royal +Coachman," and out comes a big trout lusty and fighting; sometimes fancy +flies are spurned and hackles of all colors kill; then a fly composed of +alternate feathers, red and white, of no name, but a favorite with the +writer, will kill when trout will not take any other fly. + +I am enjoying the fun, and the creel is getting heavy. Half a mile of +fishing and twenty-five handsome trout is doing good enough for mid-day +fishing. + +As the evening falls I take my split bamboo and the fly-book, pull on +the wading hoots, and go down to the mouth of the creek, wading out +until I am as far as the sand runs. I cast out more for practice than to +expect trout. I have on a big bass-fly large enough for a salmon-fly. As +it strikes the water twenty-five feet from me there is a commotion. "Ye +gods and little fishes!" What was the fuss? I cast again, and as true as +I am here if a number of trout did not jump clear out for that fly, +big as it was! Hastily reeling in I put on a dun-colored fly, and cast +again; the same jump and dash, but no trout. Changing my flies until at +last I put on as a stretcher a "White Miller," I flung out clear beyond +any former cast into the midst of what appeared like a boiling spring. +The fly dropped softly and out came a host of trout. School kept just +then, for I certainly had struck a school of trout. Striking, I fastened +into a fine fish; reeling in, I dried my fly and cast again and hooked +again. The fun grew fast and furious; my little bamboo swished and bent; +hooks were snipped off; I was excited and jubilant, when along came +an itinerant parson. The twenty-five or thirty trout I had, set him +longing; he must fish. Jerking off his boots, pulling up his pants, he +waded into the icy cold water equipped with a stick cut from the forest. +He had nosed out a line and some hooks from a supply I had left on the +bank in my fishing-case, and without so much as "by your leave" began +threshing the water as close to the school as he could get his line; +this was baited with a piece of dead fish. To say that I was disgusted +faintly expresses my feeling. I would have ceased fishing, but my friend +with whom I was staying said, "Ho, don't stop while sport is so good." +I put on a "Royal Coachman" and cast out again, hooking and bringing +out trout every second or third cast. I began casting wide, the school +followed my flies. I tried the "Professor's," "Dun's," "Hackle's," "Seth +Green," "Governor," and "May-flies," with good success. With one pure +"Yellow May" I caught a dozen handsome trout, but in this event the +evening shadows were fast falling. As they deepened, the "Royal +Coachman" and "White Millers" were the killing flies. I cast until I +could not see where my flies fell, and even then once in a while hooked +and brought in a trout. + +I had been thoughtless enough to leave my creel up in the house, never +expecting to have this run of good luck. All my trout were taken from +the hook and thrown twenty-five feet to shore. I lost many of them in +this way. Thirty my friends claimed, yet when I came to count tails, I +found forty as handsome trout as ever man wished to see, and all caught +from 6 in the evening until dark, about 7.45. I had no net, no creel, +therefore had to lead my trout into my hand. The friend at whose house I +was staying claims I lost more than I caught by having them flounder off +the hook while trying to take them by the gills, and by flinging them +ashore. + +I have used flies on this creek many times, but never had such luck +before nor since. My experience has been that the fine fancy flies of +the eastern streams are useless on these Michigan streams; the nearer +the flies approach to a species of small moth found flitting amidst the +foliage of the forest, the greater the success. A word, brother angler, +and I have done. Learn to cast a fly, and you will never go back to +bait fishing from choice. Get good flies, and you won't regret the +extra money they cost you; don't buy cheap imitations or trade made +flies--"they are frauds." + +Don't buy a pole big enough for the staff of a Philistine Goliath; +to fish for trout, buy a fine rod, take care of it, learn to use it +thoroughly. Never buy a cheap rod; a rod fit for trouting must be as +fine as it is possible to make them, and it should not make a shadow on +the water. Cheap rods are like cheap guns, scham-dahms! Good trout +rods cost a good deal of time and labor; cheap rods are turned out in +a rapid-running lathe. They are a delusion. Get the best materials of +everything you need, and buy of a good maker. Never be tempted to buy +"cheap flies because they are bargains"--cheap rods because some one is +selling out; "want to get out of the business, no money in it." Remember +you are the party who will be sold. Cheap things for trouting are a +"fraud, a delusion, and a snare." + +Almost every angler has been bitten, but the prevailing opinion is: buy +the best tackle your pocket-book can afford and take care of it. And my +word for it, as an angler who learned to cast a line for pickerel at ten +years old, you will love the sport and think it the best way to spend a +summer's vacation of any amusement under the sun. + +"In using the fly the object is to imitate the movements of the natural +insect as nearly as possible. To drop the line naturally on the water, +and then to keep the fly endued with life, is the stratagem. From the +moment the fly touches the water the angler should keep his eye on it. +Trout often feed a little under the surface; they do not always break +when they rise, but quietly suck in the fly."--_Charles Hallock_. + +"'An angler, sir, uses the finest tackle, and catches his fish +scientifically--trout, for instance--with the artificial fly, and he is +mostly a quiet, well-behaved gentleman. A fisherman, sir, uses any kind +of 'ooks and lines, and catches them any way; so he gets them it's all +one to 'im, and he is generally a noisy fellah, sir, something like a +gunner.'"--_Doctor Bethune._ + +[Illustration: 0148] + +16. Silver Black. + +17. Scarlet Ibis. + +18. Stone Fly. + +19. White Miller. + +20. Fiery Brown. + +21. Yellow Drake. + +22. Grir. King. + +23. Imbrie. + +24. Soldier Palmer. + +25. Cha + +26. Portland. + +27. Ethel May. + +28. Pale Evening Dun. + +29. Great Dun. + +30. Whimbrel. + +"Be stil moving your fly upon the water, or casting it into the +water; you yourself, being also alwaies moving down the stream.--_Izaak +Walton._ + +"When once alarmed, trout will never bite."--_Seth Green_. + +"Fly-fishers are usually brain-workers in society. Along the banks of +purling streams, beneath the shadows of umbrageous trees, or in the +secluded nooks of charming lakes, they have ever been found, drinking +deep of the invigorating forces of nature--giving rest and tone to +over-taxed brains and wearied nerves--while gracefully wielding the +supple rod, the invisible leader, and the fairy-like fly."--_James A. +Henshall, M.D._ + +"It is generally true that if a trout is pricked by a fly-hook he will +not rise to it again."--_W. C. Prime_. + +"Christopher North.--Would you believe it, my dear Shepherd, that my +piscatory passions are almost dead within me; and I like now to saunter +along the banks and braes, eyeing the younkers angling, or to lay me +down on some sunny spot, and with my face up to heaven, watch the slow +changing clouds!" + +"Shepherd.--I'll no believe that, sir, till I see't--and scarcely +then--for a bluidier-minded fisher nor Christopher North never threw a +hackle. Your creel fu'--your shootin'-bag fu'--your jacket-pouches fu', +the pouches o' your verra breeks fu'--half-a-dozen wee anes in your +waistcoat, no' to forget them in the croon o' your hat,--and, last o' +a', when there's nae place to stow awa ony mair o' them, a willow-wand +drawn through the gills of some great big anes, like them ither +folk would grup wi' the worm or the mennon--buta' gruppit wi' the +flee--Phin's delight, as you ca't,--a killen inseck--and on gut that's +no easily broken--witness yon four pounder aneath Elibank wood, where +your line, sir, got entangled wi' the auld oak-root, and yet at last ye +landed him on the bank, wi' a' his crosses and his stars glitterin' like +gold and silver amang the gravel! I confess, sir, you're the King o' +Anglers. But dinna tell me that you have lost your passion for the art; +for we never lose our passion for ony pastime at which we continue to +excel." + + + + +THE LURE. + +By "Bourgeois." + +Among the delightful summer resorts of Colorado Estes Park may be justly +considered one of the most attractive. It is now easy of access. Seven +years ago it began to be frequented, the trail having given way to the +wagon road. Before the days of easy ingress, I had m cast my lures upon +the waters of the Thompson and Fall River, with gratifying success. + +In the summer of 1875, the Governor, the Governor's mother, and myself, +determined upon Estes Park for a six weeks' vacation. With this end in +view, in the latter part of July, I sent off the team loaded with the +camp outfit. + +Two days after we took the morning train for Longmont, on the Colorado +Central, and had an early lunch at the tail end of the wagon just +outside the town. Before noon we were on the fifteen-mile drive into the +canon of the St. Vrain, for camp. + +By sunrise the following morning we had started, with twenty miles to +make over a new road part of the way, and no road at all in places, +and the places were many. However, we had to hitch on to the end of +the tongue but once, to snake the wagon over an otherwise impassable +boulder. The rock stood a foot out of ground, stretched entirely across +where the road was to be, and at an angle of 45°. The team could barely +get a foothold upon the top, when the traces were let out full, and the +double-tree hooked on the end of the tongue. The horses understood +their business, and upon a word settled their shoulders into the collars +together, the breeching gradually lifted as their knees bent a little; +without a slip their iron-shod hoofs held to the hard granite, and we +were up as deftly as a French dancing master would raise his hat to a +lady. In travelling in the hills there is nothing so gratifying as a +team whose pulling powers you can swear by; a balky horse is an engine +of destruction or death; if you know his failing, shoot him before you +reach the foothills. + +As the sun dropped behind the range, lighting up the high peaks with +his golden rays, and the pines were beginning to take on tints of darker +green, we reached the head of the Park, and within three miles of our +camping ground. To the right of us "Olympus," with the dying sunlight +dancing on his granite head, to the left Long's Peak, with patches of +snow here and there, towering godlike above the surrounding giants. +Before us, Prospect Mountain with its rugged front far reaching above +its robes of green, while around its base and toward us came leaping the +beautiful mountain stream for two miles through the meadow-hued park, +with scarce a willow upon its banks. What a place to cast a fly! Aye, +indeed it is; and what a place it was to catch trout. But we must move +on around Prospect Mountain to Ferguson's for camp, which we make on a +little eminence near a great spring and close by the cabin where we know +we shall be welcome. + +A late supper disposed of, and the Governor stowed away in the blankets, +Ferguson and I fall talking at his broad fire-place about Horse Shoe +Park and Fall River; of course trout are plenty there; he had been up +the day before and knew whereof he spoke; yes, there were quite a number +of tourists in the park, but the streams were not "fished out." He +rather thought that with "a pole" to every rod of the stream the fishing +improved; at least for him. + +Our genial friend who obeyed Joshua in the long ago, was out of bed next +day sooner than I. Dick, the pony, gave me a cheerful good morning as +I put in an appearance and changed his picket pin. I received his +salutation as a good omen. + +Breakfast over and Dick saddled, it was eight o'clock. We had five miles +to go. I strapped my rod and creel to the pommel, and with a caution to +the Governor's mother not to let him fall into the spring, Ferguson +and I were off. There was no occasion to hurry; if we reached the +beaver-dams in Horse Shoe Park by ten o'clock we would be just in time. +Experience had taught me that the two hours before noon, and after five +o'clock were the hours for success. + +Our route was a "cut off" without any trail, but familiar; across the +Thompson, up stream, westward for a mile, we turned up a "draw" to the +right, for a swale in the ridge dividing the Thompson and its tributary, +Fall River. By nine o'clock we had reached the summit of the divide. +Before and below us lay a beautiful park, three miles in length, by a +mile in width toward its upper end, where it rounded at the base of +the mountain range, giving it the shape of a horse shoe, which no doubt +suggested its name. To the north it is guarded by an immense mountain +of rocks, where towering and impenetrable cliffs stand out against +the background of blue sky, as though the Titans had some time builded +there, and mother earth had turned their castles into ruins, and +left them as monuments of her power. To the south a long, low-lying, +pine-covered hill, while from the range in the west with its snow +covered summit and base of soft verdure, comes a limpid stream winding +down through the grass-covered park, its course marked by the deeper +green of the wild grass and the willows. A mile away a band of mountain +sheep are feeding; they have evidently been down to water and are making +their way back to their haunts in the cliffs, and whence we know they +will quickly scud when they see or wind us. Ferguson longed for his +rifle; it was just his luck; he had the "old girl" with him the last +time, but "nary hoof" had he seen. To me they were precious hints of +man's absence, and the wilderness. + +Reaching the stream we picketed the ponies in the grass to their knees; +the nutritions mountain grass, the mother of cream so thick that you +have to dip it ont of the jug with a spoon. The ponies were happy, and +I became nervous; it seemed half an hour before I could get my tackle +rigged. But after I had sent my favorite gray hackle on its mission and +had snatched a ten-inch trout from his native element, my nerves were +braced. A second and a third followed; I heard nothing from Ferguson +except the "swish" of his old cane pole above the music of the waters. +The trout struck and I landed them so fast that the sport began to be +monotonous, and I followed up the sound of the cane. Going round a clump +of willows I discovered the old gentleman upon the edge of the pool, and +that old rod going up and down with the regularity of a trip hammer, the +owner combining business and sport. I asked him what he was doing; he +said he was fishing, and I thought he was. + +Wandering up stream, taking it leisurely, I had by noon filled my creel, +and was enjoying a sandwich under the shelter of some willows, when my +companion came along with his sixteen pound lard-can filled, besides a +dozen upon a stick. I asked him when he intended to quit. He said he had +never seen fish "bite" so; he hated to stop, and yet had all he could +carry, but concluded with me that enough was as good as a feast. Then +he began to banter me about my ash and lancewood, and the excess of his +catch over mine. I told him to wait till some other day. It came in the +course of time, upon the same stream. The trout refused everything I +had, grasshoppers included. Finally I fished up an old fly-book from +the depths of my coat pocket, and in it were half a dozen nameless +blue-bodied flies with a mouse-colored feather upon a number six Kirby. +Upon sight, I remembered to have discarded them in disgust, but I +thought I would try one for luck, and lo! the mystery was solved. I had +been working industriously for two hours and had two trout. Ferguson had +been no more successful, but was in sight when the trout began to rise +to my cast-off fly. He came down my way, wanted to know what I +was using, and I gave him one; he lost that and his leader in some +half-sunken brush, and I gave him another. But his good genius had +deserted him; I persuaded a trout right away from his lure, and he quit +in disgust, while I said never a word. Though a little sensitive upon +the score of success, he was and is a genial and companionable angler, +and one who can make a good cast withal, an he have proper tools. + +Willow Park, an adjunct to Estes Park, through which runs a branch of +the Thompson, has afforded me many a day's sport, and is nearer to camp. +Upon a memorable occasion I had been fishing down stream, when, with a +well-filled creel, I encountered a gigantic boulder on the hank. Just +beyond it was a pool that was suggestive; to reach the base of the +boulder it was necessary to get over a little bayou of about five feet +in width and three in depth. To jump it were easy but for the willows, +yet I must get to that pool. Selecting a place where I think the willows +will give way to my weight, I essay the leap. My feet reach the opposite +hank, my body presses back the brush, but I feel a rebound that assures +me of my fate. I clutch frantically at the swaying bush; it breaks in +my hand, and I sit down quite helplessly, muttering a prayer till the +cold water bids me shut my mouth. Emerging I hear a well defined laugh, +but not being in the mind to fear the spirits that haunt these wilds, I +make for the base of that boulder and the coveted pool. A moment after +I discover a face bedecked with glasses upon the opposite side of the +brook, and recognize the smiling countenance of a genial member of the +guild looking at me through the willows. + +"Oh, is that you?" + +To this lucid inquiry I reply in the affirmative. "Where's Ferguson?" + +"At home, I suppose." + +"I thought I heard him fall in the creek." + +I told him I did not think Ferguson had a monopoly of the bathing +privileges of the Thompson and its tributaries. + +"Well, I thought it was funny." + +"Thought what was funny?" + +"Why, I heard the splash, and supposed it was Ferguson; then I +remembered Ferguson was a church member in good standing." + +I took my revenge by competing with my brother for the contents of that +pool, and beat him by one. But to this day he greets me with a smile. +When I got back to camp I learned that the Governor had been trying to +follow in the footsteps of his father, and had tumbled into the spring. +He had been fished out by the combined efforts of his mother and Mrs. +Ferguson, and I discovered him swathed in a blanket by the kitchen +stove, mad as a hornet; I shook hands with him. + +Our camp is pitched in a pleasant spot, with two tall pines, a hundred +feet away, for sentinels. _Coup de soleil_ is unknown in Colorado, so I +prefer the sun's rays to lightning, especially while trees seared from +top to bottom are plentiful in the Park as monitors. To the right is +Prospect Mountain, with its west end a beetling cliff, perhaps two +thousand feet high, where I once had the buck-ague during an interview +with a "big-horn." To the left and in front, the range, where the +storm-king holds high carnival, while lower down and nearer is a +mountain of towers and pinnacles of brown and red and gray, carved out +by that whimsical sculptor, Old Time. With the sun for my artist, the +range for both his easel and background, I have lounged away many an +hour under one of the old janes. My gaze wandering down the green slope +to the river half a mile away, and with the weird music of the tumbling +waters coming and receding on the summer breeze to help my dreams, we +have together wrought out fantastic ruins and ghostly shapes to people +them. A drifting cloud, perhaps, will change a barbacan to a spire, and +a Doric capital to a Corinthian, or the knight panoplied to a brownie +with a lily for a throne, and + + "......jolly satyrs, full of fresh delight, + + Come dancing forth, and with them nimbly ledd + + Faire Helenore, with girlonds all bespredd, + + Whom their May-lady they had newly made;" + +to give place again, as the golden meshes weave, to cowled monks or +ladies, fair, as suits the whim of the artist's patron. Again, the +goblins of the range begin their game of nine-pins, and the fleecy +clouds that have been slowly drifting, drifting all the day, settle down +upon the mountain top and change from white to gray and from gray to +black as the sport grows furious. Something these elves must have to +light up their frolic, and presently it comes in great flashes of wicked +steel-blue and red, zigzaging down the mountain side, or in straight +blinding bolts that rive paths in the hard granite, scattering the loose +rock and shivering the pines, while the noise of the jolly nine-pins +rattles and re-echoes among the crags, and dies away to come again more +quickly, until the mountain-top is a sheet of lurid flame and the din +unceasing, so closely follows peal upon peal. The game is too violent +to last, but the gnomes love to hug the range in their pastime, and I, +understanding the signs, and having no fear of their electric lights, +watch the fast growing rift of azure that crowds hard upon the driving +blackness. At last the mellow rays touch up my mountain ruins, and they +are arrayed in new splendors and peopled with other phantoms. + +So I have dreamed, and might go on dreaming, but this time I am brought +back to the green slope and a little figure. The Governor is toiling +up the trail with a quart bucket, his special chattel, from the spring, +whence he volunteered to bring a drink for his mother. I can see no +impediment in his path, yet he stumbles and falls. Would I had been +there to warn him; but the water is spilled. He does not cry, but +gathers himself and his property up, and goes back to begin his task +over again. Just then there came to me pat, an aphorism, I think, of +"Poor Goldsmith": "True greatness consists not in never falling, but +in rising every time we fall;" and I took it as an omen of good for the +boy. + +The time is approaching when we must break camp and go back to the brick +and mortar and the realities of civilization. Duties to be performed +will be undertaken with better zest when I get to them, but I cast +lingering looks toward my mountain ruins as the day of departure draws +nigh. I even have a thought that it would be pleasant to relapse into +barbarism, if out of such as mine our civilization has grown--we might +build up a better. As this may not be, I am encouraged by the thought +that another season will come, and with hope in my heart I am better +prepared for the work awaiting me. I know that I shall go back with a +fresher feeling for my kind, and more charity. So when one September +morning, after a day of gray mist hanging oyer the îange, the wind comes +down chill from the heights, and the morning sun lights up my castles +and pinnacles in diadems of new-fallen snow, I say we must be off. We +gather together our lares of nomadic life, and with a regretful farewell +to those I cannot bring away, we make the journey home, a better man and +woman, with a nut-brown, healthy boy, for much of which I give credit to +the artificial fly, and the beautiful denizens of the mountain streams. + + + + +FLY FISHING IN THE YOSEMITE. + +By A. Louis Miner, Jr. + +A merry party had come for a holiday to the Yosemite, and their camp +was established between the north and south domes near the forks of the +Merced. Toward the east the Tenajo Canon opened, revealing through its +vista of granite crags the highest peak of "Clouds' Rest," crowned with +eternal snows. Westward, the Sentinel Rock, like a minaret among the +domes, pierced the sky. + +There were seven in the party, including a heathen from the flowery +kingdom, almond-eyed--Ah Yang. His nominal function was to do as he was +bid, and serve as man of all work, but in reality he ruled; and ruled +with a rod of iron. Yang had been induced to come by motives purely +sordid; but the others, aside from seeing the wondrous valley, had +various reasons for making the journey. + +The Judge came for relaxation. He needed it. For the last dozen years he +had devoted himself to reading the morning papers, lunching at his club, +and entertaining his friends sumptuously at dinner. + +His wife, who, in the levelling atmosphere of camp, came to be styled +the _Judgess_, imagined herself on the verge of a decline, and sought +recuperation in the forest. If the Judgess were described as fat and +forty, omitting the fair, the description would fall far short of truth. +In spite of her ailments, the Judgess would haye enjoyed herself in a +way, had it not been for the young woman she was chaperoning. This was +Madge. Certain young men in San Francisco called her a _rattler_, +and certainly there was nothing slow about her. The chief end of her +existence, at home and everywhere, seemed to be the pursuit of fun; +to this end she flirted with anything that came in her way, from stray +herdsmen on the plains to an English baronet at a Yosemite hotel. When +nothing else was at hand, and to the Judgess' indignation, she flirted +with the Judge. With charming zest she played continued games of poker +with him till his honor's purse was far thinner than its owner. The +Judge's admiration for Madge was profound, but after an hour at cards, +he would usually remark, "that girl has the devil in her, _as it were_, +bigger than a wolf." + +It is said that all men have a ruling passion. Be that as it may, a +passion certainly ruled a worthy clergyman of the company. The men of +our generation affected with beetle mania are many, but his Reverence +was absolutely devoted to bugs. The Judgess, a zealot to such a degree +that Mary of England was but lukewarm in comparison, said that his +Reverence valued a butterfly more than a human soul; and Madge +insisted that, while he pretended to read his office, he was engaged in +dissecting a coleoptera or something. + +The Doctor, who was Madge's unworthy brother, had come with the avowed +intention of sketching. All the long way from San Francisco he had been +at work with brushes and blotting paper. Often the "prairie schooner," +in which the party travelled, had "lain to" while the Doctor washed in +patches of blue and white to represent cloud-effects, or a jagged gray +band against streaks of orange, portraying sunrise in the Sierras. + +The last member of the party without professional distinction, and +familiarly called "Jack," had also a _penchant_, though many years had +passed since it had been gratified. When they had left the San Joaquin +plain and its sluggish rivers oozing their way through mud and reeds, +and had climbed into the mountain, a halt was made in a deep canon. Here +was a stream indeed. How blithely it danced along, eager to find the +Golden Gate and the Pacific! How it sang to Jack of fellow streams near +the other ocean! How it whispered of trout streams ahead! Presently a +long-cherished fly book was produced and Jack was poring over it. His +Reverence, attracted by the little volume, looked over Jack's shoulder. +He was entranced. A volume of ecclesiastical Latin would not have +interested him half so much. He began to criticise and expound. Some +were perfect. Some were caricatures of diptera. The other members of the +party drew around. "Pooh!" said the Doctor, "I hope you don't expect to +catch any trout with those things in Yosemite! Everybody knows that the +Merced trout don't take the fly." The Doctor went on to say, "that with +a common string, such as any grocer would use to tie up a package of +tea, a good strong hook, and a worm," he would catch in the same time, +more fish than could all the sportsmen of California, fishing with fancy +flies. + +The Doctor, like most cynics, was somewhat given to hyperbole. + +During the remainder of the journey into the valley, Jack felt himself +regarded as the victim of a mild halucination. + +The Doctor could sketch; beetles were awaiting his Reverence's +microscope; flirtation and frolic were dawning on Madge's horizon; even +the Judge and Judgess could get rid of a stone or two avoirdupois if +they tried; but poor Jack had come, it appeared, to fish, and there +were no fish to catch, or at least to catch with a fly. Such was the +tradition, and so the Doctor had asserted, and no one ever disputed the +Doctor excepting Yang, the Chinaman. + +Our friends had been revelling in the enchantments of the valley a week; +had climbed the trails that crept zig-zag up the dizzy heights; had +spent hours among the soft mist and rainbows at the first landing of +that wonder of the world, the Yosemite Falls; and still Jack had not +accomplished the cherished desire of his heart. He had not the moral +courage to take from its swaddling clothes his beloved rod (which the +Doctor would persist in calling "your fish-pole"). Never had he so +longed to cast a fly; but he thought, of the teasing Madge and waited. +At best, he was but a poor male creature. Madge, in his place, would +have been whipping the stream, with defiance and determination, an hour +after her arrival. + +His Reverence and the Doctor had arranged to ascend Clouds' Rest on a +Thursday and return next day. Early Thursday morning, before Yang or the +birds were stirring, Jack sauntered forth to his morning bath in the +icy waters of the river. This Rio, de la Merced, would it prove to +him indeed a _river of mercy_, or a river of humiliation? But what +a glorious stream it was! Here it glided through wooded banks, the +opposite side black in the shadow of overhanging manzanita, while nearer +the rippling waters were checkered with the shadows of the cotton-wood +leaves, trembling in the growing light. Further on, the river whirled +and eddied around great boulders, resting among the mossy rocks in deep, +dark pools, bordered with fern and flecked with patches of lace-like +foam. Further still, it wound silently through the sedges, reflecting on +its glassy surface the storaied-carved Cathedral Rocks, or the huge mass +of El Capitan. Here was an ideal trout stream, but were there trout in +it! No doubt, for the Doctor had taken his grocers' string and a worm +and a veritable pole, and after a day's tramp had returned to camp wet, +hungry, in a sulphurous mood, but with four unmistakable trout. These, +served up the next morning, were appropriated by the Judgess, and made +an excellent appetizer to more abundant bacon and flap-jacks. + +Jack had reached that pearl of waters, the Mirror Lake, and was watching +the marvellous beauties pictured on its bosom, when suddenly there was +a soft plash, the sleeping depths were troubled, a circling ripple crept +toward him, and Jack's pulses bounded. A trout had risen! + +Through the dewy chaparral and the fragrant whispering pines, our friend +hurried back to camp in a fever of impatience. He tried to help Yang +with breakfast, but was told by that dignitary to "giv' us a rest," and +so humbly retired. He then waked his Reverence. He wakened the Doctor +and was greeted by language far from complimentary. He aroused the +Judgess, and was pierced with daggers from her eyes while she hurriedly +adjusted her teeth. + +After breakfast more torturing delays, the Judgess declined to join the +mountain party. The others must not think that she feared to ride the +mules, for she adored mountain climbing, and the exercise and all that. +(This was a dreadful fib, which was probably made use of at her +next confession.) Both the Judge and herself were pining for a few +refinements of life at the hotel. Without napkins and finger-bowls, life +became a burden. The poor Judge had to acquiesce and said: "She wants +a little civilization _as it were_." Then Jack rebelled. There was a +general confusion, in the midst of which Yang began to fire his pistol. +This pistol was the idol of his pagan soul, and his frequent salutes the +terror of the party. No one dared to interfere. At this time the volley +was continued and promiscuous. The Judgess screamed, and having no +immediate revenge in the shape of ill-cooked dinners to fear, sharply +expostulated. Thereupon Yang, with utmost _sang froid,_ told her to +"shut your head" and journey to regions he had probably heard the Doctor +name. This was too much. The Judgess climbed into the wagon and stated +her opinion of people who permitted such "goings on" and of a priest +who allowed a Christian woman to be sworn at. Madge was convulsed with +laughter, even his Reverence smiled, while the Judge, poor man, looking +as if every brewery on the continent had been burned, snapped his whip, +and the wagon was lost to sight beneath the arching sequoias. + +It was high noon when the sure-footed mules had arrived and the party +fairly started off. Jack waved an adieu with one hand, and with the +other reached down his rod from the branches of a live oak. Yang +proceeded to dissect a sucker he had caught for bait, saying: "If you +fisliee, me fishee too, but j'ou no sabee nothing." + +Later in the afternoon Jack stood on the grassy point where the lake +narrows into the river. He had adjusted his flies, and everything was +in readiness. He paused to watch Yang, who was stationed below on the +river, fasten a cubic inch of sucker to his hook, expectorate upon it, +turn around three times, and fling it with a tremendous splash into +the water. Whether these performances were the result of Oriental +superstition, or whether the Chinaman imitated some American example, he +did not stop to consider. His long unpractised hand, trembling a little +now, had sent the flies far out beneath the shadows of some willows. +Another cast was made, and then another. At the fourth there was a rise, +and the fish was hooked. The struggle was short but spirited. Yang, +abandoning his primitive tackle, was ready with the landing-net, and the +fish was killed. As the sport continued, Jack grew calmer, while Yang's +excitement increased. He trembled as if the ague were upon him. His +stoicism was laid aside. He laughed, jabbered, and Jack was obliged to +address him as the Chinaman had addressed the Judgess. Yang begged to +try the rod, and by reason of his imitative faculties might have made +good use of it, but he had to content himself with the net. + +At last the lengthening shadows deepened into twilight, and the +gathering darkness put an end to the sport. The great dome of Mt. +Watkins, inverted in the motionless water, had changed from gold +to crimson, and from crimson to violet; they paid no heed until the +reflection faded, then, looking up, the real mountain, circled by rising +mists, seemed to float in the darkening sky, and Jack, with that feeling +of perfect content and peace which kings can never know unless they are +anglers, stowed away his flies, unjointed his rod, while Yang shouldered +the catch. + +It was a happy couple that went down the Tenajo canon that evening. The +moon smiled upon them; an owl hooted enviously; Jack softly whistled +a strain from Schubert, while Yang made the towering rocks echo and +re-echo to the joyous banging of the pistol. + +The fish were dressed, supper eaten, Yang's tin dishes washed, and +everything was snug for the night. Jack, stretched beneath a giant +pine and smoking his evening pipe, was watching the weird play of the +firelight in the canopy of foliage above. The Celestial appeared. + +"Me heap lonesome, got no more cartridges; you no care; go down hotel +stay Chinaboy to-night." + +Unselfish, devoted, and charitable as Yang claimed to be, he could +hardly pretend to heroism. The Chinaman was permitted to go, and Jack, +appropriating the Judgess' hammock, turned in. This hammock owed Jack a +lodging. All the way across the plains, and up the mountains, and in the +valley, that hammock had almost nightly collapsed. Perhaps the Judge did +not know how to tie a knot; perhaps the ample physique of the Judgess +was too much for any knot, but the thing kept occurring, to the great +discomfiture of the Judgess and all the rest of the party. As Jack, with +his feet at the fire, and his head on a sack of barley, lay studying +the midnight heavens, there would come a shock as of an earthquake. The +Judge was a little deaf and after a night or two of experience, +would lie just beyond reach of whatever member his better half could +disentangle with which to punch him. First, his Reverence would be +summoned; but he slept the sleep of the just. Then cries for Ah Yang and +the others would follow. Yang was too wise a Chinaman to awaken. Jack +sometimes rolled over and kicked the Doctor till he roused, and the good +lady hearing his exclamations, claimed his assistance; but sometimes +Jack also shed his blankets and relieved the massive limbs from a state +of suspension. + +With content Jack rolled himself in the hammock. Never had he slept in +such profound solitude. The nearest camp was far away down the valley; +and towards the east, beyond the mountain-barrier, nothing but the wild +desert, and solitary, sage-clad hills of Nevada. + +The river murmured over the pebbles, the pines faintly whispered, and +that was all. For once he was alone, and oh! the peace of it! Was it +such a night as this that tempted men to leave their fellows for a +hermitage? Such visions came to him as seldom visit men beneath a roof. +At last he slept, and dreamed of the first trout he had killed in a +little New England meadow-brook. He was filling a creel with bass from a +fair Wisconsin lake. He was in a plunger off Montauk Point, striking the +blue-fish. He was trolling for pike through Champlain, and casting a fly +from a canoe on Adirondack waters. + +The South Dome was glowing in the ruddy morning light; a flock of +blackbirds were piping cheerily; an odor of fried trout and coffee was +in the air, and Yang was tugging at the blankets, and saying: + +"Come, you heap laze, bleakfast all leddy. Git up!" + +What a dinner Yang and Jack had in readiness for the party that night! +The Judge and spouse, after much pressing, had come. The lady could not +withstand the trout, especially on a Friday. The judicial pair arrived +just as Madge and his Reverence raced into camp on the sturdy mules. +The Doctor and guide followed. Madge's cheeks were glowing, her eyes +sparkling, and her tongue rattling, as she leaped from her saddle. "Such +a time as they had had! His Reverence had been a duck, and the Doctor +for once had behaved himself and kept civil." She gave her hand to the +Judgess, but kissed the Judge. + +At Yang's summons, a jovial company sat down to such a table as campers +in the Sierras seldom see. Madge was in ecstasies, and even the Judgess +expressed approval. There was real damask upon it, with napkins and +silver forks and wine from the hotel, with all sorts of garnitures of +Yang's contrivance. + +The dinner began, continued, and ended with fish; but fish cooked in +every way which Oriental imagination could devise, and camp facilities +permit. Even "Simpson's Fish Dinner," of seven courses, in Billingsgate, +could not surpass it. The Judgess, having disposed of about a dozen +fish, remarked that, after all, these were _only_ California trout, and +entirely lacked the flavor, as they lacked the beauty, of their Eastern +cousins. She thought, however, that Yang's salad--of cresses from the +Merced--was not bad; but wine--even if it was champagne--when sipped +from a tin cup, left much to be desired. Alas! Jack had forgotten to +borrow the glasses. + +All that evening, around the camp-fire, the party listened to an +account of the catch. The Doctor did not hesitate to express his entire +disbelief in the story. It was his opinion that Jack had hired the +Indians to fish for him, and bribed Yang to hold his tongue. Then Yang +spoke: + +"You think you heap smart. Jack heap sabee how fish, and you no sabee, +but me sabee you. Last Fliday you go fish, and when me water horse, see +Injun sellee you fish. I sabee _you_." + +In the peals of laughter which followed, the Doctor went away to his +blankets muttering. So the trout the Judgess had enjoyed a week before +were not the Doctor's catching, after all. + +A week longer the party lingered in the valley. Madge and his Reverence +became quite expert with the fly. The lake seemed to have yielded all +its finny treasures to Jack, but the Merced afforded ample sport. Many +strings of trout were sent to fellow-campers, and to friends at the +hotel; and one little hamper made the long journey by stage and rail to +San Francisco. + +The "trout-camp" became famous in the valley, and paragraphs noticing +the catch appeared in the _Stockton Independent_, and even in the +_Sacramento Bee_. Jack had accomplished his purpose, and had not come to +the Yosemite in vain. + +Then the prairie schooner sailed away through the mountains, Madge and +his Reverence driving by turns, while the Judge held his ponderous foot +on the brake. Yang was mounted on a mustang, while the doctor and Jack +trudged through the dust. Frequent halts were made, the Judgess taking +her noon-day siesta; the "three fishers," as she called Madge, his +Reverence and Jack, striking out for some neighboring stream. Near the +Tuolumne big trees his Reverence took the largest trout of the trip--a +four-pounder. On the Tuolumne Biver the three met with fair success; but +on the upper waters of the Stanislaus the sport was better. They tarried +by the stream winding through that dead little mining town, Big Oak +Flat. The banks of the little river were honey-combed by the old placer +mining. The population of the Flat wondered to see Madge cast a fly. +Even the Chinamen who were still washing for gold, would throw aside +their cradles and pans to gaze. + +An ancient beau of the town stranded there fifteen years ago (such a man +as Bret Harte would have gloried in), became so enamored with the fair +angler that he would have followed in her wake; but the fickle object +of his admiration eluded her admirer, and the miner sadly headed his +mustang toward his mountain home, promising to call "next time he went +to 'Frisco." The schooner dropped anchor in Oakland. The Judge asked all +to dine with him that day week--"a sort of a re-union, _as it were_, you +know." His Reverence hastened to don something more in keeping with his +cloth than a blue shirt; Madge threw a kiss to Jack as the Doctor handed +her into a carriage; and Jack was left to cross the ferry alone. Yang, +however, had not abandoned him. He produced a piece of red paper and +asked Jack to write his address upon it. + +"I hab one fliend who come get your washee Monday." + +Jack, inured to submission, could not refuse, and Yang's "fliend" still +does his "washee." + +Since the Yosemite excursion Jack has trailed salmon flies on the +noble Columbia River, and whipped the California trout streams from the +cactus-covered plains of the Mexican border to the glaciers of Mount +Shasta, but he has never had such keen enjoyment with the fly as on that +afternoon at Mirror Lake. + +When he arranges his tackle for a little holiday sport on the Russian +River, or the streams among the red woods of Santa Cruz, he sees again +the reflected fir-trees and granite dome trembling in the water as the +trout leap to his fly; he again hears Yang's ejaculations and commands. +"Fifty-sleven, Jack. Hi! that big fish; fifty-eight. You _heap_ +sabee. Hold him tight.'Rusalem, him sabee how swim! Pull like hella, +fifty-nine!" + +"Trout take some flies because they resemble the real fly on which they +feed. They take other flies for no such reason."--_W. C. Prime._ + +"The oft-repeated quotation, 'Spare the rod and spoil the child,' has +been misconstrued for many a long day, and if I had known early in +life its real significance it would hardly have made so doleful an +impression. There is no doubt to-day in my mind that this 'rod' meant a +_fishing-rod_, and the timely cherishing of it in youth tends to +develop the portion of one's nature to which the former use was entirely +innocent."--_Thomas Sedgwick Steele._ + +"My favorite fly of all is a snipe feather and mouse body."--"_Frank +Forester_." + +[Illustration: 0178] + +31. Cinnamon. + +32. Deerfly. + +33. Red Fox. + +34. Camlet Dun. + +35. Governor. + +36. Green Drake. + +37. Alder. + +38. Cheney. + +39. Soldier. + +40. Hod. + +41. Kingdom. + +42. Oak Fly. + +43. Gray Coflin. + +44. Fire Fly. + +45. Beaverkill. + +46. Yellow May. + +47. Black Jun.. + +48. Quaker. + + +"Often the whereabouts of a trend is betrayed by a break or a leap from +the surface, and the wide-awake angler will make it his business to toss +his fly over the spot sooner or later. Sometimes the trout rush at the +lure like a flash, leaping clear over it in their eagerness. They are +difficult to hook then."--_Charles Bollock._ + +"No description of the brook trout, that has ever been given, does him +justice. It stands unrivalled as a game fish."--_Theodatus Garlick, +M.D._ + +"The best flies to use are imitations of those which are born on the +water; for, though trout will often take land flies, and indeed almost +any insect you can throw on the water, yet it is on the water-flies +which he chiefly depends for his sustenance."--_Francis Francis_. + +"A trout does not always get the fly when he attempts to; it may be +lying against the leader, making it impossible for him to get it in his +mouth; you may strike too quickly, taking it out of reach; the strike +may be too hard, tearing his mouth. More trout by far are pricked than +hooked. Practice only can teach you when to strike; you see a faint +gleam under the surface, when you instinctively twitch, to find you +have hooked a beauty. Few fishermen can separate force from quickness of +motion. Never use your arm in making the strike, only your wrist; then +will the difficulty be overcome."-- _T. S. Up de Graff, M.D._ + +"Innocent stranger! Thou who readest these lines! perhaps you never +caught a trout. If so, thou knowest not for what life was originally +intended. Thou art a vain, insignificant mortal! pursuing shadows! +Ambition lures thee, fame dazzles, wealth leads thee on, panting! Thou +art chasing spectres, goblins that satisfy not. If thou hast not caught +a trout, this world is to thee, as yet, a blank, existence is a dream. +Go and weep."--_Thaddeus Norris._ + +"On one occasion the writer was awakened at a very early hour, when, lo! +Mr. Webster, who happened to be in a particularly playful mood, was +seen going through the graceful motions of an angler throwing a fly and +striking a trout, and then, without a word, disappeared. As a matter of +course, that day was given to fishing."--_Lawman's Life of Webster_. + + + + +HOW TO CAST A FLY. + +By Seth Green. + +I am asked a great many times what is the secret of fly-casting? There +are three principles. First, quick out of the water; second, give the +line time to straighten behind you; third, throw. I will explain these +principles more definitely. + +Raise your rod straight up, or nearly so, the inclination being +backward; then make a quick stroke forward. When you take the line from +the water it should be done with a quick jerk; then give your line time +to straighten behind; then give it the same stroke forward that you did +to get it out of the water. + +Why so many fail in fly-casting is, they throw the rod backward too near +the ground behind them, and when they make the forward stroke, and the +line gets straightened out, it is some distance above the water and +kinks back, so that when it falls upon the water it lies crooked, and +is some distance short of what it would have been if it had struck the +water as soon as it was straightened out. + +If a fish should strike at your flies at this time you are pretty sure +to miss him. By never throwing your rod back more than to a slight angle +from the perpendicular, and making the stroke forward, your line goes +straight out and the flies go to the point you desire. + +Great care should be taken when you have thrown the line behind you, +that the line is given time to straighten before making the stroke +forward. I have t thrown seventy feet of line against a strong wind, +first, by giving my rod a quick, strong back stroke, carrying my rod +but slightly back of the perpendicular, and giving my line time to +straighten behind me, then making the same stroke forward that I did to +get it back of me. + +I nearly forgot to mention that it is more important to have your line +fit your rod than it is to have your coat fit your back. + +You may think it strange that I should tell you three or four times over +in the same article, that in order to do good fly-casting you must +throw your rod back only just so far, and then wait for your line to +straighten behind you; and when your line is straight, to make a quick +stroke forward, without carrying your rod forward, even a little, before +delivering your line, but these movements are the essential principles +in flycasting. By observing them one may hope to become a skilful +fly-caster. + + +TROUT: + +MEETING THEM ON THE "JUNE RISEN BY "NESSMUK." + + There is a spot where plumy pines + + O'erhang the sylvan banks of Otter; + + Where wood-ducks build among the vines + + That bend above the crystal water. + + And there the blue-jay makes her nest, + + In thickest shade of water beeches; + + The fish-hawk, statuesque in rest, + + Keeps guard o'er glassy pools and reaches. + + Tis there the deer come down to drink, + + From laurel brakes and wooded ridges; + + The trout, beneath the sedgy brink, + + Are sharp on ship-wrecked flies and midges. + +And of the scores of mountain trout-streams that I have fished, the +Otter is associated with the most pleasing memories. + +It is, or was, a model trout-stream; a thing to dream of. Haying its +rise within three miles of the Tillage, it meandered southward for ten +miles through a mountain valley to its confluence with the second fork +of Pine Creek, six miles of the distance being through a forest without +settler or clearing. + +The stream was swift, stony, and exceptionally free of brush, fallen +timber and the usual _débris_ that is so trying to the angler on most +wooded streams. Then, it was just the right distance from town. It was +so handy to start from the Tillage in the middle of an afternoon in +early summer, walk an hour and a half at a leisurely pace, and find +one's self on a brawling brook where speckled trout were plenty as a +reasonable man could wish. + +Fishing only the most promising places for a couple of miles always gave +trout enough for supper and breakfast, and brought the angler to the +"Trout-House," as a modest cottage of squared logs was called, it being +the last house in the clearings and owned by good-natured Charley Datis, +who never refused to entertain fishermen with the best his little house +afforded. His accommodations were of the narrowest, but also of the +neatest, and few women could fry trout so nicely as Mrs. Davis. True, +there was only one spare bed, and, if more than two anglers desired +lodgings, they were relegated to the barn, with a supply of buffalo +skins and blankets. On a soft bed of sweet hay this was all that could +be desired by way of lodgings, with the advantage of being free from +mosquitoes and punkies. The best of rich, yellow butter with good bread +were always to be bad at Charley's, and his charges were 12 1/2 cents +for meals, and the same for lodging. + +The two miles of fishing above the "Trout-House" led through clearings, +and the banks were much overgrown with willows, making it expedient to +use bait, or a single fly. I chose the latter: my favorite bug for such +fishing being the red hackle, though I am obliged to confess that the +fellow who used a white grub generally beat me. + +But the evening episode was only preliminary; it meant a pleasant +walk, thirty or forty brook-trout for supper and breakfast, and a quiet +night's rest. The real angling commenced the next morning at the bridge, +with a six-mile stretch of clear, cold, rushing water to fish. My +old-fashioned creel held an honest twelve pounds of dressed trout, and +I do not recollect that I ever missed filling it, with time to spare, +on that stretch of water. Nor, though I could sometimes fill it in a +forenoon, did I ever continue to fish after it _was_ full. Twelve pounds +of trout is enough for any but a trout-hog. + +But the peculiar phase of trout lore that most interested me, was the +"run" of trout that were sure to find their way up stream whenever we +had a flood late in May or the first half of June. They were distinct +and different from the trout that came up with the early spring +freshets. Lighter in color, deeper in body, with smaller heads, and +better conditioned altogether. + +They could be distinguished at a glance; the individuals of any school +were as like as peas in color and size, and we never saw them except +on a summer flood. The natives called them river trout. They came in +schools of one hundred to five times as many, just as the flood was +subsiding, and they had a way of halting to rest at the deep pools and +spring-holes along their route. Lucky was the angler who could find them +at rest in a deep pool, under a scooped out bank, or at the foot of a +rushing cascade. At such times they seemed to lose their usual shyness, +and would take the fly or worm indifferently, until their numbers were +reduced more than one-half. To "meet them on the June rise" was the +ardent desire of every angler who fished the streams which they were +accustomed to ascend. These streams were not numerous. The First, +Second, and Third Forks of Pine Creek, with the Otter, comprised the +list so far as I know. And no man could be certain of striking a school +at any time; it depended somewhat on judgment, but more on luck. Two or +three times I tried it on the Otter and missed; while a friend who +had the pluck and muscle to make a ten-mile tramp over the mountain to +Second Fork took forty pounds of fine trout from a single school. It +was a hoggish thing to do; but he was a native and knew no reason for +letting up. + +At length my white day came around. There was a fierce rain for three +days, and the raging waters took mills, fences and lumber down stream in +a way to be remembered. Luckily it also took the lumbermen the same way, +and left few native anglers at home. When the waters had subsided to +a fair volume, and the streams had still a suspicion of milkiness, I +started at 3 P.M. of a lovely June afternoon for the Trout-House. An +easy two hours walk, an hour of delightful angling, and I reached the +little hostelry with three dozen brook trout, averaging about seven +inches in length only, but fresh and sweet, all caught on a single red +hackle, which will probably remain my favorite bug until I go over the +last carry (though I notice it has gone well out of fashion with modern +anglers). + +A supper of trout; an evening such as must be seen and felt to be +appreciated; trout again for breakfast, with a dozen packed for lunch, +and I struck in at the bridge before sunrise for an all day bout, "to +meet 'em on the June rise." I didn't do it. I took the entire day to whip +that six miles of bright, dashing water. I filled a twelve-pound creel +with trout, putting back everything under eight inches. I put back more +than I kept. I had one of the most enjoyable days of my life; I came +out at the lower bridge after sundown--and I had not seen or caught +one fresh-run river trout. They were all the slender, large-moutlied, +dark-mottled fish of the gloomy forest, with crimson spots like fresh +drops of blood. But I was not discouraged. Had the trout been there I +should have met them. I walked half a mile to the little inn at Babb's, +selected a dozen of my best fish for supper and breakfast, gave away the +rest, and, tired as a hound, slept the sleep of the just man. + +At 4 o'clock the next morning I was on the stream again, feeling my way +carefully down, catching a trout at every cast, and putting them mostly +back with care, that they might live; but' for an hour no sign of a +fresh-run river trout. + +Below the bridge there is a meadow, the oldest clearing on the creek; +there are trees scattered about this meadow that are models of arborial +beauty, black walnut, elm, ash, birch, hickory, maple, etc. Most of them +grand, spreading trees. One of them, a large, umbrageous yellow-birch, +stood on the left bank of the stream, and was already in danger of a +fall by + + "The swifter current that mined its roots." + +It was here I met them on the June rise. + +I dropped my cast of two flies just above the roots of the birch, and +on the instant, two fresh-run, silver-sided, red-spotted trout immolated +themselves, with a generous self-abnegation that I shall never forget. + +Standing there on that glorious June morning, I made cast after cast, +taking, usually, two at each cast. I made no boyish show of "playing" +them. They were lifted out as soon as struck. To have fooled with them +would have tangled me, and very likely have scattered the school. + +It was old-time angling; I shall not see it again. + +My cast was a red hackle for tail-fly, with something like the brown hen +for hand-fly. I only used two, with four-foot leader; and I was about +the only angler who used a fly at all in those days, on these waters. + +I fished about one hour. I caught sixty-four trout, weighing thirteen +and three quarter pounds. I caught too many. I was obliged to _string_ +some of them, as the creel would not hold them all. But my head was +moderately level. When I had caught as many as I thought right I held +up; and I said, if any of these natives get on to this school, they will +take the last trout, if it be a hundred pounds. And they will _salt them +down_. So when I was done, and the fishing was good as at the start, I +cut a long "staddle," with a bush at the top, and I just went for that +school of trout. I chevied, harried and scattered them, up stream and +down, until I could not see a fish. Then I packed my duffle and went to +the little inn for breakfast. Of course every male biped was anxious to +know "where I met 'em." I told them truly; and they started, man and boy, +for the "Big Birch," with beech rods, stiff linen lines,' and a full +stock of white grubs. + +I was credibly informed afterward, that these backwoods cherubs did not +succeed in "Meeting 'em on the June rise." I have a word to add, which is +not important though it may be novel. + +There is a roaring, impetuous brook emptying into Second Fork, called +"Rock Run." It heads in a level swamp, near the summit of the mountain. +The swamp contains about forty acres, and is simply a level bed of loose +stones, completely overgrown with bright green moss. + +"Rock Run" heads in a strong, ice-cold spring, but is soon sunken +and lost among the loose stones of the swamp. Just where the immense +hemlocks, that make the swamp a sunless gloom, get their foothold, is +one of the things I shall never find out. But, all the same, they are +there. And "Rock Run" finds its way underground for 80 rods with never +a ray of sunlight to illumine its course. Not once in its swamp course +does it break out to daylight. You may follow it by its heavy gurgling, +going by ear; but you cannot see the water. Now remove the heavy coating +of moss here and there, and you may see glimpses of dark, cold water, +three or four feet beneath the surface. Drop a hook, baited with +angle-worm down these dark watery holes, and it will be instantly taken +by a dark, crimson-spotted specimen of simon pure Salmo funtinalis. +They are small, four to six inches in length, hard, sweet; the _beau +ideal_ of mountain trout. Follow this subterranean brook for eighty +rods, and you find it gushing over the mountain's brink in a cascade +that no fish could or would attempt to ascend. Follow the roaring brook +down to its confluence with Second Fork, and you will not find one trout +in the course of a mile. The stream is simply a succession of falls, +cascades, and rapids, up which no fish can beat its way for one hundred +yards. And yet at the head of this stream is a subterranean brook +stocked with the finest specimens of _Salmo fontinalis_. They did not +breed on the mountain top. They _cannot_ ascend the stream. Where did +they originate? When, and how did they manage to get there? I leave +the questions to _savans_ and _naturalists_. As for myself, I state the +fact--still demonstrable--for the trout are yet there. But I take it to +be one of the conundrums "no fellah can ever find out." + +P. S.--A word as to bugs, lures, flies, etc. Now I have no criticism to +offer as regards flies or lures. I saw a Gotham banker in 1880, making a +cast on Third lake, with a leader that carried _twelve_ flies. Why not? +He enjoyed it; and he caught some trout. Even the guides laughed at him. +I did not: he rode his hobby, and he rode it well. Fishing beside him, +with a five-dollar rod, I caught two trout to his one. What did he care? +He came out to enjoy himself after his own fashion, and he did it. Like +myself, he only cared for the sport--the recreation and enough trout for +supper. (I cannot cast twelve flies.) + +Now my favorite lures--with forty years' experience--stand about thus. +Tail fly, red hackle; second, brown hen; third, Romeyn. Or, tail fly, +red ibis; second, brown hackle; third, queen of the waters. Or, red +hackle, queen, royal coachman. Sometimes trout will not rise to the fly. +I respect their tastes. I use then--tail fly, an angle worm, with a bit +of clear pork for the head, and a white miller for second. If this fails +I go to camp and sleep. I am not above worms and grubs, but prefer the +fly. _And I take but what I need for present use_. Can all brother +anglers say the same? + +"It has so happened that all the public services that I have rendered +'in the world, in my day and generation, have been connected with the +general government. I think I ought to make an exception. I was ten days +a member of the Massachusetts Legislature, and I turned my thoughts +to the search of some good object in which I could be useful in that +position; and after much reflection I introduced a bill which, with the +consent of both houses of the Legislature, passed into a law, and is now +a law of the State, which enacts that no man in the State shall catch +trout in any manner than in the old way, with an ordinary hook and +line."--_Daniel 'Webster_. + +"If you do not know a river it is always most desirable to have someone +with you who does."--_Francis Francis_. + +[Illustration: 0194] + +49. The Teal. + +50. Reuben Wood. + +51. Red Spinner. + +52. No. 68. + +53. Hawthorne. + +54. Dorset. + +55. Widow. + +56. Grasshopper. + +57. Stebbins. + +58. March Brown. + +59. Shoemaker. + +60. Orange Black. + +61. King of the Water. + +62. Gen: Hooker. + +63. Gray Drake. + +"The angler atte the leest, hath his holsom walke, and mery at his ease, +a swete ayre of the swete savoure of the mede floures, that makyth him +hungry; he hereth the melodyous armony of fowles; he seeth the yonge +swannes, heerons, duck's, cotes, and many other fowles, wyth theyr +brodes; whyche me semyth better than allé the noyse of houndys, the +blastes of hornys, and the scrye of foulis, that hunters, fawkeners, +and fowlers can make. And if the angler take fysshe; surely, thenne, +is there noo man merier than he is in his spyryte."--_Dame Juliana +Berners._ + +"Skill, and trained skill at that, does the good work, and the angler's +score is just in proportion to his knowledge of 'how to do it.'"--_Wm. +C. Harris._ + +"A gray-haired bait-fisher is very rare, while the passion for +fly-easting, whether for trout or salmon, grows by what it feeds +upon, and continues a source of the highest pleasure even after the +grasshopper becomes a burden."--_George Dawson._ + +"It is not the number of fish he captures that makes the angler +contented, for the true angler can enjoy the mere casting of the fly +if he has only an occasional fish to reward his efforts."--"_Random +Casts._" + +"The great charm of fly-fishing for trout is derived from the fact that +you then see the movements of your fish, and if you are not an expert +hand, the chances are that you will capture but one out of the hundred +that may rise to your hook. You can seldom save a trout unless you +strike the very instant that he leaps. The swiftness with which a trout +can dart from his hiding-place after a fly is truly astonishing; and we +never see one perform this operation without feeling an indescribable +thrill quivering through our frame."--_Charles Lanman_. + +"There is nothing grovelling in fly-fishing--nothing gross or +demoralizing."--_Charles Hallock_. + +"Angling is a maist innocent, poetical, moral and religious amusement. +Gin I saw a fisher gruppin creelfu' after creelfu' o' trouts, and then +flingin' them a' awa among the heather and the brackens on his way hame, +I micht begin to suspee that the idiot was by nature rather a savage. +But as for me, I send presents to my freens, and devour dizzens on +dizzens every week in the family--maistly dune in the pan, wi' plenty +o' fresh butter and roun' meal--sae that prevents the possibility +o' cruelty in my fishin', and in the fishin' o' a' reasonable +creatures."--_James Hogg_. + + + + +WHY PETER WENT A-FISHING. + +By W. C. Prime. + +Never was night more pure, never was sea more winning; never were the +hearts of men moved by deeper emotions than on that night and by that +sea when Peter and John, and other of the disciples, were waiting for +the Master. + +Peter said, "I go a-fishing." John and Thomas, and James and Nathanael, +and the others, said, "We will go with you," and they went. + +Some commentators have supposed and taught that, when Peter said, "I go +a-fishing," he announced the intention of returning to the ways in which +he had earned his daily bread from childhood; that his Master was gone, +and he thought that nothing remained for him but the old, hard life of +toil, and the sad labor of living. + +But this seems scarcely credible, or consistent with the circumstances. +The sorrow which had weighed down the disciples when gathered in +Jerusalem on that darkest Sabbath day of all the Hebrew story, had given +way to joy and exultation in the morning when the empty tomb revealed +the hitherto hidden glory of the resurrection, joy which was ten-fold +increased by are interview with the risen Lord, and confirmed by his +direction, sending them into Galilee to await Him there. And thus it +seems incredible that Peter and John--John, the beloved--could have +been in any such gloom and despondency as to think of resuming their old +employment at this time, when they were actually waiting for His coming, +who had promised to meet them. + +Probably they were on this particular evening weary with earnest +expectancy, yet not satisfied; tired of waiting and longing, and looking +up the hillside on the Jerusalem road for His appearance; and I have no +doubt that, when this weariness became exhausting, Peter sought on the +water something of the old excitement that he had known from boyhood, +and that to all the group it seemed a fitting way in which to pass the +long night before them, otherwise to be weary as well as sleepless. + +If one could have the story of that night of fishing, of the surrounding +scenes, the conversation in the boat, the unspoken thoughts of the +fishermen, it would make the grandest story of fishing that the world +has ever known. Its end was grand when in the morning the voice of +the Master came over the sea, asking them the familiar question, in +substance the same which they, like all fishermen, had heard a thousand +times, "Have you any fish?" + +* * * * * + +The memory of this scene is not unfitting to the modern angler. Was it +possible to forget it when I first wet a line in the water of the Sea of +Galilee? Is it any less likely to come hack to me on any lake among the +hills when the twilight hides the mountains, and overhead the same stars +look on our waters that looked on Gennesaret, so that the soft night air +feels on one's forehead like the dews of Hermon? + +I do not think that this was the last, though it be the last recorded +fishing done by Peter or by John. I don't believe these Galilee +fishermen ever lost the love for their old employment. It was a +memorable fact for them that the Master had gone a-fishing with them on +the day that He called them to be His disciples; and this latest meeting +with Him in Galilee, the commission to Peter, "Feed my sheep," and +the words so startling to John, "If I will that he tarry till I +come,"--words which He must have recalled when He uttered that last +longing cry, "Even so come, Lord"--all these were associated with that +last recorded fishing scene on the waters of Gennesaret. + +Fishermen never lose their love for the employment, and it is notably +true that the men who fish for a living love their work quite as much as +those who fish for pleasure love their sport. Find an old fisherman, if +you can, in any sea-shore town, who does not enjoy his fishing. There +are days, without doubt, when he does not care to go out, when he would +rather that need did not drive him to the sea; but keep him at home a +few days, or set him at other labor, and you shall see that he longs for +the toss of the swell on the reef, and the sudden joy of a strong pull +on his line. Drift up along side of him in your boat when he is quietly +at his work, without his knowing that you are near. You can do it +easily. He is pondering solemnly a question, of deep importance to him, +and he has not stirred eye, or hand, or head for ten minutes. But see +that start and sharp jerk of his elbow, and now hear him talk, not +to you--to the fish. He exults as he brings him in, yet mingles his +exultation with something of pity as he baits his hook for another. +Could you gather the words that he has in many years flung on the sea +winds, you would haye a history of his life and adventures, mingled with +very much of his inmost thinking, for he tells much to the sea and the +fish that he would never whisper in human ears. Thus the habit of going +a-fishing always modifies the character. The angler, I think, dreams of +his favorite sport oftener than other men of theirs. + +There is a peculiar excitement in it, which perhaps arises from somewhat +of the same causes which make the interest in searching for ancient +treasures, opening Egyptian tombs and digging into old ruins. One does +not know what is under the surface. There may be something or there may +be nothing. He tries, and the rush of something startles every nerve. +Let no man laugh at a comparison of trout-fishing with antiquarian +researches. I know a man who has done a great deal of both, and who +scarcely knows which is the most absorbing or most remunerating; for +each enriches mind and body, each gratifies the most refined taste, each +becomes a passion unless the pursuer guard his enthusiasm and moderate +his desire. + +***** + +To you, my friend, who know nothing of the gentle and purifying +association of the angler's life, these may seem strange notions--to +some, indeed, they may even sound profane. But the angler for whom +I write will not so think them, nor may I, who, thinking these same +thoughts, have cast my line on the sea of Galilee, and taken the +descendants of old fish in the swift waters of the Jordan. + +Trout fishing is employment for all men, of all minds. It tends to +dreamy life, and it leads to much thought and reflection. I do not know +in any book or story of modern times a more touching and exquisite scene +than that which Mrs. Gordon gives in her admirable biography of her +father, the leonine Christopher North, when the feeble old man waved his +rod for the last time over the Dochart, where he had taken trout from +his boyhood. Shall we ever look upon his like again? He was a giant +among men of intellectual greatness. Of all anglers since apostolic +days, he was the greatest; and there is no angler who does not look to +him with veneration and love, while the English language will forever +possess higher value that he has lived and written. It would be thought +very strange were one to say that Wilson would never have been half the +man he was were he not an angler. But he would have said so himself, and +I am not sure but he did say so, and, whether he did or not, I have no +doubt of the truth of the saying. + +It has happened to me to fish the Dochart, from the old inn at Luib down +to the bridge, and the form of the great Christopher was forever before +me along the bank, and in the rapids, making his last casts as Mrs. +Gordon here so tenderly describes him: + +"Had my father been able to endure the fatigue, we too would have had +something to boast of, but he was unable to do more than loiter by the +river-side, close in the neighborhood of the inn--never without his rod." + +"How now do his feet touch the heather? Not, as of old, with a bound, +but with slow and unsteady step, supported on the one hand by his stick, +while the other carries his rod. The breeze gently moves his locks, no +longer glittering with the light of life, but dimmed by its decay. Yet +are his shoulders broad and unbent. The lion-like presence is somewhat +softened down, but not gone. He surely will not venture into the deeps +of the water, for only one hand is free for a 'cast.' and those large +stones, now slippery with moss, are dangerous stumbling-blocks in the +way. Besides, he promised his daughters he would not wade, but, on the +contrary, walk quietly with them by the river's edge, there gliding +'at its own sweet will,' Silvery band of pebbled shore leading to loamy +colored pools, dark as the glow of a southern eye, how could he resist +the temptation of near approach? In he goes, up to the ankles, then to +the knees, tottering every other step, but never falling. Trout after +trout he catches, small ones certainly, but plenty of them. Into his +pocket with them all this time, manouvering in the most skilful manner +both stick and rod; until weary, he is obliged to rest on the bank, +sitting with his feet in the water, laughing at his daughters' horror, +and obstinately continuing the sport in spite of all remonstrance. +At last he gives in and retires. Wonderful to say, he did not seem to +suffer from these imprudent liberties." + +And Mrs. Gordon gives us another exquisite picture in the very last day +of the grand old Christopher: + +* * * "And then he gathered around him, when the spring mornings brought +gay jets of sunshine into the little room where he lay, the relics of a +youthful passion, one that with him never grew old. It was an affecting +sight to see him busy, nay, quite absorbed with the fishing tackle +scattered about his bed, propped up with pillows--his noble head, yet +glorious with its flowing locks, carefully combed by attentive hands, +and falling on each side of his unfaded face. How neatly he picked out +each elegantly dressed fly from its little bunch, drawing it out with +trembling hand along the white coverlet, and then replacing it in his +pocket-book, he would tell ever and anon of the streams he used to +fish in of old, and of the deeds he had performed in his childhood and +youth." + +There is no angler who will not appreciate the beauty of these pictures, +and I do not believe any one of us, retaining his mental faculties, will +fail, in extremest age, to recall with the keenest enjoyment, of which +memory is capable, the scenes of our happiest sport. + +Was Peter less or more than man? Was John not of like passions with +ourselves? Believe me, the old dweller on Patmos, the old Bishop of +Ephesus, lingering between the memories of his Lord in Galilee and the +longing for Him to come quickly yet again, saw often before his dim eyes +the ripple on Gennesaret and the flashing scales of the silver fish that +had gladdened him many a time before he knew the Master. + +It is one of the most pleasant and absorbing thoughts which possess the +traveller in those regions, that the child Christ was a child among the +hills of Galilee, and loved them with all the gentle fervor of his human +soul. Doubtless many times before He had challenged the fisher on the +sea with that same question which we anglers so frequently hear, "Have +you taken any fish?" He may have often seen Peter and the others at +their work. Perhaps sometimes He had talked with them, and, it may well +be, gone with them on the sea, and helped them. Por they were kindly +men, as fishermen are always in all countries, and they loved to talk +of their work, and of a thousand other things, of which, in their +contemplative lives, they had thought without talking. + +In an age when few men were learned, and, in fact, few in any grade or +walk of life could even read or write, I am inclined to think there was +no class from whom better trained intellects could be selected than +from among these thoughtful fishermen. They had doubtless the Oriental +characteristics of calmness and reserve, and these had been somewhat +modified by their employment. Given to sober reflection, patient to +investigate, quick to trust when their faith was demanded by one whom +they respected, slow to act when haste was not necessary, prompt and +swift on any emergency, filled full of love for nature, all harsh +elements of character softened into a deep benevolence and pity and +love--such are the fishermen of our day, and such, I doubt not, were the +fishermen of old. They were men with whom a mother would willingly trust +her young boy, to whom he would become attached, with whom he would +enjoy talking, and, above all, who would pour out their very souls in +talking with him, when among their fellow-men they would be reserved, +diffident, and silent. They were men, too, who would recognize in the +boy the greatness of his lineage, the divine shining out from his eyes. +Who shall prevail to imagine the pleasantness of those days on the sea +when Peter and John talked with the holy boy, as they waited for the +fish, and their boat rocked to the winds that came down from Lebanon. +Who can say that there were not some memories of those days, as well as +of the others when we know Christ was with him, which, when he was tired +of the waiting, led Peter to say, "I go a-fishing!" + +I believe that he went a-fishing because he felt exactly as I have felt, +exactly as scores of men have felt who knew the charm of the gentle art, +as we now call it. The other has such attraction. Men love hunting, love +boating, love games of varied sorts, love many amusements of many kinds, +but I do not know of any like fishing to which men go for relief in +weariness, for rest after labor, for solace in sorrow. I can well +understand how those sad men, not yet fully appreciating the grand truth +that their Master had risen from the dead, believing; yet doubting, how +even Thomas, who had so lately seen the wounds and heard the voice; how +even John, loving and loved, who had rejoiced a week ago in Jerusalem +at the presence of the triumphant Lord; how Peter, always fearful; how +Nathanael, full of impulsive faith, how each and all of them, wearied +with their long waiting for Him on the shore of the sea, sought comfort +and solace, opportunity and incitement to thought in going a-fishing. + +I can understand it, for, though far be it from me to compare any +weariness or sorrow of mine with theirs, I have known that there was no +better way in which I could find rest. + +I have written for lovers of the gentle art, and if this which I have +written fall into other hands, let him who reads understand that it is +not for him. We who go a-fishing are a peculiar people. Like other men +and women in many respects, we are like one another, and like no others, +in other respects. We understand each other's thoughts by an intuition +of which you know nothing. So closely are we alike in some regards, so +different from the rest of the world in these respects, and so important +are these characteristics of mind and of thought, that I sometimes +think no man but one of us can properly understand the mind of Peter, or +appreciate the glorious visions of the son of Zebedee. + + + + +FROM "GAME FISH OF THE NORTH." + +By R. B. Roosevelt. + +There are innumerable rules applicable to trout fishing, and innumerable +exceptions to each; neither man nor fish is infallible. A change of +weather is always desirable; if it has been-clear, a rainy day is +favorable; if cold, a warm one; if the wind has been north, a southerly +one is advantageous; a zephyr if it has been blowing a tornado. +Generally, in early spring, amid the fading snows and blasts of winter, +a warm day is very desirable; later, in the heats of summer, a cold, +windy day will insure success. Dead calm is dangerous, although many +trout are taken in water as still, clear and transparent as the heavens +above. The first rule is never to give up; there is hardly a day but +at some hour, if there be trout, they will rise, and steady, patient +industry disciplines the mind and invigorates the muscles. A southerly, +especially a south-easterly wind, has a singular tendency to darken +the surface, and in clear, fine waters is particularly advantageous; a +south-wester comes next in order; a north-easter, in which, by-the-by, +occasionally there is great success, is the next; and a north-wester +is the worst and dearest of all. Give me wind on any terms, a southerly +wind, if I can have it; but give me wind. It is not known what quality +of wind darkens the water; it may be a haziness produced in the +atmosphere, although with a cloudy sky the water is often too +transparent; it may be the peculiar character of the waves, short and +broken, as contra-distinguished from long and rolling; but the fact is +entitled to reliance. + +Slight changes will often affect the fish. On one day in June, in the +writer's experience, after having no luck until eleven o'clock, the +trout suddenly commenced rising, and kept on without cessation, scarcely +giving time to cast, till two, when they as suddenly stopped. There +was no observable change in the weather, except the advent of a slight +haze, the wind remaining precisely the same. I was much disappointed, +not having half fished the ground, and being prevented, by the numbers +that were taken, from casting over some of the largest fish that broke. +As it was I caught seventy trout in what are ordinarily considered the +worst hours of the day. But in this particular, also, the same rules +apply as to the warmth of the weather. In early spring it is useless +to be up with the lark, even supposing such a bird exists; no fish will +break water till the sun has warmed the air; but in summer, the dawn +should blush to find the sportsman napping. In fact, trout will not rise +well unless the air is warmer than the water. They do not like to risk +taking cold by exposing themselves to a sudden draught. + +There is a very absurd impression that trout will not take the fly early +in the season; this is entirely unfounded. As soon as the ice disappears +they will be found gambolling in the salt-water streams, and leaping +readily at the fly. At such times, on lucky days, immense numbers are +taken. In March they have run up the sluice-ways and are in the lower +ponds, lying sullenly in the deepest water; then is the Cowdung, +politely called the Dark Cinnamon, the most attractive fly. In +April, May and June they are scattered, and entrapped by the Hackles, +Professor, Ibis, and all the medium-sized flies. In July and August they +have sought the head-waters of navigation, the cool spring brooks, and +hide around the weeds and water-cresses, whence the midges alone can +tempt them. + +Any flies will catch fish, cast in any manner, if the fish are plenty +and in humor to be caught. A few feathers torn from the nearest and +least suspicious chicken, and tied on an ordinary hook with a piece of +thread, will constitute a fly in the imagination of a trout, provided he +follows, as he sometimes appears to do, the advice of young folks--shuts +his eyes and opens his mouth. I cannot recommend such tackle, being +convinced the most skilfully made is the best; but I do advise +simplicity of color. + +***** + +Good luck, that synonym for all the virtues, does not depend so much +upon the kind of flies as the skill in casting, and a poor fly lightly +cast into the right spot will do better execution than the best fly +roughly cast into the wrong place. The lure must be put where the fish +habit, often before their very noses, or they will not take it; and when +they lie, as they generally do in running streams, in the deep holes +under the banks, where the bushes are closest and cause the densest +shade, it requires some skill to cast properly into the exact spot. +Sacrifice everything to lightness in casting; let the line go straight +without a kink if you can, drop the fly into the right ripple if +possible, but it must drop gently on the surface of the water. An ugly +splash of a clear day in pure water, and the prey will dart in every +direction, and the angler's hopes scatter with them. + +A beginner may practice a certain formula, such as lifting the line with +a wave and smart spring, swinging it backward in a half circle, and when +it is directly behind him, casting straight forward; but as soon as he +has overcome the rudimentary principles, he should cast in every manner, +making the tip of his rod cut full circles, figure eights, and all other +figures, behind him, according to the wind; bearing in mind, however, +ever to make his fly drop as lightly as a feather. He should use his +wrist mainly, and practice with each hand, and should never be otherwise +than ashamed of a bungling cast, though he be alone, and none but the +fish there to despise him. If the line falls the first time with a +heartrending splash, all in a tangle, it is useless to make the next +cast properly. The fish have found out the trick, and know too much to +risk their necks in any such noose. + +A skilful fisherman can cast almost any length of line, but practically, +fifty feet, counting from the reel, is all that can be used to +advantage. Some English books say only the leader [gut links] should +alight in the water; but this is nonsense, for at least one-half the +line must fall into the water, unless the fisherman stand on a high +bank. With a long line, the difficulties of striking and landing the +fish are greatly increased. In striking, there is much slack line to +be taken up. In landing, it requires some time to get the fish under +control, and he is apt to reach the weeds or a stump. + +That most excellent fisherman and learned scholar, Dr. Bethune, in his +edition of Walton, Part II., page 73, says that candid anglers must +confess that nine out of ten trout hook themselves. This may be so in +streams teeming with fish, where a dozen start at once, frantically +striving to be the first; but in clear, well-fished streams, not one +fish in a thousand will hook himself; and on Long Island, an angler +would grow gray ere he filled his basket if he did not strike, and that +quickly. Striking, to my mind, is by far the most important point, and +hundreds of fish have I seen escape for want of quickness. It must be +done quickly but steadily, and not with a jerk, as the latter is apt, +by the double action of the rod, to bend the tip forward, and loosen +instead of tightening the line. There are days when fish cannot be +struck, although they are rising freely. Whether they are playing or +oyer-cautious, I never could determine; whether they are not hungry, or +the water is too clear, they put a man's capacities at defiance. Their +appearance must be signalled to the eye, by that reported to the brain, +which then directs the nerves to command the muscles to move the wrist; +and ere this complicated performance is completed, the fish has blown +from his mouth the feathery deception, and has darted back to his haunts +of safety. A fish will occasionally leap up, seize the fly, discover the +cheat, and shaking his head, jump several feet along the surface of the +water to rid his mouth of it, and do this so quickly as not to give a +quick angler time to strike. How often fish are caught when they rise +the second time, as then the angler is more on the alert; whereas, +on the first rise, he was off his guard! How often fish rise when +the angler's head is turned away from his line, or when he is busy at +something else, and how rarely are they caught! In my experience, it +is so great a rarity, that it might almost be said they never hook +themselves. In the language of youth, the only hooking they do, is to +hook off. + +Dr. Bethune, page 97, says the rod should not exceed one pound in +weight. Indeed, it should not; and if it does, it exemplifies the old +maxim, so far as to have a fool at one end. If we could fish by steam, +a rod exceeding a pound and measuring over fourteen feet might answer +well; but in these benighted days, while wrists are of bone, muscles, +cartilages, and the like, the lighter the better. A rod--and if +perfection is absolutely indispensable, a cedar rod--of eleven or twelve +feet, weighing nine or ten ounces, will catch trout. Cedar rods can only +be obtained in America, and then only on compulsion; but this wood +makes the most elastic rods in the world. They spring instantly to every +motion of the hand, and never warp. They are delicate. The wood is like +woman--cross-grained, but invaluable, if carefully treated. The reel +should be a simple click, never a multiplier, but large-barrelled, and +fastened to the butt with a leather strap. The line silk, covered, with +a preparation of oil, tapered, if possible, at each end, and thirty +to forty yards long. The basket--positive--a fish basket; the +angler--comparative--a fisherman. + +Thus equipped, go forth mildly, approving where the writer's opinions +coincide with yours, simply incredulous where they do not. + +***** + +There are several ways of landing a trout, but not all equally +sportsmanlike. Large trout may be gaffed; small ones landed in a net; +and where neither of these means is at hand, they must be dragged out of +the water, or floated up among the bushes, according to the taste of the +angler and the strength of his tackle. + +A tyro was once fishing in the same boat with me, using bait, when he +struck his first trout. One can imagine how entirely misspent had been +his previous existence, when it is said he had never taken a trout, no, +nor any other fish, before. It was not a large fish; such luck rarely +falls to the share of the beginner; and in spite of what elderly +gentlemen may say to the contrary, an ignorant countryman, with his +sapling rod and coarse tackle, never takes the largest fish nor the +greatest in quantity. Were it otherwise, sportsmen had better turn +louts, and tackle makers take to cutting straight saplings in the woods. +My companion, nevertheless, was not a little surprised at the vigorous +rushes the trout made to escape, but his line being strong and rod +stiff, he steadily reeled him in. Great was the excitement; his whole +mind was devoted to shortening the line, regardless of what was to be +done next. We had a darkey named Joe with us, to row the boat and +land the fish, and our luck having been bad during the morning he was +delighted with this turn of affairs, and ready, net in hand, to do +his duty. The fish was being reeled up till but a few feet of the line +remained below the top, when with a shout of "land, Joe, land him!" my +companion suddenly lifted up his rod, carrying the trout far above our +heads. There it dangled, swaying to and fro, bouncing and jumping, while +the agonized fisherman besought the darky to land him, and the latter, +reaching up as far as he could with the net, his eyes starting out of +his head with wonder at this novel mode of proceeding, came far short +of his object. Never was seen such a sight; the hopeless despair of my +friend, the eagerness of the darky, who fairly strove to climb the rod +as the fish danced about far out of reach. What was to be clone? The +line would not render, the rod was so long we could not reach the tip in +the boat; and the only horrible alternative appeared to be my friend's +losing his first fish. The latter, however, by this remarkable course +of treatment, had grown peaceable and when he was dropped back into the +water, made but feeble efforts, while my companion, as quietly as he +could, worked out his line till he could land him like a Christian. +Great were the rejoicings when the prize earned with so much anxiety was +secured. That is the way not to land a trout. + +One afternoon of a very boisterous day, I struck a large fish at the +deep hole in the centre of Phillipse's Pond, on Long Island. He came +out fiercely, and taking my fly as he went down, darted at once for the +bottom, which is absolutely covered with long, thick weeds. The moment +he found he was struck he took refuge among them, and tangled himself so +effectually that I could not feel him, and supposed he had escaped. By +carefully exerting sufficient force, however, the weeds were loosened +from the bottom, and the electric thrill of his renewed motion was again +perceptible. He was allowed to draw the line through the weeds and play +below them, as by so doing they would give a little, while if confined +in them he would have a leverage against them, and could, with one +vigorous twist, tear out the hook. When he was somewhat exhausted, +the question as to the better mode of landing him arose. The wind was +blowing so hard as to raise quite a sea, which washed the weeds before +it in spite of any strain that could be exerted by the rod, and drifted +the boat as well, rendering the latter almost unmanageable, while the +fish was still so vigorous as to threaten every moment to escape. I +besought the boatman, who was an old hand, and thoroughly up to his +business, to drop the boat down to the weeds and let me try and land +my fish with one hand while holding the rod with the other. He knew the +dangers of such a course, and insisted upon rowing slowly and carefully +for shore at a shallow place sheltered from the wind, although I greatly +feared the hook would tear out or the rod snap under the strain of +towing both weeds and fish; once near shore, he deliberately forced an +oar into the mud and made the boat fast to it, and then taking up the +net watched for a favorable chance. He waited for some time, carefully +putting the weeds aside until a gleaming line of silver glanced for +a moment beneath the water, when darting the net down he as suddenly +brought it up, revealing within its folds the glorious colors of a +splendid trout. That was the way to land a trout under difficulties, +although I still think I could have done it successfully by myself. + +Generally the utmost delicacy should be shown in killing a fish, but +there are times when force must be exerted. If the fish is making for a +stump, or even weeds, he must be stopped at any reasonable risk of the +rod's breaking or the fly's tearing out. A stump is the most dangerous; +one turn around that and he is off, leaving your flies probably in a +most inconvenient place and many feet below the surface of the water. +But remember the oft-repeated maxim of a friend of the writer, who had +been with him many a joyous fishing day, "That one trout hooked is worth +a dozen not hooked." Small trout are more apt to escape than large ones, +because the skin around the mouth of the latter is tougher. With either, +however, there is risk enough. The hook is small, and often takes but +a slight hold; the gut is delicate, and frequently half worn through by +continual casting. Fish are, in a majority of instances, hooked in the +corner of the upper jaw, where there is but a thin skin to hold them; +by long continued struggling the hole wears larger, and finally, to the +agony of the fisherman, the hook slips out. + +There are occasions when force must be exerted, and then good tackle and +a well-made rod will repay the cost. At dusk, one night, I cautiously +approached the edge of a newly made pond, that was as full of stumps as +of fish, both being about the extreme limit, and casting into the clear +water struck a fine fish of three-quarters of a pound. Not a minute's +grace did he receive, but I lugged and he fought, and after a general +turmoil I succeeded in bringing him to land, in spite of weeds and +stumps and twigs, which he did his best to reach. The same was done with +Severn fish after a loss of only three flies and with a rod that weighed +only eight ounces. + +In landing a fish wait till he is pretty well exhausted, bring his mouth +above water, and keep it there till he is drawn into the net, and warn +your assistant to remove the net at once if he gets his head down. By +diving after him with the net the assistant would certainly not catch +the fish and might tangle one of your other flies. The fish should be +led into the net, and the latter kept as still as possible; he knows as +well as you do what it is for, and if his attention is drawn to it will +dart off as madly as ever. + +* * * * * + +The trout is admitted to be the most beautiful of all our fish; not so +large or powerful as the salmon, he is much more numerous, abounding in +all the brooks and rivulets of our Northern States. He lives at our +very doors; in the stream that meanders across yon meadow, where the +haymakers are now busy with their scythes, we have taken him in our +early days; down yonder in that wood is a brook filled with bright, +lively little fellows; and away over there we know of pools where there +are splendid ones. Who has not said or thought such words as he stood in +the bright summer's day under the grateful shade of the piazza running +round the old country house where he played--a boy? + +He does not make the nerves thrill and tingle like the salmon, he does +not leap so madly into the air nor make such fierce, resolute rushes; he +has not the silver sides, nor the great strength; but he is beautiful +as the sunset sky, brave as bravery itself, and is our own home darling. +How he flashes upon the sight as he grasps the spurious insect, and +turns down with a quick little slap of the tail! How he darts hither and +thither when he finds he is hooked! How persistently he struggles till +enveloped in the net! And then with what heart-rending sighs he breathes +away his life! Who does not love the lovely trout? With eye as deep and +melting, skin as rich and soft, and ways as wildly wilful as angelic +woman--who loves not one loves not the other. Who would not win the one +cares not to win the other. Strange that man should kill the thing he +loves but if to possess them kills them, he must kill. If women, like +the _Ephemerae_, died, as they often do, in their love, we should still +love them. Such is man; do not think I praise him. No one kills fish for +the pleasure of killing; but they cannot live out of water, nor we in +it, therefore one of us must die. + +The man who kills to kill, who is not satisfied with reasonable sport, +who slays unfairly or out of season, who adds one wanton pang, that man +receives the contempt of all good sportsmen and deserves the felon's +doom. Of such there are but few. + +We seek this, our favorite fish, in early spring, when the ice has just +melted, and the cold winds remind one forcibly of bleak December, and +when we find him in the salt streams, especially of Long Island and Cape +Cod; but we love most to follow him in the early summer, along the merry +streams of old Orange, or the mountain brooks of Sullivan county; where +the air is full of gladness, and the trees are heavy with foliage--where +the birds are singing on every bough, and the grass redolent of violets +and early flowers. There we wade the cold brooks, leafy branches bowing +us a welcome as we pass, the water rippling over the hidden rocks, +and telling us, in its wayward way, of the fine fish it carries in its +bosom. With creel upon our shoulder and rod in hand, we reck not of the +hours, and only when the sinking sun warns of the approaching darkness +do we seek, with sharpened appetite, the hospitable country inn, and the +comfortable supper that our prey will furnish forth. + +***** + +There is no fish more difficult to catch, nor that gives the true angler +more genuine sport, than the trout. His capture requires the nicest +tackle, the greatest skill, the most complete self-command, the highest +qualities of mind and body. The arm must be strong that wields the rod, +the eye true that sees the rise; the wrist quick that strikes at the +instant; the judgment good that selects the best spot, the most suitable +fly, and knows just how to kill the fish. A fine temper is required to +bear up against the loss of a noble fish, and patient perseverance to +conquer ill luck. + +Hence it is that the fisherman is so proud of his basket of a dozen +half-pound trout. He feels that any one more awkward or less resolute +could not have done so well. He feels conscious that he does not owe his +success to mere luck, but has deserved the glory. He feels that he has +elevated himself by the very effort. Do not suppose I mean that there is +no skill in other fishing; there is in all, even in catching minnows for +bait, but most of all in trout-fishing. + + +TROUT FLIES. + +"That _we are_ wise men, I shall not stoop to maintain, but that we +do love angling we are assured of, and therein we know that we are in +unison with very many greatly wise and wisely good men."--_Thaddeus +Norris._ + +"The true angler is not confined to fly-fishing, as many imagine. When +the fly can be used it always should be used, but where the fly is +impracticable, or your fish will not rise to it, he is a very foolish +angler who declines to use bait."--_W. C. Prime_. + +"The creative power of genius can make a feather-fly live, and move, +and have being; and a wisely stricken fish gives up the ghost in +transports."--"_J. Cypress, Jr._" + +[Illustration: 0224] + +64. Jungle Cock. + +65. Lake Green. + +66. Jenny Lind. + +67. Poor Man's Fly. + +68. Pheasant. + +69. Romeyn. + +70. Morrison. + +71. Katy-did. + +72. Claret. + +73. Hoskins. + +74. Caldwell. + +75. Iron Dun. + +76. Queen of the Water. + +77. Olive Gnat. + +78. Brown Coffin. + + +"The deftly-tossed fly, taking wing on the nerve of a masterly cast, +will drop gracefully far out in the stream where the heavier gear of the +bait rod would never aspire to reach."--_Charles Bullock._ + +"Fly-fishing may well be considered the most beautiful of all rural +sports."--"_Frank Forester_." + +"To be a perfect trout fisher, to my mind, a man should follow no other +branch of fishing. It spoils his hand if he does. I myself, from the +practice of striking so hard in both salmon, pike and other fishing, +lose numbers of fish and flies in the course of the season; and what +makes it the more vexing is that they are nearly always the best and +heaviest fish."--_Francis Francis_. + +"If a pricked trout is chased into another pool, he will, I believe, +soon again take the artificial fly."--_Sir Humphry Davy._ + +"It is only the inexperienced and thoughtless who find pleasure in +killing fish for the mere sake of killing them. No sportsman does +this."--_W. C. Prime._ + +"We persevered, notwithstanding the storm, and got our hundred trout, +all alive and active, into Lake Salubria. They did not, however, +multiply as we hoped they would. For years one would hear occasionally +of a great trout being caught in the lake, till at last they were all +gone. They lacked the ripples and the running water. They lived to be +old, and then died without progeny, 'making no sign.'"--_S. H. Hammond._ + +"The trout is such a light food, that eight of them, some ten inches +long, will not make a supper for a hearty man, leading this wilderness +life."--"_Porte Crayon_." + +"I believe I am sincere in saying that I enjoy seeing another man throw +a fly, if he is a good and graceful sportsman, quite as much as doing it +myself."--_W. C. Prime_. + +"I was content with my one glimpse, by twilight, at the forest's great +and solemn heart; and having once, alone, and in such an hour, touched +it with my own hand and listened to its throb, I have felt the awe of +that experience evermore."--_A. Judd Northrup._ + + + + +THE POETRY OF FLY FISHING + +By F. E. Pond. + +It has been said that the angler, like the poet, is born, not made. This +is a self-evident fact. Few men have risen to the dignity of anglers who +did not in early youth feel the unbearable impulse to go a-fishing. +There are, of course, noteworthy exceptions, but the rule holds good. +It might be added, too, that the genuine angler is almost invariably +a poet, although he may not be a jingler of rhymes--a ballad-monger. +Though, perhaps, lacking the art of versification, his whole life is in +itself a well-rounded poem, and he never misses the opportunity to "cast +his lines in pleasant places." + +This is particularly true of the artistic fly-fisher, for with him +each line is cast with the poetry of motion. Ned Locus, the inimitable +character of J. Cypress' "Fire Island Ana," is made to aver that he +"once threw his fly so far, so delicately, and suspendedly, that it took +life and wings, and would have flown away, but that a four-pound trout, +seeing it start, jumped a foot from the water and seized it, thus +changing the course of the insect's travel from the upper atmosphere to +the bottom of his throat." Being quoted from memory, these may not be +the words exactly, as Toodles would say, but the sentiment is the same. +There is the true poetical spirit pervading the very air, whispering +from the leaves, murmuring in the brook, and thus the surroundings of +the angler complete that which nature began, and make him a poet. In +common with other sports of the field, though in greater degree: + + "It is a mingled rapture, and we find + + The bodily spirit mounting to the mind." + +Bards have sung its praises, traditions have hallowed it, and +philosophers have revelled in the gentle pastime, from the days of +Oppian and Homer down to Walton, Christopher North and Tennyson. + +Although the art of fly-fishing was not known to the ancients, the +poetry of angling has been enriched by the bards of ye-olden-time to +a remarkable degree. In Pope's translation of the Iliad, the following +passage occurs: + + "As from some rock that overhangs the flood, + + The silent fisher casts the insidious food; + + With fraudful care he waits the finny prize, + + Then sudden lifts it quivering to the skies." + +One of the most familiar of Æsop's fables, in rhyme, is that of the +Fisherman and the Little Fish, while Theocritus, who flourished about +the year 270 B. c., gives us a spirited idyl representing the life of a +Greek fisherman. Oppian and Aristotle each prepared a classical volume +on fish and fishing. Pliny in his "Historia Naturalis" treats at length +of the finny tribes, and Ansonius in his poem, "Mostella," describes the +tench, salmon and other varieties of fish. + +Among the early contributions to English literature on angling, the +"Poeticæ," generally attributed to a Scottish balladist known as Blind +Harry, is conspicuous. Then the "Boke of St. Albans," by Dame Juliana +Berners, and quaint old Izaak Walton's "Compleat Angler"--a brace of +classic volumes dear to the heart of all who love the rod and reel. + +In modern times the literature of angling has had scores of staunch +and able supporters among the writers of Britain and our own land. Sir +Humphry Davy's "Salmonia"; Christopher North's essays on angling, in +"Noctes Ambrosianæ"; Stoddart's Angling Songs; all these and a score +of others are familiar to rodsters on both sides of the Atlantic. The +clever poet and satirist, Tom Hood, discourses thus in praise of the +gentle art: + +"Of all sports ever sported, commend me to angling. It is the wisest, +virtuousest, discreetest, best; the safest, cheapest, and in all +likelihood the oldest of pastimes. It is a one-handed game that would +have suited Adam himself; and it was the only one by which Noah could +have amused himself in the ark. Hunting and shooting come in second and +third. The common phrase, 'fish, flesh and fowl,' clearly hints at this +order of precedence. * * * To refer to my own experience, I certainly +became acquainted with the angling rod soon after the birchen one, and +long before I had any practical knowledge of 'Nimrod' or 'Ramroch' The +truth is, angling comes by nature. It is _in the system_, as the doctors +say." + +It is no exaggeration to state that the real poetry of fly-fishing, as +given in the grand old book of Nature, is appreciated to the fullest by +American anglers. The breezy air of the forest leaves is found in the +charming works of Bethune, of Herbert, Hawes, Norris, Dawson, Hallock +and many other worthies, past and present. The modern Horace--he of the +traditional white hat--never wrote a better essay than that descriptive +of his early fishing days. The same is true of Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, +and Charles Dudley Warner's most graphic pen picture is his inimitable +sketch, "A Fight with a Trout." The number of really good books on +American field sports is principally made up of angling works, a fact +which goes far to establish the truth of Wm. T. Porter's assertion, +namely: "No man ever truly polished a book unless he were something +of an angler, or at least loved the occupation. He who steals from +the haunts of men into the green solitudes of Nature, by the banks of +gliding, silvery streams, under the checkering lights of sun, leaf and +cloud, may always hope to cast his lines, whether of the rod or the +'record book,' in pleasant places." + +This may be appropriately supplemented by the opinion, poetically +expressed by the same author, with reference to the art of fishing with +the artificial fly, thus: "Fly-fishing has been designated the royal and +aristocratic branch of the angler's craft, and unquestionably it is the +most difficult, the most elegant, and to men of taste, by myriads of +degrees the most pleasant and exciting mode of angling. To land a trout +of three, four or five pounds weight, and sometimes heavier, with a hook +almost invisible, with a gut line almost as delicate and beautiful as a +single hair from the raven tresses of a mountain sylph, and with a rod +not heavier than a tandem whip, is an achievement requiring no little +presence of mind, united to consummate skill. If it be not so, and if +it do not give you some very pretty palpitations of the heart in the +performance, may we never, wet a line in Lake George, or raise a trout +in the Susquehanna." + +Thomson, the much admired author of "The Seasons," was in his youth a +zealous angler, frequently casting his fly in the rippling waters of the +Tweed, a trout-stream justly famous along the Scottish border. The +poet has eulogized his favorite pastime of fly-fishing in the following +elegant lines: + + "Now, when the first foul torrent of the brooks, + + Swell'd with the vernal rains, is ebb'd away; + + And, whitening, down their mossy tinctur'd stream + + Descends the billowy foam, now is the time, + + While yet the dark brown water aids the guile + + To tempt the trout. The well-dissembled fly-- + + The rod, fine tapering with elastic spring, + + Snatch'd from the hoary stud the floating line. + + And all thy slender wat'ry stores prepare; + + But let not on thy hook the tortur'd worm + + Convulsive twist in agonizing folds, + + Which, by rapacious hunger swallow'd deep, + + Gives, as you tear it from the bleeding breast + + Of the weak, helpless, uncomplaining wretch, + + Harsh pain and horror to the tender hand." + + + When, with his lively ray, the potent sun + + Has pierc'd the streams, and rous'd the finny race, + + Then, issuing cheerful to thy sport repair; + + Chief should the western breezes curling play, + + And light o'er ether bear the shadowy clouds, + + High to their fount, this day, amid the hills + + And woodlands warbling round, trace up the brooks; + + The next pursue their rocky-c-hannel'd maze + + Down to the river, in whose ample wave + + Their little Naiads love to sport at large. + + Just in the dubious point, where with the pool + + Is mix'd the trembling stream, or where it boils + + Around the stone, or from the hollow'd bank + + Reverted plays in undulating flow, + + There throw, nice judging, the delusive fly; + + And, as you lead it round the artful curve, + + With eye attentive mark the springing game. + + Straight as above the surface of the flood + + They wanton rise, or, urged by hunger, leap, + + Then fix, with gentle twitch, the barbed hook; + + Some lightly tossing to the grassy bank, + + And to the shelving shore slow dragging some + + With various hand proportion'd to their force. + + If yet too young, and easily deceiv'd, + + A worthless prey scarce bends your pliant rod.' + + + Him, piteous of his youth, and the short space + + He has enjoy'd the vital light of heaven, + + Soft disengage, and back into the stream + + The speckl'd captive throw; but, should you lure + + From his dark haunt, beneath the tangled roots + + Of pendent trees, the monarch of the brook, + + Behooves you then to ply your finest art. + + Long time he, following cautious, scans the fly, + + And oft attempts to seize it, but as oft + + The dimpled water speaks his jealous fear. + + At last, while haply o'er the shaded sun + + Passes a cloud, he desperate takes the death + + With sullen plunge: at once he darts along, + + Deep struck, and runs out all the lengthen'd line, + + Then seeks the farthest ooze, the sheltering weed, + + The cavern'd bank, his old secure above, + + And flies aloft, and flounces round the pool, + + Indignant of the guile. With yielding hand, + + That feels him still, yet to his furious course + + Gives way, you, now retiring, following now, + + Across the stream, exhaust his idle rage, + + Till floating broad upon his breathless side, + + And to his fate abandon'd, to the shore + + You gayly drag your unresisting prize." + +Angling, like every other manly pastime, has had numerous +assailants--some of them "men of mark," as in the case of Lord Byron, +whose "fine plirensy" in denouncing Walton and the gentle art failed not +to draw down upon himself the laughter of a world. The plaint of Lord +Byron runs thus: + + "Then there were billiards; cards, too; but no dice, + + Save in the clubs no man of honor plays-- + + Boats when'twas water, skating when'twas ice, + + And the hard frost destroy'd the scenting days; + + And angling, too, that solitary vice, + + Whatever Izaac Walton sings or says; + + The quaint old cruel coxcomb in his gullet, + + Should have a hook, and a small trout to pull it." + +Another famous satirist of the old school defines angling as "a stick +and a string, with a fish at one end and a fool at the other," while a +third, the well-known Peter Pindar, in closing a "Ballad to a Pish in +the Brook," takes occasion to say: + + "Enjoy thy stream, oh, harmless fish, + + "And when an angler for his dish, + + Through gluttony's vile sin, + + Attempts--a wretch--to pull thee out, + + God give thee strength, oh, gentle trout, + + To pull the rascal in." + +All who love to go a-fishing can well afford to smile at the malicious +flings of morbid critics, and while recreating both mind and body in +casting the mimic fly along the dashing mountain stream, think of the +deluded satirists in pity rather than condemnation. + +Let us, then, in unison with the quaint and charming poet, Gay: + + "Mark well the various seasons of the year, + + How the succeeding insect race appear, + + In their revolving moon one color reigns, + + Which in the next the fickle trout disdains; + + Oft have I seen a skilful angler try + + The various colors of the treach'rous fly; + + When he "with fruitless pain hath skim'd the brook, + + And the coy fish rejects the skipping hook. + + He shakes the boughs that on the margin grow, + + Which o'er the stream a weaving forest throw; + + When if an insect fall (his certain guide) + + He gently takes him from the whirling tide; + + Examines well his form with curious eyes, + + His gaudy vest, his wings, his horns, his size. + + Then round his hook the chosen fur he winds, + + And on the back a speckled feather binds; + + So just the colors shine through every part, + + That nature seems to live again in art." + + + + +A PERFECT DAY + +By Geo. W. Van Siclen. + +I take my rod this fair June morning, and go forth to be alone with +nature. No business cares, no roar of the city, no recitals of others' +troubles and woes which make the lawyer a human hygrometer, no doubts +nor fears to disturb me as, drinking in the clear, sweet air with +blissful anticipation, I saunter through the wood-path toward the +mountain lake. As I brush the dew from the bushes around me, I spy in a +glade golden flowers glowing on a carpet of pure green, mingled with the +snowy stars of white blossoms; with their fragrance comes the liquid, +bell-like voice of the swamp-robin, hidden from curious eyes. Soon +seated in my boat, I paddle to the shade of a tall, dark hemlock and +rest there, lulled by the intense quiet. Ever and anon as I dreamily +cast my ethereal fly, a thrill of pleasure electrifies me, as it is +seized by a vigorous trout. + +I have long classed trout with flowers and birds, and bright sunsets, +and charming scenery, and beautiful women, as given for the rational +enjoyment and delight of thoughtful men of aesthetic tastes. And if + + "By deeds our lives shall measured be, + + And not by length of days," + +then a perfect life has been lived by many a noble trout whose years +have been few, but who, caught by the fisher's lure (to which he was +predestined, as aforesaid), has leaped into the air and shaken the +sparkling drops from his purple, golden, crimson, graceful form and +struggled to be free, to the intense delight of the artist who brought +him to the basket, where he belonged. + +Thus resting, and floating apparently between the translucent crystal +and the blue ether, silent, I have felt the presence of a spirit who +inspires one with pure thoughts of matters far above the affairs of +daily life and toil, of the universe and what lies beyond the blue sky, +and of the mind and soul of man, and his future after death. * + + * I _love_ the mountains, and the meadows, and the woods. + +Later satisfied, but not satiated, with fair provision of corn, and +wine, and oil, and my creel well filled, the shadows lengthen and the +day begins to die. + +Some day I shall hear no more forever the birds sing in the sylvan +shade. My eyes will no more behold the woods I love so well. For the +last time my feet will slowly tread this woodland road, and I shall +watch for the last time the changing shadows made by the clouds upon the +hillsides. + +There will come a time when the setting sun will paint the west as the +bridegroom colors the cheek of the bride; but I shall not know it, and I +shall never again share such hours of peace with the leafy trees. Then, +with folded hands upon my quiet breast, my friends will briefly gaze +upon my face and I shall be gone. In that last day, so full of deepest +interest to me, may my soul be pure. + +Filled with such thoughts, I regret that I cannot express them like the +poet, whose name I know not, but whose words I will recall: + + "Good-bye, sweet day, good-bye! + + I have so loved thee, but I cannot hold thee; + + Departing like a dream the shadows fold thee. + + Slowly thy perfect beauty fades away; + + Good-bye, sweet day. + + "Good-bye, sweet day, good-bye! + + Dear were the golden hours of tranquil splendor. + + Sadly thou yieldest to the evening tender, + + Who wert so fair from thy first morning ray. + + Good-bye, sweet day. + + "Good-bye, sweet day, good-bye! + + Thy glow and charm, thy smiles and tones and glances + + Vanish at last and solemn night advances. + + Ah! couldst thou yet a little longer stay. + + Good-bye, sweet day. + + "Good-bye, sweet day, good-bye! + + All thy rich gifts my grateful heart remembers, + + The while I watched thy sunset's smouldering embers + + Die in the west beneath the twilight gray. + + Good-bye, sweet day." + + +As the balsam-breathing night wind begins to blow, I turn my back upon +the silver glancing of the moonlight on the rippling waves of the fairy +lake, and step bravely into the darkness of the woods, where I cannot +see the places where my foot shall fall, but I know that others have +safely passed it before, and that I shall find comfort and home at the +end. + +Note.--"Description of a day on Balsam Lake (headwaters of the +Beaverkill) where no house was ever built. From the lake it is two +miles through the woods (about ten miles in the dark) to the nearest +house,"--Extract from letter accompanying article. + +"I handle this 'brown hackle' as gently as a relic, not alone because +it is the memento of an unusual achievement, but because the sight of it +brings up vividly before me the beautiful lake where the trout lay; its +crystal waters; the glinting of its ruffled surface as the bright sun +fell upon it; the densely wooded hills which encircled it; the soughing +of the tall pines as the summer's breeze swept through their branches; +and the thrill which coursed through every nerve as trout after trout +leaped to the cast, and, after such manipulation and 'play' as only +those who have had personal experience can comprehend, were duly +captured."--_George Dawson._ + +"Don't be in too great a hurry to change your flies."--_Francis +Francis._ + +[Illustration: 0242] + +1. Brown Hackle. + +2. Scarlet Hackle. + +3. White Hackle. + +4. Yellow Hackle. + +5. Ginger Hackle. + +6. Gray Hackle. + +7. Black Hackle. + +8. Coch-y-Bouddr. + +9. Gray Hackle. + + +1. Emerald Gnat. + +2. Black C. + +3. Soldier Gnat. + + +1. Brown Pennell. Pennell Hackles. + +2. Yellow Pennell. + +3. Green Pennell. + + +"And now we have got through the poetry of the art. Hitherto things +have gone happy as a marriage bell. I unhesitatingly declare, and I +confidently appeal to my brother Angler, whether he, a fly fisherman, +does not feel similarly. To me fly-fishing is a labor of love; the +other is labor--alone. But notwithstanding such are my feelings, it +by no means follows that every one else so fancies it. Every one to his +taste."--_Capt. Peel ("Dinks")_ + +When Spring comes round, look to your tackle with careful inspection, +and see that all are in perfect order. Above all, look well to your +flies; reject all specimens that have been injured by use, and all +frayed gut lengths. It is better to throw away a handful now, than +to lose flies and heavy fish together the first time you fasten to a +rise."--_Charles Hallock_. + +"That hook is for a very little fly, and you must make your wings +accordingly; for as the case stands it must be a little fly, and a very +little one too, that must do your business."--_Charles Cotton._ + +"For some reason which I have not succeeded in fathoming, the yellow fly +always seems to kill best in the position of dropper, or bob-fly, and +the green when employed as the stretcher, or tail-fly. The brown can be +used in either position."--_H. Gholmon-deley-Pennell._ + +"Note that usually, the smallest flies are best; and note also, that the +light flie does usually make most sport in a dark day; and the darkest +and least flie in a bright or clear day."--_Izaak Walton_. + +"No description with pen or tongue can teach you how to cast a fly. +Accompany an expert and watch him."--_T. S. Up de Graff, M. D._ + +"There is no more graceful and healthful accomplishment for a lady +than fly-fishing, and there is no reason why a lady should not in every +respect rival a gentleman in the gentle art."--_W. C. Prime._ + +"Everything which makes deception more alluring should be resorted to by +an Angler; for, let his experience be ever so great, he will always find +opportunities to regret his deficiencies."--_Parker Gilmore._ + + + + +SUGGESTIONS + +By Charles F. Orvis. + +During my long intercourse with the angling fraternity, I have always +found its members very ready to receive and impart suggestions, in the +most friendly manner. It appears to me that those who are devoted to +"the gentle art," are especially good-natured; and while very many have +their own peculiar ideas as to this or that, yet they are always +willing and anxious to hear the opinions of others. Believing this, I am +prompted to make a few suggestions, in regard to fly-fishing for trout, +and the tackle used for that purpose; and if I differ from any, which +will be very likely, I trust that what appears erroneous will be +regarded charitably; and if I shall be so fortunate as to make any +suggestions that will add to the enjoyment of any "brother of the +Angle," I shall be content. + +The rod, of course, is of the first importance in an outfit, as very +much depends on its perfection. + +For ordinary fly-fishing for trout, a rod from ten to twelve feet in +length will be found most convenient. + +I use a ten-foot rod, and find it meets all my requirements. + +It is well to let your rod have weight enough to have some "back-bone" +in it; _very_ light and _very_ limber rods are objectionable, because +with them one cannot cast well against, or across the wind; and it is +impossible to hook your fish with any certainty--especially with a long +line out--or to handle one properly when hooked. + +A _very_ limber rod will not re-act quickly enough, nor strongly enough +to lift the line and fix the hook firmly; because, when the upward +motion is made, in the act of striking, the point of the rod first goes +down; and, unless it is as stiff as it will do to have it and cast well, +it will not re-act until the fish has found out his mistake and rejected +the fraud. + +Rods ten to twelve feet long should weigh from seven and one-half to ten +and one-half ounces, depending on the material and weight of mountings, +size of handpiece, etc. Many, perhaps, would say, that eight to ten +ounces, for a single-handed fly-rod, is too heavy; that such rods +would prove tiresome to handle. Much depends on how the rod hangs. If a +ten-ounce rod is properly balanced, it will be no harder work to use it +than a poorly balanced seven-ounce rod--in fact, not as fatiguing. Some +men can handle an eleven-foot rod with the same ease that another could +one that was a foot shorter. Hence, the rod should be adapted to the +person who is to use it. + +The stiffness of a split bamboo rod is one of its great merits. When +I say stiffness, I mean the steel-like elasticity which causes it to +re-act with such quickness. + +For material for fly-rods, bamboo ranks first, lance-wood next; +after mentioning these, there is not much to say. Green-heart is too +uncertain. Paddlewood is very fine, but as yet, extremely difficult to +obtain in any quantity. + +The balance, or "hang," of a rod is of the greatest importance. Let it +be never so well made otherwise, if not properly balanced it will be +worthless. + +The elasticity should be uniform, from tip to near the hand; a true +taper will not give this, because the ferules interfere with the uniform +spring of the rod. For this reason a little enlargement between the +ferules should be made, to compensate for the non-elasticity of the +metal. These enlargements cannot be located by measurements, as much +depends on the material and the length of the joint. + +Spliced rods can be made nearer a true taper, for obvious reasons; +although there is no doubt that a spliced rod is stronger and much more +perfect in casting qualities, yet they require such care to preserve the +delicate ends of the splice, and are so troublesome in many ways, that +few will use them. + +The details of rod-making having been so often told, I do not purpose +making any suggestions on that subject, but will say that, in order +to make a good fly-rod, the maker ought to know how to handle it, when +finished. + +I believe in a very narrow reel, and use one that is only one-half inch +between outside plates. As both outside and spool plates are perforated, +my line never mildews or gets tender. Hence, it is unnecessary to take +the line off to dry it, as should be done when solid reel plates are +used. + +With such a reel my line never tangles. If your reel be narrow between +plates, and large in circumference, it will take up line rapidly, and +obviate the use of a multiplier, which is objectionable for fly-fishing. +A light click is desirable, just strong enough to hold the handle and +keep the line from over-running. More friction is of no use, and may +cause you the loss of many fish. + +Experience satisfies me that you should use your reel on the under side +of your rod, with handle towards the right--because the weight of the +reel so placed holds the rod in proper position without your giving it +a thought, and your right hand finds the reel handle without trouble; +because your reel is thus entirely out of the way of your arm; because +with the rod always in proper position, your left hand finds the line +every time, to draw it from the reel when wanted for a longer cast; +because with the reel on the under side the rod is always exactly +balanced, and you will not have to grasp it with anywhere near the force +required with the reel on the upper side. And you can make your casts +with ease and lay out your flies gently and more accurately than you +could with the firmer grip needful to be kept on the rod with the reel +in the latter position, and because, without constant attention, +your reel is never on the upper side of the rod to any certainty, but +anywhere and everywhere. Keep your reels well oiled. + +Enamelled, or water-proof, braided silk, tapered, American fly-lines, +are the best made for fly-fishing. It is important that the size of +the line should be adapted to the rod. A heavy line on a very light rod +would be bad. A very light line on a heavy rod would be worse. No. 3 or +E, and Ko. 4 or E, are the two best sizes. I find many are inclined to +use too light lines, supposing the lighter the line the less trouble +there will be in casting it. This, I think, is an error.' + +It is impossible to cast well against or across the wind, with a +very light line; and very light lines do not "lay out" as easily or +accurately as heavier ones. + +Leaders, or casting lines, I like rather heavy, proportionate to the +line. To use a very light leader on a Ko. 4 line is not well; for +what is the leader but a continuation of the line? Therefore it should +approximate the size of the line, that there may be no sudden change in +size where the leader begins, in order that the flies shall keep ahead, +where they belong. + +Leaders should be made with loops at proper intervals, to which the +flies are to be attached. Leaders with such loops will last at least +twice as long as those without them. + +Three flies are generally used; perhaps two are just as good. But I use +three and often find the increased number to work well, as presenting a +greater variety to the fickle notions of the many trout, and it is best +to take all the chances. + +The first dropper loop should be about thirty inches from the +stretcher, or tail-fly. Second dropper, twenty-four inches above first +dropper--depending somewhat on the length of the leader. Let the +flies be as far apart as I have indicated. A greater distance is not +objectionable--a lesser is. + +Leaders should be tapered and made of the best quality of round gut. +"Mist colored" or stained leaders are, by many, thought to be better +than the clear white gut; but I must say I never have been able to see +that they are, or that there is any difference, practically. There is no +great objection to the colored leaders, and I use them myself usually. +I will not undertake to settle the much-discussed question. Either plain +or colored are good enough, if properly made and from good gut. + +Always let your leader lie in the water awhile before commencing to +cast, that the gut may soften--or you may lose your leader, fish and +temper, and blame some one because you think you have been cheated, when +no one was in fault but yourself in your haste. When you have finished +fishing, wind your leader around your hat, and the next time you use +it it will not look like a cork-screw, and bother you half an hour in +casting. + +To one who has not acquired the art of fishing with the fly, let +me suggest that a day or two with an expert will save much time and +trouble. There are many little things that cannot well be described, and +would take a long time to find out by experience, that can be learned +very quickly when seen. It is not easy to tell one exactly how to fish +with the fly. + +I remember well my first trout; I remember as well, the first fine rod +and tackle I ever saw, and the genial old gentleman who handled them. +I had thought I knew how to fish with the fly; but when I saw my old +friend step into the stream and make a cast, I just wound that line of +mine around the "pole" I had supposed was about right, and I followed +an artist. (I never used that "pole" again.) I devoted my time that +afternoon to what to me was a revelation, and the quiet, cordial way +in which the old gentleman accepted my admiration, and the pleasure he +evidently took in lending to me a rod until I could get one, is one of +the pleasant things I shall always retain in memory. + +To really enjoy fly-fishing one must be able to cast at least fairly +well; to cast a very long line is not at all important--to cast +easily and gently is. Fifty to sixty feet is all that is necessary for +practical purposes, the great majority of trout are taken within forty +feet. + +It is not easy to tell one how to cast. The art must be acquired by +practice. As I have said, much can be learned by observing an expert. +There is one great mistake made by most beginners; i.e., far too much +strength is used. Let me suggest to the novice to begin with the line +about the length of the rod; learn to lay that out gently, and as you +take your flies off the water, do it with a quick movement, decreasing +the motion until your rod is at an angle of not quite forty-five degrees +behind you, this angle to be varied according to circumstances which +cannot be foreseen. Then the rod must come to a short pause, just long +enough to allow the line and leader time to straighten out fairly, no +more. Then the forward motion must be made with a degree of force and +quickness in proportion to the length of line you have _out_, decreasing +the force until the rod is about horizontal; do not bring your rod to +a sudden stop, or your line and your flies will come down with a splash +and all in a heap; but lay your line out gently, my friend, and your +flies will fall like snowflakes. It is not muscle but "gentle art" that +is required. "Take it easy" and keep trying. + +In an open space, from a boat for instance, take your flies very nearly +straight off the water; never dropping the point of your rod much to the +right, as this leaves your line on the water and makes it hard to lift. +Take your flies up with a quick movement, nearly vertical, and wait for +them to straighten and cast again directly towards the point to which +you wish them to go. + +After you have acquired the skill to cast straight 'before you will be +time enough for you to practise side casts, under casts, etc., that you +will have to use where there are obstacles before and behind you. The +same movements to cast and retrieve your lines, will apply under all +circumstances, whether in open water or on streams overhung with trees, +or fringed with bushes. Much vexatious catching of flies may be avoided +by not being too eager, and by not using too long a line. Let me +add--just before your flies touch the water, draw back your rod slightly +and gently; this will straighten the line, and your flies will fall +exactly where you want them. + +Cast your flies so that they fall as lightly as possible, with your +leader extended to its full length; then draw your flies in the +direction you wish, being careful not to draw them too far, or you will +have trouble in retrieving your line for another cast. With your rod too +perpendicular you cannot lift your line quickly enough to carry it back +with sufficient force to straighten it out, and your next cast will be +a failure. There is also much danger of breaking your rod. Usually you +will get your rise just an instant after your flies touch the water, or +before you have drawn them more than a little distance. It is better +to cast often and draw your flies back just far enough so that you can +easily lift your line for another cast. Moreover, with your rod too +perpendicular it is not easy to hook your fish; so cast often and cover +all parts of the pool. + +I think most skilful fly-fishers draw their flies with a slightly +tremulous motion, to make the flies imitate the struggles of an insect, +and I believe it to be a good method. It certainly is not objectionable, +and you will find it can be done without thought; the habit once formed +and it will be difficult for you to draw your flies otherwise. + +The instant you see a rise at one of your flies, strike quickly, but not +too strongly, nor with a long pull, but with a short, sharp motion, not +too strong or long enough to raise even a small fish from the water, but +just enough to drive the hook firmly in. This may be done by an upward +and inward motion, or a side motion, as circumstances may dictate. A +slight turn of the wrist is often all that is required; but if you have +a long line out, you will have to use your arm and more force. Your +fish hooked, keep him well in hand; don't give him any more line than +is necessary. When he is determined to run, let him do so; but keep +your fingers on the line and put all the strain on him you safely can, +increasing the strain the further he goes. Turn him as soon as possible, +and the instant you have done so, begin to reel him in. When he runs +again, repeat the dose and get his head out of the water a little as +soon as you dare. This exhausts him quickly. Don't raise him too far out +of the water, or in his struggles he will break loose. + +Should a fish try to run under the boat, reel up until your line is no +longer than your rod, or nearly so, then firmly guide him around the +end--remembering always "it is skill against brute force." + +In stream-fishing, always wade if you can. When fishing from a boat +never stand up if you can help it, but learn to cast sitting down. It +is just as easy if you once learn how. On streams it is better to wade, +because your feet produce no jar for you cannot well raise them out of +the water, and dare not often. And for various reasons a person alarms +the fish less in wading than in fishing from the bank. + +Fish down stream always if possible. You can, in so doing, look over the +pools and approach them to the best advantage. It is easier to wade with +the current, and as you cast your flies you can let them float naturally +for just an instant, without their being drawn under the surface. This +instant is the time that, in a great majority of cases, you get your +rise. Every one who has fished much with a fly knows how often he has +whipped every inch of a pool and failed to get a rise where he was sure +his flies could be seen from any part of it, and at last, when he placed +his flies in one particular spot, his hopes were realized in an instant. + +Why did not the trout rise before? Because he waited until his food came +to him. + +In streams, especially, trout usually rise an instant after the flies +touch the water, and I believe that trout in streams commonly wait for +their food to come to them, and do not often dart out from where they +are lying to any great distance, but wait until the fly comes nearly or +quite over them, and then rise to the surface and take the fly with a +snap and instantly turn head down to regain the position they had left. +In doing this they often turn a somersault and throw themselves out of +the water; as they go over, their tails come down on the water with a +splash, which some persons think is intentionally done to strike the fly +or insect in order to kill or injure it and then afterwards capture +it. Such persons fail to see the trout's head at all, for very often it +barely comes to the surface, but the quick motion to go down throws the +tail up and over--hence the error, as I consider it. Any one who will +take the trouble to throw house flies to trout in an aquarium, will +never again think trout strike their prey with their tails. + +The kinds of flies to be used vary with the locality, stream, state and +stage of the water, weather, etc. The fly that pleased the fancy of the +trout to-day--to-morrow perhaps in the same stream and under the same +conditions, as far as any one could see, would fail. The only way is to +keep trying until the one is found that _does_ please. Don't change too +often, but give each "cast" a fair trial. + +I do not believe in certain flies for certain months in the year. I have +stood up to my knees in snow and taken trout, in mid-winter, with the +same flies I had used in mid-summer. + +In low, clear water, especially in streams, small flies should be used. +In higher water, larger flies are better, as a rule. When the water is +high--as early in the season--larger and brighter-colored flies may be +used to more advantage. Later, when the water is low and clear, smaller +flies and more sober colors are best. I believe, however, that rules for +the choice of flies have a great many exceptions, and the best rule I +know of, is to keep trying different kinds and sizes until successful. + +It is often said, "there is no need of so great a variety of flies." I +do not think this is true. Doubtless there are many styles that might +well be dispensed with, but one never knows which to discard, and no +man can tell him, for the very flies one man would say were worthless, +another would consider the best--and prove it, plainly, by the success +he had had with that very fly. So it is well to be provided with many +kinds and sizes. I have learned of the merits of so many different kinds +of flies that I sometimes think nearly all are good--at some time or +under some circumstances. There is much doubt in my mind as to the +necessity of having the artificial flies like the insects that are near +or on the water. One of the best flies that has ever been known--the +Coachman--does not in the least resemble any known insect, I +believe--and but few of the many patterns made imitate anything in +nature. The Cowdung fly, another one of the most "taking" flies--_does_ +very much resemble the natural fly of that name--but I never saw or +heard of their being on or near the water. + +Early in the season, while the weather is yet cold, the middle of the +day is usually quite as good, and I think the best time for fly-fishing. +Later, in warm weather, the evening is the best, and often the last two +hours of a pleasant day are worth all the rest of it. + +Generally speaking, a gentle southerly breeze is the most favorable +wind; yet I have had splendid sport during a strong north-easterly wind, +but not often. + +In conclusion, be patient and persevering, move quietly, step lightly, +keep as much out of sight of the fish as possible, and remember, trout +are not feeding all the time. Perhaps during the last hour before dark +you may fill your basket, that has been nearly empty since noon. Don't +give up, as long as you can see--or even after--and you may when about +to despair take some fine large fish. + +Unless one can enjoy himself fishing with the fly, even when his efforts +are unrewarded, he loses much real pleasure. More than half the intense +enjoyment of fly fishing is derived from the beautiful surroundings, +the satisfaction felt from being in the open air, the new lease of life +secured thereby, and the many, many pleasant recollections of all one +has seen, heard and done. + + + + +BASS FLIES. + +"Doubt not, therefore, sir, but that angling is an art, and an art +worth your learning; the question is, rather, whether you be capable of +learning it, for angling is somewhat like poetry, men are to be born +so: I mean with inclinations to it, though both may be heightened by +discourse and practice; but he that hopes to be a good angler must not +only bring an inquiring, searching, observing wit, but he must bring a +large measure of hope and patience, and a love and propensity to the art +itself; but having once got and practised it, then doubt not but angling +will prove to be so pleasant that it will prove to be like virtue, a +reward to itself."--_Izaak Walton_. + +"The black bass are unquestionably as fine a fish for angling +purposes as any we possess, and as an article of food are equal to our +best."--_Parker Gilmore._ + +[Illustration: 0260] + +1. Cheney. + +2. White Miller. + +3. La Belle. + +4. Scarlet Ibis. + +5. Shad-Fly. + +6. Green and Gold. + + +"Never use too much power in casting; it is not only not necessary, +but it is injurious. You cast the line with the top and half the second +joint, and very little force suffices to bring this into play. If you +use more, all the effect is to bring the lower part of the rod into +action, which has very little spring compared with the top of it."-- +_Francis Francis._ + +"Although trout are taken with numerous angle worms, still frequently +all these will fail, and a colored imitation fly will lure them, and +herein lastly consists the science of the fisherman, in judging what +style of fly is appropriate to a peculiar state of the atmosphere or +reality." _A. Robinson Warren._ + +"Black bass when struck and played will always head down stream."--_W. +C. Harris._ + +"Fish always lose by being 'got in and dressed.' It is best to weigh +them while they are in the water. The only really large one I ever +caught got away with my leader when I first struck him. He weighed ten +pounds."--_Charles Dudley Warner._ + +"The aim of the angler ought to be, to have his artificial fly +calculated, by its form and colors, to attract the notice of the fish; +in which case he has a much greater chance of success, than by making +the greatest efforts to imitate any particular species of fly." +--_Professor Rennie._ + +"I fear it will be almost deemed heresy to place the black bass on a par +with the trout; at least, some such idea I had when I first heard the +two compared; but I am bold, and will go further. I consider he is the +superior of the two, for he is equally good as an article of food, +and much stronger and untiring in his efforts to escape when +hooked."--_Parker Gilmore_. + +"The one great ingredient in successful fly-fishing is patience. The man +whose fly is always on the water has the best chance. There is always a +chance of a fish or two, no matter how hopeless it looks. You never know +what may happen in fly-fishing."--_Francis Francis._ + +"In bass fishing we have thought the moon to be an advantage. If it does +not guide the prey to the lure, it at least lends beauty to the scene +and bathes in its pale light the surroundings of the fisherman, which +are often so exceedingly beautiful. In addition, it assists him in his +work and enables him to handle his tackle more easily and play his fish +more comfortably."--_Seth Green._ + + + + +THE RESOURCES OF FLY-FISHING. + +By Dr. James A. Henshall. + +The charms of fly-fishing have been sung in song and story from time +immemorial by the poetically gifted devotees of the gentle art, who have +embalmed the memory of its aesthetic features in the living green of +graceful ferns, in the sweet-scented flowers of dell and dingle, and in +the liquid music of purling streams. + +The fly-fisher is a lover of Nature, pure and simple, and has a +true and just appreciation of her poetic side, though he may lack the +artist's skill to limn her beauties, or the poet's genius to describe +them. + + "To him who in the love of Nature holds + + Communion with her visible forms, she speaks + + A various language." + +And what delightful converse she holds with the fly-fisher, as with rod +and creel he follows the banks of the meandering stream, or wades +its pellucid waters, easting, ever and anon, the gossamer leader and +feathery lure into shadowy nooks, below sunny rapids, over foam-flecked +eddies, and on silent pools. She speaks to him through the rustling +leaves, murmurs to him from the flowing stream, and sighs to him in +the summer breeze. She is vocal in a myriad of voices, and manifest in +innumerable ways. + +The still fisher, reclining on the mossy bank, is disposed to dreamy +reveries, to pleasant fancies; but the fly-fisher, with quickened +senses, has an ear for every sound, an eye for every object, and is +alive to every motion. He hears the hum of the bee, the chirp of the +cricket, the twitter of the sparrow, the dip of the swallow; he sees the +gay butterfly in its uncertain flight, the shadow of the drifting cloud, +the mossy rock, the modest violet, the open-eyed daisy; he is conscious +of the passing breeze, of the mellow sunlight, of the odors of the +flowers, of the fragrance of the fields. Nothing escapes his keen notice +as he easts his flies, hither and yon, in the eager expectation of a +rise. + +Fly-fishing is, indeed, the poetry of angling. The capture of the salmon +is an epic poem, the taking of the trout an idyl. But it is not my +presumptuous purpose to ring the changes on the delights of salmon or +trout fishing, for they have been immortalized by the pens of gifted +anglers for ages. My feeble effort would be but a sorry imitation of +those glorious spirits who have made their last cast, who have crossed +to the other side of the river, and + + "Gone before + + To that unknown and silent shore." + +So, leaving the salmon, the trout, and the grayling to their well-earned +laurels, I wish to say a word for several less pretentious, because less +known, game-fishes, whose merits are perhaps as great for the fly-fisher +as those familiar game-beauties of the waters. + +It is among the possibilities, in this world of transitory things, that +fly-fishing for the salmonids in the United States will, in the near +future, be known only by tradition. It should, therefore, be a source +of great consolation to the fly-fisher to know that there are now, +and perhaps will ever be, in the streams and lakes of this broad land, +percoid game-fishes equally worthy of his skill, which require only to +be known to be properly appreciated. + +First among these is the black bass, which already ranks the brook trout +in the estimation of those anglers who know him best: and when I say +black bass, I include both species. The black bass is, at least, the +peer of the trout in game qualities, and in rising to the artificial +fly, under proper conditions. An allusion to a few of these conditions +may not seem out of place. + +As a rule, the best time of day for fly-fishing for the black bass is +from an hour before sunset until dark, though there are times when he +will rise to the fly at almost any hour of the day. + +It is important that the angler keep out of sight, and that the shadow +of his rod be not disclosed to the wary and suspicious bass; for if +he sees either, he will not notice the flies, however skillfully and +coaxingly they may be cast. Thus it is that the earlier and later hours +of the day are best; the angler, facing the sun, the shadows are cast +far behind him; or, before sunrise or after sunset, or on cloudy days, +the shadows are not so apparent, and the bass are more apt to rise. If +the fly-fisher for black bass will faithfully follow these precautions, +he will not be disappointed at the result. + +There is another condition, equally important, that must ever be borne +in mind: The black bass will rise to the fly only in comparatively +shallow water, say from one to six feet in depth. This is a feature +often overlooked by many fly-fishers in their first experiences in black +bass fishing. They seem to think that he should rise to the fly in any +situation where he can be taken with bait; but a moment's consideration +will show this to be fallacious. A brook trout will take a bait twenty +feet below the surface, but will not rise to a fly from the same depth. +Trout streams are generally shallow, while the salmon swims very near +the surface; thus it is that the angler is seldom disappointed in their +rising to the fly. On the other hand, the black bass, while inhabiting +larger and deeper streams, is, unlike the trout, a great rover, or +forager, frequenting both deep and shallow waters. As a rule, he is in +shallow water early in the season, retiring to the depths in the hottest +weather; again appearing on the shallows in the fall, and in winter +seeking the deepest water to be found. Trout inhabiting deep ponds and +lakes rise to the fly only when in comparatively shallow water, or +when near the surface. The fly-fisher, therefore, must expect to be +successful only when the proper conditions exist. I would like to pursue +this subject further, but in so brief an article as this, only the most +general and important features can be noticed. + +Any good trout fly-rod, from ten to eleven feet long, and from eight to +nine ounces in weight, will answer for black bass fishing; the heavier +rod to be used only where the bass run quite large, averaging three +pounds or more. The best line is one of braided silk, tapered, +waterproof, and polished. The leader should be six feet of strong single +gut, and but two flies should be used in the cast. As to flies, the +angler must take his choice. My experience has led me to confine myself +to a dozen varieties for black bass fishing, and they are usually, +though not always, best in the order named: Polka, King of the Waters, +Professor, Oriole, Grizzly King, Coachman, Henshall, Oconomowoe, Ped +Ibis, Lord Baltimore, White and Ibis, and the various hackles +(palmers), the best being the brown. The Abbey, or Soldier, may often be +substituted for the King of the Waters, being similar in appearance, and +others may be substituted in like manner for several in the above list. + +The Polka, Oriole, Oconomowoc and Henshall, are flies of my own +designing, and are usually very killing, especially the Polka, Their +construction is as follows: + +Polka.--Body, scarlet, gold twist; hackle, red; wings black with white +spots (guinea fowl); tail, brown and white, mixed. + +Oriole.--Body, black, gold tinsel; hackle, black; wings, yellow or +orange; tail, black and yellow, mixed. + +Oconomowoc.--Body, creamy yellow; liackle, white and dun (deer's tail); +tail, ginger; wings, cinnamon (woodcock). + +Henshall.--Body, peacock herl; hackle, white hairs from deer's tail; +wings, light drab (dove); tail, two or three fibres of peacock's +tail-feather. + +The Lord Baltimore fly originated with Prof. Alfred M. Mayer, of the +Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey, its formula being +as follows: + +Lord Baltimore.--Body, orange; hackle, tail, and wings black, with small +upper wings of jungle-cock. + +Professor Mayer and myself, being natives of Baltimore, designed, +unknown to each other, a fly to embody the heraldic colors of Lord +Baltimore and the coat of arms of Maryland--black and orange. He named +his fly, "Lord Baltimore," while mine I designated the "Oriole," from +the Baltimore oriole, or hanging bird, which beautiful songster was +named in honor of Lord Baltimore, its colors being black and orange. + +Black bass flies should not be too large, nor yet too small, the largest +brook trout flies being about the right size. They should be tied on +Sproat or O'Shaughnessy hooks, the first-named being the best, from Nos. +2 to 5. In the above list of flies, most of them are "general" flies, +one of which, at least, can be used in the cast under almost any +circumstances. The darkest ones are best for bright days and clear +water, the brighter ones for dark days or high water, and the lightest +ones, e. g.; Coachman and White and Ibis, after sundown. + +There are several other inland fishes belonging to the same family +(_Centrarchidoe_) as the black bass, which, though generally lightly +esteemed, are good pan-fishes, are quite gamy, will rise eagerly to the +fly, and in the absence of more desirable fishes, afford good sport to +the fly-fisher with light and suitable tackle. + +The Rock Bass (_Ambloplites rupestris_), sometimes called "Red-eye," is +well-known west of the Allegha-nies. Its color is olive-green, with dark +mottled markings and brassy and coppery reflections. The iris of the eye +is scarlet. The dorsal fin has eleven spines and eleven soft rays; anal +fin, six spines and ten soft rays. It has a large mouth, rises well +to the fly, and when it attains its maximum weight of a pound or two, +fights vigorously on a six-ounce fly-rod and light tackle. Any of the +"general" trout flies, tied on Sproat hooks, Nos. 5 to 7, will answer +for rock bass. + +The Calico Bass (_Pomoxys sparoides_), variously known as "Northern +Croppie," "Strawberry Bass," "Grass Bass," "Silver Bass," +"Chincapin Perch," etc., is a very handsome fish, bright green and +silvery, with purplish reflections, and numerous dark spots or blotches. +The fins are also much mottled, especially the anal fin. It has a +smaller mouth, and is not quite so gamy as the rock bass, but is, +withal, a great favorite with many anglers. The radial formula of its +fins are: Dorsal, seven spines, fifteen soft rays; anal, six spines, +eighteen soft rays. + +The Southern Croppie (_Pomoxys annularis_) is also called "Bachelor," + +"Tin-month," + +"Speckled-perch," + +"New-light," + +"Campbellite," etc. It is closely allied to the last-named species, +but is not quite so deep in body, and has a larger, thinner, and more +delicate mouth. It is also much lighter in color, olivaceous, and +silvery, sometimes quite pale, with much smaller spots, and the anal +fin is pale and scarcely marked. Its dorsal fin has but six spines, +and fifteen soft rays; anal fin, six spines, eighteen rays. Both the +"Croppies" have large anal fins, fully as large as the dorsals. They +grow to two or three pounds in weight, usually swim in schools, and +lurk about logs, brush, or fallen trees, under dams, etc. They give fair +sport on a five-ounce rod. Trout flies of subdued tints should be used +for croppies, as the gray, brown and red hackles, gray drake, brown +drake, stone fly, black gnat, blue dun, etc. + +The Black Sunfish (_Chaenobryttus gulosus_), known in the South as the +"War-mouth Perch," is more nearly related to the black bass than any +other member of the family in its large mouth, the radial formula of its +fins, and to some extent in its coloration; it also partakes of the gamy +nature of the black bass to no inconsiderable degree. Its color is dark +olive-green on the back, the sides lighter, with blotches of blue and +coppery red, the belly brassy or yellowish; iris red; ear-flap black, +bordered with pale red. It has teeth on the tongue. Dorsal fin, ten +spines, nine soft rays; anal, three spines, eight rays. With a six-ounce +fly-rod, and any of the flies named for black bass, the fly-fisher will +find this fish worthy of his steel, as it grows to two pounds in weight. + +The Blue Sunfish (_Lepomis pallidus_) is a very common and +widely-diffused species. In the South, it is known as the "Blue Bream," +and "Copper-nosed Bream." Its mouth is quite small. In color it is +olivaceous or bluish-green, with a distinct dusky spot on the last rays +of dorsal and anal fins. The dorsal has ten spines, eleven rays; anal, +three spines and ten soft rays. It is closely allied to the following +species. + +The Long-eared Sunfish (_Lepomis megalotis_), or "Red-bellied Bream," +or "Red-bellied Perch," of the Southwest, is one of the handsomest +sunfishes. Its color is bluish on the back, with the belly red or +orange; cheeks with blue and red stripes; colors very brilliant; iris +bright red; ear-flap very large, black, with pale border. Dorsal fin +with ten spines, ten soft rays; anal, three spines, ten rays. Both this +and the last-named species are quite wary, very gamy, and are greatly +esteemed by Southern anglers, and not without reason. When they reach a +pound or two in weight they furnish excellent sport on a five-ounce rod. +Any of the trout-flies of gay patterns, as Red Ibis, White and Ibis, +Professor, Grizzly King, etc., on Sproat hooks, Nos. 8 to 10, will +answer, if the day be not too bright, in which event less showy flies +should be used. As a rule, any of the hackles (palmers), are good flies +for these or any fishes of this family. + +The striped-bass group, or sub-family (_Labracinoe_), is composed of +some of our best game-fishes. They will all rise to the fly, but more +especially the fresh water species. Those of the coast, the striped-bass +or rock-fish (_Roccus lineatus_), and the white perch (_Roccus +americanus_), when they enter brackish and fresh-water streams, are +frequently taken with a gaudy fly. + +The White Bass (_Roccus chrysops_), also called "Striped Lake Bass," and +"Fresh-water Striped Bass," is a well-known game-fish of the great +lakes and Upper Mississippi Valley, and is rightly held in much favor +by western anglers. Its color is silvery, darker above, with a number of +dark stripes along the sides, four or five being above the lateral line. +The mouth is large. There are two distinct dorsal fins, being entirely +separated. The first dorsal has nine spines; the second dorsal, one +spine and fourteen soft rays; anal fin has three spines and twelve soft +rays. A patch of teeth on base of tongue. Its usual weight is one to +three pounds, though it is occasionally taken up to four or five pounds. +It is good game, rises well to the fly, and on a six or seven-ounce rod +is capable of giving fine sport. + +The Yellow Bass (_Roccus interruptus_), or "Brassy Bass," or "Short +Striped Bass" takes the place of the white bass in the Lower Mississippi +Valley, and is closely allied to it, though it usually does not grow so +large by a pound or two. It has a smaller mouth, and has no teeth on the +base of its tongue. Its color is brassy, olivaceous above, with seven +very black stripes along its sides. The dorsal fins are somewhat +connected at the base. First dorsal has nine spines; second dorsal has +one spine and twelve soft rays; anal fin, three spines, nine soft rays. +Any of the flies recommended for the black bass, though made smaller and +tied on Sproat hooks, Nos. 4 to 6, will be found excellent for the white +and yellow bass. + +In the perch family (_Percidoe_) are several species that are excellent +for the table, and not to be despised as game-fishes. The most commonly +known is The Yellow Perch (_Perca americana_), which inhabits most of +the waters of the Northwest and East, being found in both fresh and +brackish waters. In color it is dark olive with yellow sides, and some +halfdozen dark vertical bars; upper fins, dusky yellowish; lower fins, +reddish. Mouth moderate in size. First dorsal fin has thirteen spines; +second dorsal, one spine and thirteen soft rays; anal, two spines, eight +soft rays. It grows usually to a pound, though sometimes to double that +weight. It rises pretty well at times, to a small gaudy fly, and on a +five-ounce rod will give considerable sport to the angler. + +The Pike-Perch (_Stizostedium vitreum_), likewise known as "Mall-eyed +Pike," "Glass Eye," and in some waters called "Salmon," and in Canada +known as "Pickerel," is a fine table fish, growing occasionally to +fifteen or twenty, and even to forty pounds, though its usual weight is +from four to six pounds. Its color is a greenish-olive, mottled with +brassy yellow; it has a large black spot on the first dorsal fin. Eye +large. First dorsal fin has thirteen spines; second dorsal, two spines +and twenty soft rays; anal, two spines, twelve rays. + +There is a much smaller variety of this species (var. _salmoneum_), +which grows to but two or three pounds. It has a larger eye. Its color +is bluer, or greener than the above, and not so brassy. First dorsal has +fourteen spines; second dorsal, one spine, twenty soft rays; anal fin, +two spines, thirteen soft rays. + +Both of these fishes, together with the next-named, are hard-pulling, +vigorous fishes on the rod, though they do not exhibit much dash or take +much line. They swim away rather slowly, but are constantly jerking, +tugging and pulling on the line in such a way as to compel the angler to +handle them carefully to preserve his tackle intact. They are regarded +with much favor by anglers in the West and Northwest. The same tackle is +used as for black bass. + +The Saugek (_Stizostedium canadense_) is also called "Jack," + +"Sand-pike," + +"Gray-pike," and "Battle-snake-pike." It is closely related to the +foregoing species, though smaller, growing to a length of twelve to +fifteen inches. It is longer and rounder in proportion than any of the +pike-perches, with a more pointed head and smaller eye. Its color is +paler, grayish above, with brassy sides, which are marked by several +blackish blotches or patches. First dorsal fin has two or three rows of' +round black spots. First dorsal has twelve spines; second dorsal, one +spine, seventeen soft rays; anal, two spines, twelve soft rays. + +Both species of pike-perch are nocturnal (the last not so much so), and +are very similar in their habits. Usually they rise best to the fly at +sundown, continuing until late in the evening, especially on moonlight +nights; therefore at least one fly in the cast should be some +light-colored fly, as the Coachman, White and Ibis, or Miller. +Sometimes, however, darker flies are just as good after nightfall as +during daylight. The flies for pike-perch should be as large or larger +than bass flies, and should be tied on Sproat hooks, Nos. 1 to 3. + +The angler who is so unfortunately situated as to be debarred from +salmon, trout, or black bass fly-fishing, can always find in the small +streams or ponds near him, one or more of the fishes described in the +foregoing account, when, by the use of very light and suitable +tackle, he can enjoy to a great degree the delights and pleasures of +fly-fishing. + +Even the despised pike or pickerel species (_Esocidoe_) and some of the +catfishes will rise to a large and gaudy fly. In Florida I have taken +catfish with the artificial fly until my arms ached and I was fain +to cry quits. I have also taken many marine species with the fly, +as red-fish, blue-fish, sea-trout, snappers, groupers, crevalle, +bone-fish, snooks, etc., etc., and once, as a matter of experiment, +a five-foot alligator. The 'gator was taken with a "fly" tied on a +shark-hook, the hackled body being a squirrel's tail, with wings of a +small seagull. The rod, used on that occasion only, was a light pine +sprit (belonging to the sail of a small boat), fifteen feet in length, +an inch and a half in diameter at the centre and tapering to an inch at +each end. + +Thus it will be seen that the opportunities and resources for +fly-fishing are nearly as great as for baitfishing, and that it only +remains for the angler to take advantage of them, study the habits of +the fishes, attain the necessary skill in casting, and practice due +caution in fishing. + +"All the charm of the angler's life would be lost but for these hours of +thought and memory. All along a brook, all day on lake or river, +while he takes his sport, he thinks. All the long evenings in camp, or +cottage, or inn, he tells stories of his own life, hears stories of +his friends' lives, and if alone calls up the magic of memory."--_W. C. +Prime._ + +"It is a mooted question among the very best 'fly-fishers,' whether an +exact representation of the living insect is necessary to insure success +in angling with the fly. The Scotch flies are not imitations of living +insects; and the best anglers in that country maintain the opinion that +it is absolutely useless and unnecessary to imitate any insect either +winged or otherwise."--"_Frank Forester._" + +[Illustration: 0278] + +7. Henshall. + +8. "Oconomowoc." + +9. Oriole. + +10. Polka. + +11. Ondawa. + +12. "W. T." + + +"Sometimes, of course, the loss of fish, or even fish and tackle, +cannot be avoided: but good, careful work and the best materials will +frequently obviate so annoying an ordeal. However, having struck your +fish, the tackle and your own coolness are generally responsible for the +issue, and woe betide you if careless knot or indifferent tying should +have been made in constructing your leader or fry,"--_Parker Gilmore_. + +"It is well known that no person who regards his reputation will ever +kill a trout with anything but a fly. It requires some training on +the part of the trout to take to this method. The uncultivated, +unsophisticated trout in unfrequented waters prefers the bait and the +rural people, whose sole object in going a-fishing appears to be to +catch fish, indulge them in their primitive taste for the worm. No +sportsman, however, will use anything but a fly, except he happens to be +alone."--_Charles Dudley Warner._ + +"The true fly-fisher, who practises his art _con amore_, does not +delight in big catches, nor revel in undue and cruel slaughter. He is +ever satisfied with a moderate creel, and is content with the scientific +and skilful capture of a few good fish. The beauties of nature, as +revealed in his surroundings--the sparkling water, the shadow and +sunshine, the rustling leaves, the song of birds and hum of insects, the +health-giving breeze--make up to him a measure of true enjoyment, and +peace, and thankfulness, that is totally unknown to the slaughterer of +the innocents, whose sole ambition is to fill his creel and record his +captures by the score."--_James A. Henshall, M.D._ + +"In the fly book the sportsman collects his treasures--the fairy +imitations of the tiny nymphs of the water side--and it is the source of +much delight in inspecting, replenishing and arranging during the season +that the trout are safe from honorable pursuit."--_R. B. Roosevelt_. + +"There have been caught in Walden, pickerel, one weighing seven pounds, +to say nothing of another which carried off a reel with great velocity, +which the fisherman safely set down at eight pounds, because he did not +see him. I am thus particular, because the weight of a fish is commonly +its only title to fame."--_Henry D. Thoreau_. + +"Wet days in camp try 'grit.' 'Clear grit' brightens more crystalline +the more it is rained upon; sham grit dissolves into mud and +water."--_Theodore Winthrop_. + + + + +WINTER ANGLING + +By Frank S. Pinckney. + +The best winter angling is to be Had in that charming interval between +the hallowed old holidays and that sloppy period which, of late years, +heralds the slow approach of spring in these our latitudes. + +The practice of angling at this season of the year for large trout, +immense black bass and preternatural mascalonge, has grown of late to +proportions which seem to warrant some special mention of so delightful, +if unseasonable, a sport, as well as some brief description of the +tackle and paraphernalia required for its fullest enjoyment. + +To the winter angler a first-class outfit is of prime importance. The +poles should be of well-seasoned hickory or hard maple, from eight to +ten inches in diameter, in sections about three feet in length. These +need not to be divested of their rich covering of bark, curved, bronzed +and lichened, but should be fitted, fresh from the sheltered pile, with +careful skill into an old-fashioned open fire-place, about which, +in years agone, the angling forefathers of the angler of to-day told +marvellous tales of deeds of "derring do" with "dipscys," bobs and +poles; and about which now _his_ children list with wonder, not +unmingled with some tinge of incredulity, to His yet more wondrous +recitals of brave contests and curious captures with dainty rods and +delicate reels. + +The winter anglers wading shoes may be made of any soft material that +will protect his feet should they chance to slip from the old brass +fender down upon the sombre painted brick hearth below, during some +delicious drowse. Most anglers have lady friends--fair cousins and +others, who make them nicely with substantially embroidered lily-pads +and firm strong rosebuds and vigorous elastic daffadowndillys. These are +a good protection--but the soles? + +Two dollars and a half, without hob nails, and no deduction for small +feet! Even winter angling has its drawbacks. + +The winter angler's fishing coat should be warmly quilted to protect him +from the cold, and may be of a color to suit his complexion if he has +one. It should be given him by his wife or "ladye faire" as a sample of +her skill in manipulating the needle and--the dressmaker. + +As to the kind of lure required, much must depend upon the taste of the +individual angler, but it certainly ought to be hot and not have _too_ +much water in it. + +For protection against black flies, midgets and mosquitoes, he may, if +he likes, smear his face and hands with oils either of tar or of +pennyroyal, or he may build a "smudge" on the library table, but the +most successful winter anglers I know use for this purpose a hollow tube +of convenient length with a bowl at one end and a set of teeth, either +real or artificial, at the other. The bowl may be filled with any +harmless weed capable of burning slowly as, for example, tobacco. As +a rule, one of these will answer the purpose, but if the flies are +especially troublesome, or the angler should chance to be bald-headed, +he may be forced to ask a brother angler to come to his assistance with +a contrivance of a similar nature. Together they will probably be able +to defy all attacks of the black flies or even the blues. + +As to creels (or baskets) the merest mention will suffice. At the +nearest newspaper office will be found one of suitable size and fair +proportions. It is called a "waste basket" and is specially constructed +to hold the abnormal catches made by winter anglers. + +Possibly the highest charm of winter angling (or as some call it +"Fireside fishing") is the grand wide ranging freedom of it. Three +vast realms are at one's command. The realm of Memory, with its myriad +streams of recollection filled with the fish and fancies of the Past. +The realm of Anticipation bright with golden dreams of the coming open +season, and lastly the realm of Pure Lying, wherein from the deep, +dark pools of his own inner turpitude the angler at each cast hooks a +speckled-sided Hallucination (_Salmo Hullucionidus_), a large-moutlied +Prevarication (_Micropterus Prevaricatrix_), or a silver-gleaming +Falsehood (_Salmoides Falsus_), each more huge than the other, and all +"beating the record" quite out of the field. * + + * Note--The writer respectfully submits this nomenclature to + revision by Dr. Henshall, an unquestioned authority. + +What wonderful vistas, what remotely narrowing perspectives, stretch +away into the vague distances of the first two of these grand realms! +How far reachingly the life-lines of anglers uncoil in both directions +from the reel of time--"playing" the hoarded treasures of memory at one +end, and making tournament easts into the future with the other! Are not +the time-worn rod-case and the well-thumbed fly-book and note-book on +his table, side by side with the last daintily tapered product of +his plane, rasp and scraper--his rod, just finished for the coming +summer--which, perchance for him may never come? + +Is he not at once revelling in the past and dreaming of the future? + +There is no sport, when known in all its branches, that is so fully an +all-the-year-round delight as is angling. + +Many an idle hour of the long winter evenings may be pleasantly passed +by the angler in "going over" his tackle, oiling his reels, airing his +lines, and re-arranging his flies, freeing them from the moth and rust +that do corrupt. He is but a slovenly worshipper at the shrine of the +good Saint Izaak, who casts aside his panoply after the last bout of +autumn and gives no thought to it again till spring makes her annual +jail-delivery of imprisoned life. Constant care of the belongings of his +art, be he fly or bait fisher, is characteristic of the faithful angler, +and only simple justice to the tackle maker. There is nothing sadder or +more dejected-looking than a crippled rod and a neglected "kit" full of +snarled lines, rusty hooks, and moth-eaten flies. + +In the matter of winter angling, the fly-fisherman has a decided +advantage over him who uses bait alone. The art for him has more side +issues. He may, if he can, learn to tie flies or contrive and construct +newfangled fly-books. The effort to learn will probably ruin his temper +and break up his domestic relations if he has any, but it is not for +me to say that "_le jeu ne vaut pas la chandelle_." If no domestic ties +trend him toward caution as yet, and he dreads none in the future, he +may even venture the attempt to make his own rods. + +Let me say a word here of amateur tackle-making from the standpoint of +personal experience. It is agreeable--it is even fascinating, but it +does not _pay_; very few have the mechanical deftness, the patience, +taste, and judgment combined to really excel in any of its branches. No +young man with a career to make for himself by dint of constant toil or +close application to a business or profession has any right to devote to +these arts the time and attention they demand if even a fair degree of +skill is to be attained. For the angler of "elegant leisure" this has no +weight perhaps, but he too will, as a rule, find better tackle than he +can make, readily at his command at a cost so inconsiderable as to quite +justify me in saying that his amateur work will not _pay_--for, if he be +young, out-of-door sports will far better serve to lay up in his still +developing frame the treasures of health and vitality for future use. +There are those, indeed, for whom it is a proper employment of time and +who are endowed with the peculiar faculties required. To such it is a +charming occupation, a delightful distraction, and a choice factor in +the enjoyment of the winter angler by the fireside. + +Every angler ought to keep a record or diary of his angling bouts. Most +anglers do so, I think. Therein should be recorded not only the weight +and size of daily catch, the number saved, and the number _thrown back_, +(I look back with especial pride upon my record in this direction), +but also some jottings of scenes, impressions, and incidents. Reading +therefrom years after at the fireside he will detect a faint perfume +of old forests in the winter air, and hear again in fancy the swirl of +swift waters sweeping among mossy rocks. + +I take up my own, quoting from it almost at random note, if you please, +how, in untamed words, have expressed themselves the exhilaration of the +stream--the tingling of healthy blood through ample veins--the joy in +nature's aspects, and the delightful sense of unrestraint that comes +only of fresh air, of wholesome exercise, of angling. + +"May 20th.-- * * * The streams hereabout lack two important elements +which are the charm of my favorite-----kill, to wit, picturesqueness +and the possibility of large trout--large, I mean, for our mountain +brooks where still found _au naturel_. I went over the other day to +Bright's Run. I don't know exactly where it is, and I consider it (next +to Bright's disease of the kidneys) the very worst thing Bright has +developed. It is a stream such as might properly empty into the Dismal +Swamp, and find itself quite at home there. It is totally devoid, of +romantic beauty--and nearly so of trout. I never worked so hard in my +life for twenty-two little ones, that put me to the blush as I put them +in the basket. I was perpetually in a row with the overhanging thickets +and the underlying logs, and my thoughts were a monologue of exclamation +points. I would not angle in Bright's turgid waters again for all the +trout the most minute analysis might discover in them. + +"Yesterday I had a much more agreeable day without a seven-mile ride on +a pesky buck-board. I went quite alone, up the Buckhill as far as the +Fall. This is a pleasant stream full of nature--and sawdust--with here +and there a speckled trout and here and there a black snake. (By special +permission of mr. Tennyson.) There really are now and then cool little +nooks which make one envy the trout; and an occasional spring dripping +with a fresh _rat-tat-tat_ over rocks and moss and into one's whiskey in +spite of all one can do. This sort of thing is what makes a trout-stream +after all. You may catch a whale in a goose-pond but it isn't angling. +To me much depends upon surroundings. I like to form a picturesque part +of a picturesque whole. Even when there is no audience in the gallery. + +"Given, a dark glen fringed with pines that sigh and pine high up +aloft--a pool whose sweep is deep, around which rocks in tiers, mossy +as tombstones centuries old, bow their heads in mourning--heads crowned +with weeds, and grave-mounds of mother earth, and pallid flowers, pale +plants and sapless vines that struggle through shadows of a day in coma, +laid in the hearse of night, without a proper permit, and I am happy. I +don't know just why, but if I meet an undertaker I mean to ask him. All +these deep, dark hiding spots of nature seem but so many foils to the +keen sense of life and thrills of vitality that fill me. My nervous +system sparkles against such sombre backgrounds. + +"Then, too, the Fall was lovely. Next to Niagara, the Kauterskill and +Adams', this Buckhill Fall is one of the most successful, in a small +way, that I know of. It might be bigger and higher and have twenty-five +cents worth more water coming over it out of a dam; but for a mere +casual Fall gotten up inadvertently by nature, it is very good, in an +amateurish sort of away, you know! + +"There is, I believe (hang it, there _always_ is!) a romantic legend +connected with--but stay!--you already guess it. Big Buck Indian--years +ago--in love with mother-in-law--commits suicide--jumps over the +ledge--ever since on moonlight nights, water the color of blood +(probably tannery just above the Fall), Buck Kill, now corrupted into +Buckhill. In the march of civilization the last _impedimenta_ to be left +by the wayside are the beautiful superstitions of ignorance. + +"I am now quite alone here. A young music composer, hitherto my +companion, left yesterday, so I am handcuffed to nature in solitary +confinement. + +"By the way, my composer was a voluntary exile from the domestic arena. +He had but recently married--to formulate it by proportions--say about +a ton of mother-in-law to about an ounce of wife, and when the contest +waxed fiercer than became the endurance of a sensitive nature, he +packed his bag and came a-fishing. He was a capital angler--a phenomenal +musician and had an appetite and digestion like one or more of the +valiant trencher men of England's merrie days, so he solaced his +grief with Sonatas and buckwheat cakes in the mornings and tears and +ginger-bread in the evenings. He was a born genius and as beautiful as a +dream, so I advised him to go home, choke his m-in-l, kiss his wife and +live happily all the days of his life. I think he has gone to try the +plan. + +"Speaking of buckwheat cakes, you can go out here most any time and +catch a nice mess running about a half a pound and _game_ all the way +through. No! No! + +"I'm thinking of the trout! I mean they are light as a feather, and taste +to me just as did those I never had half enough of when I was a lad with +my good old Presbyterian grandmother, who would not 'set' the batter on +Saturday night lest it should 'work' on the Sabbath. + +"Just here I wish to record an event which has happened to me while yet +each detail is fresh in my memory. + +"The day had been showery, yet the fishing had been very poor, so I went +at sunset to try my luck in the stream near the house, where are some +fair pools and a semi-occasional trout. + +"The darkness had begun to gather, indeed it was so dark that I knew +only by the instinct of habit where my flies fell upon the water, for I +could not fairly see them. I had just made a cast across a little rock +which protruded somewhat above the surface into a small pool behind, +and was slowly drawing my line toward me, when I perceived a frog seated +upon the rock, watching the proceedings with some apparent anxiety. +Hardly had I made out his frogship in the gloaming, when pop! he went +into the water. 'Kerchung!' At this instant I felt a _strike_ and +returned the compliment sharply, so as to set my hook well in and make +sure of my trout. He was very _game_, and I was obliged to play him with +a five and a half ounce rod for some time, but finally landed him in +good form, only to discover that instead of a trout I had taken froggy +on a black hackle fly, setting the hook firmly into the thin membrane +which connects the two hind legs and just where the tail _ought_ to +be. This left him the fullest freedom of action and gave him so good +a chance to fight me that I never suspected him of being anything less +than a half-pounder. He must have jumped from the rock directly on to +the fly trailing behind it and been thus hooked by my 'strike.' Mem. +--This story is true as gospel, but better not tell it where you enjoy +an exceptional reputation for veracity. + +"_July 19th._ * * * Nothing has happened! Nothing ever does happen here. +Delightful existence, free from events! I remember hearing Homer Martin +once say that it was the height of his artistic ambition to paint a +picture without objects. The confounded objects, he said, always would +get wrong and destroy his best effects. How far this was intended to be +a humorous paradox and how far the suggestion of an artistic ideal, I +know not, but I surely somewhere have seen a painting--from whose brush +I cannot say--which quite nearly fulfilled this strange condition. It +represented an horizon, where met a cloudless, moonless, starless summer +sky and a waveless, almost motionless sea--these and an atmosphere. The +effect was that one could hardly perceive where the sea ceased and the +sky began. I wonder if it would not be thus with a life quite devoid of +events--would one be able to distinguish such from Heaven? + +"The charm of it is that it leaves both the physical and intellectual in +one to develop freely. When a cow, grazing in a woodland pasture, comes +at noonday to the brook to drink and then calmly and not without a +certain ungainly majesty of movement, crosses the deep pool and climbs +the steep hank on the other side, by no apparent motive urged save of +her own sweet will, she always looks refreshed and filled in some +sort with the stolid bovine expression of great contentment. Mark how +different it all is when the same cow crosses the same brook driven by +the barefooted urchin with a gad and shrill cries and a possible small +dog in the background. How wearily and breathlessly she wades, and with +what distressful pan tings she climbs, and how unhappy and enduring +and long-suffering she appears, as you watch her shuffle away down the +cow-path homeward! It's the Must that hurts. It's the barefooted urchin +Necessity with his infernal gad Ambition and his ugly little cur dog +Want, always chasing and shouting after one, that makes it so tiresome +to cross the stream. + +"Then, too, as to the mind. Shall not one gain better intellectual +growth when beyond the reach of the imperial ukase of daily custom which +fixes the mind upon and chains the tongue to some leading event of the +passing hour? + +"In swift and endless succession come foul murders, robberies, +revolutions, sickening disasters, nameless crimes, and all the long list +of events, and are as so many manacles upon the mind. + +"I hate Events. They bore me. _All except taking a pound trout_. + +"Alas! what a rent these last words make in the balloon I have been +inflating! Logic (another troublesome nuisance, evolved, probably, at +Hunter's Point) forces me from the clouds to earth and insists that I +shall accept a trite aphorism: 'Little events fill little minds; great +events for big ones.' + +"Then if I take refuge in the cowardly device of saying I don't want a +big mind, what becomes of my theory of intellectual development as the +outgrowth of an eventless life! + +"I decline to follow out more in detail this or any other line +of argument. One can't argue in the face of such an event as the +thermometer in the nineties away up here in the mountains. + +"This chance allusion to logic reminds me that I have recently heard +from a dear old angling friend. He writes incidentally that since his +return to his active professional duties he has made money enough to pay +many times over the expenses of his recent two weeks' fishing bout with +me. I have written him that he might find it well to start at once upon +another trip. I have no doubt there exists a certain correlation +of forces whereby a week's fishing, with its resultant increase of +oxygenation, and rebuilding of gray tissue, accurately represents a +certain amount of possible mental labor and thus, indirectly, a fixed +sum of money. + +"It is then alarming to think how abnormally rich a man might become if +he fished all the time." + +If I have thus quoted somewhat at length vaporings of other days from +my note book it has been only to suggest to others, whose angling +experiences are and have been wider and more varied than my own, how +readily they can organize a "preserve" for winter angling. Believe me, +no event, no feeling, no passing observation of your surroundings can +be too trivial to record, and each written line will, in years to come, +suggest a page of pleasant memories when as "Nessmuk" says-- + + "The Winter streams are frozen + + And the Nor'west winds are out." + + +"Mr. Webster's sport of angling has given him many opportunities for +composition, his famous address on Bunker Hill having been mostly +planned out on Marshpee Brook; and it is said that the following +exclamation was first heard by a couple of huge trout immediately on +their being transferred to his fishing-basket, as it subsequently +was heard at Bunker Hill by many thousands of his fellow-citizens: +'Venerable men! you have come down to us from a former generation. +Heaven has bounteously lengthened out your lives that you might behold +this joyous day.'"--_Lan-man's Life of Webster._ + +"How, I love fishing dearly. There is no sport like it for me, but there +is a vast deal in fishing besides catching fish."--_H. H. Thompson._ + +[Illustration: 0296] + +13. The Triumph. + +14. Alexandra. + +15. Seth Green. + +16. Jungle Cock. + +17. Fitz-Maurice. + +18. Caddis. + +19. Davis. + + +"When fish are basking during the mid-day hours in the hot summer +months, they are not always to be drawn to the surface. But the +combination more suitable for this method is the dressing known as the +'Alexandra Fly.'"--_David Foster._ + +"The exertion of crossing the Atlantic for fly-fishing will be amply +repaid the sportsman by the quantity and weight of the fish he will +capture; for there the fish are not troubled with the fastidiousness of +appetite which in Great Britain causes it always to be a source of doubt +whether the water is in proper order, the wind in the east, or thunder +overhead, either of which, or all combined, too frequently cause the +most industrious to return, after a long and laborious day, with an +empty basket."--_Parser Gilmore._ + +"Of all places, commend me, in the still of the evening, to the long +placid pool, shallow on one side, with deeper water and an abrupt +overhanging bank opposite. Where the sun has shone all day, and legions +of ephemera sported in its declining rays; the bloom of the rye or +clover scenting the air from the adjoining field! Now light a fresh +pipe, and put on a pale Ginger Hackle for your tail-fly, and a little +white-winged Coachman for your dropper. Then wade in cautiously--move +like a shadow--don't make a ripple. Cast, slowly, long, light; let your +stretcher sink a little. There, he has taken the Ginger--lead him around +gently to the shallow side as you reel him in, but don't move from your +position--let him tug awhile, put your net under him, break his neck, +and slip him into your creel. Draw your line through the rings--cast +again; another and another--keep on until you can see only the ripple +made by your fly; or know when it falls, by the slight tremor it imparts +through the whole line down to your hand--until the whip-poor-will +begins his evening song, and the little water-frog tweets in the grass +close by not till then is it time to go home."--_Thaddeus Norris_. + +"You may always know a large trout when feeding in the evening. He rises +continuously, or at small intervals--in a still water almost always in +the same place, and makes little noise--barely elevating his mouth to +suck in the fly, and sometimes showing his back-fin and tail. A large +circle spreads around him, but there are seldom any bubbles when he +breaks the water, which usually indicates the coarser fish."--_Sir +Humphry Davy_. + +"It is not difficult to learn how to cast; but it is difficult to learn +not to snap the fins off at every throw."--_Charles Dudley Warner._ + + + + +NOT ALL OF FISHING TO FISH + +By A. Nelson Cheney. + +"We cast our flies on many waters, where memories and fancies and facts +rise, and we take them and show them to each other, and, small or large, +we are content with our catch."--_W. G. Prime_. + +The commonly accepted definition of fly-fishing is the casting--with +a light, strong, elastic, pliant rod--of two, three or four artificial +flies, on a delicate leader attached to a fine tapered silk line over +the surface of waters inhabited by the lordly, silver-coated salmon; +that aristocratic beauty, the speckled trout, or the more sombre-colored +but gamy black bass. + +This, in truth, is called the acme of fishing, the highest degree +attainable in the school of the angler. But of what a small portion, +comparatively, of the pleasure of angling does the mere casting of the +fly, however artistic, and the creeling of the fish, however large, +consist. + +If it were all of fishing to fish; if fish were only to be obtained +in pools, in a desert waste that never reflected leaf or twig; from +walled-in reservoirs, where fish are fattened like a bullock for the +shambles; from sluggish, muddy streams within the hearing of great +towns, redolent of odors that are bred and disseminated where humanity +is massed between walls of brick and mortar, or even from a perfect fish +preserve, where everything is artificial except the water; or if the +beginning of fishing was making the first cast and the end the creeling +of the last fish, would the gentle art under such conditions have been +a theme for the poet's pen, a subject for the artist's brush, or a topic +for the interesting story during the centuries that have passed since +the first line was written, or the first words sung? I think not. + +Fishing for the fish alone would not have inspired Dame Juliana Berners, +Izaak Walton, Charles Cotton, Sir Humphry Davy, John Bunyan, Sir Walter +Scott, "Christopher North," and other and more modern writers to tell +of the peace, the quiet, the health and the pleasure to be gained in the +pursuit of this pastime. + +The skill exercised and the delicate tackle used by a past master of +the art would have been unnecessary to cultivate or fashion, solely to +supply the brain with food through the alimentary canal. + +An angler's brain is fed by absorption as well as by assimilation. + +There might be reason in calling a fisherman with an eye simply to the +catching of fish, a "lover of cruel sport," but the cruelty would be of +the same kind, but in a less degree, as that displayed by the butcher +who supplies our tables with beef and mutton. + +To an angler the pleasures of the rod and reel are far-reaching and have +no boundary save when the mind ceases to anticipate and the brain to +remember. I have had the grandest sport on a midwinter's night with the +snow piled high outside and the north wind roaring down the chimney, +while I sat with my feet to the blaze on the hearth, holding in my hand +an old fly-book. The smoke from my lighted pipe, aided by imagination, +contained rod, fish, creel, odorous balsam, drooping hemlock and purling +brook or ruffled lake. I seemed to hear the twittering birds, leaves +rustled by the wind and the music of running water, while the incense of +wild flowers saluted my nostrils. The heat of the fire was but the warm +rays of the sun and the crackle of the burning wood the noise of the +forest. Thus streams that I have fished once or twice have been fished a +score of times. + +I had nothing to show for the later fishings, but I could feel that God +was good and my memory unimpaired. The fish in the pipe-smoke has been +as active as was the fish in the water, and afforded as fine play. My +reel has clicked as merrily in the half-dream as on the rod in the long +ago, and my rod has bent to the play of the fish as though it were in my +hand instead of lying flat on a shelf in a cool room up-stairs. I have +had in my musings all the pleasure of actual fishing, everything but the +fish in the flesh. + +When Winter comes and the ravages in tackle have been repaired and all +is in perfect order for another season, I put my rods where they will +not be injured by the modern furnace heat, each joint of each rod placed +flat on a shelf. But the tackle trunk, securely locked that no vandal +hand may get to its treasures, is where my eye rests upon it daily, and +my fly books are in one of the drawers of my writing desk where I can +easily reach them. 'When I take one of the books out of an evening, or +at any time during my walking hours in early winter, I generally seek +out some tattered fly that is wrapped carefully in a paper and placed in +one of its pockets. The book may be full of flies, sombre or gorgeous in +all the freshness of untried silk, mohair, feathers and tinsel; but take +for instance this one with the legend written on its wrapper: + +"Puffer Pond, June, 1867.--Thirty-five pounds of trout in two hours. The +last of the gentlemen that did the deed." + +This, to me, tells the story of a very pleasant week spent in the +Adirondacks. I remember, as I hold the ragged, faded fly in my hand and +see that it still retains something of the dark blue of its mohair body +and the sheen of its cock-feather wings, that it was one of six flies +that I had in my fly-book that June day that stands out from other June +days, in my memory, like a Titan amongst pygmies. The fly had no name, +but the trout liked it for all that, and rose to it with as much avidity +as though they had been properly introduced to some real bug of which +this was an excellent counterfeit. + +That glorious two hours' time--with its excitement of catching and +landing without a net some of the most beautiful and gamy fish that ever +moved fin--comes back to me as vividly as though at this moment the four +walls of my room were the forest-circled shores of that far-away pond, +and I stand in that leaky boat, almost ankle deep in the water that +Frank, the guide, has no time to bail, occupied as he is in watching +my casts and admiring my whip-like rod during the play of a fish, or +fishes, and in turning the boat's gunwale to the water's edge to let +my trout in when they are exhausted. It is sharp, quick work, and the +blue-bodied fly is always first of all the flies composing the cast to +get a rise, until I take off all but the one kind, and then one after +another I see them torn, mutilated and destroyed. Later they will be +put away as warriors gone to rest and the epitaph written on their +wrappings: + +"Thy work was well done; thy rest well earned." + +Now there is no time to mantle the fallen or sing paeans to the victors; +the action is at its height. I put my last blue fly on my leader and +cast it again and again with success, before those dark open jaws, that +come out of the water every time it falls on the surface, have destroyed +its beauty forever. Frank says the time is up and we must go. + +The boat, propelled with broken oars, is headed for the landing-place, +and I sit back in the stern admiring those sleek beauties that lie +in the bottom, and that have fought so well and so vainly. My rod is +inclined over my shoulder and the blue fly is trailing on the water +astern. Suddenly I feel a twitch and hear a splash, and turning around +find I am fast to a fish, the noblest Roman of that, day's struggle. +Once, twice, thrice he shows himself in all his fair proportions. + +"Two pounds and a half, if an ounce," says Frank. + +I get down on my knees in the water of the cranky boat, as the reel +sings the merriest tune that ever delighted the ear of an angler. Two or +three mad dashes, and I think the trout is tiring. I reel him slowly in, +but the sight of the boat gives him new life and he darts under it in +spite of my efforts to swing him around the stern. The rod tip is passed +clear of the boat and the fight continues. + +Exhausted? The fight is only begun. + +The unwieldy boat is far too slow to follow the fish, and I see my line +growing rapidly less on my reel with no sign of weakness on the part +of the fish. I am compelled to advance the butt of the rod and the tip +droops nearer and, hesitatingly, still nearer to it, as though the tip +would whisperingly confess that the strain is greater than it can +bear, while the stout nature of the wood rebels at the confession. +Involuntarily I raise myself by a muscular action as though the cords +and sinews of my body could relieve the pressure on the lancewood and +save the rod. + +"You'll smash your pole!" is the warning Frank utters. + +I care not now, for the fight has been a glorious one, but the "pole" +survives to fight many another fight; the trout is turned and, at last, +comes side up, to the boat, vanquished but not subdued. + +Here, in another paper, are three flies fastened together. A Chicken Red +Palmer Hackle, a Grizzly King and a fly with black body, brown +wings, red tail and tip. They are large trout flies and won honorable +retirement by catching three small-mouthed black bass at one and the +same time. Fishing from a boat in the Hudson River, above a long rough +rapid, I cast inshore and saw the stretcher fly taken by a small bass; +immediately after the two droppers were taken by other bass that did not +show themselves when taking the lures. My rod was the same that I +have already mentioned, an ash and lancewood of eight ounces--scale +weight--and my entire attention was directed to it and the fish, that +were bending it like a willow wand; when, suddenly, I discovered that +the boatman had also been interested in the play of the fish and allowed +the boat to drift into the swift water at the head of the rapids. +The boatman made an effort to row up stream at the same time the fish +decided to go down, and I found I must either smash my tackle and +lose the fish--at this time I had seen but the one bass that took the +stretcher fly--or run the rapids at the risk of an upset. I was very +anxious to see the size of the fish that were struggling on my leader in +that swift running water, and every angler will know the decision that +was instantly made, to "shoot the rapids." + +The sight of these old tinseled lures brings back to me the wild +excitement of that driving, whirling ride through the racing, seething +waters. Hatless I crouch down in the boat, one hand clutching the +gunwale of the broad river craft, and the other holding aloft my rod. +I give no thought to the possible fate of the occupants of the boat. My +anxiety is for the fish. When the curved line is straight again, will I +feel the bass at the end or only the bare flies? These very flies! + +Very soon the boat is rocking in the lumpy water at the foot of the +chute, and I stand up, fill my lungs, and find my fish are still fast. +Here in the broad water I bring to net three small-mouthed bass that +together weigh four and one-quarter pounds, only one of which, at any +time, showed himself above water. As I put the faded flies back into +their paper coverings I find that my pulse has quickened and my pipe no +longer burns. + +I must not exhibit all my treasures here, to the public. These old +souvenirs are only for the eyes of sympathizing angling friends when me +meet to blow a cloud and talk of other days. + +A little brown-eyed maiden once, looking into my fly-book, asked why I +had the old frayed flies tied up in separate papers and marked, while +the nice new flies did not show this care. Had she been of maturer years +I might have quoted Alonzo of Aragon's commendation of old friends, but +instead, I merely said: + +"The nice new flies I can easily buy, but no one sells such old flies, +therefore I take the greater care of them because of their rarity." + +The new flies will not be slighted, for they, also, have their season of +admiration and caressing touch. When their day has come the old veterans +of many a fight will not be forgotten either, but while maturing plans +for augmenting their numbers, the recruits in their new, bright dress +will be inspected to see what claims they may have for future honors. + +The lengthening days and diminishing snowbanks naturally turn the +angler's thoughts forward, and he sniffs the south wind as though he +would discover some slight remaining odor of fragrant apple blossoms +borne to him from the far southland as the forerunner of warm air, blue +sky, bursting buds, open streams, green grass, "gentle spring," and time +to go a-fishing. Then the untried flies are examined and speculation is +rife as to their excellence, each for its own particular kind of fish. + +Day dreams and evening musings give place to an activity of mind and +body when fishing is under consideration. The lessons of the last season +and other seasons are brought to bear to perfect all arrangements for +a fresh campaign. Consultations with brother anglers are frequent, and +plans many and various are weighed and discussed. The tackle box is +overhauled again and again, notwithstanding the attention paid to it at +the close of the last season, to be sure that nothing is wanting or left +undone. Lines are tested; leaders are subjected to the closest scrutiny +to see that no flaws or chafed places exist to give way at a critical +moment during some future contest, when a trifle will turn the scales; +reels are taken apart and carefully oiled; rods sent to the maker for +a new coat of varnish, and, perhaps, a few new whippings for the guide +rings; fishing shoes, although they have a row of holes just above the +soles, get an extra dressing of oil to keep the leather soft; and an +inventory of the wardrobe is taken and old garments are selected that +appear for the time, considering the use they are to serve, far more +faultless than when first sent home by the tailor. "About these days +your business letters, if written to people into whose souls the love of +angling has entered, may terminate as follows: + +"P. S.--What are the prospects for the spring fishing in your +neighborhood? Did the late freshets of last fall destroy the trout eggs +deposited in the streams about you?" or, "Did the unusual severity of +the winter cause destruction to the trout spawn in the headwaters of +your brooks?" + +Some evening when the "fever is on" you will write to a guide up in the +North Woods, some honest, faithful fellow that you have known in all +weathers for many seasons: + +"Be sure and take a boat over to Mahogany Pond, (that is not the name +of it, for its title is taken from a domestic wood that grows on +its shores), before the snow goes off and keep me informed as to the +condition of things, for I wish to start and be with you as soon as the +water is free from ice. I shall bring a friend with me, the gentleman I +told you about last summer, who knows the name of every plant that grows +in the woods, as well as the name of every fish that swims in the water. +The old camp, with a few repairs, will answer, as Mr. ------ is an old +woodsman and angler of the first order, and requires no more than the +few simples that you usually take to camp. He, like myself, goes into +the woods to fish and fill his lungs with the pure mountain air that you +live in." + +When Dick reads the letter he smiles, for it contains nothing unknown to +him before. It is his own idea to carry a boat to the pond on the snow, +for there is no road, path or trail, but he only says to himself: + +"He's got it just as bad this spring as ever. The medicine will be ready +for him." + +The angler does all this and more; mind, I say the _angler,_ for the +other fellow that goes a-fishing because it is the thing to do, or +because he has heard some one dilate upon the pleasure to be found in +practising the art, will do nothing of the sort. It is too much trouble, +or, more likely, these things never occur to him. + +How the man of severe aspect who, if he smiles, looks as though he +wore a petrified smile that he had bought at a bargain, and whose sole +ambition and pleasure is to make money, live as long as he can in +doing so, and die as rich as possible; this man, if he could know, and +comprehend, what is passing through the angler's mind at this season, +would say such vagabonds are the cumberers of the earth; but he could +not find a "cumberer" in all the land who would change places with him, +take his joyless life, sapless heart, frozen visage, narrow views +and great wealth, and give in return the angler's light heart, happy +disposition, love of God, his fellow-man and Nature; his resources +within himself, engendered by his fondness for the wild woods, to enjoy +the past and anticipate the future, whatever betide; his desire to see +good in every thing, his clear conscience and his fishing tackle. + +Bear in mind that the pleasure of angling is not alone the consummation +of your hopes for a large score. Hear what Sir Humphrey Davy says on +this subject: + +"From the savage in his rudest and most primitive state, who destroys +a piece of game, or a fish, with a club or spear, to man in the most +cultivated state of society, who employs artifice, machinery, and the +resources of various other animals, to secure his object, the origin of +the pleasure is similar, and its object the same: but that kind of it +requiring most art may be said to characterize man in his highest or +intellectual state; and the fisher for salmon and trout with the fly +employs not only machinery to assist his physical powers, but applies +sagacity to conquer difficulties; and the pleasure derived from +ingenious resources and devices, as well as from active pursuits, +belongs to this amusement. Then, as to its philosophical tendency, it +is a pursuit of moral discipline, requiring patience, forbearance, and +command of temper. + +"As connected with natural science, it may be vaunted as demanding +a knowledge of the habits of a considerable tribe of created +beings--fishes, and the animals that they prey upon, and an acquaintance +with the signs and tokens of the weather, and its changes, the nature of +waters, and of the atmosphere. As to its poetical relations, it carries +us into the most wild and beautiful scenery of nature, amongst the +mountain lakes, and the clear and lovely streams that gush from the +higher ranges of elevated hills, or that make their way through the +cavities of calcareous strata. How delightful in the early spring, after +the dull and tedious time of winter, when the frosts disappear and +the sunshine warms the earth and waters, to wander forth by some clear +stream, to see the leaf bursting from the purple bud, to scent the odors +of the bank perfumed by the violet, and enamelled as it were with the +primrose and the daisy; to wander upon the fresh turf below the shade of +trees, whose bright blossoms are filled with the music of the bee; and +on the surface of the waters to view the gaudy flies sparkling like +animated gems in the sunbeams, whilst the bright and beautiful trout +is watching them from below; to hear the twittering of the water-birds, +who, alarmed at your approach, rapidly hide themselves beneath the +flowers and leaves of the water-lily; and, as the season advances, to +find all these objects changed for others of the same kind, but better +and brighter, till the swallow and the trout contend as it were for the +gaudy Mayfly, and till in pursuing your amusement in the calm and balmy +evening, you are serenaded by the songs of the cheerful thrush and +melodious nightingale, performing the office of paternal love, in +thickets ornamented with the rose and woodbine." + +While it is not all of fishing to fish, it does not consist entirely of +preparation, and it must have something substantial as a basis for +the day dream or fireside musing. You must catch some fish, as capital +stock, to talk about. I never knew an angler that was satisfied to do +all the listening. + +In my native State the law makes it legally possible to wet a hook for +speckled trout, for the first time each year on April first, and this +day has come to be called "Opening Day," and is spoken of in such +glowing language that one might think it the opening of some vast +commercial enterprise instead of the opening of the fishing season. +As the result of an angler's hopes and preparations, as I have tried, +imperfectly, to sketch them, I will quote from my fishing diary what is +there set down as one consummation: + +"_April 1st_, 1878.--Opening day. Fished Halfway brook from Morgan brook +to, and through the woods; then fished Ogden brook from Van Husen's +road to Gleason's. Banks more than full of roily snow water; weather +decidedly cold; strong wind from the Northwest; cloudy sky. Caught one +small trout that I returned to his native element to grow; discovered +from my single specimen of the _Salvelinus fontinalis_ that they have +the same bright spots that they have always had; look the same, smell +the same, _feel_ the same; other peculiarities lacking. Warm sun and +rain required to develop the characteristics we so much admire in our +leaping friend. Managed to fall into the Ogden brook--in fact, went in +without the slightest difficulty, amid applause from the bank; +discovered from my involuntary plunge that the water is just as wet as +last year, and if memory serves, a trifle colder. Reached home in the +evening, cold, wet, tired and hungry. Nevertheless, had a most _glorious +time_." + +"These flies, I am sure, would kill fish."--_Charles Cotton_. + +"I would advise all experts to keep a well-filled fly-book. It is a +pleasure to experiment, and the educated eye takes delight in looking at +the varieties of colors, shapes and forms which the skilled workman +in fly-art has provided as lures for the speckled beauties."--_George +Dawson_. + +"Fly-fishing and bait-fishing are co-ordinate branches of the same +study, and each must be thoroughly learned to qualify the aspirant +to honors for the sublime degree of Master of the Art."--_Charles +Hallock._ + +"Americans have reason to be proud of the black bass, for its game +qualities endear it to the fisherman, and its nutty, sweet flavor to the +_gourmand_."--_Parker Gilmore._ + +[Illustration: 0316] + +20. Black Maria. + +21. Tipperlinn. + +22. Premier. + +23. Grizzly King. + +24. Ferguson. + +25. Californian. + + +"'What flies do you most affect here?' 'Any, at times, and almost all. +In some weather I have killed well with middlesized gaudy lake-flies; +but my favorites, on the whole, are all the red, brown, orange and +yellow hackles, and the blue and yellow duns.'"--_Henry Wm. Herbert._ + +"Fish will frequently, although breaking freely, refuse the fly, +but generally a few will be misled, and occasionally one will be +caught."--_P. B. Roosevelt._ + +"The _natural_ and acquired skill actually necessary before any man can +throw a 'neat fly' is only known to those who have made this method of +angling their study and amusement."--"_Frank Forester_." + +"Luck has little to do with the size of an angling score; for skill in +handling, a knowledge of the haunts of the fish, of the conditions of +wind, weather and water, character of baits to be used, of the changes +and drift of tideways, sun-rays and shadows, and a familiar acquaintance +with the natural history of the family pisces, their habits, habitat, +and idiosyncrasies (for no other animal is so erratic as these scaly +fins), all go to make up the complete angler, known as such from the +days and writings of Izaak Walton, in the seventeenth, up to this great +nineteenth century."--_Wm. C. Harris_. + +"What is the use of my telling you what manoeuvres that trout will +perform before he comes to the landing-net, gently as a lamb? I don't +know what he will do; never saw two of them act alike."--_Oliver Gills, +Jr._ + +"Probably the secret of the infatuation of this amusement to most or +many of the brothers of the angle, is to be found in the close and quiet +communion and sympathy with nature essential to the pursuit of the spoil +of the water."--_John Lyle King_. + +"The principle of the rod is in reality only this, that it is the home +end of the line, stiffened and made springy, so that you can guide and +manage it--cast and draw it, keep a gentle pressure with it on the hook, +so that the fish shall not rid himself of it, and finally lift him to +the landing net."--_W. C. Prime._ + + + + +FLY-FISHING IN FLORIDA + +By Dr. J. C. Kenworthy. + +The votaries of the rod and reel have overlooked an important field for +sport, for, in my opinion, no portion of the United States offers such +advantages for fly-fishing as portions of Florida during the winter +months. The health of the State is beyond cavil or dispute; the climate +is all the most fastidious can ask; there is an almost total absence of +insect pests, and last though not least, a greater variety of fish +that will take the fly than in any other section of the Union. My own +experience is mainly based on opportunities for observation on the +south-west coast, and it is possible that points on the eastern coast, +as the Indian River inlet and the outlet of Lake Worth, may offer +advantages over the section referred to. + +As far as my knowledge extends, fly-fishers are indebted to my +friend, Geo. C. Johnson, of Bridgeport, Conn., for the development +of fly-fishing in Florida. Some years since I met Mr. Johnson on his +arrival in this city _en route_ to Homosassa. He remarked that he had +brought his fly-rod with him, and I suggested that a heavy bass rod +would prove more serviceable. + +On the evening of his arrival at Homosassa he visited the dock in front +of Jones' house, and noticed fish breaking water near the shore. He +proceeded to the house, rigged his rod, and was followed to the dock +by a number of laughing sceptics, who ridiculed the "spindly rod and +feather baits." In compliance with Mr. Johnson's request, Dr. Ferber +rowed him a short distance from the dock, and the fun commenced with +large-mouthed bass and red trout; and from that evening fly-fishing +became an established institution on the south-west coast of Florida. +For a number of years Dr. Ferber has devoted his winters to fly-fishing +on the south-west coast, and it is to be regretted that he was not +requested to give his ripe and ample experience, instead of one who is +far beneath him in experience and ability to wield the split bamboo or +pen. + +The next season after Mr. Johnson's visit to Homosassa Mr. Francis +Endicott, of New York, visited the locality and indulged in fly-fishing. +He informed me that he had captured with the fly eight distinct species +of fish on the Homosassa River; and I will ask where else in the United +States can the devotee of the gentle art capture eight distinct species +of fish with the fly on a river but ten miles in length? + +My friend, Dr. Ferber, on his return from the southwest coast in April +last, visited me, and stated that he had caught on that coast, with +artificial flies, eleven distinct species of fish. Among the number +I may mention large-mouthed bass (trout of the South), channel bass, +cavalli, ravallia, skip jacks, sea trout, brown snappers, roach, and +three species of bream. + +Instead of wading icy-cold and over-fished brooks, tearing clothes and +flesh in creeping through briers and brush, and being subjected to the +sanguinary attention of mosquitoes and black flies in bringing to creel +a few fingerlings, in Florida the angler can cast his fly from a sandy +beach or boat, inhale an invigorating atmosphere, bask in the sunshine, +and capture specimens of the finny tribe, the weight of which can be +determined by pounds instead of ounces. + +Sea trout of the South are closely allied to the weak fish of the North, +and frequent rapid waters, oyster beds and weedy flats. They range from +one to five pounds, are good biters and make a noble resistance to avoid +the landing net. + +Large-mouthed black bass (trout of the South) exist in great numbers in +the lakes and streams of the State. In very clear lakes and streams they +are not disposed to indulge in artificial baits. As fighters they are +unworthy of the notice of experts. It has been my lot to capture them +in many localities, and I have found that after the first few struggles +they open their mouths and come to gaff like a grain bag. + +Brown snappers exist in countless numbers in some of the streams of the +State--as in the Homosassa. They range from six ounces to one pound, and +cannot resist the temptation to capture a hook decorated with feathers. +They are good biters and full of game. Owing to the presence of a number +of rat-like teeth, they play sad havoc with flies; and we would advise +those who propose engaging in the capture of this fish to provide an +ample supply of feathery lures. + +Skip-jacks (or bone-fish) visit the streams in schools. They range from +two to six pounds. They readily take a fly and die game. Owing to +their build, size of fins, and muscular development, they are worthy of +notice. On one occasion I was camped at Little Gasparilla pass, and at +the bay side of the inlet there existed an eddy in which I could see +hundreds of skip-jacks. Tor some time I amused myself by casting, and +the moment the bait would touch the water the surface would be in a +boil. I would strike and the next instant a bone-fish would be two or +three feet in the air. As a rule they enter the streams with the flood +tide, and as they are constantly breaking the water they can be followed +in a boat. By following the fish on the flood and ebb the rodster may +enjoy a number of hours of exciting sport. Between Esteno and Marco +passes I have seen them for hours at a time feeding on minnows near the +beach. + +The Ravallia is a fish with which I am unacquainted, although I have +reason to believe that it exists in quantity at certain points on the +south-west coast. My friend Dr. Ferber, informed me that in one of his +cruises he entered Billy Bow Legs Creek and noticed a deep pool. He made +a cast and landed a ravallia. Nearly every cast he would land one or two +ranging from one to three pounds, unless a ravenous cavalli interfered. + +The cavalli of large size would seem to tire of the flouncing and +floundering of their neighbors, and would join in the fray, when the +doctor would part with a fly or leader. The doctor assured me that +the sport was kept up until he was surfeited. He describes the fish as +resembling a pike perch of the North, and is loud in its praise as a +game fish. Friends have informed me that they have captured specimens of +this fish, with cut bait, weighing thirty pounds. My impression is, that +if pools and inlets south of Punta Passa were thoroughly tried with the +fly that the piscator would be rewarded with large-sized specimens. + +Bream of several species exist in great numbers in many of the streams +and lakes of the State. They range from four ounces to one pound, and +afford considerable sport on a light rod. Roach are not plentiful, but +there they exist they will not refuse a brown hackle. + +In many of the streams of the State war-mouthed perch exist in numbers, +ranging from one to three pounds. When the streams are low, they readily +take a fly, and give the angler all lie can attend to. + +In some of the creeks tributary to the St. Johns' and in some of the +interior lakes, pickerel exercise their snapping propensities, and do +not object to appropriate a gaudy fly in the early mom or at the close +of the day. + +On the Eastern Coast, more especially at Indian River inlet, small blue +fish congregate in numbers during the winter months, and at times will +not refuse a fly. They are fair fighters, and as the piscator can fish +from a sandy beach, much enjoyment can be secured. + +In Florida cat fish will take a fly, and I may also add a spinner. +In this State we have a number of species of this fish, and one is a +surface feeder. In the evening, when they are feeding on the surface, +they will not reject a large and gaudy fly. To those who have been +accustomed to capture with a stout rod diminutive specimens of catties, +I will say, hook on to a catty weighing from six to twelve pounds and +there will be "music in the air," and unless skill is exercised on +the part of the fisherman the leader will go to where the "woodbine +twineth." + +In Florida, as everywhere else, the best fishing is near where A., B. +or C. run a hotel or keep a boarding house, or where certain steamboats +make a terminal landing. But in my experience the best places to fish, +as a rule, are where there are no hotels or specimens of the colored +persuasion with their cast nets. When "I go a-fishing" I leave +civilization, hotels, and boarding-houses in the rear. + +The best points for fly-fishing for large-mouthed bass are on the +upper St. Johns, the tributaries of Indian river, the Kessimmee and the +streams and lagoons on the south-west coast. For pickerel and bream the +best points are the tributaries of the St. Johns between Mandarin and +Lake Monroe. For war-mouthed perch, the best streams will be found in +Alachua County. + +From all that I can glean from gentlemen who have fished the locality, +the lower Indian River and its tributaries will furnish a fine field for +the fly-caster. West of Cedar Keys to St. Marks is a shoal coast covered +with marine algæ; and the coast line is cut up with a number of small +streams stocked--nay, swarming--with fish. This section is uninhabited, +the streams have not been fished, and a fine field for sport awaits the +fisherman. In addition, hand line or bass rod fishing can be enjoyed for +sheepshead and channel bass. The woods abound with deer, the hummocks +contain plenty of turkeys, and the bays and grassy flats during the +winter are alive with ducks, and in certain localities geese and brant +will be found. Beech birds, as snipe and curlews, can be bagged in +quantity. + +The first stream worthy of notice on the southwest coast is the +Homosassa River, forty miles south of Cedar Keys. But this beautiful +river has lost its greatest attraction, "Mother Jones." I have been +informed that she left Homosassa, and, as a sequence, there will be +wanting the clean rooms and beds, the stewed and scalloped oysters, +the aromatic coffee, the delicious breakfast bacon, and the luscious +sheepshead done to a turn. With "Mother Jones" will depart many of +the attractions of the place, more particularly the cuisine. I write +feelingly, for I was the first to make known the attractions of my +favorite Homosassa. + +According to my friend, Dr. Ferber, Billy Bow Legs Creek, a tributary +of Sarasota Bay, presents many attractions to the fly-fisher, more +especially in the capture of cavalli and ravallia. Long Boat Inlet, an +entrance to this bay, must not be overlooked. + +Many points in Charlotte Harbor offer inducements to the fly-fisher. If +he tires of using the split bamboo, he can troll with a spinner and land +large channel bass and cavalli; for diversement he can seat himself in +an arm chair on the dock at Punta Passa and imitate my friend Matthew +Quay (late Secretary of State of Pennsylvania), who landed fifty-six +large sheepshead in one hour. If dissatisfied with this description of +sport the piscator can indulge in the capture of Jew-fish, weighing from +one to three hundred pounds. On the Calloosahatchee, above the islands, +the fly caster can be satiated with sport in landing large-sized +eavalli. From Charlotte Harbor southward every entrance, bay, pass and +lagoon will afford royal sport. + +Delicate mist-colored leaders are not a necessity, for Florida fish have +not been educated or posted with regard to the tricks of the craft. They +seem to recognize but little difference between a single strand of gut +and a clothes-line. The main things requisite are strong leaders and +large-sized hooks, for when fish are so plentiful and valueless the +fisherman is apt to try and see how many he can land within a given +period. With regard to flies, almost any of the more common ones will +answer a good purpose. My choice for channel bass, eavalli, sea trout +and bone fish is a large-sized gaudy fly with a large-sized hook. + +To reach the south-west coast persons can go direct from Savannah or +Fernandina, or visit Jacksonville _en route_. At Cedar Keys, Tampa, or +Manatee they can charter a sloop or schooner of from four to six tons +for five or six dollars per day. This amount will cover captain, boy, +small boat, bedding, stove and cooking utensils. Fish, beach birds, +oysters and clams are plentiful, and the expense of the culinary +department will be from fifty cents to five dollars per capita per diem, +according to the Dutch proclivities of the persons comprising the party. + +The coast is shallow, the ten-fathom line ranging from thirty to forty +miles from shore, and as a consequence there is no undertow, rollers or +heavy seas. The passage from Cedar Keys to Bay Biscayne can be made in a +small boat at almost any time. On one occasion the writer made the trip +from Key West to Cedar Keys in a boat sixteen feet in length. + +Fly-fishing in Florida is a recent development, and it offers a large +field for experiment and investigation; and I trust that the period is +not far distant when the sport will be indulged in by the many. By +the first of January, 1884, Tampa will be reached from this city in +twenty-four hours via Sanford and Kissimmee. From what we know of +railroads in this State we feel assured that one will be completed to +Punta Passa within two years; when Charlotte Harbor and Estero Bay, the +greatest of fishing points, will be rendered accessible to all. + +In preparing this article we have used the common names of fish, and +the reason for so doing will be obvious to all. In passing through this +city, if fly-fishers will call upon me between 12 m. and 2 p.m., I will +endeavor to smooth the road for them. + +Jacksonville, Fla. + + + + +FLY-FISHING. + +By Col. E. Z. C. Judson.--"Ned Buntline." + +Fishermen are _born_ such--not made! That is my private opinion, +publicly expressed. It is founded upon the experience of full half a +century on ocean, lake, river, and brook. I have taken a mature man with +me on a fishing trip, who had never cast "a line in pleasant places," +lent him rod and tackle, made a few casts in his presence, caught +perhaps a half a dozen trout, and then watched his imitative power +combined with the tact _born_ in him. If he was one of the right sort he +would go right on improving every hour, and in a little while begin to +fill his creel with the best of us. + +My personal knowledge of fish and fishing began early. My father had few +superiors as an angler, and trouting was his specialty. He made his own +rods, lines and flies. The first was a tapering ashen pole--generally +about ten feet long--scraped, oiled and varnished till it was as smooth +and bright as glass. The line was made from horse-hair and braided with +a care and patience that used to be a wonder to me. + +The blue-jay, the red-headed woodpecker, the pheasant and wood-duck were +shot for fly-feathers. When I was a wee toddler in skirts I used to hold +hooks and snells and play at "helping papa." + +All this was done here at the head of the Delaware, where both my father +and myself were born. But a change came. When I was about six years old +my father bought a large tract of wild land in the wildest part of Wayne +County, Pennsylvania, and settled on it. The Lackawaxen Creek ran +right through it, and that then lovely stream was literally alive with +speckled trout. From the day we entered our log house there I was a +_fisher_-boy. I caught trout every day in the summer, for a big spring +rose within a rod of the house and from it ran a lively brook to the +main stream, ten rods away, and even a pin-hook and linen thread would +draw them out. + +As I grew older I would go with my father to the big eddies and deep +holes, where he would lure the largest to his fly and I was only +too--too utterly happy when allowed to wade waist deep in the water to +carry or float his string of trout toward home. + +Since then never a summer has passed, except when actively engaged in +naval or military service for my country, that has not found me fishing +somewhere. I have covered the best waters in Maine, New Hampshire and +Vermont; Canada and the British Provinces know me of old; California, +Oregon and British Columbia--all along the Big Rockies--have seen me +testing flies and bait, the former often tied rudely on the spur of +necessity, but generally very effectively. For where trout are _very_ +plenty, food is scarce, and they will bite at anything. I speak of trout +mostly, for that is my _favorite_ fish. Salmon next, although the work +comes in when you strike anything oyer eight or ten pounds, and sport +degenerates when it becomes _labor_. I have heard of "labors of love," +but I never took stock in anything of the kind. + +In all this active piscatorial life, I have studied _Fishermen_ as +well as fish. And I have come to the conclusion which opens this +article--that fishermen are _born_ for it and can't he manufactured out +of _raw_ material! + +I have felt thankful to our Father above that nine out of ten of the +_tourists_ who take to the streams in easy reach, are indifferent +fishermen. For thereby the streams still contain fish. Were all who +fish in them skillful and hoggish, in a little while there would be no +fishing except in "far-away" places, difficult to reach. + +I do not claim to hold a Master's Degree as a fly-fisherman. + +I do delight in the art, for one of the arts and sciences it surely is. +I have bowed my head in reverence before the skilled hand of my dear +friend, George Dawson--now beside the bright waters of the Happy Land +above. I have stood silent and pleased while Seth Green deftly made +casts which I could only feebly imitate. + +Yet those who know me best say that I _can_ use a fly-rod and catch +trout and salmon therewith, so I essay a few words on the subject, +speaking only from my own experience. I have never been observant enough +to see a trout strout strike a fly with his tail, drown it and then eat +it. I always take a trout in the mouth on my fly--generally hooked in +the upper lip, showing that he does _his_ part of the business in a +straightforward way and does not come tail first to the lure. + +I own to be a little particular about my rod, the middle joint not too +limber, but with back-bone as well as spring; it suits me if it tapers +so as to describe a perfect arc when the tip is brought near to the +butt. I specify no makers--though I own to favorites in that line. I +wish to make no petty jealousies here. + +A rod as near ten feet long as may be, for trout fishing, weight from +seven to eight ounces, never over ten, with the reel close to and +_under_ the butt; an easy running click-reel; a line of braided hair and +silk, strong and weighty enough for a cast against the wind as well as +with it; a clear, strong, looped leader for a quick change of flies; +a book well supplied with the latter to give the speckled beauties a +choice, and I am ready for work. + +The idea of special flies for special seasons of the year I have found +to be a humbug. Trout are exceedingly whimsical about flies. Watch those +that are on the stream, see which the trout leap for and get as near the +like of them as your book will allow. + +Always, if possible, fish down stream. It is easier. You can detect +swirls, eddies, shaded pools, coverts of rock, mossy-banks and +overhanging branches, from above, better than below. Trout do not scare +so easily that a cast of fifteen or twenty feet will not find them ready +to rise if they are hungry. You have also the aid of the current in +guiding your fly to each coveted spot after it touches the water. + +Enter a stream, say its average width is seventy-five or one hundred +feet, few of our mountain streams are so much, and a skilled rodster +can cover it with ease--for wading down lie chooses his water, makes his +casts, seldom over twenty or twenty-five feet of line to a cast, much of +oftener less, and in "good waters" fills his creel. + +For a forward cast, with your line as far out as may be necessary +for the distance, throw your rod sharply back to an angle of not over +fifteen degrees, and then bring it forward quickly till, as your line +and flies are extended, the tip is on a level with your breast, never +lower so as to dip water. With a line "taut," so to speak, if a trout +rises as your fly or flies touch the stream, a sharp, quick turn of the +wrist will strike the hook home and secure him. Your strike must be firm +and decisive; give the trout one second to understand and he _spits_ the +fly out. Laugh if you will, but that is what he does. + +When hooked, if not too large for your tackle, _draw_ the trout swiftly +to you, _lift_ him out, and break his neck, by bending back the head +where it joins the back-bone. Thus he is out of pain, and does not +bruise and flop himself soft, while dying, in your creel. "Playing" a +trout for the mere fun of the thing, is unnecessary torture; besides, +you frighten more than you secure, in the process. A very large trout, +of course, must be weakened in the water, but many fishermen think there +is no sport without they "play" a fish, no matter how small he is. + +Never cast a foot more line than you need. You cannot gather slack half +as easy as you can pay it out. + +In regard to flies--I have found the brighter the day, as a general +thing, the darker fly do trout want. At early dawn, or in the soft +twilight of evening, a very light fly--a Coachman, is best. Next, Gray +Miller, and especially the Stone fly. I use more Coachmen, Black Gnats +and Stone flies in _one_ season, than I do of all other flies put +together in three summers. + +Be sure, of all things, that your line runs easy through the standing +guides, or guide-rings. I like the former best. + +In casting right or left, to reach under bushy or over-hanging limbs, +the same sharp, or quick action which makes an over-cast successful, is +required, and great care not to draw any slack line when your fly drops +where you want it. + +Many fly-fishermen are considered adepts according to the _length_ +rather than the grace and certainty of their casts. I do not think in +actual stream fishing an average of a day's casting, would reach over +fifteen feet to a cast. I never made but one _very_ long cast in actual +angling in my life. + +Once, on the bank of a mill-pond in the upper part of Alder Brook, in +Ulster County, N. Y., I saw a trout in shoal water, the largest I ever +caught in that vicinity. To reach him without alarm, I cast seventy-two +feet, _measured_ afterward from a knot on my line near my reel, and got +my fish. + +He weighed two and a quarter pounds, and I had to play him some to save +him. + +And now, with a word to young fishermen and old _beginners_, I will +close. + +Learn first to cast a line and take a trout with bait before you try a +fly. You will thereby gain confidence, learn to hook your fish at the +instant he strikes, and gain the supple use of arm and wrist which makes +the fly-fisherman skillful. + +My dear wife, by whose sick bed I pen these words, for one long joyous +summer in camp, fished by my side, using bait while she saw me casting +no lure but flies. + +The next time we went on the stream she had a six-ounce fly-rod, and +fifty beautiful trout in two hours to her basket proved how apt a pupil +she had been. + +With many words of cheer to all who love the glorious pastime, I remain, +as of yore--Uncle Ned--_a born fisherman_. + +"Eagle's Nest," Delaware Co., N. Y. + + +"There are two peculiarities of all sorts of fish, which are frequently +unnoticed; that they are largely attracted to their food by scent, and +that they feed at night."--_Seth Green_. + +"The first and last object of the fly-fisher is to show as much of the +fly to the fish as possible, and as little of anything else."--_Francis +Francis_. + +"The notion of the main mass of anglers would appear to be, that if an +unusually cunning fish takes up an impregnable-looking position he is to +be religiously left unassailed. 'Breakers ahead!' seem to be scented by +the over-cautious pliers of the rod, when the chances of conquest are +really 'as even' as in less dangerous localities; and even supposing +this were not so, the greater the difficulties the more exciting the +sport, and the keener the pleasure."--_David Foster._ + +(Illustration Missing) + +26. Manchester. + +27. Blue Jay. + +28. Imperial. + +29. McLeod. + +30. Black and Gold. + +31. White and Jungle Cock. + +"Many men of fame, even equal to Dr. Johnson's, have been eminent as +anglers, and have redeemed and disculpated angling from his surly and +foolish sneer."--_John Lyle King._ + +"I invariably endeavor, when dressing a fly, to imitate the living +insect; still I have seen nondescript flies beat all the palmer hackles +and the most life-like flies that ever graced a casting-line."--"_Frank +Forester_." + +"If we are content with an ungainly fly, we will be satisfied with +inferiority of rod and tackle; and although the fish may not see the +difference, the angler may become, from neglecting one point, slovenly +in all. A well-made fly is a beautiful object, an ill-made one an +eye-sore and annoyance; and it is a great satisfaction both to exhibit +and examine a well-filled book of handsomely tied flies."--_R. B. +Roosevelt_. + +"What is life, after all, but just going a-fishing all the time, casting +flies on many rivers and lakes, and going quietly home as the day is +ending?"--_W. C. Prime._ + +"This fishing story is at an end; not for want of material, for there +are other scenes and other times of equal pleasure that crowd my memory +as I write these lines. And so it will ever be to you, my friend, should +you, even in your later years, take up the angler's art: it grows with +its growth, and strengthens with its strength, and, if uncurbed, may +perchance, with many of us, become a passion. + +"But, for all that, it will fill the storehouse of our memories with +many a scene of unalloyed pleasure, which in the sunset of life we may +look back upon with fondest satisfaction. + +"If in the minds of any one of you who as yet are ignorant of the charm +of fishing, as it has here been revealed. I have induced the desire +for a test, 'Stand not upon the order of your going, but go at once,' +provided it be the season, and, the word of an old fisherman for it, you +will thank me for these random pages."--_Charles W. Stevens._ + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Fishing With The Fly, by +Charles F. 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Orvis and Others + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 100%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's Fishing With The Fly, by Charles F. Orvis and Others + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most +other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of +the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at +www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have +to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. + + + +Title: Fishing With The Fly + Illustrated + +Author: Charles F. Orvis and Others + +Release Date: August 25, 2014 [EBook #46680] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FISHING WITH THE FLY *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger from page images generously +provided by the Internet Archive + + + + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + FISHING WITH THE FLY + </h1> + <h2> + By Charles F. Orvis and Others + </h2> + <p> + <<br /> + </p> + <h3> + Copyright 1883 + </h3> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0005m.jpg" alt="0005m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0005.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Together let us beat this ample field, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Try what the open, what the covert yield."—Pope. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + "Gentlemen, let not prejudice prepossess you. I confess my discourse is + like to prove suitable to my recreation, calm and quiet. So much for the + prologue of what I mean to say."—Izaac Walton. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> FISHING WITH THE FLY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> ETCHINGS ON A SALMON STREAM. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> FLY CASTING FOR SALMON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> THE SALMON AND TROUT OF ALASKA. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> SEA-TROUT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> RANGELEY BROOK TROUT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> THE GRAYLING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> TROUT FLIES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> A TROUTING TRIP TO ST. IGNACE ISLAND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> THE ANGLER'S GREETING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> THE LURE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> FLY FISHING IN THE YOSEMITE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> HOW TO CAST A FLY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> WHY PETER WENT A-FISHING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> FROM "GAME FISH OF THE NORTH." </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> THE POETRY OF FLY FISHING </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> A PERFECT DAY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> SUGGESTIONS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> BASS FLIES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> THE RESOURCES OF FLY-FISHING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> WINTER ANGLING </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> NOT ALL OF FISHING TO FISH </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> FLY-FISHING IN FLORIDA </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> FLY-FISHING. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FISHING WITH THE FLY. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ETCHINGS ON A SALMON STREAM. + </h2> + <h3> + By Charles Hallock + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> suppose that all that can he instructively written of the salmon has + already been said. The processes of natural and artificial propagation + have become familiar to all who desire to learn; the secrets of their + periodical migrations—their advents and their absences—have + been fathomed from the depths of ocean; their form and beauty have been + lined by the artist's brush, and their flavor (in cans) is known to all + the world where commerce spreads her wings. And yet, the subject always + carries with it a perennial freshness and piquancy, which is renewed with + each recurring spring, and enhanced by every utterance which attempts to + make it vocal; just as the heavenly choirs repeat the anthem of the + constructed universe intoned to the music of the assenting spheres! The + enthusiasm which constantly invests it like a halo has not been dissipated + or abated by the persistent pursuit of many centuries, albeit the + sentiments of to-day are but the rehearsal of the original inspiration, + and present knowledge the hereditary outcome of ancient germs. + </p> + <p> + All down the ages echo has answered echo, and the sounding forks have + transmitted orally the accented annals wherever the lordly salmon swims. + </p> + <p> + Now, hold rhapsody, and let us look to the river! Do you mark the regal + presence in yonder glinting pool, upon which the sun flashes with an + intensity which reveals the smallest pebble on the bottom? Nay? You cannot + see that salmon, just there at the curl of the rapid? Nor his knightly + retinue drawn up there abreast just behind him in supporting position? + Then, my friend, you are indeed a novice on the river, and the refraction + of the solar rays upon its surface blinds your unaccustomed eyes. Well, + they do certainly look but shadows in the quiet pool, so motionless and + inanimate, or but counterfeiting the swaying of the pensile rock-weeds of + the middle stream. What comfortable satisfaction or foreboding + premonitions do you imagine possess the noble lord while he is taking his + recuperative rest in the middle chamber, after passing from his + matriculation in the sea? Faith! you can almost read his emotions in the + slow pulsations of his pectoral fins, and the inflection of his throbbing + tail! Perhaps he shrinks from the barricade of rock and foam before him; + or hesitates to essay the royal arch above the gorge, which reflects in + prismatic hues of emblematic glory the mist and mysteries of the + unattempted passage. + </p> + <p> + And his doughty squires around him; do they share his misgivings, or are + they all royal bloods together, <i>sans peur sans reproche</i>, in scaled + armiture of blue and silver, eager to attain the land of promise and the + ultimate degree of revelation? Ah! the way is indeed beset with + difficulties and crucial tests, but its end is joy and the fulness of + knowledge: and "knowledge is the beginning of life." + </p> + <p> + Let us go nearer, and with caution. Ha! what flash was that across the + pool, so swift and sudden that it seemed to begin and end at once? It sped + like a silver arrow across the line of sight, but it was not a silver + arrow; only <i>the salmon</i> on his route up stream, at the rate of 90 + miles per hour. Were it not for the obstructions of the cascades and the + long rapids, and perchance the wicked set-nets of the fishermen, it would + not take him long to accomplish his journey to the head of the stream, and + there prepare for the spawning-beds. But were-the way to procreation made + thus easy, and should all the salmon of a season's hatching survive, they + would stock their native rivers so full in a couple of years that there + would be no room for them. So the sacrifice of life is necessary that life + may continue. Strange the paradox! + </p> + <p> + I love to see the salmon leap in the sunlight on the first flood of a + "June rise," and I love to hear his splash in the darkness of the still + night, when the place where he jumped can be determined only by the sound, + unless perchance his break in the water disturbed the reflection of a + star. I have stood on heights afar off at the opening of the season, ere + my unconsecrated rod had chance to exercise its magic, or my lips and feet + to kiss the river, and with the combined exhilaration of impatience, + desire, and joy, watched the incessant spirits of silvery spray until my + chained and chafed spirit almost broke at the strain; and I have lain on + my couch at midnight sleepless and kept awake by the constant splash of + the salmon leaps. More interesting, if not so stimulating, is the leap of + the salmon at obstructing falls, with the air filled with dozens of + darting, tumbling, and falling fish—the foam dashing and sparkling + in the sun, the air resonant with roar, and damp with the ever-tossing + spray. Nay, more: I have seen a fall whose breast was an unbroken sheet + thirty feet perpendicular, inclosed by lateral abutments of shelving crags + which had been honey-combed by the churning of the water in time of flood; + and over these crags the side-flow of the falls ran in struggling + rivulets, filling up the holes and providing little reservoirs of + temporary rest and refreshment for the running salmon; and I have actually + seen and caught with my hands a twelve-pound salmon which had worked its + way nearly to the counterscarp of the topmost ledge in its almost + successful effort to surmount a barrier so insuperable! Surely, the + example of such consummate pertinacity should teach men to laugh at + average obstacles which stand in the pathway of their ambition! + </p> + <p> + I always become enthusiastic oyer the rugged grandeur of some Canadian + rivers with which I am familiar. + </p> + <p> + We have no such rivers in our own domain, except on the Pacific slope; and + except in parts of Scotland and Norway, the streams of Europe must be tame + in comparison. It is because so few of our own anglers have the experience + to enable them to draw contrasts, that they do not more appreciate the + charm of salmon fishing. Even a vivid description fails to enforce the + reality upon their comprehension, and they remain listless and content + with smaller game. Beyond the circumscribed horizon of grass-meadows and + the mountain trout streams of New England and the Blue Ridge their vision + does not reach. There is a higher plane both of eminence and art. + </p> + <p> + Opportunely for man's periodical proclivities, nature has given to salmon + and green peas a vernal flavor and adaptation to each other, as well as to + his desires, so that, when the spring comes around they act directly on + his liver, expelling all the effete accumulations of winter, stimulating + the action of the nerves and brain, and imparting an irresistible desire + to go a-fishing. They oil the hinges of the tongue and keep it wagging + until June. When that auspicious, leafy month arrives, not all the cares + of State will hold a President, Vice-President, or even a Vice-Regent, + from taking his annual outing on the salmon streams. Representatives of + royalty and representatives of republicanism join sympathies and hands. + The Governor-General of Canada sails to his favorite river in a government + vessel with her officers in full panoply of brass buttons and navy-blue. + The President of the United States abandons the well-worn star routes for + more congenial by-paths. Wealthy Americans in private yachts steam away to + the tributaries of the St. Lawrence, and clubs cross lines on their + exclusive casting grounds. The humbler citizen, with more limited purse, + betakes his solitary way to the rehabilitated streams of Maine, enjoys + fair sport, and while he fishes, thanks the indefatigable Fish + Commissioners of the State for the good work which they have accomplished. + </p> + <p> + "So everybody is happy, and nobody left out; and therefore so long as the + season lasts—Hurrah for Salmon and Green Peas, and vive la Salmo + Salar! I may, peradventure, give you some instructions that may be of use + even in your own rivers; and shall bring you acquainted with more flies + than Father Walton has taken notice of in his Complete Angler."—Charles + Cotton. + </p> + <p> + "Eh, man! what a conceit it is when ye reach a fine run on a warm spring + mornin', the wuds hatchin' wi' birds, an' dauds o' licht noos and thans + glintin' on the water; an' the water itsel' in trim order, a wee doon, + after a nicht's spate, and wi' a drap o' porter in't, an' rowin' and + bubblin' ower the big stanes, curlin' into the linn and oot o't; and you + up tae the henches in a dark neuk whaur the fish canna see ye; an' than to + get a lang cast in the breeze that soughs in the bushes, an' see yer flee + licht in the verra place ye want, quiet as a midge lichts on yer nose, or + a bumbee on a flower o' clover."—Norman McLeod, D.D. + </p> + <p> + "Salmon fishing is confessedly the highest department in the school of + angling."—George Dawson. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0016m.jpg" alt="0016m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0016.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 1. Prince Wm. of Orange. + </p> + <p> + 2. Butcher. + </p> + <p> + 3. Jock Scott. + </p> + <p> + 4. Silver Doctor. + </p> + <p> + 5. Fairy + </p> + <p> + 6. Silver Gray. + </p> + <p> + 7. Curtis. + </p> + <p> + "The noblest of fish, the mighty salmon, refuses bait utterly, and only + with the most artistic tackle and the greatest skill can he be taken; the + trout, which ranks second to the salmon, demands an almost equal + perfection of bait, and in his true season, the genial days of spring and + summer, scorns every allurement but the tempting fly. The black bass + prefers the fly, but will take the trolling spoon, and even bait, at all + seasons; whereas the fish of lesser station give a preference to bait, or + accept it alone. This order of precedence sufficiently proves what every + thorough sportsman will endorse—that bait fishing, although an art + of intricacy and difficulty, is altogether inferior to the science of fly + fishing."—<i>Robert B. Roosevelt.</i> + </p> + <p> + "Sometimes a body may keep threshin' the water for a week without seein' a + snout—and sometimes a bodyhyucks a fish at the very first thrau!"—<i>Christopher + North.</i> + </p> + <p> + "Salmon fishing is, to all other kinds of angling, as buck shooting to + shooting of any meaner description. The salmon is in this particular the + king of fish. It requires a dexterous hand and an accurate eye to raise + and strike him; and when this is achieved, the sport is only begun, where, + even in trout angling, unless in case of an unusually lively and strong + fish, it is at once commenced and ended. Indeed the most sprightly trout + that ever was hooked, shows mere child's play in comparison to a fresh run + salmon."—<i>Sir Walter Scott.</i> + </p> + <p> + "'I chose the largest fly I could find,' said the captain, 'because the + water here is very deep and strong; and as the salmon lies near the bottom + I must have a large fly to attract his attention; but I must not have a + gaudy fly, because the water is so clear that the sparkle of the tinsel + would be more glittering than anything in nature; and the fish, when he + had risen and come near enough to distinguish it, would be very apt to + turn short.' + </p> + <p> + "'You have it now, precisely,' said the parson; 'the depth of the water + regulates the size of the fly, and the clearness of the water its colors. + This rule, of course, is not without exceptions; if it were there would be + no science in fishing. The sun, the wind, the season, the state of the + atmosphere, must also be taken into consideration; for instance, this + rapid we are going to fish now, is the very same water we have been + fishing in below, and therefore just as clear, but it is rough, and + overhung by rocks and trees. I mean therefore to put on a gayer fly than + any we have used hitherto.'"—<i>Rev. Henry Newland.</i> + </p> + <p> + "I unhesitatingly assert that there is no single moment with horse or gun + into which is concentrated such a thrill of hope, fear, expectation, and + exultation, as that of the rise and successful striking of a heavy salmon. + I have seen men literally unable to stand, or to hold their rod, from + sheer excitement."—<i>H. Choimondeley Pennell.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FLY CASTING FOR SALMON. + </h2> + <h3> + By George Dawson. + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>here is no essential difference between trout and salmon casting. The + same general principles apply to both, and it only requires the careful + application of the skill attained in 'the one to become equally expert in + the other. The difference is simply the difference in weight. A + twelve-foot trout rod weighs, say, eight ounces, and an eighteen-foot + salmon rod, with reel, weighs two or three times as much. The one can be + manipulated with one hand; the other requires both. With the one you + ordinarily cast forty or fifty feet; with the other sixty or eighty; and + with rods equally approximating perfection, it is as easy to cast the + eighty feet with the one as the forty feet with the other. I do not mean + to say that no more muscular exertion is required in the one case than in + the other, but simply that with such slight effort as is necessary with + either, it is as easy to place your fly where you wish it with the one rod + as with the other. No great muscular exertion is necessary to cast with + either. Indeed, the chief difficulty in casting is to get rid of the idea + that a great deal of muscular effort is necessary to get out a long line. + That coveted result is not to be attained by mere muscle. If you have a + giant's strength you mustn't use it like a giant. If you do you will never + make a long or a graceful cast with either trout or salmon rod. With both + there must be only such strength used as is necessary to give the line a + quick but not a snappy back movement—keeping up the motion evenly + until the fly is placed where you desire it. + </p> + <p> + The most difficult attainment, in both salmon and trout casting, is to be + able, with instinctive accuracy, to measure the distance traversed by the + backward movement of your line. If you begin the return too soon your line + will snap and thereby endanger your fly; if you are too tardy it will + droop and thereby lose the continuity of tension indispensable to a + graceful and effective forward movement. This essential art can only be + attained by practice. Some attain it readily; others never;—just as + some measure time in music with unerring accuracy, without a teacher; some + only acquire the art after protracted drilling, and others never acquire + it at all. + </p> + <p> + There is almost as perfect rhythm in fly-casting as in music. Given a + definite length of line and the expert can measure his cast by his one, + two, three, four, as accurately as a teacher can regulate the time of his + orchestra by the movement of his <i>baton</i>. While this is true in + casting with either rod it is most noticeable in easting for salmon. The + heavy line, the massive springy rod, and the great distance to be + traversed, render each movement—the lift from the water, the + backward flight of the line, the return motion, and the drop at the point + desired—as distinct to a quick perception as the beat of a bar in + music. + </p> + <p> + But there are occasions when it would not do to cast by count. If the wind + is strong in any direction the movement of the line is perceptibly + effected; and if the wind happens to be at your back, it requires great + skill and care to counteract its influence and secure satisfactory + results. With such a wind, unless you are perfect master of the situation, + you will be apt to snap off more flies in an hour than you will be likely + to lose legitimately in a fortnight. Nine-tenths of all the flies I ever + lost took their departure before I learned how to cast safely with a high + wind at my back. + </p> + <p> + In many salmon rivers the pools are so placed and the general body of + water is of such depth that you can always cast from your anchored canoe. + As, under such circumstances, there are no obstructions behind you, less + care is required in keeping your fly well up in its backward flight than + when casting from the shore—as in some rivers you always have to do. + </p> + <p> + In the salmon season the water is usually well down in the banks, and in + many rivers the slope from high water mark to the summer channel is + considerable. In casting, as a rule, you stand near the water; unless, + therefore, you cast high—that is, unless you keep your fly well up + in its backward flight it will almost certainly come in contact with a + stone or boulder of some sort and be broken. To avoid this mishap requires + great care. You must keep the point of your rod well up always—several + degrees higher than when casting on the water. My first experience in + shore-casting where the banks had a precipitous slope cost me a great many + pet flies; and I never got to feel really "at home" in casting under such + circumstances. It detracts from the sport when your mind is occupied with + the proper swing of the line. But enough of ecstacy remains to enable one + to overlook this inconsiderable drawback. Only give the angler an + opportunity to cast from any sort of standpoint and he will speedily + discover the proper lift and swing to overcome any obstacle, and be happy. + </p> + <p> + Salmon casting—especially the frequency of the cast—depends + largely upon the character of the water you are fishing. If the pool is + straight and narrow and the current strong, and you are casting from a + canoe, you can so manipulate your fly as to render frequent casts + unnecessary—the important thing being not to let your fly sink, as + it is not likely to do in such a current. In large pools where the current + is sluggish, as is sometimes the case, frequent casts are necessary in + order to touch it at every point with your fly on the surface. Where you + are able to cast across a pool, if the current moves with a moderate + force, you can sweep it at each cast by giving your rod the proper motion. + This latter class of pools are those most coveted, because you can cover a + great deal of ground with very little effort. If you fall in with a pool—as + you sometimes will—where the current is so sluggish as to be almost + imperceptible, frequent casts are unavoidable. Without them, not only will + your fly sink, but your line will soon acquire a slack which not only + gives one an uncomfortable feeling but is unsafe in case of a rise. The + very first requisite in salmon fishing is a taut line. It is not only + requisite for safety, but without it it is impossible to promptly and + properly recover your line for a new cast. + </p> + <p> + But there is nothing so tests a salmon angler's skill and patience as to + cast in an eddy or whirl. No matter how carefully or at what distance one + casts, the moment the fly touches the water it begins to come back upon + you, compelling constant casting if you cast at all. The result is a great + deal of hard work with very little effect, because to keep a straight line + your fly must be lifted almost the very moment it finds a lodgment on the + surface. In such a pool one soon becomes weary with his efforts to place + and hold his fly in the desired position, for it is not often that he is + rewarded by a rise. Since my first experience in such a pool I have never + hankered after its counterpart. And yet it was a sort of success in this + wray: Having become tired casting I allowed my fly to go as it pleased. It + was soon out of sight, having been drawn down by one of the whirls, and in + reeling up to prevent its being twisted around the rock I presumed to be + the primary cause of the whirl, I found myself hooked to a fish which had + taken my fly at least ten or twelve feet below the surface. When I first + felt him he came up as easily as a six-ounce chub, and I supposed I had + nothing heavier than a medium sized trout. But as soon as he felt the hook + and saw my canoe he showed his mettle, and gave me just such a fight as I + might have expected from a twenty-pound salmon, as he proved to be. That + was the first and last salmon I ever took with the fly so far under water. + The rule with some anglers is "to let the fly sink a little"; my rule is + never to let it sink at all. When a fish strikes I want to see him. There + is no movement that so thrills and delights me as the rush of the salmon + for the fly. To me, half the pleasure of a rise is lost if I don't see the + head and shoulders of the kingly fish when he leaps for the lure. + </p> + <p> + The manner of casting is almost as varied as the casters themselves. You + will seldom see two salmon anglers cast precisely alike. Some cast with a + straight backward and forward movement, without the divergence of a hair. + Others secure a half sweep to the line by giving the backward movement + over the left shoulder and the return over the right, or <i>vice versa</i>. + Still others almost invariably cast sideways, or "under" as it is called, + seldom lifting their rod perpendicularly. Some stand as erect and + motionless as a statue when they cast. Others sway to and fro as if they + made their body rather than their arms do the work; and others still push + themselves forward as they cast, as if they were not sure their fly would + reach its destination unless they followed it. These, however, are simple + mannerisms. Each may be equally expert—that is, equally successful + in placing his fly just where he wants it and just at such distance as he + please. My own preference and practice is, a slight sway of the body and a + nearly straight backward and forward movement of the line. There are, of + course, occasions when a semicircle sweep of the line, or a lateral + movement, or an under cast is necessary to reach some desired objective + point. All these movements, when they are deemed necessary, will come from + experience; but for unobstructed waters I prefer a straight cast, and only + such slight motion of the body as will give occasional respite to the + arms; for it is no boy's play to so handle a ponderous salmon rod for + hours in succession as to give the needed sweep to an eighty-foot line. + </p> + <p> + The flies used for salmon are more numerous and varied than those used for + trout, and quite as uncertain and puzzling to those who use them. I have + taken salmon, as I have taken trout, out of the same water within the same + hour with flies of directly opposite hues, and of shapes and sizes which + were the counterpart of nothing "in the heavens above, in the earth + beneath, or in the waters under the earth." There are, however, standard + flies which experience has shown to be generally more "taking" than + others, and for this sufficient reason are always found in salmon anglers' + fly books. But no expert deems any fly or any dozen flies invariably + adapted to all waters and all conditions of wind and weather. It is + superlative nonsense, therefore, to multiply varieties indefinitely. It is + only necessary to have an "assortment," gaudy and sombre, large and small, + but plenty of them. It is very unpleasant to run short when you are two or + three hundred miles away from "the shop." Those who have had any + considerable experience know just what they want, and the only safe thing + for the novice to do, when ready to lay in his stock, is to seek advice of + someone who knows something of what may be required in the waters to be + visited. + </p> + <p> + And then let him go to the quiet and roaring rivers where salmon + congregate, experiment with such flies as he has, lure the fish by his + skilful casts, strike quick, fight hard, and be happy. + </p> + <p> + Albany, Dec. 7th, 1882. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE SALMON AND TROUT OF ALASKA. + </h2> + <h3> + By L. A. Beardslee, Captain D. S. Navy. + </h3> + <p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">F</span> + rom the great salmon of the Yukon, to the tiny fingerlings, which in + innumerable quantities throng in the various creeks of Alaska, and are as + ambitious to seize a single salmon egg as are their larger brethren to + appropriate great masses of the same, however illy the bait may cover and + disguise the hook which impales it, there is not, I am convinced, an + Alaskan fish, which through any merit of its own, is entitled to an + introduction to the angling fraternity through the medium of this volume, + and to the companionship of the beautiful fac-similes of the flies, which + in life they scorned. + </p> + <p> + From personal observation and collected information, I am prepared to + accuse all of the salmon family which are found in Alaska, of the grave + offence of utterly ignoring the fly, either as food or plaything, and of + depending upon more gross and substantial resources. + </p> + <p> + They are odd fish, and require peculiar treatment both in catching and + discussing. And it is to this cause alone that they are indebted for the + honor of being made honorary members of the gallant band of game-fishes of + which this volume treats. + </p> + <p> + I have selected them as the subject of my contribution, because a single + glance at the array of well-known names of those who are to be my + co-contributors, convinced me that if I wished to present any new, + interesting, or valuable facts upon any icthyological subjects within my + range, I would have to travel well out of the ordinary tracks, and go + prospecting in some "far countree." + </p> + <p> + This I have done, and I feel confident that I alone of the contributors + have been forced by circumstances over which I had no control, into a + situation where the obtaining of my notes became pleasure instead of toil. + </p> + <p> + The notes which will be woven into this paper are not all of them entirely + new. Some have entered into a series of letters, which over the signature + "Piseco" have appeared in the columns of the <i>Forest and Stream</i>, + during 1879-80-81. Through the courtesy of the editor of that journal, I + am permitted to again make use of them. + </p> + <p> + I have preferred a grave charge against the salmon and trout of Alaska; it + is but just that I should explain the basis upon which it is founded, and + endeavor to establish my claim to be somewhat of an authority on the + subject. + </p> + <p> + From the middle of June, 1879, to the latter part of September, 1880, I, + as the commander of the U. S. ship of war <i>Jamestown</i>, was stationed + in the Territory of Alaska, with general instructions to restore and + preserve order among the incongruous collections of Whites, Creoles, and + Indians of which the inhabitants of that forsaken country was composed. + </p> + <p> + My command was moored in Sitka Harbor, but during the two summers and + autumns of my sojourn, my duties called upon me to make frequent trips of + from ten to two hundred miles, to various portions of the Territory. + </p> + <p> + These trips were made in small steamers which I hired, steam launches and + boats of the ship, and Indian canoes, and in them I explored many of the + straits and sounds which separate the islands of the Alexander + Archipelago. + </p> + <p> + Naturally fond of fishing and gunning, my Orvis rods, with full assortment + of flies, all gear necessary for salt-water fishing, and my rifle and + shot-gun, were my inseparable companions; and after days spent in + explorations, sometimes of bays and sounds never before entered by white + men, and in one case of a large bay forty miles deep by fifteen broad, + existing where the latest charts showed solid land only, my evenings were + spent poring over works on natural history, icthyology, and ornithology, + and jotting down in my note-book descriptions of my finds. Such jolly + times! One day a mineral lode, another great flocks of ptarmigan, another + a bear, a mountain sheep, or some new fish—gave me something to + dream of. + </p> + <p> + The Alexander Archipelago, of which Baranoff, Kruzoff, and Tchitagofi + Islands are the principal, is separated from the coast by Chatham Strait, + which, beginning at the southward as a continuation of Puget Sound reaches + to above 60° north at Chilkhat; it is from three to ten miles wide, deep + and steep, too, throughout, bordered on the coast side by high, heavily + timbered, snow-clad mountains, and on the other by high wooded islands. On + both sides, many of the ravines are occupied by immense glaciers, from + which flow icy streams, the birthplace of salmon. + </p> + <p> + Running nearly east and west there are several straits and sounds + connecting Chatham Strait with the Pacific Ocean, of which Peril Strait, + Icy Strait, and Cross Sound, are the principal. These, too, are bordered, + as is Chatham Straits, and are the homes of glaciers and glacial streams. + </p> + <p> + Many of these streams I have personally fished, and among those under my + command were several with kindred tastes, and I became possessed of the + results of their experience. + </p> + <p> + I have read all that I could find of works on Alaska, and since my return + have naturally conversed much with every one whom I have met who had also + an Alaskan episode in his life, and have collected testimony on the point + at issue. One and all affirm that my experience has been theirs, and the + most strenuous efforts with well selected flies have failed to record a + single capture of trout or salmon. The first bit of evidence I collected + is worth recording. When the news that the Yankees had purchased Alaska, + and thus become owners of the land north as well as south of British + Columbia, was communicated to the Scotch Admiral of the English squadron + at Victoria, Vancouver's Island, he ejaculated, "<i>Dom the country! let + 'em have it; the blausted saumon won't rise to a floi.</i>" Such was our + united experience and verdict. + </p> + <p> + Of course, as we caught no end of them (trout and salmon) there were baits + which would seduce them, and these were, for the trout, salmon roe, and + for the salmon, live herrings. + </p> + <p> + There was no poetry in our trout fishing, for compared with salmon roe in + slippery, sticky, slimy chunks, fish worms are aesthetically dainty. + </p> + <p> + There are several little lakes and more streams in the vicinity of Sitka; + some within reach for a day's fishing, and some within an hour's. The + principal of these are <i>Piseco Lake</i> and stream, back of and running + through the town; <i>Indian River</i> and pond, <i>Saw-Mill</i> creek and + lakes, from one to five miles to the eastward; the <i>Redoubt</i> river, + lake, and fall, seven miles to the southward; and a nameless lake and + outlet on Kruzoff Island, the lake embedded in a deep valley, one side of + which is formed by the foot-hills of Mount Edgecomb, a noble, eternally + snow-clad extinct volcano. In all of these trout or salmon are abundant in + the season; in some both, and in some are found species which do not exist + in others. + </p> + <p> + At the "<i>Redoubt</i>" I believe that all varieties and species are + found. The place is named from a huge dam winch the Russians built across + the mouth of a deep and wide ravine, thus forming a large lake of the + river which here empties into the sea. The dam is provided with a number + of salmon gates and traps. From the first run to the last, every passing + school leaves here its tribute, seduced by the proximity of the beautiful + lake; which tribute, duly smoked or salted, is barrelled for the San + Francisco market by a very "lone fisherman," a Russian who for many years, + without other companionship than his klootchman (Indian wife) and dogs, + has devoted his life to the business. + </p> + <p> + If in this paper I make an occasional blunder, by transposition, or + misapplication of the terms "specie" and "variety," or fail on a + scientific nomenclature, I beg that it will be remembered that my claim is + not to be an authority on icthyology, when such names are necessary, but + on Alaska fish, which get along very well with their English, Indian, or + Russian names. + </p> + <p> + I find in my note-book memoranda of the capture of <i>bathymaster-signatus, + chirus deccagramus, and even a cotlus-polycicantliocejrfialous</i>, but + had not Professor Bean instructed me, I should have continued (and I + believe I did) to call the first two after the fish they most resembled, + viz., rock cod and sea bass; and of the last named I have lost and + forgotten the description. But we can spare him; the salmon and trout + will, I feel sure, furnish all the material needed, and I will confine + myself to them. + </p> + <h3> + THE SALMON. + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">F</span>ive species of salmon haye been identified as found in Alaska; these are: + </p> + <p> + The Oncorhynchus Chouicha, + </p> + <p> + The Oncorhynchus Keta, + </p> + <p> + The Oncorhynchus Nerka, + </p> + <p> + The Oncorhynchus Kisutch, + </p> + <p> + The Oncorhynchus Garbosha. + </p> + <p> + I am indebted to Professor Bean for the above list. In it I recognize some + familiar Russian names, and I will supplement the nomenclature. The "<i>Keta</i>" + is the big hump-backed salmon of the Yukon, sometimes attaining a weight + of sixty pounds; the <i>Nerha</i> is also called by the Russians <i>Crassnarebia</i>, + or red-fleshed; and the distinction is well made, for compared with it, + the flesh of the other species seems to fade into pink; the "<i>Kisutch</i>" + or "black throat" is so called on account of the intense blackness of the + roof of the mouth and throat; the flesh is lighter red than the <i>Nerkas</i>, + but more so than any other species, and as a table fish it excels all + others, bringing twice the price at retail; the <i>Garbosha</i> is the + small hump-back, and strikingly resembles the "red fish" of Idaho. This is + the only salmon that I am sure ascends any of the streams near Sitka, + except at the Redoubt, where the <i>Kisutch</i> and <i>Crassna-rebia</i> + are taken in late August and early September. The common name for the <i>garbosha</i> + is the "dog salmon," and a more <i>hideous</i> object than one of them as + found swimming listlessly or dying in one of the pools, it is hard to + conceive of. I find this note of description: "Aug. 26th.—In a + shallow pool I saw a fish some two feet long, feebly struggling as though + he were trying to push himself ashore. I picked him up and laid him on the + grass. A sicker fish never continued to wag his tail; his skin was yellow, + picked out with green and blue spots, from an inch to three in diameter; + and one on his side was about an inch wide and six inches long, bleeding + and raw as though gnawed by mice. One eye was gone, one gill cover eaten + through, and every fin and the tail were but ragged bristles, all web + between the rays having disappeared." + </p> + <p> + The first run of the salmon is well worth description. About the middle of + May, varying from year to year by a few days only, the inhabitants of + dull, sleepy old Sitka experience a sensation, and are aroused from the + lethargy in which they have existed through the long winter. The word + spreads like wildfire, <i>the salmon are coming!</i> Everybody rushes to + the heights which furnish prospect, and strain their eyes for + confirmation. + </p> + <p> + One of our sailors, musically inclined, paraphrased very neatly the old + song, "<i>The Campbells are Coming!</i> huzza! huzza!" and achieved fame + by portraying the emotions nightly under the lee of the forecastle. + </p> + <p> + So good an outlook has been kept by the keen-eyed Indians, and the Creole + boy in the belfry of the Greek church, that when first the glad tidings + are announced, the fish are many miles away, and no signs of their advent + visible to the unpracticed eye. Ear away to the southward, there hangs all + winter a dense black bank, the accumulation of the constant uprising of + vapor from the warm surface of the Kuro-siwo, or Japanese Gulf Stream, + which washes the shores of this archipelago; condensed by the cold winds + sweeping over the snow-clad mountains to the northward, it is swept by + them, and piled up as far as the eye can reach, covering and hiding the + southern horizon as with a pall. + </p> + <p> + Presently our glasses reveal bright flashes upon the face of this curtain; + and soon, to the naked eye, it appears as though the whole horizon had + been encircled with a coral reef, against which the dashing waves were + being shattered into foamy breakers. The breakers advance, and soon among + them we discern black, rapidly-moving forms, and here our previous + nautical experience comes into play, and, "Holymither, d'ye mind the say + pigs!" as shouted by Paddy Sullivan, the captain of the afterguard, + explains most graphically the phenomenon. + </p> + <p> + The salmon <i>are</i> coming, and with them, among, and after them, a host + of porpoises; an army so great, that an attempt to estimate in numbers + would be futile. + </p> + <p> + The Bay and Sound of Sitka are dotted with many beautiful, well-wooded + islands; between them, the channels are deep and blue, and these are soon + thronged by the fleeing salmon and their pursuers; the harbor is soon + reached; but it does not prove one of safety, for although there are + immense flats covered only at half to whole tide, where the salmon could, + and the porpoises could not go, the former avoid them, and, clinging to + the deep water, seek vainly the protection of our ship and boats, which do + not deter the porpoises in the slightest degree. For two or three days, + our eyes, and at night, our ears, tell us that the warfare, or rather + massacre, is unceasing; then there comes an interval of several days, + during which there are no salmon nor porpoises. + </p> + <p> + I had formed an idea, a wrong one, that the presence of salmon would be + made manifest by the leaping of the fish; on the contrary, were we to + judge by this sign alone, but very few had visited us. + </p> + <p> + The first school had hardly gotten fairly into the harbor, before I, with + others, was in pursuit. + </p> + <p> + The cannery boats, and Indians, with their seines, and I with a trolling + line and fly-rod. + </p> + <p> + A single fish apparently, was at intervals of perhaps a minute, leaping + near a point. Indian Dick, one of my staff, excitedly pointed that way, + and urged me to go. "<i>There! there! sawmo sugataheen</i>" (plenty). I + was inclined to look elsewhere, or wait for a larger school; but Dick + remonstrated, "<i>Man see one fish jump, sir, may be got thousand don't + jump, be under</i>." And Dick was right; but a very small percentage leap + from the water, of which I became more fully convinced when I went with + Tom McCauley, head fisherman of the cannery, on seining trips, or rather + on a seining trip, for the affair disgusted me; and, as with my experience + of Spanish bull-fighting, one trial was enough. Imagine so many fish that + <i>tons</i> were the units used in estimating, penned up by the walls of + the seines, into an enclosure, massed so solidly that five Indians, + striking rapidly at random into the mass, with short-handled gaff hooks, + at such rate that, upon one day's fishing, this boat, manned by eight + Indians and one white man, secured <i>thirteen tons</i> of marketable + fish. It was bloody, nasty butchery, and sickened me. Not a fish attempted + to leap out of the net. + </p> + <p> + McCauley supplied me with some data, from his point of view. + </p> + <p> + "<i>About the middle of June, the fish are plentiful enough to start the + cannery, and the season lasts from ten to twelve weeks" He has observed + "Seven different kinds of salmon, all of which are good for canning and + for the table; but two species which come latest are the most valuable, + the flesh being very red and rich with oil</i>" (Kisutch and Crassna + Rebia); that "<i>all of the salmon 'dog' more or less, and that the + dogging begins immediately after they have attempted to enter the streams, + not before August; that after this process has begun</i> (and he + discovered it in fish which, to my unexperienced eyes showed no signs of + it) <i>the value for canning was depreciated</i>," and all such he + rejected, and gave to the flock of poor Indians, who, in their canoes, + followed us to secure them. If McCauley's ideas are correct, the Alaska + salmon caught in salt water, should be superior to those of the Columbia + River and elsewhere, caught in brackish water. During the season of 1879 + there was packed at this cannery, 144,000 lbs. of fish; the largest catch + of any one day was 30,000 lbs. (over 16 tons); the greatest quantity + canned, 9,000 lbs.; the largest fish obtained, 51 lbs.; and the average + weight 12 lbs. The cost of the fish can be estimated at less than one cent + per pound. Just what "dogging" is, I don't know. McCauley's opinion, which + was shared by many others familiar with the fishing, is that it is a + sickness indicated by a change of form and color, produced by contact with + fresh water, and that the most hideously hump-backed, hook-jawed, red and + purple garbosha, was once a straight-backed, comely fish; which, if true, + upsets some theories. All I know about it is, that previous to the advent + of the garboshas, in August, no change of form and color is observable in + any of the fish, none of which enter the streams. During August, at the + same time and place in the creeks, there can be seen garbosha salmon in + all stages of the transformation, and the change in form and color is + coincident. Some are silvery and nearly straight; others tarnished, and + with slight elevation of back; others red, with greater protuberance; and + finally, some purple-red, with fully developed humps, which more than + double their height above the median line; and these monsters the Indians + like best, and say that they are better for smoking than any other. + </p> + <p> + Another idea which I had imbibed in regard to salmon, became greatly + modified by my experience. I thought, and I believe many do, that the + instinct which prompts the salmon to run in from the sea, is to reach, by + the shortest route, the place of birth; and that they make a straight wake + from the ocean to the mouth of their native creeks; and that while + impelled by this instinct, they refrain altogether from food. In all of + this, I think that I was mistaken; and that the fish which begin to swarm + in Sitka Harbor in May, and continue coming and going for nearly three + months before any enter the stream, are simply visitors, which, on their + way north, are driven in to seek shelter from the porpoises and other + enemies. + </p> + <p> + That they feed at this time, I have plenty of evidence. We caught small + ones, on hand-lines baited with venison. Numbers were taken trolling, + using any ordinary spoon. I had with me pickerel, bass, and lake trout + spoons, of brass and silvery surface. All were successful, the silvery + ones the most so. + </p> + <p> + And I had many good strikes upon <i>spectabilis</i> or salmon trout, of + six to eight inches, spun on a gang and trolled. The Indians in Chatham + Strait catch a great many upon hooks baited with live herring; these are + attached to short lines, which are fastened to duckshaped wooden buoys, + and allowed to float away from the canoe. I have myself been present at + the capture of a number in this manner. + </p> + <p> + The Greek Priest, and companies of the least poor of the Creoles, own + seine boats, which go out daily; and after every fair clay's seining the + sandy beach in front of Russian town presents a picturesque appearance, + dotted as it is with heaps of from one to three tons of salmon, whose + silvery sheen reflects the light of the bonfires, around which, knives in + hand, squat all the old squaws and children, cleaning on shares. Nearly + all of the fish taken by them are smoked for winter's use. + </p> + <p> + Every glacial stream in Alaska is, in its season, full of salmon, alive + and dead. One, which for want of a better, was given my name, and appears + on the charts as <i>Beardslee</i> River, I will describe; for in it I saw, + for the first time, that which had been described to me, but which I had + doubted; a stream so crowded with fish that one could hardly wade it and + not step on them; this and other as interesting sights fell to me that + pleasant August day. + </p> + <p> + As we, in our little steamer, neared <i>William Henry Bay</i>, situated on + the west side of <i>Chatham Strait</i>, and an indentation of <i>Baranoff + Island</i>, we found ourselves in a pea-green sea, dotted here and there + with the backs of garbosha salmon; the fish, which were of the few that + had survived the crisis of reproduction, having drifted out of the hay, + and with their huge humps projecting, were swimming aimlessly, and + apparently blindly (for after anchoring, they would run against our boats, + and directly into hands held out to catch them), in the brackish surface + water; made so and given its peculiar color by the water of Beardslee + River, which arising at the foot of a glacier, had been fed by rivulets + from others on its course to the sea, and through its lower specific + gravity, rested upon the salt water. These sick salmon were so plentiful + that I thought that a large percentage had lived and escaped the danger, + but upon landing at the mouth of the river, saw that I was mistaken. For + several miles the river meanders through an alluvial flat, the moraine of + receded glaciers. The moraine was covered with a thick growth of timothy + and wild barley, some standing six feet in height; much more pressed flat + by layers, three and four deep, of dead salmon, which had been left by the + waters falling. Thousands of gulls and fish crows were feeding upon the + eyes and entrails of these fish, and in the soft mud innumerable tracks of + bears and other animals were interspersed with bodiless heads of salmon, + showing that they, too, had attended the feast. I waded the river for over + two miles, and the scene was always the same. That wade was one to be + remembered. In advance of me generally, but checked at times by shoal + water, there rushed a struggling and splashing mass of salmon, and when + through the shoaling, or by turning a short corner, I got among them, + progress was almost impossible; they were around me, under me, and once + when, through stepping on one I fell, I fancy over me. All were headed up + stream, and I presumed, ascending, until, while resting on a dry rock, I + noticed that many, although <i>headed up</i>, were actually slowly <i>drifting + down stream</i>. + </p> + <p> + In many pools that I passed, the gravel bottom was hollowed out into great + wallows, from which, as I approached, crowds of salmon would dart; and I + could see that the bottom was thickly covered with eggs, and feasting on + them were numbers of immense salmon trout. + </p> + <p> + I saw frequently the act of spawning; and I saw once, a greedy trout rush + at a female salmon, seize the exuding ova, and tear it away, and I thought + that perhaps in some such rushes, lay the explanation of the wounds which + so frequently are found on the female salmon's belly after spawning. + </p> + <p> + At first, I thought there were two species of salmon in the creek; one + unmistakably the hideous garboslia, the other a dark straight-backed fish; + but upon examining quite a number of each variety which I had picked up, I + found that all the hump-backed fish were males, and the others all + females; that is, all that I examined; but as they were all spent fish, I + could not be sure. I therefore shot quite a number of livelier ones, and + found confirmation. + </p> + <p> + I saw one female that was just finishing spawning. She lay quiet, as + though faint, for a couple of minutes, then began to topple slowly over on + to her side, recovered herself, and then, as though suddenly startled from + a deep sleep, darted forward, and thrust herself half of her length out of + the water, upon a gravel bar, and continued to work her way until she was + completely out of water, and there I left her to die. + </p> + <p> + A very large proportion of the fish were more or less bruised and + discolored; and upon nearly all there extended oyer the belly a fungoid + growth resembling rough yellow blotting paper. + </p> + <p> + The size of the fish was quite uniform, ranging from two feet to thirty + inches. + </p> + <p> + But that I had seen the living spent fish in the bay, I could have readily + believed the truth of the impression of many, that the act of spawning + terminates the life of the salmon of the Pacific coast. + </p> + <p> + One more point on the salmon, and I will leave them. + </p> + <p> + Upon our first arrival, we all indulged very heartily upon them, and in + two or three days, a new disease made its appearance among us. A number of + us were seized with very severe gripes and cramps, and these lasted, in + all cases, for several days, and in some for a much longer period, two of + the men becoming so reduced that it was necessary to send them to + hospital. The direct cause, our doctor ascertained, was the diet of salmon + to which we had taken; and by regulating and reducing the consumption, the + difficulties were checked. + </p> + <p> + In conclusion, I would say that I have made every effort that would + naturally occur to a fisherman to take Alaska salmon with flies, of which + I had good assortment, and never got a rise. + </p> + <h3> + ALASKA TROUT. + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> am indebted to Professor Tarleton II. Bean for a classification of the + various trout, of which specimens had been duly bottled and labelled, + during our stay in Alaska. I had fancied, from differences in the + markings, that I had <i>five</i> species at the least, but Bean ruthlessly + cut the number down to three, viz.: + </p> + <p> + <i>Salvelina Malma, or Spectabilis, or Bairdil</i> + </p> + <p> + <i>Salmo Gardnieri</i>, and + </p> + <p> + <i>Salmo Purpuratus</i>, or Clark's trout. + </p> + <p> + The first named, called commonly by us the salmon trout, was abundant in + all of the streams, from about middle of June until middle of September, + evidently timing their arrival and departure by the movements of the + salmon, upon whose eggs they live. I have noted, on June 1st, "No salmon + trout yet in any of the streams. Several fine, large ones captured by the + Indians in nets set in sea." Ten days after, the streams were full of + them, and in the earlier part of the interim many would run into the pools + of the lower parts with the flooding tide, and out again on the ebb. + </p> + <p> + When they left us in September, it is probable that they migrated south, + for in a letter to <i>Forest and Stream</i>, dated Portland, Oregon, + September 28, a correspondent states that, in that month, "there begins to + appear in the streams near the Columbia river, a trout," whose description + tallies exactly with that of the <i>spec-tabilis</i>, except that the + correspondent speaks of their affording <i>fine sport with the fly</i>; + this the trout while in Alaska fails to do. At first, the <i>spectabilis</i> + affect the rapids, but after a few days seek the deep pools, where they + gather in great numbers, and bite ravenously on hooks covered with spawn + and sunk to the bottom. Occasionally, when spawn was out, we used a bit of + fresh venison; but at the best they cared little for it, and when the + blood became soaked out, the bait was useless. Although fairly gamey when + hooked, fishing for these trout was but a poor substitute, for one who had + felt and remembered the thrills caused by sudden strikes of our Adirondack + fish. I have often when pool-fishing, seen them leisurely approach the + bait, and nibble at it as a dainty, full-fed kitten will at a bit of meat, + and when one did get the hook, we found it out only by a slight resistance + to the series of light twitches which it was necessary to give it. They + have evidently been taught by experience that salmon roe is not apt to + attempt escape. The usual size of the fish ranged from six to twelve + inches—now and then one larger. The largest taken by any of us, near + Sitka, fell victim to my "salmon spawn fly," and gave my little Orvis rod + half an hour's good work. It measured twenty-one inches, but was very + light for the length, weighing but two and three-quarter pounds. At the + Redoubt river, much larger ones were taken; and two which I shot in + Beardslee river were over two feet in length; how much they weighed I + never found out, for their surroundings of sick and dying salmon, upon + whose eggs they were feeding, prejudiced me against them and I left them. + </p> + <p> + In shape and color the <i>spectabilis</i> vary greatly, both factors + depending upon the length of time they have been in fresh water. When + fresh run, they are long and lean, shaped somewhat like the lake trout of + Adirondack lakes. The colors are dark lustrous olive-green back, growing + lighter as the median line is approached, and blending into a silvery gray + tint, which pales to a pure white on the belly; the green portion is + sprinkled with golden specks; the flesh is hard, and very good for the + table. After a yery short sojourn in the creek, bright crimson specks + appear among the golden, which, however, fade to a pale yellow; the lustre + of the green disappears, they become heavier, but the flesh becomes soft + and uneatable, and the skin is covered with slime. Salmon trout taken late + in August and early in September, were full of ripe ova. + </p> + <p> + Professor Bean placed some fish, that had been taken in salt water, into a + bucket of fresh, and the crimson spots made their appearance in less than + a day. + </p> + <p> + When fully decked with these, and fattened, they resembled our <i>fontanalis</i> + greatly—the head, however, being somewhat larger, and the tail less + square. + </p> + <p> + <i>Salmo Gardneri</i>. My acquaintance with this species is yery limited. + The first one that I saw I took in Sawmill Creek, well up to the head, in + September, 1879. Seeing that it differed greatly from the <i>spectabilis</i>, + I preserved it in alcohol, and it was subsequently identified by Professor + Bean. It measured a trifle over ten inches, and was very plump, weighing + seven and a quarter ounces. In my notes, I describe it thus: "Body, dark + green on back, but in general colors very much like a steel head or + quinnat salmon; covered with round, black spots, from one-sixteenth to + one-eighth inch in diameter; these extend considerably below the median + line, and the tail and dorsal fins are covered with them; the second + dorsal adipose, but less so than that of the <i>fontanalis</i>, having a + slight show of membrane, on which there are four spots; ventral and anal + fins, yellowish in centre, bordered with red; belly, dull white; tail, + nearly square; scales, quite large, about the size of those of a + fingerling chub; flesh, firm; and skin, not slimy. No signs of ova or + milt." + </p> + <p> + On the 28th of April, 1880, I made note: "The first salmon of the season + made their début to-day—that is, if they are salmon, which I doubt. + </p> + <p> + "Five beauties, from thirty to forty inches long, were brought alongside, + in a canoe paddled by a wild-looking and awe-struck Siwash, who, with his + crouching Klootchman and papoose, gazed upon our ship, guns, and us with + an expression that showed them to be unfamiliar sights. He was evidently a + stranger, and was taken in, for he took willingly two bits (25 cents) each + for the fish, and no Sitka Siwasli but would have charged treble the + price. Through an interpreter, I learned that he had spent the last seven + months in a shanty on the western side of Kruzoff Island, and that well + up, among the foot-hills of Mount Edgecomb, there was a little lake, from + which there flowed a small stream into the Pacific, and that in the + headwaters of this stream he had speared these fish, which run up the + stream in the fall, remain all winter in the lake, and in early spring + spawn in the head of the outlet." + </p> + <p> + All of this militated strongly against the theory that they were salmon, + and when, on being dressed, the females were found to be full of ripe ova, + said theory was upset completely. My ten-inch specimen of last September + supplied us with a clue, and it was soon decided that these magnificent + fish were indeed trout; for in every respect except size, and size of + spots, some of which were a quarter of an inch in diameter, the fish were + identical. Whitford, the oldest inhabitant, confirmed the Indian's story, + and gave me in addition the Indian name for the fish—<i>Quot</i> and + that of the Russians, which I forget, but it meant "Mountain Trout," and + said that they are found only in the lakes, high up in the mountains, and + that in winter the Indians spear and catch them through holes in the ice. + </p> + <p> + We found the flesh to be very delicious—far more so than the best of + the salmon. The processes of cooking, both by broiling and boiling, had a + curious effect, for the flesh, which, when uncooked, was of a very bright + red, blanched to pure white. + </p> + <p> + The trip to Mount Edgecomb, in the early spring, involved hardship and + danger; and although several of us resolved that we would undertake it, + for the sake of such fish, somehow we never did, and I have thus described + all of the <i>gardneri</i> that I ever saw. + </p> + <p> + <i>Salmo purpuratus (Clarkii)</i>. The most beautiful of the trout family, + although in no way equal to our Eastern trout in any other respect. + </p> + <p> + The <i>purpuratus</i> is a lake trout, and found only in low-lying lakes. + Just back of Sitka, at the foot of the mountains, and elevated perhaps + twenty feet above the sea, is a little lake dubbed by me "<i>Piseco</i>". + </p> + <p> + Handy to get at, and its outlet running through the centre of the town, it + became, in early spring, our first resort for fishing. Arriving in June, + 1879, many of us had, through days of fruitless endeavor, during the + summer and autumn, grown to disbelieve the tales of the inhabitants, that + this lake abounded in trout; but on the 20th of May, 1880, from somewhere, + there thronged the shallow edges, among the lily pads, great schools of + these trout, and for about two weeks there was no limit to the number one + could take of them. Salmon spawn was the best bait, but a bit of venison + would answer. A fly they would not rise to. In size, they ranged from six + to twelve inches—the latter size being, however, very exceptional; + their average was about eight inches. The description in my notes is: + "Specimen, May 27th. Length, nine and one-half inches; depth, two and + three-eighth inches; weight, five ounces; colors—back, rich, dark + brown, growing lighter toward medial line; at which, covering it for a + space of half an inch, there is a longitudinal stripe of rich purple, + extending from opercle nearly to tail; below the median line, bright + olive-green, lightening to silvery white on belly. All of the tinted + portion is profusely sprinkled with oval black spots, which mark also the + dorsal, caudal, and adipose fins; the ventral and anal fins are yellowish + bordered with crimson; tail, nearly square. + </p> + <p> + "The entire tinted portion has a beautiful golden iridescence, so that + when held in the sunlight, and looked at from the rear, it seems to be + gilded." It may be noticed that, with the exception of the purple stripe + and the golden iridescence, the description of this fish is almost + identical with that of the <i>gardneri</i>. I think it quite possible that + they are the same at different ages, and that later in life these Clarkii + may become ambitious and seek more lofty lakes. None that were taken + contained ova. + </p> + <p> + Where they came from, unless they run up the inlet at night, no one found + out, for although closely watched in the daytime, none were ever seen in + it. + </p> + <p> + After about two weeks the greater portion disappeared, and although sought + in the deep waters of the lake, could not be found. Major William + Governeur Morris, the Collector of Customs of Alaska, assures me, however, + that during the summer of 1882, he found certain places in the lake where + he caught them until August. On July 4th he with a friend catching four + hundred and three in three hours, baiting with a single salmon egg. + </p> + <p> + I am not sure that we could not have again found them, but the fishing + having grown slack in the lake, and growing daily better in the creeks, we + spent most of our time on the latter. + </p> + <h3> + COMPARISON OF ALASKA WITH EASTERN TROUT. + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he principal differences between the Alaska and Eastern trout are, first, + all Alaskans have hyoid teeth, the eastern trout have not. + </p> + <p> + No Alaskan trout will take a fly. All Alaskan trout, I think, spend a + portion of their lives in salt water. Length being equal, the Alaska + trout, with the exception of the Gardneri, or mountain trout, are lighter + than those of our eastern streams. + </p> + <p> + Using as a standard the average weight of a number of ten-inch Adirondack + trout, the following table will show this: + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0051m.jpg" alt="0051m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0051.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + In conclusion, I must again request that this contribution shall not be + considered and judged as an attempt to scientifically describe the fish + treated upon, but rather as what it really is, a condensation of the + field-notes of an amateur angler. + </p> + <p> + I have, in giving the sizes, weights, and other data in regard to the + Alaska salmon and trout, depended almost entirely upon my personal + knowledge and experience; it may not be out of place to add to them some + data gathered from reliable authorities. + </p> + <p> + In his report on the resources of Alaska, Major Mm. Governeur Morris + writes: "Sixty thousand Indians and several thousand Aleuts and Esquimaux + depend for the most part upon dried salmon for their winter sustenance." + </p> + <p> + The Hon. Wm. S. Hodge, formerly Mayor of Sitka, states in an official + report: "And additional testimony comes to us from numerous persons, that + at Cook's Inlet the salmon average in weight sixty pounds, and some of + them reach a weight of one hundred and twenty pounds, and Mr. T. G. Murphy + only last week brought down from there on the <i>Newbern</i> a barrel + full, containing only <i>four</i> fish." Surgeon Thomas T. Minor, who some + years ago visited Cook's Inlet, in connection with business of the + Smithsonian Institution, makes statements which confirm the foregoing. + </p> + <p> + In the vicinity of Klawaek a cannery is established. A catch of seven + thousand fish at one haul of the seines is not unusual, many weighing over + forty pounds. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Frederick Whymper, artist to the Russian Overland Telegraph + Expedition, says in his well-written and interesting account of his + adventures: "The Yukon salmon is by no means to be despised. One large + variety is so rich that there is no necessity when frying it to put fat in + the pan. The fish sometimes measure five feet in length, and I have seen + boats whose sides were made of the tough skin." + </p> + <p> + And a writer who, if disposed to strain the truth would not do so to say + anything in favor of Alaska, says in an article in Harper's Magazine, Vol. + LV. page 815: "The number of spawning fish that ascend the Yukon every + June or July is something fabulous.... It would appear reasonable to + anticipate, therefore, the adoption by our fishermen of some machinery by + which they can visit the Yukon when the salmon begin to run, and while + they ascend the river catch a million pounds a day, for the raw material + is there, of the largest size, the finest flavor, and the greatest number + known to any stream in the world.'" + </p> + <p> + My general views about Alaska differ widely from those of the writer, but + on the salmon question, I indorse all I have quoted, excepting only the + word flavor. + </p> + <p> + I do not think the Alaska salmon equal in this respect to those of the + Atlantic coast, and far behind those of the Rhine; they are, however, + superior to those of the Columbia River. + </p> + <p> + In speaking of the salmon, I find I have omitted to mention that in early + spring, before the arrival of the salmon trout, and after their departure + in fall, great quantities of fingerling salmon pervaded the streams, and + bit eagerly at any kind of meat bait. + </p> + <p> + While the <i>spectabilis</i> were present, these little fellows kept out + of sight and notice. + </p> + <p> + Since the body of this paper was written there has been on exhibition by + Mr. Blackford, of Fulton Market, Yew York, a number of trout, pronounced + to be the <i>salmo irideus</i>, one of which, weighing fifteen pounds, was + sent to the Smithsonian Institution, and there identified by Professor + Bean as being "<i>Salmo gardneri, the great trout of Edgecomb Lake</i>." + </p> + <p> + I, studying these fish in their glass tank, did not form this opinion, for + Blackford's trout had a broad red band extending from just back of the eye + to the tail, covering the opercule, a marking not existing on any of the + Edgecomb trout I have seen. But the Professor assures me that "<i>color on + the lateral line is not a specific character</i>." On comparing my notes + of description of these fish, I find that in all other respects they did + appear identical, hence that the conclusion arrived at by Prof. Bean, that + "the <i>gardneri</i> and the <i>irideus</i> (or rainbow trout of McCloud + River), are identical seems well founded. If so, and my crude supposition + that the Clarkii, obtained in Piseco Lake near Sitka are also identical + with the gardneri turns out to be correct, there can be a condensation of + nomenclature, which will lead to at least one valuable result from this + paper. + </p> + <p> + "No sooner had the barbed hook fastened in its insidious hold, and the + impaled monarch learned that he was captive, than every effort of his + lithe and agile frame was brought into play to recover freedom. In every + struggle, in every effort to burst thee bonds that made him captive, there + was an utter recklesness of consequences, a disregard for life that was + previously unknown, as from side to side of the pool he rushed, or + headlong stemmed the sweeping current. Nor did the hero confine himself to + His own element; again and again he burst from its surface to fall back + fatigued, but not conquered. The battle was a severe one, a struggle to + the death; and when the landing net placed the victim at my feet, I felt + that he had died the death of a hero. Such was my first sea-trout, no + gamer, truly, than hundreds I have captured since; but what can be + expected of a race of which every member is a hero?"—<i>Parker + Gilmore</i>. + </p> + <p> + "If, indeed, you be an angler, join us and welcome, for then it is known + to you that no man is in perfect condition to enjoy scenery unless he have + a fly-rod in his hand and a fly-book in his pocket."—<i>Wm. G. Prime</i>. + </p> + <p> + "It was something more than a splendid trout that he brought to our view + as we met him at the landing. The young heart in the old body—the + genuine enthusiasm of the veteran angler—the glorification of the + gentle art which has soothed and comforted many an aged philosopher—all + this he revealed to us, and we wanted to lift the grand old man to our + shoulders and bear him in reverent triumph up the ascent."—A. Judd + Northrop. + </p> + <p> + "From the fisherman's point of view, the sea trout is equal to the finest + grilse that ever ascended Tay or Tweed, exceeding, as he does, for + gameness and pertinacity every other British fish."—<i>David Foster</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0056m.jpg" alt="0056m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0056.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 1. Silver Doctor. + </p> + <p> + 2. Scarlet Ibis. + </p> + <p> + 3. Black June. + </p> + <p> + 4. Gray Drake. + </p> + <p> + 5. Captain. + </p> + <p> + 6.'Academy. + </p> + <p> + "As to flies, the indifference of sea-trout about kind, when they are in + the humor to take any, almost warrants the belief of some anglers that + they leap in mere sport at whatever chances to be floating. It is true + they will take incredible combinations, as if color-blind and blind to + form. But experiments on their caprice are not safe. If their desire is to + be tempted, that may most surely be done with three insects, adapted to + proper places and seasons. One need not go beyond the range of a + red-bodied fly with blue tip and wood-duck wings for ordinary use, a small + all gray fly for low water in bright light, and a yellowish fly, green + striped and winged with curlew feathers, for a fine cast under the alders + for the patriarchs."—<i>A. R. Macdonough</i>. + </p> + <p> + "His tackle, for brieht airless days, is o' gossamere; and at a wee + distance aff, you think he's fishin' without ony line ava, till whirr + gangs the pirn, and up springs the sea-trout, silver-brieht, twa yards out + o' the water, by a delicate jerk o' the wrist, hyucked inextricably by the + tongue clean ower the barb o' the kirby-bend. Midge-flees!"—<i>The + Ettrick Shepherd</i>. + </p> + <p> + "O, sir, doubt not but that Angling is an art; is it not an art to deceive + a trout with an artificial fly?"—<i>Izaak-Walton.</i> + </p> + <p> + "Sea-trout show themselves wherever salmon are found, but not always + simultaneously with them. In rivers where the salmon run begins in May or + early June, you need not look for sea-trout in any considerable numbers + before well on into July. Intermediately they are found in tide-water at + the mouths of the salmon rivers, and often in such numbers and of such + weight as give the angler superb sport."—<i>George Dawson</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SEA-TROUT. + </h2> + <h3> + By Fitz James Fitch. + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">S</span>unday morning, August 2, 1874, found us, Mr. A. R. Macdonough and me, at + Tadousac, a French. Canadian village, very small for its age, situated on + the northeast shore of the Saguenay River, one and a half miles from the + junction of its dark and mighty waters with the turbid and mightier St. + Lawrence. This day was the beginning of the culmination of four months of + preparation for a month's release from the business world, its toil, care + and worry. The preparations began with the payment of $150 in gold—$171.20 + currency—the rent named in a lease securing to us the exclusive + right to fish a river on the north shore of, and emptying into, the St. + Lawrence many miles below the Saguenay. We left New York sweltering in a + temperature that sent the mercury up to the nineties; were fanned by the + cool evening breeze of the Hudson, and later by the cooler breath of the + old Catskills, around which cluster the recollections and associations of + thirty years of my life. We had travelled by rail to Montreal, 412 miles, + and spent a day there; by steamboat to Quebec, 180 miles, where we passed + twenty-four hours. We had left this, the most interesting city of + English-speaking North America, in the morning by steamboat, and, after a + day of delights upon this majestic river, the St. Lawrence, reached L'Anse + à l'Eau, the landing for Tadousac, 130 miles, in the evening of August + 1st. + </p> + <p> + We felt as we walked out upon the wide piazza of the Tadousac Hotel that + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + "summer Sunday morn + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + When Nature's face was fair," + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + and looked up that mysterious river, the Saguenay, and upon its + castellated mountains of granite, that indeed "the lines had fallen to us + in pleasant places." We had reached the end, as our course lay, of + railroads and steamboat lines, and must finish our journey in <i>chaloupe</i> + and birch-bark canoe. We were there to leave civilization and its + conveniences for nature and primitive modes of life. In the story I am + relating my progress up to this point has been as rapid as was our + transit. From this point on it must correspond with our slower mode of + progression; and hence there must be more of detail in what follows. I + hope, but cannot expect, that the reader will find the change as agreeable + and free from irksomeness as we found our <i>chaloupe</i>, canoe, tent, + and life in the woods. + </p> + <p> + After an excellent breakfast, we lighted cigars and walked down to the + humble cottage of my guide, David, on the beach of the little bay of + Tadousac, who had in charge our tents, stores, camp equipments, and three + new birch-bark canoes, ordered months before, and for which we paid $75 in + gold. David paddled us out to our <i>chaloupe</i>, anchored in the bay, + and introduced me to Captain Edward Ovington, master, and his nephew, + Fabian, a lad of sixteen or seventeen years, his mate. The <i>chaloupe</i> + was thirty feet "fore and aft;" beam, 9 1/2 feet. Six or eight feet aft we + called the quarter-deck. A comfortable seat surrounded three sides of it, + affording sittings for eight or ten persons. Next forward of this, and + separated from it by a bulkhead, was a space of six or eight feet for + freight. Next came our cabin, eight by nine feet, and just high enough to + enable us to sit upright on the low shelf which was to serve as a seat by + day and bed at night. Then came the forecastle, in which was a very small + cooking stove. The vessel was rigged with main and topmast, strengthened + by iron shrouds, with a large mainsail, topsail, jib and "jigger," as it + is called by Canadian boatmen. It was in respect to the jigger that the + craft differed from a sloop-rigged yacht or boat. Clear aft, and back of + the rudder-post, was a mast about fifteen feet high; running from the + stern of the vessel was a stationary jigger boom, something like the + jib-boom, except that it was horizontal; on these was rigged a sail in + shape like the mainsail. The boat was a fair sailer, strong, well built, + and from four to six tons burden. In returning to the hotel we stopped at + and entered the little French Roman Catholic Church. It is not known when + it was erected. Jacques Cartier, in his second visit to America, in 1535, + explored the Saguenay; and Father Marquette made Tadousac his residence + for a short time. When he first came to this country in 1665, tradition + tells us, he established a mission there and built a log chapel on the + site where the church we entered stands. The latter is a wooden building, + about twenty-five by thirty feet, with a handsome altar placed in a recess + chancel, the rear wall of which is adorned with three oil paintings. The + centre one, over the altar, wras the Crucifixion. A small porch, or + vestibule, of rough boards, had been added in modern times. A little + antique bell swung in the belfry on the east gable, which was surmounted + by an iron floriated cross. The church was filled with devout <i>habitans</i>, + mainly—there was a sprinkling of summer boarders and anglers—who + listened with apparent interest to the extempore sermon of a young French + priest of prepossessing appearance and manner. In the afternoon I attended + the English Episcopal Church, about a mile from the hotel, and midway + between Tadousac and L'Anse à l'Eau. Here I felt quite at home, enjoyed + the services, and joined heartily in the prayer for the "Queen, the Royal + Family, and all who are in authority." I was compelled to put a U. S. + greenback, to represent my contribution of one dollar, upon the plate. I + have been sorry ever since that I did not secure a reputation for honesty + and fair dealing by adding a dime to pay the premium on gold, and thus + make good our (then) depreciated currency. + </p> + <p> + August 3d.—A gray flannel suit and shirt were donned this morning. + Our fishing clothes and paraphernalia were packed in large canvas bags, + toilet articles, etc., in grip sacks, and all else left in our Saratoga + trunks, and in charge of the hotel manager until our return. At 11 o'clock + we walked down to the beach where David and the Captain met us with our + respective canoes. I asked "Dah-veede" (he was very particular about the + pronunciation of his name), "how shall I dispose of myself in this cranky + thing?" + </p> + <p> + "Sit down on the bottom, sir." The latter part of the sitting process was + rather emphatic. I wondered how I was to get up! All being on board the + good <i>chaloupe</i> Quebec, the sails were spread to the breeze, and by + one o'clock we had beat out of the bay, down the Saguenay, and were on the + St. Lawrence. As we sailed, the canoes which had been in tow were hoisted + on deck; one, turned upon its side, was lashed to the shrouds of the + vessel on either side, and the third, turned bottom up, was laid upon the + cabin deck. The wind was N. W., and favorable, so that we made about eight + knots an hour. We landed at Escomains, to take on board Pierre Jacques, a + full-blooded Indian, possessing the usual characteristics of his race—laziness + and love of whiskey. He was Mr. Macdonough's guide; and, despite the + weaknesses mentioned, proved a good guide and a most skilful canoeist. We + continued to sail until ten o'clock at night, when we dropped anchor. The + night was dark and rainy, the wind fresh, and the river very rough, + causing our little craft to dance, roll, and pitch in a most disgusting + manner. We had no seasickness on board, but much wakefulness on my side of + the cabin. Being thus "Rocked in the cradle of the deep," was not a + success as a soporific, in my case, at least. + </p> + <p> + <i>August 4th</i>.—Seven o'clock, A. M. We have been sailing since + daylight this morning, and are now at anchor near the Sault au Cochon. Mr. + Macdonough had occasion to visit a country store near the falls, and + suggested that I try to catch a trout for breakfast. The stream which + empties into the St. Lawrence here is of considerable size—say forty + feet wide—and pours over a ledge of rocks, or precipice, about fifty + feet in height, into the head of a small bay. The water under and near the + fall is very rough and swift. My guide launched my canoe, paddled me out, + and placed me in such a position that I could cast in the eddy formed by + the swift waters from the fall. With a hornbeam rod, of ten ounces in + weight, and twelve feet in length, armed with two flies, I whipped the + waters. A few casts brought up a trout. I saw its head as it rose for my + dropper, struck, and hooked the fish. It ran down with the current, my + click reel singing the tune so delightful to anglers' ears, until near one + hundred feet of line was out. Placing my gloved thumb upon the barrel of + the reel, I checked its progress. The trout dashed right and left, from + and towards me, at times putting my tackle to a severe test. It kept below + the surface of the water; therefore, I could only judge of the size of my + captive by the strength it exerted in its efforts to escape. My + enthusiastic guide was much excited, and cheered me by such remarks as, + "Juge he big trout. He weigh three, four, five pounds! He very big trout!" + I concurred in his opinion, as it often required the utmost strength of my + right hand and wrist to hold my rod at the proper angle. After playing the + fish fifteen or twenty minutes, without its showing any signs of + exhaustion, I slowly, and by sheer force, reeled the fish to the canoe, + and my guide scooped it out with the landing net. I then discovered it was + not the monster we had supposed it to be, but that it was hooked by the + tail fly at the roots of the caudal fin. The fish was killed, by a blow + upon the head, and weighed. The scales showed two pounds two ounces. The + guide paddled ashore, and upon the rocks near the falls built a fire, and + prepared our breakfast. The fish was split open on the back, spread out + upon a plank, to which it was secured by wooden pegs, set up before the + fire, and thus broiled, or more properly, roasted. A more delicious trout + I never tasted. + </p> + <p> + Up to this point, what has been written has been abstracted from the + prolix journal that I kept of this bout. + </p> + <p> + As I have taken my first sea-trout from Canadian waters it is fitting that + I turn to the subject of this article, + </p> + <h3> + SEA-TROUT. + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">L</span>ike all anadromous fishes its "ways are dark and past finding out." Hence + scientists, naturalists, anglers and guides differ widely and materially + in regard to its proper name, its species, and its habits. Scarcely any + two writers upon the subject have agreed in all these points. Sea-trout (<i>Salmo + Trutta</i>) abound in northern Europe. As stated by Foster in his + "Scientific Angler," in "nearly every beck and burn, loch and river of + Scotland and Ireland; and are readily taken with a fly." These sea-trout + have been mentioned and described by many eminent writers—Sir + Humphry Davy, Yarrel, Foster, and others. The description given of this + fish, the number of rays in its fins, its coloring and markings, and + lastly the absence of all red or vermilion spots render it absolutely + certain that they are not in species identical with the sea trout of the + Dominion of Canada. + </p> + <p> + As is shown by Thaddeus Norris, in his admirable work, "The American + Angler's Book," conclusively I think, the supposed identity of the two + kinds of sea-trout mentioned have led many writers astray when speaking of + the sea-trout found in American waters. + </p> + <p> + Norris has applied to the latter fish the name <i>Salmo Canadensis</i>, + given, I believe, by Col. Hamilton Smith, in 1834. Whether icthyologists + can find a better or more appropriate one matters not. It is desirable + that there be a name to distinguish this fish from all others, and this + one, if generally adopted, will serve all necessary purposes. + </p> + <p> + In describing the fish Norris writes thus: "A Canadian trout, fresh from + the sea, as compared with the brook trout, has larger and more distinct + scales; the form is not so much compressed; the markings on the back are + lighter and not so vermiculated in form, but resemble more the broken + segments of a circle; it has fewer red spots, which are also less + distinct." He also thinks the sea-trout, until they attain the weight of + two pounds, more slender in form. Again I quote verbatim: "In color, when + fresh run from the sea, this fish is a light, bluish green on the back, + light silvery gray on the sides, and brilliant white on the belly; the + ventral and anal fins entirely white; the pectorals brownish blue in front + and the posterior rays rosy white. The tail is quite forked in the young + fish, as in all the salmonidæ, but when fully grown is slightly lunate." + </p> + <p> + Genio C. Scott, who laid no claim to being a scientist, but who was a + close observer, also compares the same fish, which he calls the + Silver-trout or sea-trout, <i>Trutta Argentina</i>, or <i>Trutta Marina</i>, + with the brook trout. He says, "The sea-trout is similar to the + brook-trout in all facial peculiarities. It is shaped like the + brook-trout. The vermicular marks on the back, and above the lateral line, + are like those of the brook-trout; its vermicular white and amber dots are + like the brook-trout's; its fins are like the brook-trout's, even to the + square or slightly lunate end of the tail. It has the amber back and + silver sides of such brook-trout as have access to the estuary food of the + eggs of different fishes, the young herring," etc. + </p> + <p> + These descriptions differ but little, and are, I believe, as accurate in + the main as can be given. Both these writers, as will be seen, are + discussing, and have taken opposite sides upon the question, whether the + Canadian sea-trout is an anadromous brook-trout. This question was very + well presented by Mr. Macdonough (my companion) in an article entitled + "Sea-Trout Fishing," published in <i>Scribner's Monthly Magazine</i> for + May, 1877. He begins thus: "What is a sea-trout? A problem to begin with, + though quite a minor one, since naturalists have for some time past kept + specimens waiting their leisure to decide whether he is a cadet of the + noble salmon race, or merely the chief of the familiar brook-trout tribe. + Science inclines to the former view upon certain slight but sure + indications noted in spines and gill covers. The witness of guides and + gaffers leads the same way; and the Indians all say that the habits of the + sea-trout and brook-trout differ, and that the contrast between the + markings of the two kinds of fish taken from the same pool, forbids the + idea of their identity. Yet the testimony of many accomplished sportsmen + affirms it. The gradual change of color in the same fish as he ascends the + stream from plain silvery gray to deepest dotted bronze; his haunts at the + lower end of pools, behind rocks, and among roots; his action in taking + the fly with an upward leap, not downwards from above—all these + resemblances support the theory that the sea-trout is only an anadromous + brook-trout.... Indeed the difference in color between the brook-trout and + sea-trout ranges within a far narrower scale than that between parr, + grilse, and salmon." The reader who has not read the paper would doubtless + thank me for quoting it entire. + </p> + <p> + As will have been seen, the conscientious and lamented Thad. Norris, when + he wrote as above quoted, thought that the Canadian sea-trout were not the + English <i>Salmo Trutta</i>, nor the <i>Salmo Fontinalis</i>, and as proof + gave this table showing the number of rays in the fins of the following + fish: + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0069m.jpg" alt="0069m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0069.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + He adds, speaking of the last two fish—"there being only a + difference of one ray in the pectorals, which may be accidental." I am + credibly informed that some years after his book was written, and after a + more familiar acquaintance with the <i>S. Canadensis</i>, his views + underwent an entire change, and that he wrote "the <i>S. Canadensis</i> is + the <i>S. Fontinalis</i> gone to sea." + </p> + <p> + The space allowed me for this paper will not admit of my quoting further + from the writings of those above mentioned or of others upon this subject. + </p> + <p> + I will now state, as briefly as I can, my own views resulting from long + familiarity with brook-trout, gained by thirty-five years of angling for + them, my acquaintance with the sea-trout of Long Island, and those found + in Canadian waters. In regard to the markings of the fish <i>immediately + after migrating from salt to fresh water</i> it is unnecessary to say + more, except that the vermicular marks differ somewhat in different fish. + Some that I caught and examined closely had, as Scott says, "vermiculate + marks on the back very plain and distinct." And on others, as Norris + writes, "the markings on the back were lighter and not so vermiculated in + form, but resembling more the broken segments of a circle." The fish in + this respect differ from each other far less than often do brook trout, + taken from the same pool. Norris thinks the sea-trout more slender in form + than the brook-trout until the former attains the weight of two pounds. I + have not been able to discover this difference between sea-trout and the + brook-trout taken from the waters of this State. The trout of Rangeley + Lake, and waters adjacent in Maine (I assume, as I believe, they are + genuine brook trout), are thicker and shorter than trout of the same + weight caught in the State of New York, or the Canadian sea-trout. I have + two careful and accurate drawings—one of a sea-trout which weighed + four and one-quarter pounds, and measured twenty-two and one-half inches + in length, and five and one-eighth inches in depth—the other of a + Rangeley trout that weighed eight pounds, and measured twenty-six inches + in length, and eight and a half inches in depth. I have seen and measured + several Rangeley trout two of seven pounds each, one of four and one-half + pounds, etc., and in all I think there was a similar disproportion as + compared with the other trout above mentioned. + </p> + <p> + As regards the number of rays in the fins of sea-trout I can only say that + while fishing for them I counted the rays and found them to compare in + number with those of the brook-trout as given by Norris in the table + inserted ante. + </p> + <p> + All the writers from whom I have quoted, and all persons with whom I have + conversed who have fished for these sea-trout, concur in the opinion that + soon after the sea-trout enters fresh water, a change in color and + appearance begins, which ends in assimilating, as nearly as may be, the + fish in question to the brook trout. On the first day's fishing, when my + guide accompanied me, he opened the mouth of a trout and called my + attention to small parasites—"Sea-lice," he called them—in the + mouth and throat of the fish. He said that the presence of these parasites + was a sure indication that the fish had just left the salt water; that + they would soon disappear in fresh water. As a matter of curiosity I + examined the mouths of several fish, and invariably found that if they + presented the appearance described by Norris and Scott, the parasites were + present; but if they had assumed a gayer livery none were to be found. The + change in color, which begins with the trout's advent to fresh water, is + progressive, and ceases only when the object of its mission, the deposit + and impregnation of the spawn, is accomplished. In proof of this I will + state that during the last days of our stay on the stream, and notably in + fish taken fifteen or twenty miles from tide water, it was not infrequent + that we caught trout as gorgeous and brilliant in color as the male brook + trout at the spawning season. Whether this change of color is attributable + to the character of the water in which it "lives, moves, and has its + being," to the food it eats, or other causes, it is impossible to say. I + often caught from the same or adjacent pools, trout fresh from the sea and + dull in color, and those showing in a greater or less degree the + brilliancy of the mountain brook trout. Of course they differ widely in + appearance, and therefore it is not surprising that the "Indians all say," + as expressed by Mr. Macdonough, "that the contrast between the markings of + the two kinds of fish forbids the idea of their identity." + </p> + <p> + As mentioned by Mr. Macdonough the sea-trout have their "haunts at the + lower end of pools" [and upper end he might have added with truth], + "behind rocks, among roots," in short, in the same parts of a stream that + an experienced angler expects to find and does find the brook trout. + </p> + <p> + The sea trout will take the same bait, rise at the same fly, and rest at + the same hours of the day, as brook trout. The flies that I ordered, made + from samples furnished by Mr. Macdonough, who had had some years' + experience on the stream before I accompanied him, were much larger and + more gaudy than the usual trout flies, and ordinarily were sufficiently <i>taking</i> + in character; but, on very bright days, when the water was low and clear, + we found that the flies used by us on the Beaver Kill, and Neversink, in + Sullivan County, New York, were better. The largest trout taken by us on + this bout—four and one-quarter pounds—was hooked with a stone + fly made by Pritchard Brothers, of New York, for use on those streams. On + one occasion, I took at one cast, and landed safely, two trout, weighing + three pounds and one-quarter, and one and three-quarters pounds, + respectively, upon one of the said stone flies and a mediumsized gray + hackle. + </p> + <p> + In conclusion of this part of my article, I will say that, for the reasons + above given, I have no doubt but that the Canada sea-trout are anadromous + brook trout, and that they should be classed with the <i>salmo fontinalis</i>, + or, if preferred, <i>salvelinus fontinalis</i>. + </p> + <p> + The trout in question come up the St. Lawrence from the ocean in large + numbers, and file off, probably in accordance with the instinct of + anadromous fishes, to the streams in which they were severally hatched. + The detachment for our stream reaches it invariably in the first days of + August. "When once fairly in the current" (I quote from Mr. Macdonough's + paper), "their movements up-stream are very rapid. Passionless and almost + sexless, as the mode of the nuptials, they are on their way to complete, + may seem to more highly organized beings, they drive with headlong + eagerness through torrent and foam, toward the shining reaches and + gravelly beds far up the river, where their ova are to be deposited." They + stop for but a short time for rest in certain pools; one of these resting + places was directly in front of our tents. Two, three, or more, could be + taken from it in the morning; sometimes, not always, in the evening; but + assuredly the ensuing morning; and so on, until the beginning of + September. + </p> + <p> + When these fish return to "the ocean, that great receptacle of fishes," as + Goldsmith styles it, is a problem not yet solved. Some think they remain + until winter, or spring. I incline to the opinion that they go back to the + sea in the fall soon after their procreative duty is performed. It is well + known that the <i>salmo fontinalis</i> gives no care or thought to its + offspring; and evinces no love or affection for it after it passes the + embryotic or ova-otic stage; and that during that stage their parental + fondness is akin to that of the cannibal for the conventional "fat + missionary." The voraciousness that prompts the parent trout to eat all + the eggs they can find as soon as deposited and fertilized, would also + prompt them to return to the estuaries so well stocked with food suited to + their taste and wants. + </p> + <p> + What becomes of the young fry during early <i>fishhood</i> is another + problem. From the fact that no small trout are caught or seen in the + rivers, at the source and in the tributaries of which millions are + hatched, it is fair to assume that the young remain where they were + incubated until they attain age, size, and strength that enable them to + evade, if not defend themselves against, the attack of their many enemies. + When this time arrives, they doubtless accompany their parents, or the + parents of other troutlings (it is, indeed, a wise fish "that knows its + own father"—or mother), on their migration to the sea. During our + stay upon the stream I caught but two trout as small as one-fourth of a + pound, but one of six ounces, and few as small as half a pound. The + average size of our whole catch was one pound four ounces. + </p> + <p> + Since writing the foregoing, I have received from Dr. J. A. Henshall, an + answer to a letter that I addressed to him, before I began this article, + in which I asked him to give me the nomenclature of the sea trout of the + lower St. Lawrence, and also to inform me whether he thought these fish + anadromous brook trout. + </p> + <p> + I here record my thanks to the Doctor for his courteous compliance with my + request, and give a copy of so much of his letter as relates to the fish + under consideration, which, to my mind, settles the question of the <i>status</i> + of the sea-trout of Canada. + </p> + <p> + "Cynthiana, Ky., Jan. 29, 1883. + </p> + <p> + "Dear Sir,—The so-called 'sea-trout' or 'salmon-trout' of the lower + St. Lawrence, is the brook trout (<i>S. fontinalis</i>), but having access + to the sea, becomes anadromous, and like all anadromous and marine fishes, + becomes of a silvery appearance, losing, somewhat, its characteristic + colors. The brook trout has a wide range (from northern Georgia to the + Arctic regions), and of course presents some geographical variations in + appearance, habits, etc...but does not vary in its specific relations. Mr. + ———" (naming an American author to whom I referred), + "was wrong in calling this fish <i>Salmo trutta, S. trutta</i> is a + European species; and if he applied the name to the Canadian brook trout + it is a misnomer. I cannot say, not having read ————" + (a work by said author mentioned by me). "Trusting this may meet your + wants, I am, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Yours very sincerely, +</pre> + <p> + "J. A. Henshall. + </p> + <p> + "P.S.—On next page please find nomenclature of the sea-trout of the + lower St. Lawrence. + </p> + <p> + "Canadian Sea-Trout. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Salvelinus fontinalis</i>, (Mitchell), Gill & Jordan. + </p> + <p> + "Synonomy.—<i>Salmo canadensis</i>, Ham. Smith, in Griffith's + Cuvier, x, 474, 1834. <i>Salmo immaculatus</i>, H. R. Storer, in <i>Bost, + Jour. Nat. Hist</i>., vi, 364, 1850. + </p> + <p> + "Vernacular Names.—Canadian brook trout, sea-trout, salmon trout, + unspotted salmon, white sea-trout, etc. + </p> + <p> + "Specific Description.—Body oblong or ovate, moderately compressed; + depth of body one-fourth to one-fifth of length; back broad and rounded. + </p> + <p> + "Head large, not very long, sloping symmetrically above and below; head + contained four or five times in length of body. Nostrils double; vomer + boat-shaped; jaws with minute teeth; no teeth on hyoid bone; mouth large, + the maxillary reaching to the eye; eye large. + </p> + <p> + "Scales very small, in two hundred and twenty-five transverse rows; caudal + fin slightly lunate in adult, forked in young; adipose fin small. + </p> + <p> + "Fin rays: D. 10; A. 9; P. 13; V. 8; C. 19. + </p> + <p> + "Color: back mottled with dark markings; sides lighter; belly silvery + white; red and yellow spots on body, mostly on sides. + </p> + <p> + "Coloration often plain and silvery in sea-run individuals." + </p> + <p> + The so-called "sea-trout" of Long Island, as stated by Mr. Charles + Hallock, in his "Fishing Tourist," and of certain streams in Connecticut, + as mentioned by Mr. W. C. Prime in "I go a-Fishing," are genuine brook + trout. Although they have access to the salt water, and go there for food—and + hence are fat and delicious in flavor—they <i>are not anadromous + brook trout</i>. They do not "pass from the sea into fresh waters, at <i>stated + seasons</i>" (Webster's Dic.). They are caught at all times from February + or March until the following autumn in fresh water, and, as Hallock + expresses it, "they run in and out with the tide." + </p> + <p> + When this article was commenced it was my intention to write not only of + the sea-trout, but to give an account of our excursion in 1874; and in + doing so to speak of the events of each day succeeding those of which I + have written. It has already exceeded in length the measure that was fixed + upon, hence I can give the reader only a casual glance at us as we proceed + to our destination; and a look now and then into our camp. + </p> + <p> + I left our party—breakfast over—at the Sault au Cochon, at + about eight A. M. of August 4th. Soon thereafter we set sail and made such + progress that a few hours brought us to the mouth of our river. It was low + tide when we reached it—low tide means something here, as the tide + has a rise and fall of fifteen feet—and hence the anchor was dropped + near the river's mouth, canoes launched, our personal baggage transferred + to our respective canoes—Macdonough's was named <i>Commodore</i>, in + honor of his father, who made an imperishable name on Lake Champlain in + the war of 1812, and mine <i>La Dame</i>, in honor of some one who lived + in my imagination; I never met her elsewhere. In the third canoe were + placed the tents, camp utensils, and stores for twenty-four hours. When + all was in readiness I lighted my pipe, seated myself on the bottom of my + canoe, leaned back against one of the <i>bords</i> or cross bars; then + David, sitting upon the V formed by the sides of the canoe at the stern, + with paddle in hand, sent the birch bark flying up our river. Like most + Canadian trout streams it consists of a series of still, deep pools, and + swift, rocky rapids, alternating. Often the rapids have a fall of one foot + in ten, and are from one to five, and sometimes ten or more rods in + length. It is marvellous how these canoeists will force a loaded canoe up + them. In doing so they stand near the back end and use a long, + iron-pointed "setting pole." Before sunset we reached our camping place, + five or six miles from the St. Lawrence. The guides built a fire to dispel + the mosquitoes, which were fearfully numerous and bloodthirsty, and then + set about pitching our tents. M. and I lighted cigars, put our rods + together, and in ten minutes' time had taken from the pool in front of us, + each two trout, weighing from one pound two, to one pound eight ounces + each. Having caught enough for dinner we busied ourselves in arranging our + tents, preparing our beds, etc. My journal for the day ends with the + following brief entry: Nine P. M.—We are now settled in camp, have + eaten a good dinner, smoked our cigars, and are going to bed. + </p> + <p> + <i>Aug. 5th</i>.—Having had a good night's sleep I rose at five A. + M., made a hasty toilet, took my rod and threw into the pool, within forty + feet of my tent, and took during a few minutes three trout weighing + three-quarters, one and a-quarter, and one and a-quarter pounds + respectively. M. soon followed and caught two of one and a-quarter pounds + each. Breakfast over we sent our guides with the canoes down to the <i>chaloupe</i> + for the rest of our tents, stores, etc., and consequently we can only fish + the home pool to-day. With a hatchet I cut out a path through the laurel + thicket to the head of the pool, six or eight rods distant; returned to + camp, put on my India rubber wading pants and rubber shoes (having a + leather sole filled with Hungarian nails), took my rod, walked to the head + of the pool, and cast my flies on the swift waters. In an instant a pair + of capacious jaws emerged from the water. I struck, and as the head + disappeared, saw the tail and half the body of an enormous trout.... In + twenty minutes the fish was in my landing net. I walked proudly and in a + most contented frame of mind back to camp. "That," said Mr. Macdonough, + "looks like old times." The scales were hooked in his jaw, the index + showed three pounds, eight ounces.... Our camp is on a sandy point of land + around which curves the pool, and from which, for the space of about + one-eighth of an acre, all trees were cut and the land cleared off, under + the direction, tradition states, of Sir Gore Ouseley, who first encamped + here about twenty years ago, with eighteen servants, retainers, and + guides, of whom my guide was one, and the cook. The stumps have rotted + away, and the clearing is covered with timothy and red-top grasses. We + have cut much of this with our knives, and intend to finish haying to-day. + The grass when cured is to be used in making our beds more luxurious. The + pool in front is nearly two hundred feet across at one point, and in + places ten or fifteen feet deep. In the centre and near the foot is a rock + island about seventy-five feet long. In the foot of the pool between this + rock and our camp large trout have been seen at all hours of the day. + </p> + <p> + Opposite our camp is quite a hill covered with spruce, larch, and white + birch. We have canvas beds, supported by crotched sticks about eighteen + inches high, upon which poles are laid and the canvas stretched. 5 P.M.—I + have filled two canvas sacks with hay for a bed, and a pillow-case with + the same, for a bolster. These, with my small feather pillow, sheets, + blankets, and night-shirts, will render sleeping in the "bush" + Christian-like and endurable. 7 p. m.—I have just cast into the pool + and caught a pound and a-half trout, making for the day six trout, + weighing nine pounds four ounces, and have not fished in the aggregate one + hour. The guides, Captain and Fabian, have arrived with the three canoes + and all stores. + </p> + <p> + <i>Aug. 6th</i>, 7.30 a. m.—We have just finished breakfast. It + consisted of coffee, trout fish-balls, broiled ham, rice and wheat <i>crepes</i> + (pancakes) with butter and maple sugar. My guide is an excellent cook and + our stores abundant and of good quality. We purchased them in Quebec at a + cost of $73.59 in gold. A tub of butter, barrel of bread, and sack of + coarse salt, to preserve the trout, were purchased at Tadousac, and cost + $11.34 in gold. + </p> + <p> + 5 P.M.—I have just come in from my first day's fishing. Began at 10 + A. M., quit at 4 P. M. I fished below and Macdonough above the camp. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + "M. killed 15 fish, weight 26 lbs., 4oz. + </p> + <p> + "F. " 25" " 31 lbs., 4 oz. = 57 lbs., 8 oz. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + <i>Aug. 7th</i>.—... Dinner is a great institution with us. Next to + catching a trout of three pounds or over it is the event of the day. Ours + of this evening was as follows: + </p> + <p> + "Soup: bean with extract of beef. + </p> + <p> + "Fish: boiled trout. + </p> + <p> + "Vegetables: potatoes and boiled onions. + </p> + <p> + "Pastry: rice cakes and maple sugar. + </p> + <p> + "Dessert: crackers, cheese, and orange marmalade. + </p> + <p> + "Wines: claret and sherry. + </p> + <p> + "Tea: English breakfast." + </p> + <p> + Our canoes are beauties. They are eighteen feet long, three feet three + inches wide in the centre, and fifteen inches in depth. With two men in + they draw but three or four inches of water. + </p> + <p> + <i>Aug. 9th</i>.—We left our camp with one tent, two canoes, and + provisions for four days; walked through the woods three miles to a lake, + through which our river runs, which is eight miles above us by the stream. + </p> + <p> + ... It is a lovely sheet of water about three and a-half miles long and + one and a-half wide, surrounded, except at the inlet and outlet, by rocky + cliffs, in many places five to eight hundred feet high.... + </p> + <p> + <i>Aug. 10th</i>.—To our usual breakfast was added this morning a + broiled partridge (ruffed grouse) which Fabian killed with a stick or + stone yesterday, in making the portage. While at breakfast a gray or + silver fox ran past us within twenty feet of where we sat. The woods are + filled with squirrels; their chattering is heard constantly. Large and + very tame fish-hawks abound—reminding one of the beach from Sandy + Hook to Long Branch.... We have tickled the lake with a spinner, trolled + with a long hand line, for pickerel. We fished but an hour with two lines. + We caught fourteen, weighing thirty-four pounds. + </p> + <p> + <i>Aug. 11th</i>.—We fished down from the Middle Camp (as our + present one is called). M. had the morning's fishing in the "spring hole," + and took six fish averaging two pounds each. In the Magdalen pool I took + three one pound trout immediately upon throwing in. Suddenly not ten feet + from where I stood (I was in the water up nearly to my waist), and + directly in front of me, a monster fish from three to four feet long, and + of thirty or thirty-five pounds weight, shot up from the water, stood + seemingly upon its tail for an instant, and with a heavy splash fell over + into the pool. "My God! what is that?" I asked my guide. "It's a <i>saumon</i>, + sir," he calmly replied. I was all excitement and began whipping + vigorously where it rose. Failing to get it up, I put on a salmon fly. By + this time salmon were leaping above me, below me, and at my very feet. I + whipped diligently, letting my fly fall like thistledown upon the water, + and then with a splash to attract attention, and now letting it sink and + float with the current. It was all in vain; three hours of my most skilful + fishing failed to entice one of the wily monsters. Neither could I get up + a trout; they had all been driven away by the salmon. I caused my guide to + paddle me over the still pool just above, and saw in the pellucid water, + three or four feet beneath the surface, ten or fifteen large salmon. They + lay perfectly still for a time, and then darted through and around the + pool in every direction, as if in play. Suddenly they would congregate in + the centre of the pool and lay with their heads up stream, the largest + slightly in advance of the rest, as motionless as if the water had become + ice, encasing the fish. + </p> + <p> + <i>Aug. 12th</i>.—At Main Camp.... The canoeing down from the Middle + Camp—five miles—was delightful, and at times very exciting; + that is, in running the rapids, which are numerous. In making a portage + around the "Little Falls" we started up a cock partridge. It alighted upon + the limb of a dead tree no higher than my head. "We approached within six + feet of it, and stood for a minute or two gazing at the graceful bird. It + returned our gaze with head turned aside, and a look of curious inquiry + which said, as plainly as if it had spoken, 'What kind of animals are + you?' I could easily have hit it with my landing-net handle hut would not + make it a victim of misplaced confidence." This incident reminded me of + the lines of Alexander Selkirk, in the English Reader, which was in use in + my early school-boy days: + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + "They are so unacquainted with man, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Their tameness is shocking to me." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + I may add that squirrels were constantly running about our camp, + exhibiting no more fear than those in the parks of Philadelphia. + </p> + <p> + <i>Aug. 14th</i>.—"David build a fire between our tents, it is + cold," I called out about five o'clock this morning. "Yes, sir," he + replied; "a black frost this morning, had to thaw out my boots before I + could get them on." Our little encampment consists of two wall tents, ten + feet square, for the use of Mr. Macdonough and myself. They are about + fifteen feet apart, opening towards each other, upon a line twenty feet + from the pool, upon ground five or six feet above it. Back of our tents is + our dining-table, made of planks split from the spruce, and sheltered with + a tent fly. In rear of this is the kitchen fire; and still farther back, + two "A tents," one for the use of our men, and the other for-the + protection of our stores. + </p> + <p> + I do not often look into our kitchen: Seeing Fabian wipe my silver-plated + fork upon his pantaloons, between courses, cured me of this. "Where + ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise." I did, however, look into the + kitchen to-day to see how our excellent bread was baked. It was properly + made with "raising powder," kneaded and formed into loaves. A trench was + dug in the ashes and sand, forming the bed of our camp fire, wide and long + enough to admit of three loaves. They were put into the trench, without + any covering except the hot sand and ashes, with which they were + surrounded on all sides, top and bottom. Live coals were raked over the + mound, and it was left for time and heat to do the rest. An hour or so + after I saw the bread taken from the ashes. It was brushed slightly with a + wisp broom, which removed the little of ashes and sand adhering; and the + bread was as clean as if it had just left the baker's oven, and was of a + uniform rich brown color. Lamb and green peas (French canned) formed one + course at dinner to-day. The flavor of fresh mutton is much improved by + non-intercourse with the butcher for two weeks. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sunday, Aug</i>. 16.—Another bright and beautiful day. It would + be pleasant to hear "the sound of the churchgoing bell, which these rocks + and these valleys ne'er heard," It is now near two weeks since we entered + upon our camp life, and we have seen no signs of civilization, save in our + camp; nothing but forest, rock, water and sky, all as they came from their + Great Creators hand. No sounds have been heard to carry us back in thought + to the world of life and labor, save the occasional booming of the fog + cannon at a government station on the south side of the St. Lawrence. How + strangely did the warning voice of this gun, telling us of danger to the + mariner, break upon the silence of the hour as we sat watching the fairy + forms and fantastic shapes in our first evening's camp-fire! + </p> + <p> + Pleasant as it is to the writer to live over again the days of which he + has written—to dwell upon the scenes in which he was an actor, so + vividly presented to his mind's eye as he writes of them—pity for + the too-long suffering reader has prompted him to close the lids of his + journal and restore it to its place in the book-case. + </p> + <p> + It only remains to write somewhat of our success in fishing. The season + was a very dry one, our river very low, and no rain sufficient to affect + it fell during our stay, consequently the trout did not come up in as + large numbers as usual, and the clearness of the water rendered successful + fly-fishing more difficult. We caught on this occasion but two hundred and + forty-three trout, of the aggregate weight of three hundred and four + pounds. All these fish were taken with a fly, save one: thereby hangs a + tale heretofore untold. At Tadousac, on our way out, I saw a gentleman, to + whom I had been introduced, making something in the construction of which + he used three snelled hooks and about three inches in length of thin white + rubber tubing. I asked, + </p> + <p> + "What is it?" + </p> + <p> + "A devil," he replied. He gave me materials, and while sailing down the + river I made one. One day at the Home Pool I saw ten or a dozen large + trout. They paid no heed to my flies. "Try the devil," my guide whispered. + In a moment of weakness I yielded to the tempter and put it on. The first + cast caused commotion in the watery camp. At the second I struck and soon + drew out on the beach a pound and a half trout. I looked upon the + beautiful fish with compassion, cursed myself for resorting to such unfair + means, removed the cruel hooks as tenderly as I could from the mangled and + bleeding mouth, and taking off the <i>devilish</i> invention threw it as + far as possible into the woods. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + .........."The beasts of game + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The privilege of chase may claim." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + I have not since used, and shall not in the future use, this rightly named + instrument, and hope no angler will. I have narrated this only unpleasant + feature of my bout to illustrate the <i>devilish</i> ingenuity of "pot + fishermen" and the curiosity of sea-trout. I wonder what was the gender of + the fish! + </p> + <p> + With a view of showing the capabilities of our river in the production of + fish, I have aggregated the scores from 1872 to 1882 inclusive. In one of + these years three rods were in use, in three others two, and in the other + years but one. The average time of fishing in each year was about three + weeks. + </p> + <p> + Number of trout taken, 5,525; aggregate weight, 6,625 pounds; average + about one pound three ounces. In the year 1881 the average size of two + hundred and thirteen trout taken with a single rod in eight days' fishing + was one pound fourteen ounces. Not one of these fish was wasted. A few + were eaten upon the stream, but most of them were given to the guides, who + salted and packed them in barrels for future use. A sack of coarse salt + and empty fish barrels were always included in the anglers' stores. + </p> + <p> + Three days after the last date mentioned we were again on board our <i>chaloupe</i> + "homeward bound." The loss in weight in our stores was made good by the + barrel of salted <i>anadromous salvelinus-fontinalis</i> which were to + supplement and eke out the pork barrel of our honest and worthy guides + during the long ice-bound winter before them. + </p> + <p> + Tadousac was reached about sunrise on a bright morning. At nine o'clock we + were in citizen's dress and seated at the hotel breakfast table. A glance + around the room showed that summer birds and Cook's tourists had mainly + migrated to more southern latitudes. Our trunks were re-packed, our guides + paid $1.50 each per day, and the captain $2.00, gold, and bade adieu. We + took the Saguenay steamboat for Quebec, the Grand Trunk Railroad from + Point Levi to Montreal, where we passed the night. The next morning we + travelled by rail to Rouse's Point and by boat down that charming Lake, + Champlain. At the various landings many persons, including several + friends, came on board. + </p> + <p> + Nearly all carried snugly-cased fishing rods, whose summer work was ended. + The Chateaugay, the Saranacs, Paul Smith's, Baker's, Martin's, and various + other familiar names met our ears. We envied none of them. Our cup of joy, + happiness and contentment was full to the brim. There was no room for + "envy, hatred and malice," but a feeling of gratitude and thankfulness to + the Author of every "good and perfect gift," welled up from our hearts. + </p> + <p> + "Every angler has his own peculiar notion in regard to the best fly; and + the difficulty of presenting a perfect catalogue will be very apparent, + when it is considered that the <i>name</i> of the fly of one writer bears + a different name and description from that of another, and it is more than + probable that the name and description of some of the flies in my list may + not be in accordance with the views and opinions of many old and + experienced anglers."—"<i>Frank Forester</i>." + </p> + <p> + "After staying in a village parlor till the family had all retired, I have + returned to the woods, and partly with a view to the next day's dinner, + spent the hours of midnight fishing from a boat by moonlight, serenaded by + owls and foxes, and hearing, from time to time, the croaking note of some + unknown bird close at hand."—<i>Henry D. Thoreau</i>. + </p> + <p> + "He sat down on a lump of granite, and took out his fly-book. It is a + sport, he added, as he was selecting the flies, that there is less to be + said against than shooting, I imagine. I don't like the idea of shooting + birds, especially after I have missed one or two. Birds are such harmless + creatures. But the fish is different—the fish is making a murderous + snap at an innocent fly, when a little bit of steel catches him in the + very act. It serves him right, from the moral point of view."—<i>William + Black</i>. + </p> + <p> + "There is much diversity of opinion about the manner of fishing, whether + up or down the stream; the great majority of anglers, both In Europe and + this country, favor the latter method, and very few the former."—<i>John + J. Brown</i>. + </p> + <p> + "'Beautiful!' Well you may say so, for what is more beautiful than a + well-developed pound trout?"—<i>Charles W. Stevens</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0092m.jpg" alt="0092m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0092.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 7. Ferguson, + </p> + <p> + 8. Abbey. + </p> + <p> + 9. Royal Coachman. + </p> + <p> + 10. Seth Green. + </p> + <p> + 11. Professor. + </p> + <p> + 12. Montreal. + </p> + <p> + "Reader, did you ever throw the fly to tempt the silvery denizen of the + lake, or river, to his destruction? Have you watched him, as it skimmed + like a living insect along the surface, dart from his hiding-place, and + rush upon the tempting but deceitful morsel; and have you noticed his + astonishment when he found the hook was in his jaw? Have you watched him + as he bent your slender rod 'like a reed shaken by the wind,' in his + efforts to free himself, and then have you reeled him to your hand and + deposited him in your basket, as the spoil of your good right arm? If you + have <i>not</i>, leave the dull, monotonous, every-day things around you, + and flee to the Chazy Lake."—<i>S. H. Hammond.</i> + </p> + <p> + "I now come to not only the most sportsman-like, but the most delightful + method of trout-fishing. One not only endeared by a thousand delightful + memories, but by the devotion of many of our wisest and best men for ages + past; and, next to my thanks for existence, health, and daily bread, I + thank God for the good gift of fly-fishing. If the fishes are to be killed + for our use, there is no way in which they are put to so little pain as in + fly-fishing. The fish rises, takes your fly as though it were his ordinary + food; the hook fixes in the hard gristly jaw, where there is little or no + sensation. After a few struggles he is hauled on shore, and a tap on the + head terminates his life; and so slight is the pain or alarm that he feels + from the hook, that I have over and over caught a trout, with the fly + still in his mouth which he has broken off in his struggles an hour or + even half an hour previously. I have seen fish that have thus broken off + swim away with my fly in their mouths and begin to rise at the natural fly + again almost directly."—<i>Francis Francis.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + RANGELEY BROOK TROUT. + </h2> + <h3> + By James A. Williamson, Sec. Oquossoc Angling Association. + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>bout twelve summers ago, when spending a delightful vacation at + Manchester, Vermont, under the shadow of Mt. Equinox, my attention was + called to a little book which gave a description of the exceptionally + large brook trout inhabiting the waters of the Rangeley Lakes. + </p> + <p> + Never having heard, heretofore, of a fish of that species that weighed + more than three pounds, and never having caught any over a pound and a + half (although I had dropped a line in many waters and exerted my utmost + muscle in casting a line for fingerlings), I could not bring my mind to + believe that such fish as were described really existed, and at once + pronounced it another fish story. Although much interested in the + narrative I finally threw down the book in disgust, and as I did so, + observed for the first time that the author was Robert G. Allerton, a very + old friend, whom I had always esteemed a man of veracity. I at once took a + new interest in the subject and determined to investigate the matter + personally. I came to New York, had an interview with Mr. Allerton, who + was the Treasurer of the Oquossoc Angling Association, and by his advice + joined the club, and in due time started for the promised land of + mountains, lakes, and large trout, and after the usual vicissitudes of + travel reached my destination at Camp Kennebago about the middle of + September. + </p> + <p> + The forests were just developing their autumnal hues, the air was fresh + and bracing, and all nature seemed to conspire to make one realize that + there was health in every breath inhaled, and beauty in every phase of + land and water. Having secured a first-rate guide and boat, and partaken + of a trout breakfast, which was relished immensely, such as can only be + appreciated by one who has left the haunts of civilization and gone into + the wilderness for recuperation, I considered my first duty was to pay my + respects to Mr. Allerton, who was in camp at Bugle Cove. From this + location Lake Mooselemeguntic lies spread out before you, while Mt. + Washington in the distance rears its snowy peak, overtopping Jefferson, + Monroe, and the other giants of the White Hills of New Hampshire. + </p> + <p> + The crystal waters of the lake tempt us to cast a fly, and a suitable + place having been secured, we proceed to business. After making several + casts in a manner more or less scientific but without success, my former + unbelief came creeping over me, and, as my arm became tired and almost + refused to do its duty, a sense of despondency overcame me, which I am + sure sensibly affected the beauty if not the efficacy of my casts. But + suddenly I am awakened to the realization of the fact that a big fish has + seized the fly and is making the reel hum in its frantic endeavors to + secure its liberty. Fathom after fathom of the dainty line disappears + beneath the water, and at last prudence dictates a gentle snub, which + finally terminates in a decided check to the mad career of the quarry. + Having succeeded in turning his head in a different direction, another + rush is made across stream, making the line whiz as it cuts through the + water; then suddenly he takes a downward course and ceases from all + apparent effort to free himself. He now sulks for a long time, and + impatience begins to take the place of the excitement with which the fight + began. The guide, who, during the fray had hoisted his anchor, got ready + his landing-net, and was now holding his boat in position with the oars, + suggested that I had better send him a telegraphic message, which was + accordingly done by striking the rod with a key. The first few strokes + seemed to make little or no impression, but presently he convinced us that + he was still there, although we had some forebodings that he had escaped + by winding the line around a log or some other object at the bottom of the + stream. He was up and alive in every sense, and performed the same tactics + for liberty with apparently more vigor than at first. These were kept up + for about half an hour, when he again took a turn of sulking, but this + time of shorter duration, and when he again began his rushes it was with + an evident loss of strength, but no diminution of determination and pluck. + </p> + <p> + A friend who was watching and timing me from his boat came oyer to inquire + how the battle was progressing, and pertinently asked, "Whether the fish + was going to take me or I the fish." At last the strength of the tackle, + the pliability of the rod, and the determination of the rodster overcame + the pluck and strength of the fish, and he was brought to the boat turned + upon his side and was beautifully landed by the guide. The scales were at + once applied, with a result of eight pounds full weight. + </p> + <p> + My inquiring and interested friend informed me that I had been two hours + and twenty minutes in the fight, and as I sat down in the boat I, for the + first time, realized that I was tired. + </p> + <p> + Now, my dear reader, do not think that this kind of sport is of common + occurrence, for from that time to this, I have taken but two fish of equal + weight; the average, however, has been much larger than trout from any + other locality in which I have fished. Any fish under half a pound is + considered unfit to land, and is again committed to the water to grow + larger. The number of trout does not seem to be falling off; but this can + be accounted for by the annual plant of fry from the Hatching House of the + Oquossoc Angling Association, who have for years past turned about one + million fish into these waters, and now contemplate increasing the amount + to five million; still I think there is a sensible diminution of the size + of the catch, which now run from one-half to four pounds, and anything + over that weight is the exception. This would seem to confirm the + supposition of Professor Agassiz, made many years ago, that these large + fish possibly may have reached an age of from 100 to 200 years, as they + were evidently very old. + </p> + <p> + Any one who has been thrilled with the vigorous strike of one of the + ordinary sized fish would be almost beside himself when one from three to + five pounds rose to his fly, and if his tackle was good, the sport derived + therefrom, would serve him a lifetime; and when the shades of night had + fallen upon the camp, and he with his fellow-fishermen collected around + the great fire, point and vigor would be given to his recital of how he + caught and played the monster he that day had brought to his creel. + </p> + <p> + "Let it be seen that a love of the 'gentle art' openeth first the heart, + then the fly-book, and soon the stores of experience and knowledge + garnered up through long years, wheresoever we meet a 'Brother of the + Angle'; and that to us 'angling is an employment of our idle time,'; that + therein we find 'a rest to the mind, a cheerer of the spirits, a diverter + of sadness, a calmer of unquiet thoughts, a moderator of the passions, a + procurer of contentedness, and that it begets habits of peace and patience + in chose that possess and practice it.'"—<i>Thaddeus Norris</i>. + </p> + <p> + "Fly-fishing holds the same relation to bait-fishing that poetry does to + prose. Not only the fly, but every implement of the fly-fisher's outfit is + a materialized poem."—<i>James A. Henshall, M.D.</i> + </p> + <p> + "Between the tyro and the proficient grayling fisher there exists a wider + gulf than is the case with the experienced and inexperienced in any other + branch in the whole art of fishing. Practical skill and general artistic + bearing are more fully exemplified in fishing for grayling, than for trout + and salmon, whilst upon the same ground the unskilled efforts of the + bungler stand at a yet more glaring contrast."—<i>David Foster</i>. + </p> + <p> + "Hooking a large grayling, I had good evidences of his plucky qualities; + the pliant rod bent as he struggled against the line, curling his body + around columns of water that failed to sustain his grasp, and setting his + great dorsal fin like an oar backing water, while we cautiously worked him + in, his tender mouth requiring rather more careful handling than would be + necessary for a trout; making a spurt up stream, he requires a yielding + line, but after a time he submits to be brought in, rallying for a dart + under the boat, or beneath a log, as an attempt is made to place the + landing net under him."—<i>Professor Milner</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0006" id="linkimage-0006"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0102m.jpg" alt="0102m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0102.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 13. Bee. + </p> + <p> + 14. Tomah Jo. + </p> + <p> + 15. "No Name." + </p> + <p> + 16. Blue Bottle. + </p> + <p> + 17. Grasshopper. + </p> + <p> + 18. Canada. + </p> + <p> + "Do not despair. There was—alas! that I must say there was—an + illustrious philosopher, who was nearly of the age of fifty before he made + angling a pursuit, yet he became a distinguished fly-fisher."—<i>Sir + Humphry Davy</i>. + </p> + <p> + "Fly-fishing for grayling and trout are not altogether identical. Both are + frequently found in the same water, and are to be taken with the same cast + of flies. Finer tackle, as a rule, is required in the case of the former, + as also smaller and brighter flies." —<i>David Foster</i>. + </p> + <p> + "The grayling generally springs entirely out of the water when first + struck by the hook, and tugs strongly at the line, requiring as much + dexterity to land it safely as it would to secure a trout of six times the + size."—<i>Dr. Richardson.</i> + </p> + <p> + "Grayling will often take the fly under water, rising so quietly that you + will scarcely see any rise or break of the water at all. It is desirable, + therefore, to watch the line narrowly, and to strike whenever you think it + stops or checks, and you will now and then be surprised, although there is + no break in the water, to find a good grayling on the hook. For, as is + often the case with trout, the big ones are very quiet risers."—<i>Francis + Francis.</i> + </p> + <p> + "To be a perfect fisherman you require more excellencies than are usually + to be found in such a small space as is allotted to a man's carcass."—<i>Parker + Gilmore</i>. + </p> + <p> + "The trout has, so to speak, a Herculean cast of beauty; the grayling + rather that of an Apollo—light, delicate, and gracefully + symmetrical."—<i>H. Cholmondely-Pennell</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE GRAYLING. + </h2> + <h3> + By Fred Mather. + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he very name of my beloved fish calls up a host of recollections that + form themselves into a picture that, above all others, is the most + cheerful one adorning memory's wall. We old fellows live largely in the + past, and can afford to let younger men revel in the future; and in my own + case, I can say that, having filled Shakespeare's apothegm of "one man in + his time plays many parts," there are often retrospects of life as a + boyish angler, an older hunter, trapper, and general vagabond on the + frontiers; a soldier; and a later return to a first love. Of these glances + over the shoulder of time, a few trips to Northern Michigan and its + grayling streams mark the journey of life with a white stone. + </p> + <p> + When Prof. Cope announced, in 1865, that he had received specimens from + Michigan, the English anglers in America were incredulous, and there was + some spicy correspondence, in the sportsmen's papers of those days, + concerning the identity of the fishes. As usual, the scientist discomfited + the angler, and proved his position. The fish had long been known to the + raftsmen and natives of Michigan by local names, but had never been + identified as the historic grayling. Some eight years after the discovery + of Prof. Cope that we had the grayling in American waters; Mr. D. H. + Pitzhugh, Jr., sent some of them to Mr. Charles Hallock, then editor of <i>Forest + and Stream</i>, and they were shown in New York to the doubters, who even + then were not convinced. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pitzhugh took great interest in the new fish, which, as a lumberman + and an angler, he had long known as a "Michigan trout," but had never + recognized as the gentle grayling, and he has since done more than any + other man to popularize it and introduce it to anglers. + </p> + <p> + He invited Mr. Hallock, Prof. Milner, and myself to come up and fish for + it, and we each extolled its attractions in the press. As a consequence, + the fish has been nearly exterminated by vandals who fish for count, and + the waters where we fished at first are nearly barren. + </p> + <p> + Of all game fishes the grayling is my favorite. It is gamy but not savage; + one does not feel the savage instinct to kill that the black bass or the + pike raises in him, but rather a feeling of love for a vigorous fighter + for its life who is handicapped with a tender mouth. To me the fish is + always thought of as the "gentle grayling," and the "golden-eyed + grayling," although the latter epithet is not always a correct one, owing + to the changes in the iris. + </p> + <p> + In fishing for grayling it is well to use a mediumsized fly of a subdued + color; a yellow body and a brown wing is the fly that should be used if + only one is recommended; it is a most killing combination. Brown Hackles, + Bed Ibis, Professor, Queen of the Water, and other trout flies are also + killing; but the first-mentioned fly, whose name I do not know, owing to a + defective memory and the vagaries of fly nomenclature, is the most + killing, and a cast into the upper edge of a pool below a rapid is usually + most successful. * + </p> + <p> + * Oak-fly. + </p> + <p> + The beauty of the grayling is of a kind that is better appreciated after + some acquaintance. The bright colors of its "magnificent dorsal," as the + phrase went a few years ago, are not its chief claim to admiration. Its + shapely contour, striped ventrals, iridescent caudal, and its beatific + countenance win the heart of the angler and make him love the grayling, + and feel that it is a fish to respect for the higher qualities expressed + in its physiognomy, and not one that it is merely a satisfaction to kill + as he would a savage pike. True, we kill the grayling, but we do it in a + different spirit from that in which we kill some other thing. It was not + only my good fortune to know "Uncle Thad" Norris, but to have fished with + him. The dear lovable old man, who long since paid his fare to the grim + ferryman, once said: "When I look into a grayling's eye I am sorry I + killed it; but that feeling never prevents me from making another cast + just to see if another will rise." + </p> + <p> + In another century Norris will be more read and appreciated than he is + to-day. Of all American angling writers of this century he will stand + foremost, and yet he never wrote as fully as he intended of the fish that + he told me had afforded him more pleasure than any other. He had not + revised his "American Angler's Book" for some time before his death, and + so his remarks on Back's grayling must stand as he wrote them before the + era of the Michigan grayling. He there says of the Arctic grayling: "The + grayling being a fish in the capture of which the American angler cannot + participate, we give no account of the manner of angling for them, but + refer the reader who may have interest or curiosity on that score to + English authors." He intended to revise that sentence and give his own + experience, but the Reaper judged him ripe for the harvest before he did + it. In my opinion he was one of those who should never have been ripe for + that harvest, and his loss to our angling literature was a severe one. + </p> + <p> + That the grayling will take bait, truth requires the admission; would that + it were not so. I would prefer that its food was the soaring insect, or + even the floating thistledown, with an occasional feather from an angel's + wing dropped in the moonlit flood; but science has laid bare its interior + with the searching scalpel, and the Caesarian operation has brought forth + the lowly caddis-worm and other larvae, and the bait-fisher has taken + advantage of the knowledge and pandered to the baser appetite of the fish. + </p> + <p> + That the grayling does not eat other fish is proved by its small month, as + well as by its known habits. It is not a leaper, like the trout, but takes + the fly from the surface with merely an exposure of a portion of its head. + When struck, it makes a rigorous rush, and, if it does not fight as long + as the trout does, it gives much resistance at the last moment by the + sidelong movement it makes when being reeled in, which is due to the size + and curvature of its dorsal fin. It inhabits only the coldest of streams, + and while the grayling of Europe is found in the trout streams, it is not + to be found there in Michigan. + </p> + <p> + We have several species of grayling in America. Two of these only are + accessible to anglers, the Michigan grayling, <i>Thymallus tricolor</i>, + and one at the head waters of the Yellowstone, the <i>T. Montanus</i>, The + other species are Arctic. + </p> + <p> + The Michigan fish is reported to grow to nearly two pounds weight; I never + saw one that I thought would weigh much over a pound, and I have taken + them in spawning season for the purpose of procuring their eggs. Whether + this fish will bear acclimatization to other waters, I cannot say. I + raised a few until a year old at my former trout farm in Western New York, + and when I left them I opened the pond and let them into the stream below, + but none have ever been taken there, as far as I know. It seems a pity to + allow this elegant fish to become extinct, as it will in a few years in + its limited habitat, and if opportunity offered I would again try to + domesticate it. + </p> + <p> + The trout-fisher needs no special directions nor tackle to fish for + grayling; he may cast in the usual manner, only remembering that the fish + has a very tender mouth, and must be treated with this fact ever in mind. + The Michigan grayling streams are not suited for wading, and, therefore, + fishing from a boat is the rule. This may not suit some anglers, to whom I + can only say, every one to his fancy, but no wading for me; dry feet are + more comfortable than wet ones, and boat-fishing or bank-fishing are more + suitable to my taste, than to be immersed up to my hips in cold water for + half a day. + </p> + <p> + I have killed, I believe, every game fish in America east of the Rocky + Mountains, except the salmon, for which I have a rod in readiness, that I + hope to use soon, and I can say that while I do not think the grayling the + superior of all of them for gameness, yet there is something of romance in + the remembrance of the grayling, a kind of sentimental retrospect, that + endears the fish to me above all others. Whether it was owing to the pine + woods and the genial companionship, I do not care to consider; but each + year there comes a longing to repeat the pleasant experiences of the Au + Sable and its delicate grayling. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TROUT FLIES + </h2> + <p> + "The trout-fly does not resemble any known species of insect. It is a + 'conventionalized' creation, as we say of ornamentation. The theory is, + that, fly-fishing being a high art, the fly must not be a tame imitation + of nature, but an artistic suggestion of it. It requires an artist to + construct one; and not every bungler can take a bit of red flannel, a + peacock's feather, a flash of tinsel thread, a cock's plume, a section of + a hen's wing, and fabricate a tiny object that will not look like any fly, + but still will suggest the universal conventional fly."—<i>Charles + Dudley Warner</i>. + </p> + <p> + "When you fish with a flie, if it be possible, let no pary of your line + touch the water, but your flie only."—<i>Izaak Walton</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0007" id="linkimage-0007"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0112m.jpg" alt="0112m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0112.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 1. Coachman. + </p> + <p> + 2. Leadwing Coach. + </p> + <p> + 3. Royal Coachman. + </p> + <p> + 4. Coachman red tip. + </p> + <p> + 5. Gilt Coachman. + </p> + <p> + 6. Cowdung. + </p> + <p> + 7. Fern. + </p> + <p> + 8. Blue Jay. + </p> + <p> + 9. Abbey. + </p> + <p> + 10. Red Ant. + </p> + <p> + 11. Black Ant. + </p> + <p> + 12. Seth Green. + </p> + <p> + 13. Professor. + </p> + <p> + 14. Blue Professor. + </p> + <p> + 15. Dark Stone. + </p> + <p> + "A combination of English Jay is one of the most effective flies in the + world, as it can be put into as gay a fly as you please, and also into as + plain a one as you like."—<i>Capt. Peel ("Dinks")</i>. + </p> + <p> + "When I think of the great secrets of Nature locked up from our knowledge + (yet under our eyes at every turn of your daily duty), and imagine what a + mine of intellectual wealth remains to be opened out by quickness of + sight, clearness of intellect, and the pickaxe of hard work, a great + panorama opens before me. How ignorant—how terribly ignorant—are + we of God's great laws as applied to the creatures that live in the + element in which we are forbidden to exist!"—<i>Frank Buckland</i>. + </p> + <p> + "The ancient belief in the stoppage of sport during a thunderstorm is not + strictly true."—<i>David Foster</i>. + </p> + <p> + "A fish will <i>hook himself only</i> in cases where the fly first touches + the water at the end of a straight line, or when the line is being + withdrawn smartly for a new cast. In all other cases the skill of the + angler must be employed."—<i>Charles Hallock</i>. + </p> + <p> + "We had determined on a feast, and trout were to be its daintiest dainty. + We waited until the confusing pepper of a shower had passed away and left + the water calm. We tossed to the fish humbugs of wool, silk and feathers, + gauds such as captivate the greedy or the guileless. The trout, on the + lookout for novelty, dashed up and swallowed disappointing juiceless + morsels, and with them swallowed hooks. Then, O Walton! O Davy! O Scrope! + ye fishers hard by taverns! luxury was ours of which ye know nothing. + Under the noble yellow birch we cooked our own fish. We used our scanty + kitchen-battery with skill. We cooked with the high art of simplicity. + Where Nature has done her best, only fools rush in to improve. On the + salmonids, fresh and salt, she has lavished her creative refinements. + Cookery should only ripen and develop."—<i>Theodore Winthrop</i>. + </p> + <p> + "As a general thing, it is a waste of time to be forever changing your + flies. If the trout are not rising, it is entirely useless to fling an + assortment of flies at them."—<i>T. S. Up de Graff, M.D.</i> + </p> + <p> + "In taking the fly, I award the palm to the trout, as he usually throws + himself out of the water to do so. The salmon does not, he scarcely more + than shows himself; but after being hooked the sport commences, and it is + all activity to the death, rarely any sulking."—<i>Charles W. + Stevens</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A TROUTING TRIP TO ST. IGNACE ISLAND. + </h2> + <h3> + By W. Thomson + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>owards the end of August, 1877, I had become pretty well fagged out with + office work and felt that I must have a week or two of out-door recreation + or sport of some kind, so I naturally decided upon a troutfishing + expedition; and I selected, as the scene, the island of St. Ignace, in + Lake Superior, of which I had heard most excellent accounts in regard to + fish products. I had, it is true, caught a great many brook trout + throughout the summer, in small streams close at hand; but these were + mostly fish of inferior size, few indeed reaching one pound in weight; + while I was assured by an ancient fisherman of repute, that at the Island, + the real <i>Salmo fontinalis</i> often attained to four, five, and even + seven pounds. + </p> + <p> + This was the kind of ground I had been, for many years, anxious to find, + and I made up my mind to try it at all events. + </p> + <p> + The first thing to do was to secure two suitable companions, and a man or + boy of all work. The former I quickly enlisted in the persons of a genial + M.D. and an overworked limb of the law. The latter opportunely turned up + in the shape of "Jim," a colored youth of sixteen, as black as the ten of + spades, but no less celebrated for his culinary skill than for his impish + tricks and imperturbable good humor and honesty. To banish formality once + for all, and put things upon an easy and familiar footing at the start, I + christened the M.D. "Squills" and the lawyer "Bluffy," out of compliment + to his usual style of treating witnesses in court. In deference to my + advanced age and <i>general good looks</i>, the boys called me "Governor," + I being then about fifty-three and neither of them thirty. Our supplies, + consisting of a ten by twelve tent, three camp beds and bedding, two small + boats, a stock of provisions for six men for two weeks, one rifle, two + fowling pieces, and our fishing tackle, were soon got together, and in + twenty-four hours from the first proposal, we were ready to take the cars + for Collingwood. At that point we secured an ample supply of ice; and then + embarked with our traps on board a steamer bound for Duluth and + intermediate ports, and touching at St. Ignace on her way. + </p> + <p> + This island is situated in Canadian waters, about thirty-five miles from + the mouth of Nepigon River, forty-seven miles east of the famous Silver + Islet and some seventy from Thunder Bay. I say island, but there are in + fact <i>two</i> called St. Ignace; the largest being about sixteen miles + long by ten wide; with generally bluff shores and high headlands, one of + these rising to a height of thirteen hundred and fifty feet above the lake + level. The smaller island, at which steamers touch and upon which we + camped, is separated from the larger by a channel of from fifty to a + hundred yards wide, and is about two miles by a half a mile in size, + having one bold headland five hundred feet high. Neither island is + inhabited except by occasional Indians and other fishermen; nor do either + of them, so far as I observed, contain any agricultural land, the + formation being rock. Both, however, as well as contiguous groups, are + mostly covered with a thick growth of spruce, balsam, birch and mountain + ash. This last is so plentiful that in the autumn its brilliant red leaves + may be seen from quite a distance at sea, framed in a background of dark + green spruce, and presenting a most charming view. The larger island + contains in itself numerous small lakes which abound in pike (<i>E. Indus</i>), + and what we Canadians call yellow pickerel (<i>Stizostedium vitreum</i>), + really pike-perch. No one bothers catching these, however, as the + surrounding waters yield an enormous supply of choicer fish, among which + are said to be ten varieties of the salmon family; besides whitefish, some + of which attain to seventeen pounds in weight! I took some trouble to + ascertain the local names by which the various species of trout are known, + and the greatest attested weight of individuals of each. I am indebted to + Mr. Wm. Boon, of Barrie, Ontario, a professional fisherman who spends four + months of every year upon the island, for the following list, which I give + without vouching in any way for this queer addition to the salmon family: + </p> + <p> + 1. Salmon trout, weight up to..................... 70 lbs. + </p> + <p> + 2. "Siskowitt," weight up to...................... 12 " + </p> + <p> + 3. Half-breed Siskowitt, weight up to............ 5 " + </p> + <p> + 4. "Potgut," very inferior fish, weight up to..... 12 " + </p> + <p> + 5. Rock or black trout, weight up to.............. 40 " + </p> + <p> + 6. Large gray or shovel-nose trout, weight up to.... 70 " + </p> + <p> + 7. "California trout/yellow spots and flesh, weight up to 10" + </p> + <p> + 8. "Half-breed red trout," weight up to........... 15 " + </p> + <p> + 9. Common brook or speckled trout, weight up to.. 7 " + </p> + <p> + 10. "Red trout," weight up to.......................42 " + </p> + <p> + All of these, of course, are local names, but the fish are all true trout; + crossed and re-crossed, I presume, <i>ad infinitum</i>. The brook trout is + the only species found here with a square tail, those of all the others + being more or less forked. The "red trout" is far superior to any of its + confrères, and is called by the Indians—Pugwashooaneg, that is, + Paysplatt—District-fish, as it is taken only in this locality, and + only in the fall of the year as a rule. The Indians come from Nepigon + expressly to fish for it, and care for no other trout in comparison. It is + much more highly esteemed than the brook trout. This very day on which I + write this article, I had a salted piece of one of these "red trout" for + dinner and found the flesh of a bright pink, and the flavor exquisite. I + shall refer to it again. + </p> + <p> + On our passage from Collingwood we touched at the following ports and + "landings," viz.: Meaford, Owen Sound, Killarney, Little Current, Bruce + Mines, Hilton, or St. Joseph Island, Garden River, and the Sault. Thence, + via Michipicoton Island to St. Ignace. I may say here, before I forget it, + that among the useful productions of this last are incredible quantities + of huckleberries and "sand cranberries." The former were just in season at + the date of our visit, and after the first day "Jim" always gave us + capital puddings and pies made from them. + </p> + <p> + We found many pleasant people on board the steamer, with whom we picked + acquaintance in that free and easy manner peculiar the world over to + anglers. + </p> + <p> + After a delightful trip of four days, we made the landing on our Island at + about five o'clock on a beautiful evening, and, having got our whole + outfit ashore, selected a charming spot in the midst of a spruce grove as + a camping ground. The tent was put up, beds and bedding arranged, supplies + for present use unpacked, a table improvised and things generally "set + out" in a most orderly manner by the Doctor and "Bluffy," while I employed + myself in the construction of a fish corral, the use of which will be seen + further on. Meantime, "Jim" had, with a few loose stones, made for himself + a very passable fire-place, and soon had tea and coffee prepared, several + appetizing dishes cooked, and called us to supper at 6.30. After a hearty + and enjoyable meal, we proceeded to put the finishing touches to our work; + sorted out and overhauled our fishing tackle; caught a few minnows and + placed them in a perforated bucket in the lake; and before dark were all + in ship-shape and thoroughly comfortable. "Jim" slung his hammock between + and beneath two umbrageous trees, and by eight o'clock, with a full + stomach and clear conscience, was roosting in it, happy as a lord! From + this coign of vantage, with the gathering darkness to hide his <i>blushes</i>, + he favored us with several choice negro melodies rendered in a style and + with a pathos which any "professional" might have envied. As the night + deepened we drank in with appropriate senses all the delights of our + surroundings. The great fire before which we three sat, lighting up with + weird and fantastic effects the sombre foliage of the adjacent forest; the + plaintive cry of the distant loon; the harsher notes of the bittern, and + the even, gentle murmur of the softly lapping waves, all united to inspire + us with a sense of freedom and happiness unknown to the busy world. Serene + and contented, we "turned in" at ten, with blissful anticipations for the + morrow. We had not forgotten that prime necessity of a well-ordered camp, + light, but had brought with us several pounds of sperm candles, two + gallons of oil and a good swinging lamp, which, suspended from the + centre-pole, not only rendered the tent cheerful, but gave facilities for + performing with ease and comfort the thousand and one little jobs which + precious daylight could not be wasted upon. Reader, did you ever "camp + out" in the midst of a dense grove of pine or spruce trees? If not, you + have yet to enjoy the luxury of the most balmy and refreshing sleep which + can bless mortal man. There is a something in the delicious aroma of the + resinous woods which induces a perfect repose, obtainable, in my + experience, through no other means. A sound, sweet, wholesome, and yet not + heavy sleep; quiet and dreamless, and from which you awake, not drowsy and + cross, but with a buoyancy of spirits, a strength of body and clearness of + mind which make even hard daily toil seem a mere pastime. And so, with + thankful hearts sank we to rest on this our first night at St. Ignace. + There are no black flies on the Island, and the season was too far + advanced for mosquitoes to be troublesome; facts which added not a little + to our serenity of mind and took away the last excuse for ill-humor. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, after partaking of a breakfast which fully sustained + Jim's reputation as a cook, "Squills" and "Bluffy" agreed to go out in the + larger of the two boats, leaving the small one for me. They were provided + with various kinds of bait, including frogs, worms, grubs, grasshoppers, + and minnows, as well as a goodly supply of spoons and other lures. I had + decided upon trying flies for the first day, and if found effective I + intended to stick to them. The boys anchored out at about a hundred yards + from shore and went to work; and I moved slowly along the coast-line, + closely examining the bottom and the lay of the submerged rocks, as well + as the trend of the contiguous land. When an angler is in strange waters + he will find this preliminary survey to be always a paying operation. By + and by I found a lovely-looking reef which extended from the shore to deep + water. This reef or ledge was broad and smooth on one side, but the other + dipped down sharply, and presented a rough, jagged, and cavernous face. + Here, if anywhere, I judged <i>fontinalis</i> would be sure to lurk; so I + anchored within twenty feet of the precipitous edge of the reef, with + water apparently about ten feet deep under the boat, but of profound depth + a few yards from the ledge. At that time I had no split bamboo rod, a fact + which I have ever since regretted, but I had an excellent ash and + lance-wood, which had killed myriads of fish, and is still to the fore. I + never was and never will be a skilful fly-fisherman, or perhaps I should + say—as too much modesty savors of affectation—a skilful fly-<i>caster</i>. + </p> + <p> + That is I never could, nor can I yet, make an effective and proper cast of + over forty-two feet from reel to fly. I have always found, however, that I + <i>take as many fish</i> as those artistic anglers who can cast more than + double that distance. On this occasion I tried a white miller as tail fly, + and a common gray hackle as dropper, and they succeeded so well that I + only thereafter changed them as a matter of experiment. I never at any + time during this trip used more than two flies at once, as that number + gave me quite enough to do. + </p> + <p> + Well, this morning of which I am now writing, was one to make glad the + heart of an angler. A southwest wind blew softly, and the sun was obscured + by warm gray clouds. No fish of any decency or self-respect could <i>help</i> + biting on such a day! I felt so sure of good luck that I put overboard a + wicker-work basket, with a hole in the lid, so arranged, with a falling + spring door, that fish could be put in but could not get out. This floated + astern and would keep fully a hundred pounds of fish alive, if necessary, + for any length of time. Having fixed everything to my liking, I stood up + and made my first cast along the edge of the reef. No result! but I + thought I saw a faint suspicion of a shadowy form or two, and a slight + movement of the water just behind my flies. Have been too quick, I + thought; and so tried again, letting the flies this time rest until they + sank an inch or so below the surface, when I <i>attempted</i> to draw them + slowly in. I say attempted, because they had not moved six inches when + first the dropper and then the tail fly were taken in a rush, by two large + trout which didn't draw towards me worth a cent, for some fifteen minutes + at least. On the contrary they darted away as if the Old Hick was after + them with a red-hot frying-pan; pulling in unison like a pair of + well-broken colts and severely trying my rather too light tackle. Any + decided check was out of the question. I could only put on such pressure + as the single gut leader would bear, and that was sufficient to make a + half-circle of my rod. I had beautiful open water in which to play the + fish, but as they rushed along and down the face of the submerged cliff, I + did not know what hidden dangers might lurk in the unseen depths, nor at + what moment a sharp, jagged rock might cut the line, or some profound + recess furnish a retreat from whence it might be impossible to withdraw my + prize. So far however, all went well. The fish in their terror had sought + deep water and not touched rock at all. Soon the distraction of the heavy, + ceaseless strain caused them to forget the glorious maxim that, "in union + is strength." and they began to pull different ways. Now I was sure of + them! and very gradually and gently, inch by inch, I coaxed them away from + the dangerous ground, and got them safely above the smooth bottom of the + plateau on the farther side of the boat, where I could see their every + motion and watch their brave struggles for life. A prettier sight I never + witnessed than the curious way in which the movements of one fish + neutralized those of the other. If one sought the bottom, his mate went + for the surface; if one rushed away seawards, the other came towards the + boat. They literally <i>played each other</i>, and I was for awhile a mere + spectator! After looking upon these cross-purposes for some minutes, I + noticed that the fish on the tail fly became entangled with the line above + his comrade on the dropper, and both then began to whirl furiously round + and round after the usual manner of trout in a like predicament. When the + wildest of this flurry was over, I drew them cautiously to the boat and + dipped up both at once with my landing net. An immediate application of my + pocket scale proved their weight to be twenty-nine and thirty-three ounces + respectively, the heaviest trout being that on the drop or upper fly. They + were evidently a mated pair, and both were broad-shouldered, deep fish, + but not very long, the largest being only sixteen and a half inches. Their + backs were beautifully clouded and mottled, but the carmine spots on their + sides were not quite so vivid as those of dark river-water trout. + Fortunately they were merely lip-hooked, and being at once placed in the + floating creel, soon revived. Now I began to feel big, and thought myself + quite an expert, but in less than five minutes the conceit was taken out + of me with a vengeance, for on my very next cast I struck a magnificent + fish and lost him, and half my leader, instanter. On feeling the hook old + <i>Salmo</i> went like a shot over the brow of the declivity and (I + suppose) into a hole, and cut the line short off. After that mishap I + became more careful, and never dropped my fly more than six inches from + the edge of the reef; and whenever a fish was struck I drew him at once, + at all hazards, away from the risky ground and played him on the plateau. + </p> + <p> + By ten o'clock I had secured fifteen beauties, some running close upon + three pounds. Eleven of these were as lively as ever, but four had been + hooked in the throat and soon died. + </p> + <p> + As the day was now becoming bright and hot, I thought it time to look + after my boys, who were out of sight around a point. I soon came up with + them and found "Squills" asleep in the bottom of the boat while "Bluffy" + sat smoking, with his rod lying idly across the gunnel with the line in + the water. "What luck, boys?" I shouted. "Squills" awoke and replied, + "What luck yourself, Governor? Not one blessed fish in this region." I + settled on my sculls, ready for a quick start, and said, "Why, Squills, + you don't know <i>how</i> to fish. Just compound a few of your best + prescriptions and throw them overboard. They have generally proved fatal + to your patients, and will murder the fish sure." + </p> + <p> + "Squills" made a wicked dab at my head with his long-handled net, but a + stroke put me in safety, and I added, "And you, friend 'Bluffy,' just + rehash that famous trespass-case speech of yours, which gave the judge + fits and nearly killed the jury, and if you don't have lots of dead fish, + I'm a Dutchman." The poor boys, however, were past joking; and I rowed + back and examined their ground. They had actually been fishing all the + morning in water nine feet deep; over a bottom smooth as a billiard table, + without a weed, rock or stone to hide them from the fish; all of which, + within a hundred yards, could plainly see them and their boat. So I said, + "Come boys, we'll go to camp and have an early trout dinner, and in the + evening you shall catch fish to your heart's content." Then up, after this + manner, spoke the dolorous "Squills". + </p> + <p> + "That is all right, Governor, but it strikes me that in order fully to + enjoy a trout-dinner, it is, above all things, necessary first to have the + trout." + </p> + <p> + "True, most sapient medicus, and here they are," I rejoined, at the same + time lifting the lid of my creel. "Glory to Galen!" + </p> + <p> + "Thunder and turf!" + </p> + <p> + "Ghost of Walton! where did you get those, Governor?" both exclaimed in a + breath. "Boys," said I, "you are hungry, tired, and cross; possess your + souls in patience; come to camp; take some lime-juice and water, with a + little of something in it; eat, drink, and recover your strength, and you + shall have the best afternoon's sport you ever saw." These words of wisdom + cheered the fellows up wonderfully, and we all put off for camp. + </p> + <p> + That redolent and shiny youth, Jim, soon cleaned two of the dead fish, + together about five pounds, cooked them in a style of his own, and we sat + down at the unfashionable hour of eleven to our first camp dinner. I will, + for once, give the <i>menu</i>, merely to show what awful <i>hardships</i> + we had to encounter! + </p> + <p> + Brook trout, fried in red-hot lard, garnished with bread crumbs; broiled + mutton chops; baked potatoes; cold tongue; pickles; sauces and jellies: + aftercourse—pancakes with maple syrup; wind up—Stilton cheese. + Didn't we just suffer for our country? After the inevitable and welcome + pipe (not cigars), and some choice and (I am happy to say) <i>chaste</i> + anecdotes by "Bluffy," we laid down for a two hours' siesta. Oh, the + glory, the happiness of out-door life, away from posts, telegraphs, or + newspapers! Oh, the delight of feeling that every fresh breath of pure + ozone-laden air, adds to health and wholesome animal spirits, and is + rapidly re-invigorating your system, and fitting you to more effectually + take part in renewed and honest work! + </p> + <p> + At four o'clock the sun was again obscured by kindly clouds and we all + went ont to the reef; the boys, as before, in one boat, and I in the + other. And then occurred sport such as is seldom seen in genuine + troutfishing. My friends stuck to their minnow and grasshopper bait, while + I retained the fly. I induced them to anchor quite close to the edge of + the reef, so that they might, if necessary, drop their lines + perpendicularly down its face. They had not fished five minutes when + "Bluffy" gave a whoop, which might have awakened a petit-juror or scared a + witness out of his boots. I glanced that way, and found the man of law + standing up in the boat with curved and straining rod and a glow of + intense satisfaction pervading his jolly countenance. "I've got him, + Governor! He's a whopper; an old he fellow! None of your three pounders," + he yelled in great excitement. Sure enough, he <i>had</i> him, and after + ten minutes of skilful play, landed a trout of over four pounds. + </p> + <p> + This beat me all hollow! Indeed the largest <i>S. fontinalis</i> I took on + this trip weighed three pounds, one ounce, being two ounces lighter than + the heaviest I have ever yet caught. + </p> + <p> + "Squills" now got his hand in and brought out a dashing fish of three and + a-half pounds, in a manner so pretty and artistic as to elicit a warm + eulogium from the "Governor," who, of course, had not meantime been idle + himself. In fact, I had taken a double and single while the boys got their + two; but these outweighed my three. All through our excursion the <i>largest</i> + fish were invariably taken by bait, but not so many of them as by the fly. + However, the fly was so much less trouble and so much prettier, and + cleaner to handle, I did not care to change, seeing at once that we should + catch more fish than we wanted anyway. + </p> + <p> + It was a great treat to me to watch the enjoyment the boys had in their + sport. Neither of them had been out before for years, and no student at + the beginning of a long vacation could have manifested such unbounded + delight at his freedom, as did they with their fishing and its + accompanying pleasures. It is a fact worthy of note that while I, using + the fly, took only speckled trout (<i>S. fontinalis</i>), my friends, with + bait, secured several of other and larger kinds. + </p> + <p> + Well, amid laughter, joke and repartee, the afternoon wore away, and + evening shades came all too quickly. + </p> + <p> + Our sport had been almost unique in its exhilarating success and + joyousness. When the sun sank below the waters we had taken in all + seventy-six fine trout, none under one pound. Of this number my fly was + responsible for thirty-two, "Squills" had taken twenty-one, and "Bluffy" + twenty-three. A lovelier lot of fish was never seen; and with the + exception of eight dead ones, we transferred them all safely to the + corral, built in the edge of the lake near our tent, with large stones. + Here, about eighty per cent, of all the fish taken on this trip remained + alive during the whole time of our stay. Whenever one showed signs of + failing we dipped him out for present use. This corral, hacked up by our + supply of ice, gave us full assurances that our good luck would not be + followed by reckless waste. + </p> + <p> + But I had almost forgotten the chief incident of this memorable day. As we + approached the camp we saw "Jim" on the shore dancing a double "Virginny + break-down" and grinning all over from head to foot; his shining ebony + face and gleaming teeth fairly illuminating the coming darkness. On seeing + us he yelled out, "I got him, gentlemen; I beats you all; takes this + nigger to catch fish!" + </p> + <p> + The imp had actually made for himself a raft of drift-wood, paddled it out + to deep water, and taken with bait a great salmon trout of twenty pounds! + and it was now swimming about in the corral like a yery leviathan among my + morning's catch. This tickled us all so immensely that we then and there + bestowed upon "Jim" an extra "quarter" each. This boy was indeed a + treasure; a first-class cook and care-taker; willing, faithful, and + honest; while his store of songs, exhibits of dancing, and never-failing + fun and good-humor, would haye sufficed to keep cheerful any camp in the + world. Poor fellow! he was drowned two years later in Lake Michigan, while + bathing. + </p> + <p> + If I did not fear to spin out this already dull narrative to an inordinate + length, I should like to give a detailed account of each of the twelve + days we fished and shot in this vicinity. + </p> + <p> + <i>Twelve</i> days only, mind you, for not a line was wet on Sunday. + </p> + <p> + Our one rifle proved a useful adjunct, but we found no use for the + shot-guns, the season being too early and the weather too fine for ducks. + The delicately sighted Winchester, however, procured us several fine + specimens of the loon or great northern diver, and one or two large blue + cranes, all of which, I presume, now adorn "Squills'" sanctum in British + Columbia. + </p> + <p> + Almost every day we had choice sport, and we limited our catch only by the + facilities we possessed for saving and carrying away the fish. + </p> + <p> + One particular day we devoted to salmon and red trout, which we fished for + away off in very deep water, all of us using either spoons or live herring + bait, in trolling. We had plenty of wholesome exercise in rowing, and very + fair luck as regards fish; taking in all, seven salmon trout and five red + trout. + </p> + <p> + The honors of this day fell to "Squills," who captured with his spoon a + salmon trout of nineteen pounds, while I got a red trout of ten pounds. + This last named fish is as pink in the flesh and as fine flavored as <i>Salmo + salar</i>. It is said by local fishermen to be in fact the same fish, and + they suppose that in ages long past sea salmon had some means of reaching + this lake, and when the waters subsided some were left, and that from them + the red trout is descended. As I have myself no scientific knowledge + whatever I cannot offer an opinion upon this point. I can only say that if + a skilled fisherman, or even a scientist, were to receive one of these + fish from, say Quebec, he could hardly distinguish it from the veritable + <i>Salmo salar</i>, though it bears even a more exact resemblance to the + salmon of Frazer Fiver, British Columbia. + </p> + <p> + I am told that this red trout will rise to the fly, but I cannot vouch for + the fact, as all we took were captured with bait or spoon. + </p> + <p> + A rather curious, though frequently occurring, thing happened one evening + as we were all fishing, with our boats not more than fifty feet apart. I + had hooked, and was playing a medium sized speckled trout, when it was + seized and gorged by a sixteen-pound salmon trout. I realized the + situation instantly and gave line freely, so as to allow the poacher lots + of time to swallow his stolen prey. The rifle was in the other boat, and I + asked the boys to come alongside, as we should probably have to use cold + lead, the fish being too large for our landing nets. By the time they were + in position, about sixty feet of my line had gone slowly out, and I judged + that the large fish had got the small one fairly in his stomach. I then + began to reel in very gently, and was surprised to find that the big trout + followed my lead with great docility until I had brought him quite near + the surface. Then he became alarmed and dashed off—a proceeding to + which I made no resistance, as I feared pulling the bait from his throat. + Being apparently satisfied that all was right, my unknown friend soon + became quiescent, and I could only feel a slight tremor of the line as he + settled his supper satisfactorily in his maw. Again I coaxed him slowly + and cautiously towards the boat in which stood "Bluffy" with poised rifle. + This time I ventured to make him show himself within twenty feet of the + muzzle of the gun, when "Bluffy" very neatly put a bullet through his + head, and he turned belly up and was got on board. "Well done, "Bluffy," + said "Squills;" "your <i>practice</i> could not have done greater <i>execution</i> + if you had been making out a bill of costs for a client." + </p> + <p> + "Well, no," says 'Bluffy;' "but I think perhaps one of <i>your curative + pills</i> would have killed the fish more unutterably dead." + </p> + <p> + "Peace, boys, peace," said the "Governor"; "this is a solemn occasion; we + have used unlawful and unsportsmanlike means to take a game fish; but as + it could not be helped we will condone the offence by giving the fish away + to the first deserving object we meet." + </p> + <p> + "And that will be 'Jim,' quietly observed 'Squills.'" + </p> + <p> + But dear me! what is the use of trying to tell all the fun and glorious + sport we had? The pen of a "Frank Forester" or a Hallock might do justice + to the subject, mine cannot. Suffice it to say that, as the days went on, + each one made me feel younger and younger, until I found it hard to + convince myself that I was over twenty-five. As to my comrades, we had not + been out a week before they were boys of sixteen! + </p> + <p> + Last days will come, however, and all too quickly, let us bear up never so + bravely. The fifteenth morning saw us packing up and preparing to return + once more to civilized life and "the busy haunts of men." + </p> + <p> + I am afraid to say how many trout we had at the finish, but I know that we + packed in ice more than three hundred pounds weight to take home with us; + and gave away, almost alive from the corral, nearly as many more to the + captain of the steamer, thereby calling down upon our heads the earnest + blessings of passengers and crew. + </p> + <p> + I find, on looking over this MS. that I have forgotten to say that we + discovered several places along the channel edge of the island where most + excellent trout-fishing could be had from the shore; and that, by the + advice of local fishermen, my friends tried the "hearts" of killed trout + as bait, and found such very effective. This "heart" is a piece of flesh + which lies inside the pointed part of the fish's belly which runs between + the gill covers. It looks much like a genuine heart, and <i>pulsates</i> + for several seconds after being removed from the fish. I suppose that it + is in fact a real heart. Never once did this bait fail to attract a bite; + but, of course, not many hearts could be obtained, as we extracted the + delicate morsel only from such fish as were required for immediate + consumption. + </p> + <p> + Me finally bade farewell to our two weeks' elysium, with sorrowful + feelings, but before the lapse of twenty-four hours, kind and loving + thoughts of wives, little ones, and home re-asserted themselves, and we + landed at Collingwood in jubilant spirits and vigorous health, fully + prepared to resume our several avocations, and fight again the battles of + life with renewed courage and hope. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—We were absent from Barrie twenty-five days in all, and the + whole trip cost us only one hundred and thirty-five dollars, or forty-five + dollars each. Our ice was kept almost intact by being wrapped in blankets + and covered with spruce boughs. Mr. Boon, before referred to, has built + and is this winter (1883) filling a large ice-house on the small island + for his own use and that of any visitors who may fish in the neighborhood + next summer. Mr. Boon took five hundred half barrels of choice fish on + these grounds last season; with nets, of course. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE ANGLER'S GREETING. + </h2> + <h3> + By W. David Tomlin. + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span>hither away, friend! Your black slender rod-box and the creel denote you + are on fishing intent, but where are you bound? + </p> + <p> + A momentary glance, a cordial good evening; the question then came—To + whom am I indebted for this greeting? An exchange of cards resulted in a + long and cordial grasp of hands; glad to meet you! Is it possible? The + magic pasteboard revealed two names not unknown to each other through the + columns of their favorite angling journal, and this visitor had come to + the little country station in quest of some of the fishing often spoken of + in the said paper. + </p> + <p> + The fates had led the correspondent to the railway station to bid good-bye + to a friend when the angler unlimbered himself therefrom; and was looking + around as strangers do. + </p> + <p> + "Can you recommend a quiet inn near this point where I can find decent + treatment? I am not inclined to be fussy." + </p> + <p> + A few minutes' walk and I introduced him to mine host, who was a genuine + piscator, and nothing pleased him better than to have an angler under his + roof: he took possession of him and considered nothing too much trouble, + so long as he gave his guests good fishing, clean beds, a square meal, and + satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + While supper was being prepared, we pleasantly chatted over the prospect + of sport, and the angler's aim and ambition. He wanted a day or two of + trouting, and some roach fishing with a fly, as he had read some letters + giving an experience in fishing for these dainty fish, and intended trying + them. The inspection of a well-filled fly-book showed how carefully he had + selected his stock. + </p> + <p> + The early supper over, we strolled up the hillsides overlooking this + lovely vale. On the grassy downs we seated ourselves, and I pointed out to + him the various fishing points; yonder is a splendid reach where the trout + are always found; see that sheeny rivulet coming down through that clump + of trees! that is the best trout stream in this section of country. + </p> + <p> + Note the different water-courses. The canal runs through the middle of the + valley; see here, clear away to the west, a little brook comes tumbling + in; see just below that point, a silvery-looking stream on the farther + side of the canal—that is a fine trout stream; follow its course + until it loses itself in that big clump of willows: a saw-mill is hidden + in those willows, and the stream, after supplying the mill with power, + drops into a culvert under the bed of the canal; there it is again in that + piece of open moorland; there it is coming out from that long clump of + willows, and finally joining the stream mentioned before as the best trout + stream in this region; thus the two streams, the Gade and the little + Bourne, are swallowed up in the canal; and have always been splendid + waters for roach fishing. + </p> + <p> + The hills hide the canal and streams in their winding course, or I would + point out to you the best fishing grounds for miles along this + Hertfordshire valley; but I presume there lies under your observation + enough fishing ground for a day or two. + </p> + <p> + The sun is tending downward like a huge ball of fire, the vale is in a + dreamy shade; how glistening the appearance of the water-courses, like a + big silvery thread winding in and out along the vale! the evening air is + full of music; the bee is humming around you; what a flood of music comes + from the throat of that woodland thrush in yonder thorn hedge! the strain + is taken up, and the very woods echo again with the song of the + black-bird. As he ceases his roundelay, the soft clear note of another + bird strikes on the ear; for the moment' nature seems hushed; almost + breathless you wait; the notes come rich and clear, as silvery as a lute, + a flood of melody; the sound dies away and instantly the woods ring again; + all the sweet-throated songsters seem as if applauding the song of the + nightingale; we sit and drink in these sounds, until one by one the songs + drop into silence, leaving the nightingale to pour out its tuneful music + until far into the night. At this moment there comes in the air the + quivering boom of a bell ringing ont the hour of nine from the steeple of + the church yonder, faintly limned on the evening shadows. Ah! listen + again! there comes the evening chime. How the quivering notes pulsate up + here on these-hilltops! how silvery the tones; as the chords of the vesper + hymn rings out sweet and clear, our hearts beat in rhythm to the strain! + Lovely vale! Israel's grandest seer, who with eye undimmed and natural + force unabated, even from Pisgah's lofty heights gazed on no lovelier + scene than this we have surveyed. We descend into the shadows; promising + to meet my angling friend some time during the following day, I wend my + way homeward and to rest. + </p> + <p> + The evening shadows were again falling ere I could join our angler, but + the flies were on the waters and roach were fairly jumping, the surface of + the stream was alive with fish, both roach and dace breaking water around + us. My friend was no novice; I found him whipping the stream from bank to + bank, and his creel testified to his success. He was using a tail fly and + dropper, a red hackle for the former, and an imitation of the common blue + house-fly for the dropper. These fish are fastidious in their tastes; they + do not rise at flies like a trout, but come to the surface of the water + and just break for the fly and at once turn tail up. He who fishes for + them must have a quick eye and steady hand; then he can kill readily + enough. They are a toothsome fish, but a trifle bony. Eye and hand must + work together, and when fish are feeding they will readily take the fly. + They are tender in the mouth and require care in handling. They afford + good sport in streams where they are abundant, and are often killed + weighing from one and a-half to two pounds. + </p> + <p> + My angling friend had come well prepared with letters introducing him to + the owners of the fine trout streams, and readily obtained permission to + fish these preserved waters. It was rare sport to watch him daintily lay + out his line across the stream, his stretcher a June fly, or at times a + floating May-fly skittered across the surface until close to the farther + hank. Here lay a big <i>Salmo fario</i>. We had been watching him lazily + coming to the surface to suck in a fly or bug that had tumbled from the + trees overhead. A big cockchafer came spinning and buzzing down stream. + All laziness gone in an instant, up came the <i>Salmo</i> showing his huge + sides. A fierce lunge and a heavy splash and the chafer was gone into the + cavern of the open mouth. The fly-book was out in an instant. A dark brown + fly somewhat resembling the 'chafer replaced the stretcher. A careful cast + a little up stream, a lunge and a miss from the trout. Another cast close + in to the bank, a slight jerk and the fly assumed the appearance of the + buzzing chafer; the same sharp dash, the hand was as quick as the trout + this time, the hook was driven home and the fun began. Such a dashing, + splurging, rushing I had never seen. He was determined to use every art + known to trout-lore before he surrendered. The rod bent and sprung, the + line fairly swished as he tore up stream; above him lay the limb of a + tree, scraggy and ragged; toward this he plunged, but the line tightened + on him; he tugged and jerked, but gained not an inch; he came to the + surface and thrashed the water with his broad tail. Fatal error! as he did + so the line came in as fast as fingers could fly round, the landing net + was slipped under him, a quick upward movement and Master <i>Salmo</i> was + flung high and dry. He was too big for the net and so was ignominiously + flung ashore. + </p> + <p> + What a noble trout! His silver sides and belly gleamed in the light, his + blood-red spots seemed to glow with indignation at his cruel death. He had + long been a lordling over the other trout and now was strangling! Kill + him! I cannot bear to see a trout gasping. Killed and scaled he weighs + three and a half pounds. A credit to the angler: but at times, during the + contest, it was a question to which the honor belonged; it was: "Splendid + rod!" "Ah! how skilfully he handles his fish." + </p> + <p> + "Who would have dreamt that little thing would have stood such a strain?" + </p> + <p> + Gentle angler, let us leave our friend to the contemplation of the + beauties of the fairest of all England's garden landscapes, and the + preserved trout streams, and plunge with me into an American forest. + </p> + <p> + By a beautiful lake in the famous State of Michigan a little settlement is + springing up. Over in that bay is a trout creek emptying; it is full of + trout—trout <i>galore</i>—trout by the hundreds can be seen. + Come with me, I will show them to you. Let me drop a fly into this hole. + Ah! there he is! see him dash for it. He won't come again, let us push + along. + </p> + <p> + Push along, you say? do you expect I am coming through that brush? Hot + much; I am not a crank. If you are so fond of trying to break your neck + for a string of trout, why go. I go! am quite willing to be alone on this + lovely little creek, for it contains some of the handsomest trout it has + ever been my good luck to kill. Here and there I drop in a fly; sometimes + a "Yellow May," sometimes a "Professor," sometimes a "Stone-fly"; once in + a while an "Ibis" is fancied by some fastidious trout. How and then a + "Floating May-fly" seems a favorite. Where the brush overhangs and is a + darksome, lonely spot, I drop in a "Royal Coachman," and out comes a big + trout lusty and fighting; sometimes fancy flies are spurned and hackles of + all colors kill; then a fly composed of alternate feathers, red and white, + of no name, but a favorite with the writer, will kill when trout will not + take any other fly. + </p> + <p> + I am enjoying the fun, and the creel is getting heavy. Half a mile of + fishing and twenty-five handsome trout is doing good enough for mid-day + fishing. + </p> + <p> + As the evening falls I take my split bamboo and the fly-book, pull on the + wading hoots, and go down to the mouth of the creek, wading out until I am + as far as the sand runs. I cast out more for practice than to expect + trout. I have on a big bass-fly large enough for a salmon-fly. As it + strikes the water twenty-five feet from me there is a commotion. "Ye gods + and little fishes!" What was the fuss? I cast again, and as true as I am + here if a number of trout did not jump clear out for that fly, big as it + was! Hastily reeling in I put on a dun-colored fly, and cast again; the + same jump and dash, but no trout. Changing my flies until at last I put on + as a stretcher a "White Miller," I flung out clear beyond any former cast + into the midst of what appeared like a boiling spring. The fly dropped + softly and out came a host of trout. School kept just then, for I + certainly had struck a school of trout. Striking, I fastened into a fine + fish; reeling in, I dried my fly and cast again and hooked again. The fun + grew fast and furious; my little bamboo swished and bent; hooks were + snipped off; I was excited and jubilant, when along came an itinerant + parson. The twenty-five or thirty trout I had, set him longing; he must + fish. Jerking off his boots, pulling up his pants, he waded into the icy + cold water equipped with a stick cut from the forest. He had nosed out a + line and some hooks from a supply I had left on the bank in my + fishing-case, and without so much as "by your leave" began threshing the + water as close to the school as he could get his line; this was baited + with a piece of dead fish. To say that I was disgusted faintly expresses + my feeling. I would have ceased fishing, but my friend with whom I was + staying said, "Ho, don't stop while sport is so good." I put on a "Royal + Coachman" and cast out again, hooking and bringing out trout every second + or third cast. I began casting wide, the school followed my flies. I tried + the "Professor's," "Dun's," "Hackle's," "Seth Green," "Governor," and + "May-flies," with good success. With one pure "Yellow May" I caught a + dozen handsome trout, but in this event the evening shadows were fast + falling. As they deepened, the "Royal Coachman" and "White Millers" were + the killing flies. I cast until I could not see where my flies fell, and + even then once in a while hooked and brought in a trout. + </p> + <p> + I had been thoughtless enough to leave my creel up in the house, never + expecting to have this run of good luck. All my trout were taken from the + hook and thrown twenty-five feet to shore. I lost many of them in this + way. Thirty my friends claimed, yet when I came to count tails, I found + forty as handsome trout as ever man wished to see, and all caught from 6 + in the evening until dark, about 7.45. I had no net, no creel, therefore + had to lead my trout into my hand. The friend at whose house I was staying + claims I lost more than I caught by having them flounder off the hook + while trying to take them by the gills, and by flinging them ashore. + </p> + <p> + I have used flies on this creek many times, but never had such luck before + nor since. My experience has been that the fine fancy flies of the eastern + streams are useless on these Michigan streams; the nearer the flies + approach to a species of small moth found flitting amidst the foliage of + the forest, the greater the success. A word, brother angler, and I have + done. Learn to cast a fly, and you will never go back to bait fishing from + choice. Get good flies, and you won't regret the extra money they cost + you; don't buy cheap imitations or trade made flies—"they are + frauds." + </p> + <p> + Don't buy a pole big enough for the staff of a Philistine Goliath; to fish + for trout, buy a fine rod, take care of it, learn to use it thoroughly. + Never buy a cheap rod; a rod fit for trouting must be as fine as it is + possible to make them, and it should not make a shadow on the water. Cheap + rods are like cheap guns, scham-dahms! Good trout rods cost a good deal of + time and labor; cheap rods are turned out in a rapid-running lathe. They + are a delusion. Get the best materials of everything you need, and buy of + a good maker. Never be tempted to buy "cheap flies because they are + bargains"—cheap rods because some one is selling out; "want to get + out of the business, no money in it." Remember you are the party who will + be sold. Cheap things for trouting are a "fraud, a delusion, and a snare." + </p> + <p> + Almost every angler has been bitten, but the prevailing opinion is: buy + the best tackle your pocket-book can afford and take care of it. And my + word for it, as an angler who learned to cast a line for pickerel at ten + years old, you will love the sport and think it the best way to spend a + summer's vacation of any amusement under the sun. + </p> + <p> + "In using the fly the object is to imitate the movements of the natural + insect as nearly as possible. To drop the line naturally on the water, and + then to keep the fly endued with life, is the stratagem. From the moment + the fly touches the water the angler should keep his eye on it. Trout + often feed a little under the surface; they do not always break when they + rise, but quietly suck in the fly."—<i>Charles Hallock</i>. + </p> + <p> + "'An angler, sir, uses the finest tackle, and catches his fish + scientifically—trout, for instance—with the artificial fly, + and he is mostly a quiet, well-behaved gentleman. A fisherman, sir, uses + any kind of 'ooks and lines, and catches them any way; so he gets them + it's all one to 'im, and he is generally a noisy fellah, sir, something + like a gunner.'"—<i>Doctor Bethune.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0008" id="linkimage-0008"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0148m.jpg" alt="0148m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0148.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 16. Silver Black. + </p> + <p> + 17. Scarlet Ibis. + </p> + <p> + 18. Stone Fly. + </p> + <p> + 19. White Miller. + </p> + <p> + 20. Fiery Brown. + </p> + <p> + 21. Yellow Drake. + </p> + <p> + 22. Grir. King. + </p> + <p> + 23. Imbrie. + </p> + <p> + 24. Soldier Palmer. + </p> + <p> + 25. Cha + </p> + <p> + 26. Portland. + </p> + <p> + 27. Ethel May. + </p> + <p> + 28. Pale Evening Dun. + </p> + <p> + 29. Great Dun. + </p> + <p> + 30. Whimbrel. + </p> + <p> + "Be stil moving your fly upon the water, or casting it into the water; you + yourself, being also alwaies moving down the stream.—<i>Izaak + Walton.</i> + </p> + <p> + "When once alarmed, trout will never bite."—<i>Seth Green</i>. + </p> + <p> + "Fly-fishers are usually brain-workers in society. Along the banks of + purling streams, beneath the shadows of umbrageous trees, or in the + secluded nooks of charming lakes, they have ever been found, drinking deep + of the invigorating forces of nature—giving rest and tone to + over-taxed brains and wearied nerves—while gracefully wielding the + supple rod, the invisible leader, and the fairy-like fly."—<i>James + A. Henshall, M.D.</i> + </p> + <p> + "It is generally true that if a trout is pricked by a fly-hook he will not + rise to it again."—<i>W. C. Prime</i>. + </p> + <p> + "Christopher North.—Would you believe it, my dear Shepherd, that my + piscatory passions are almost dead within me; and I like now to saunter + along the banks and braes, eyeing the younkers angling, or to lay me down + on some sunny spot, and with my face up to heaven, watch the slow changing + clouds!" + </p> + <p> + "Shepherd.—I'll no believe that, sir, till I see't—and + scarcely then—for a bluidier-minded fisher nor Christopher North + never threw a hackle. Your creel fu'—your shootin'-bag fu'—your + jacket-pouches fu', the pouches o' your verra breeks fu'—half-a-dozen + wee anes in your waistcoat, no' to forget them in the croon o' your hat,—and, + last o' a', when there's nae place to stow awa ony mair o' them, a + willow-wand drawn through the gills of some great big anes, like them + ither folk would grup wi' the worm or the mennon—buta' gruppit wi' + the flee—Phin's delight, as you ca't,—a killen inseck—and + on gut that's no easily broken—witness yon four pounder aneath + Elibank wood, where your line, sir, got entangled wi' the auld oak-root, + and yet at last ye landed him on the bank, wi' a' his crosses and his + stars glitterin' like gold and silver amang the gravel! I confess, sir, + you're the King o' Anglers. But dinna tell me that you have lost your + passion for the art; for we never lose our passion for ony pastime at + which we continue to excel." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE LURE. + </h2> + <h3> + By "Bourgeois." + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>mong the delightful summer resorts of Colorado Estes Park may be justly + considered one of the most attractive. It is now easy of access. Seven + years ago it began to be frequented, the trail having given way to the + wagon road. Before the days of easy ingress, I had m cast my lures upon + the waters of the Thompson and Fall River, with gratifying success. + </p> + <p> + In the summer of 1875, the Governor, the Governor's mother, and myself, + determined upon Estes Park for a six weeks' vacation. With this end in + view, in the latter part of July, I sent off the team loaded with the camp + outfit. + </p> + <p> + Two days after we took the morning train for Longmont, on the Colorado + Central, and had an early lunch at the tail end of the wagon just outside + the town. Before noon we were on the fifteen-mile drive into the canon of + the St. Vrain, for camp. + </p> + <p> + By sunrise the following morning we had started, with twenty miles to make + over a new road part of the way, and no road at all in places, and the + places were many. However, we had to hitch on to the end of the tongue but + once, to snake the wagon over an otherwise impassable boulder. The rock + stood a foot out of ground, stretched entirely across where the road was + to be, and at an angle of 45°. The team could barely get a foothold upon + the top, when the traces were let out full, and the double-tree hooked on + the end of the tongue. The horses understood their business, and upon a + word settled their shoulders into the collars together, the breeching + gradually lifted as their knees bent a little; without a slip their + iron-shod hoofs held to the hard granite, and we were up as deftly as a + French dancing master would raise his hat to a lady. In travelling in the + hills there is nothing so gratifying as a team whose pulling powers you + can swear by; a balky horse is an engine of destruction or death; if you + know his failing, shoot him before you reach the foothills. + </p> + <p> + As the sun dropped behind the range, lighting up the high peaks with his + golden rays, and the pines were beginning to take on tints of darker + green, we reached the head of the Park, and within three miles of our + camping ground. To the right of us "Olympus," with the dying sunlight + dancing on his granite head, to the left Long's Peak, with patches of snow + here and there, towering godlike above the surrounding giants. Before us, + Prospect Mountain with its rugged front far reaching above its robes of + green, while around its base and toward us came leaping the beautiful + mountain stream for two miles through the meadow-hued park, with scarce a + willow upon its banks. What a place to cast a fly! Aye, indeed it is; and + what a place it was to catch trout. But we must move on around Prospect + Mountain to Ferguson's for camp, which we make on a little eminence near a + great spring and close by the cabin where we know we shall be welcome. + </p> + <p> + A late supper disposed of, and the Governor stowed away in the blankets, + Ferguson and I fall talking at his broad fire-place about Horse Shoe Park + and Fall River; of course trout are plenty there; he had been up the day + before and knew whereof he spoke; yes, there were quite a number of + tourists in the park, but the streams were not "fished out." He rather + thought that with "a pole" to every rod of the stream the fishing + improved; at least for him. + </p> + <p> + Our genial friend who obeyed Joshua in the long ago, was out of bed next + day sooner than I. Dick, the pony, gave me a cheerful good morning as I + put in an appearance and changed his picket pin. I received his salutation + as a good omen. + </p> + <p> + Breakfast over and Dick saddled, it was eight o'clock. We had five miles + to go. I strapped my rod and creel to the pommel, and with a caution to + the Governor's mother not to let him fall into the spring, Ferguson and I + were off. There was no occasion to hurry; if we reached the beaver-dams in + Horse Shoe Park by ten o'clock we would be just in time. Experience had + taught me that the two hours before noon, and after five o'clock were the + hours for success. + </p> + <p> + Our route was a "cut off" without any trail, but familiar; across the + Thompson, up stream, westward for a mile, we turned up a "draw" to the + right, for a swale in the ridge dividing the Thompson and its tributary, + Fall River. By nine o'clock we had reached the summit of the divide. + Before and below us lay a beautiful park, three miles in length, by a mile + in width toward its upper end, where it rounded at the base of the + mountain range, giving it the shape of a horse shoe, which no doubt + suggested its name. To the north it is guarded by an immense mountain of + rocks, where towering and impenetrable cliffs stand out against the + background of blue sky, as though the Titans had some time builded there, + and mother earth had turned their castles into ruins, and left them as + monuments of her power. To the south a long, low-lying, pine-covered hill, + while from the range in the west with its snow covered summit and base of + soft verdure, comes a limpid stream winding down through the grass-covered + park, its course marked by the deeper green of the wild grass and the + willows. A mile away a band of mountain sheep are feeding; they have + evidently been down to water and are making their way back to their haunts + in the cliffs, and whence we know they will quickly scud when they see or + wind us. Ferguson longed for his rifle; it was just his luck; he had the + "old girl" with him the last time, but "nary hoof" had he seen. To me they + were precious hints of man's absence, and the wilderness. + </p> + <p> + Reaching the stream we picketed the ponies in the grass to their knees; + the nutritions mountain grass, the mother of cream so thick that you have + to dip it ont of the jug with a spoon. The ponies were happy, and I became + nervous; it seemed half an hour before I could get my tackle rigged. But + after I had sent my favorite gray hackle on its mission and had snatched a + ten-inch trout from his native element, my nerves were braced. A second + and a third followed; I heard nothing from Ferguson except the "swish" of + his old cane pole above the music of the waters. The trout struck and I + landed them so fast that the sport began to be monotonous, and I followed + up the sound of the cane. Going round a clump of willows I discovered the + old gentleman upon the edge of the pool, and that old rod going up and + down with the regularity of a trip hammer, the owner combining business + and sport. I asked him what he was doing; he said he was fishing, and I + thought he was. + </p> + <p> + Wandering up stream, taking it leisurely, I had by noon filled my creel, + and was enjoying a sandwich under the shelter of some willows, when my + companion came along with his sixteen pound lard-can filled, besides a + dozen upon a stick. I asked him when he intended to quit. He said he had + never seen fish "bite" so; he hated to stop, and yet had all he could + carry, but concluded with me that enough was as good as a feast. Then he + began to banter me about my ash and lancewood, and the excess of his catch + over mine. I told him to wait till some other day. It came in the course + of time, upon the same stream. The trout refused everything I had, + grasshoppers included. Finally I fished up an old fly-book from the depths + of my coat pocket, and in it were half a dozen nameless blue-bodied flies + with a mouse-colored feather upon a number six Kirby. Upon sight, I + remembered to have discarded them in disgust, but I thought I would try + one for luck, and lo! the mystery was solved. I had been working + industriously for two hours and had two trout. Ferguson had been no more + successful, but was in sight when the trout began to rise to my cast-off + fly. He came down my way, wanted to know what I was using, and I gave him + one; he lost that and his leader in some half-sunken brush, and I gave him + another. But his good genius had deserted him; I persuaded a trout right + away from his lure, and he quit in disgust, while I said never a word. + Though a little sensitive upon the score of success, he was and is a + genial and companionable angler, and one who can make a good cast withal, + an he have proper tools. + </p> + <p> + Willow Park, an adjunct to Estes Park, through which runs a branch of the + Thompson, has afforded me many a day's sport, and is nearer to camp. Upon + a memorable occasion I had been fishing down stream, when, with a + well-filled creel, I encountered a gigantic boulder on the hank. Just + beyond it was a pool that was suggestive; to reach the base of the boulder + it was necessary to get over a little bayou of about five feet in width + and three in depth. To jump it were easy but for the willows, yet I must + get to that pool. Selecting a place where I think the willows will give + way to my weight, I essay the leap. My feet reach the opposite hank, my + body presses back the brush, but I feel a rebound that assures me of my + fate. I clutch frantically at the swaying bush; it breaks in my hand, and + I sit down quite helplessly, muttering a prayer till the cold water bids + me shut my mouth. Emerging I hear a well defined laugh, but not being in + the mind to fear the spirits that haunt these wilds, I make for the base + of that boulder and the coveted pool. A moment after I discover a face + bedecked with glasses upon the opposite side of the brook, and recognize + the smiling countenance of a genial member of the guild looking at me + through the willows. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, is that you?" + </p> + <p> + To this lucid inquiry I reply in the affirmative. "Where's Ferguson?" + </p> + <p> + "At home, I suppose." + </p> + <p> + "I thought I heard him fall in the creek." + </p> + <p> + I told him I did not think Ferguson had a monopoly of the bathing + privileges of the Thompson and its tributaries. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I thought it was funny." + </p> + <p> + "Thought what was funny?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, I heard the splash, and supposed it was Ferguson; then I remembered + Ferguson was a church member in good standing." + </p> + <p> + I took my revenge by competing with my brother for the contents of that + pool, and beat him by one. But to this day he greets me with a smile. When + I got back to camp I learned that the Governor had been trying to follow + in the footsteps of his father, and had tumbled into the spring. He had + been fished out by the combined efforts of his mother and Mrs. Ferguson, + and I discovered him swathed in a blanket by the kitchen stove, mad as a + hornet; I shook hands with him. + </p> + <p> + Our camp is pitched in a pleasant spot, with two tall pines, a hundred + feet away, for sentinels. <i>Coup de soleil</i> is unknown in Colorado, so + I prefer the sun's rays to lightning, especially while trees seared from + top to bottom are plentiful in the Park as monitors. To the right is + Prospect Mountain, with its west end a beetling cliff, perhaps two + thousand feet high, where I once had the buck-ague during an interview + with a "big-horn." To the left and in front, the range, where the + storm-king holds high carnival, while lower down and nearer is a mountain + of towers and pinnacles of brown and red and gray, carved out by that + whimsical sculptor, Old Time. With the sun for my artist, the range for + both his easel and background, I have lounged away many an hour under one + of the old janes. My gaze wandering down the green slope to the river half + a mile away, and with the weird music of the tumbling waters coming and + receding on the summer breeze to help my dreams, we have together wrought + out fantastic ruins and ghostly shapes to people them. A drifting cloud, + perhaps, will change a barbacan to a spire, and a Doric capital to a + Corinthian, or the knight panoplied to a brownie with a lily for a throne, + and + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "......jolly satyrs, full of fresh delight, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Come dancing forth, and with them nimbly ledd + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Faire Helenore, with girlonds all bespredd, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Whom their May-lady they had newly made;" + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + to give place again, as the golden meshes weave, to cowled monks or + ladies, fair, as suits the whim of the artist's patron. Again, the goblins + of the range begin their game of nine-pins, and the fleecy clouds that + have been slowly drifting, drifting all the day, settle down upon the + mountain top and change from white to gray and from gray to black as the + sport grows furious. Something these elves must have to light up their + frolic, and presently it comes in great flashes of wicked steel-blue and + red, zigzaging down the mountain side, or in straight blinding bolts that + rive paths in the hard granite, scattering the loose rock and shivering + the pines, while the noise of the jolly nine-pins rattles and re-echoes + among the crags, and dies away to come again more quickly, until the + mountain-top is a sheet of lurid flame and the din unceasing, so closely + follows peal upon peal. The game is too violent to last, but the gnomes + love to hug the range in their pastime, and I, understanding the signs, + and having no fear of their electric lights, watch the fast growing rift + of azure that crowds hard upon the driving blackness. At last the mellow + rays touch up my mountain ruins, and they are arrayed in new splendors and + peopled with other phantoms. + </p> + <p> + So I have dreamed, and might go on dreaming, but this time I am brought + back to the green slope and a little figure. The Governor is toiling up + the trail with a quart bucket, his special chattel, from the spring, + whence he volunteered to bring a drink for his mother. I can see no + impediment in his path, yet he stumbles and falls. Would I had been there + to warn him; but the water is spilled. He does not cry, but gathers + himself and his property up, and goes back to begin his task over again. + Just then there came to me pat, an aphorism, I think, of "Poor Goldsmith": + "True greatness consists not in never falling, but in rising every time we + fall;" and I took it as an omen of good for the boy. + </p> + <p> + The time is approaching when we must break camp and go back to the brick + and mortar and the realities of civilization. Duties to be performed will + be undertaken with better zest when I get to them, but I cast lingering + looks toward my mountain ruins as the day of departure draws nigh. I even + have a thought that it would be pleasant to relapse into barbarism, if out + of such as mine our civilization has grown—we might build up a + better. As this may not be, I am encouraged by the thought that another + season will come, and with hope in my heart I am better prepared for the + work awaiting me. I know that I shall go back with a fresher feeling for + my kind, and more charity. So when one September morning, after a day of + gray mist hanging oyer the îange, the wind comes down chill from the + heights, and the morning sun lights up my castles and pinnacles in diadems + of new-fallen snow, I say we must be off. We gather together our lares of + nomadic life, and with a regretful farewell to those I cannot bring away, + we make the journey home, a better man and woman, with a nut-brown, + healthy boy, for much of which I give credit to the artificial fly, and + the beautiful denizens of the mountain streams. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FLY FISHING IN THE YOSEMITE. + </h2> + <h3> + By A. Louis Miner, Jr. + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span> merry party had come for a holiday to the Yosemite, and their camp was + established between the north and south domes near the forks of the + Merced. Toward the east the Tenajo Canon opened, revealing through its + vista of granite crags the highest peak of "Clouds' Rest," crowned with + eternal snows. Westward, the Sentinel Rock, like a minaret among the + domes, pierced the sky. + </p> + <p> + There were seven in the party, including a heathen from the flowery + kingdom, almond-eyed—Ah Yang. His nominal function was to do as he + was bid, and serve as man of all work, but in reality he ruled; and ruled + with a rod of iron. Yang had been induced to come by motives purely + sordid; but the others, aside from seeing the wondrous valley, had various + reasons for making the journey. + </p> + <p> + The Judge came for relaxation. He needed it. For the last dozen years he + had devoted himself to reading the morning papers, lunching at his club, + and entertaining his friends sumptuously at dinner. + </p> + <p> + His wife, who, in the levelling atmosphere of camp, came to be styled the + <i>Judgess</i>, imagined herself on the verge of a decline, and sought + recuperation in the forest. If the Judgess were described as fat and + forty, omitting the fair, the description would fall far short of truth. + In spite of her ailments, the Judgess would haye enjoyed herself in a way, + had it not been for the young woman she was chaperoning. This was Madge. + Certain young men in San Francisco called her a <i>rattler</i>, and + certainly there was nothing slow about her. The chief end of her + existence, at home and everywhere, seemed to be the pursuit of fun; to + this end she flirted with anything that came in her way, from stray + herdsmen on the plains to an English baronet at a Yosemite hotel. When + nothing else was at hand, and to the Judgess' indignation, she flirted + with the Judge. With charming zest she played continued games of poker + with him till his honor's purse was far thinner than its owner. The + Judge's admiration for Madge was profound, but after an hour at cards, he + would usually remark, "that girl has the devil in her, <i>as it were</i>, + bigger than a wolf." + </p> + <p> + It is said that all men have a ruling passion. Be that as it may, a + passion certainly ruled a worthy clergyman of the company. The men of our + generation affected with beetle mania are many, but his Reverence was + absolutely devoted to bugs. The Judgess, a zealot to such a degree that + Mary of England was but lukewarm in comparison, said that his Reverence + valued a butterfly more than a human soul; and Madge insisted that, while + he pretended to read his office, he was engaged in dissecting a coleoptera + or something. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor, who was Madge's unworthy brother, had come with the avowed + intention of sketching. All the long way from San Francisco he had been at + work with brushes and blotting paper. Often the "prairie schooner," in + which the party travelled, had "lain to" while the Doctor washed in + patches of blue and white to represent cloud-effects, or a jagged gray + band against streaks of orange, portraying sunrise in the Sierras. + </p> + <p> + The last member of the party without professional distinction, and + familiarly called "Jack," had also a <i>penchant</i>, though many years + had passed since it had been gratified. When they had left the San Joaquin + plain and its sluggish rivers oozing their way through mud and reeds, and + had climbed into the mountain, a halt was made in a deep canon. Here was a + stream indeed. How blithely it danced along, eager to find the Golden Gate + and the Pacific! How it sang to Jack of fellow streams near the other + ocean! How it whispered of trout streams ahead! Presently a long-cherished + fly book was produced and Jack was poring over it. His Reverence, + attracted by the little volume, looked over Jack's shoulder. He was + entranced. A volume of ecclesiastical Latin would not have interested him + half so much. He began to criticise and expound. Some were perfect. Some + were caricatures of diptera. The other members of the party drew around. + "Pooh!" said the Doctor, "I hope you don't expect to catch any trout with + those things in Yosemite! Everybody knows that the Merced trout don't take + the fly." The Doctor went on to say, "that with a common string, such as + any grocer would use to tie up a package of tea, a good strong hook, and a + worm," he would catch in the same time, more fish than could all the + sportsmen of California, fishing with fancy flies. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor, like most cynics, was somewhat given to hyperbole. + </p> + <p> + During the remainder of the journey into the valley, Jack felt himself + regarded as the victim of a mild halucination. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor could sketch; beetles were awaiting his Reverence's microscope; + flirtation and frolic were dawning on Madge's horizon; even the Judge and + Judgess could get rid of a stone or two avoirdupois if they tried; but + poor Jack had come, it appeared, to fish, and there were no fish to catch, + or at least to catch with a fly. Such was the tradition, and so the Doctor + had asserted, and no one ever disputed the Doctor excepting Yang, the + Chinaman. + </p> + <p> + Our friends had been revelling in the enchantments of the valley a week; + had climbed the trails that crept zig-zag up the dizzy heights; had spent + hours among the soft mist and rainbows at the first landing of that wonder + of the world, the Yosemite Falls; and still Jack had not accomplished the + cherished desire of his heart. He had not the moral courage to take from + its swaddling clothes his beloved rod (which the Doctor would persist in + calling "your fish-pole"). Never had he so longed to cast a fly; but he + thought, of the teasing Madge and waited. At best, he was but a poor male + creature. Madge, in his place, would have been whipping the stream, with + defiance and determination, an hour after her arrival. + </p> + <p> + His Reverence and the Doctor had arranged to ascend Clouds' Rest on a + Thursday and return next day. Early Thursday morning, before Yang or the + birds were stirring, Jack sauntered forth to his morning bath in the icy + waters of the river. This Rio, de la Merced, would it prove to him indeed + a <i>river of mercy</i>, or a river of humiliation? But what a glorious + stream it was! Here it glided through wooded banks, the opposite side + black in the shadow of overhanging manzanita, while nearer the rippling + waters were checkered with the shadows of the cotton-wood leaves, + trembling in the growing light. Further on, the river whirled and eddied + around great boulders, resting among the mossy rocks in deep, dark pools, + bordered with fern and flecked with patches of lace-like foam. Further + still, it wound silently through the sedges, reflecting on its glassy + surface the storaied-carved Cathedral Rocks, or the huge mass of El + Capitan. Here was an ideal trout stream, but were there trout in it! No + doubt, for the Doctor had taken his grocers' string and a worm and a + veritable pole, and after a day's tramp had returned to camp wet, hungry, + in a sulphurous mood, but with four unmistakable trout. These, served up + the next morning, were appropriated by the Judgess, and made an excellent + appetizer to more abundant bacon and flap-jacks. + </p> + <p> + Jack had reached that pearl of waters, the Mirror Lake, and was watching + the marvellous beauties pictured on its bosom, when suddenly there was a + soft plash, the sleeping depths were troubled, a circling ripple crept + toward him, and Jack's pulses bounded. A trout had risen! + </p> + <p> + Through the dewy chaparral and the fragrant whispering pines, our friend + hurried back to camp in a fever of impatience. He tried to help Yang with + breakfast, but was told by that dignitary to "giv' us a rest," and so + humbly retired. He then waked his Reverence. He wakened the Doctor and was + greeted by language far from complimentary. He aroused the Judgess, and + was pierced with daggers from her eyes while she hurriedly adjusted her + teeth. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast more torturing delays, the Judgess declined to join the + mountain party. The others must not think that she feared to ride the + mules, for she adored mountain climbing, and the exercise and all that. + (This was a dreadful fib, which was probably made use of at her next + confession.) Both the Judge and herself were pining for a few refinements + of life at the hotel. Without napkins and finger-bowls, life became a + burden. The poor Judge had to acquiesce and said: "She wants a little + civilization <i>as it were</i>." Then Jack rebelled. There was a general + confusion, in the midst of which Yang began to fire his pistol. This + pistol was the idol of his pagan soul, and his frequent salutes the terror + of the party. No one dared to interfere. At this time the volley was + continued and promiscuous. The Judgess screamed, and having no immediate + revenge in the shape of ill-cooked dinners to fear, sharply expostulated. + Thereupon Yang, with utmost <i>sang froid,</i> told her to "shut your + head" and journey to regions he had probably heard the Doctor name. This + was too much. The Judgess climbed into the wagon and stated her opinion of + people who permitted such "goings on" and of a priest who allowed a + Christian woman to be sworn at. Madge was convulsed with laughter, even + his Reverence smiled, while the Judge, poor man, looking as if every + brewery on the continent had been burned, snapped his whip, and the wagon + was lost to sight beneath the arching sequoias. + </p> + <p> + It was high noon when the sure-footed mules had arrived and the party + fairly started off. Jack waved an adieu with one hand, and with the other + reached down his rod from the branches of a live oak. Yang proceeded to + dissect a sucker he had caught for bait, saying: "If you fisliee, me + fishee too, but j'ou no sabee nothing." + </p> + <p> + Later in the afternoon Jack stood on the grassy point where the lake + narrows into the river. He had adjusted his flies, and everything was in + readiness. He paused to watch Yang, who was stationed below on the river, + fasten a cubic inch of sucker to his hook, expectorate upon it, turn + around three times, and fling it with a tremendous splash into the water. + Whether these performances were the result of Oriental superstition, or + whether the Chinaman imitated some American example, he did not stop to + consider. His long unpractised hand, trembling a little now, had sent the + flies far out beneath the shadows of some willows. Another cast was made, + and then another. At the fourth there was a rise, and the fish was hooked. + The struggle was short but spirited. Yang, abandoning his primitive + tackle, was ready with the landing-net, and the fish was killed. As the + sport continued, Jack grew calmer, while Yang's excitement increased. He + trembled as if the ague were upon him. His stoicism was laid aside. He + laughed, jabbered, and Jack was obliged to address him as the Chinaman had + addressed the Judgess. Yang begged to try the rod, and by reason of his + imitative faculties might have made good use of it, but he had to content + himself with the net. + </p> + <p> + At last the lengthening shadows deepened into twilight, and the gathering + darkness put an end to the sport. The great dome of Mt. Watkins, inverted + in the motionless water, had changed from gold to crimson, and from + crimson to violet; they paid no heed until the reflection faded, then, + looking up, the real mountain, circled by rising mists, seemed to float in + the darkening sky, and Jack, with that feeling of perfect content and + peace which kings can never know unless they are anglers, stowed away his + flies, unjointed his rod, while Yang shouldered the catch. + </p> + <p> + It was a happy couple that went down the Tenajo canon that evening. The + moon smiled upon them; an owl hooted enviously; Jack softly whistled a + strain from Schubert, while Yang made the towering rocks echo and re-echo + to the joyous banging of the pistol. + </p> + <p> + The fish were dressed, supper eaten, Yang's tin dishes washed, and + everything was snug for the night. Jack, stretched beneath a giant pine + and smoking his evening pipe, was watching the weird play of the firelight + in the canopy of foliage above. The Celestial appeared. + </p> + <p> + "Me heap lonesome, got no more cartridges; you no care; go down hotel stay + Chinaboy to-night." + </p> + <p> + Unselfish, devoted, and charitable as Yang claimed to be, he could hardly + pretend to heroism. The Chinaman was permitted to go, and Jack, + appropriating the Judgess' hammock, turned in. This hammock owed Jack a + lodging. All the way across the plains, and up the mountains, and in the + valley, that hammock had almost nightly collapsed. Perhaps the Judge did + not know how to tie a knot; perhaps the ample physique of the Judgess was + too much for any knot, but the thing kept occurring, to the great + discomfiture of the Judgess and all the rest of the party. As Jack, with + his feet at the fire, and his head on a sack of barley, lay studying the + midnight heavens, there would come a shock as of an earthquake. The Judge + was a little deaf and after a night or two of experience, would lie just + beyond reach of whatever member his better half could disentangle with + which to punch him. First, his Reverence would be summoned; but he slept + the sleep of the just. Then cries for Ah Yang and the others would follow. + Yang was too wise a Chinaman to awaken. Jack sometimes rolled over and + kicked the Doctor till he roused, and the good lady hearing his + exclamations, claimed his assistance; but sometimes Jack also shed his + blankets and relieved the massive limbs from a state of suspension. + </p> + <p> + With content Jack rolled himself in the hammock. Never had he slept in + such profound solitude. The nearest camp was far away down the valley; and + towards the east, beyond the mountain-barrier, nothing but the wild + desert, and solitary, sage-clad hills of Nevada. + </p> + <p> + The river murmured over the pebbles, the pines faintly whispered, and that + was all. For once he was alone, and oh! the peace of it! Was it such a + night as this that tempted men to leave their fellows for a hermitage? + Such visions came to him as seldom visit men beneath a roof. At last he + slept, and dreamed of the first trout he had killed in a little New + England meadow-brook. He was filling a creel with bass from a fair + Wisconsin lake. He was in a plunger off Montauk Point, striking the + blue-fish. He was trolling for pike through Champlain, and casting a fly + from a canoe on Adirondack waters. + </p> + <p> + The South Dome was glowing in the ruddy morning light; a flock of + blackbirds were piping cheerily; an odor of fried trout and coffee was in + the air, and Yang was tugging at the blankets, and saying: + </p> + <p> + "Come, you heap laze, bleakfast all leddy. Git up!" + </p> + <p> + What a dinner Yang and Jack had in readiness for the party that night! The + Judge and spouse, after much pressing, had come. The lady could not + withstand the trout, especially on a Friday. The judicial pair arrived + just as Madge and his Reverence raced into camp on the sturdy mules. The + Doctor and guide followed. Madge's cheeks were glowing, her eyes + sparkling, and her tongue rattling, as she leaped from her saddle. "Such a + time as they had had! His Reverence had been a duck, and the Doctor for + once had behaved himself and kept civil." She gave her hand to the + Judgess, but kissed the Judge. + </p> + <p> + At Yang's summons, a jovial company sat down to such a table as campers in + the Sierras seldom see. Madge was in ecstasies, and even the Judgess + expressed approval. There was real damask upon it, with napkins and silver + forks and wine from the hotel, with all sorts of garnitures of Yang's + contrivance. + </p> + <p> + The dinner began, continued, and ended with fish; but fish cooked in every + way which Oriental imagination could devise, and camp facilities permit. + Even "Simpson's Fish Dinner," of seven courses, in Billingsgate, could not + surpass it. The Judgess, having disposed of about a dozen fish, remarked + that, after all, these were <i>only</i> California trout, and entirely + lacked the flavor, as they lacked the beauty, of their Eastern cousins. + She thought, however, that Yang's salad—of cresses from the Merced—was + not bad; but wine—even if it was champagne—when sipped from a + tin cup, left much to be desired. Alas! Jack had forgotten to borrow the + glasses. + </p> + <p> + All that evening, around the camp-fire, the party listened to an account + of the catch. The Doctor did not hesitate to express his entire disbelief + in the story. It was his opinion that Jack had hired the Indians to fish + for him, and bribed Yang to hold his tongue. Then Yang spoke: + </p> + <p> + "You think you heap smart. Jack heap sabee how fish, and you no sabee, but + me sabee you. Last Fliday you go fish, and when me water horse, see Injun + sellee you fish. I sabee <i>you</i>." + </p> + <p> + In the peals of laughter which followed, the Doctor went away to his + blankets muttering. So the trout the Judgess had enjoyed a week before + were not the Doctor's catching, after all. + </p> + <p> + A week longer the party lingered in the valley. Madge and his Reverence + became quite expert with the fly. The lake seemed to have yielded all its + finny treasures to Jack, but the Merced afforded ample sport. Many strings + of trout were sent to fellow-campers, and to friends at the hotel; and one + little hamper made the long journey by stage and rail to San Francisco. + </p> + <p> + The "trout-camp" became famous in the valley, and paragraphs noticing the + catch appeared in the <i>Stockton Independent</i>, and even in the <i>Sacramento + Bee</i>. Jack had accomplished his purpose, and had not come to the + Yosemite in vain. + </p> + <p> + Then the prairie schooner sailed away through the mountains, Madge and his + Reverence driving by turns, while the Judge held his ponderous foot on the + brake. Yang was mounted on a mustang, while the doctor and Jack trudged + through the dust. Frequent halts were made, the Judgess taking her + noon-day siesta; the "three fishers," as she called Madge, his Reverence + and Jack, striking out for some neighboring stream. Near the Tuolumne big + trees his Reverence took the largest trout of the trip—a + four-pounder. On the Tuolumne Biver the three met with fair success; but + on the upper waters of the Stanislaus the sport was better. They tarried + by the stream winding through that dead little mining town, Big Oak Flat. + The banks of the little river were honey-combed by the old placer mining. + The population of the Flat wondered to see Madge cast a fly. Even the + Chinamen who were still washing for gold, would throw aside their cradles + and pans to gaze. + </p> + <p> + An ancient beau of the town stranded there fifteen years ago (such a man + as Bret Harte would have gloried in), became so enamored with the fair + angler that he would have followed in her wake; but the fickle object of + his admiration eluded her admirer, and the miner sadly headed his mustang + toward his mountain home, promising to call "next time he went to + 'Frisco." The schooner dropped anchor in Oakland. The Judge asked all to + dine with him that day week—"a sort of a re-union, <i>as it were</i>, + you know." His Reverence hastened to don something more in keeping with + his cloth than a blue shirt; Madge threw a kiss to Jack as the Doctor + handed her into a carriage; and Jack was left to cross the ferry alone. + Yang, however, had not abandoned him. He produced a piece of red paper and + asked Jack to write his address upon it. + </p> + <p> + "I hab one fliend who come get your washee Monday." + </p> + <p> + Jack, inured to submission, could not refuse, and Yang's "fliend" still + does his "washee." + </p> + <p> + Since the Yosemite excursion Jack has trailed salmon flies on the noble + Columbia River, and whipped the California trout streams from the + cactus-covered plains of the Mexican border to the glaciers of Mount + Shasta, but he has never had such keen enjoyment with the fly as on that + afternoon at Mirror Lake. + </p> + <p> + When he arranges his tackle for a little holiday sport on the Russian + River, or the streams among the red woods of Santa Cruz, he sees again the + reflected fir-trees and granite dome trembling in the water as the trout + leap to his fly; he again hears Yang's ejaculations and commands. + "Fifty-sleven, Jack. Hi! that big fish; fifty-eight. You <i>heap</i> + sabee. Hold him tight.'Rusalem, him sabee how swim! Pull like hella, + fifty-nine!" + </p> + <p> + "Trout take some flies because they resemble the real fly on which they + feed. They take other flies for no such reason."—<i>W. C. Prime.</i> + </p> + <p> + "The oft-repeated quotation, 'Spare the rod and spoil the child,' has been + misconstrued for many a long day, and if I had known early in life its + real significance it would hardly have made so doleful an impression. + There is no doubt to-day in my mind that this 'rod' meant a <i>fishing-rod</i>, + and the timely cherishing of it in youth tends to develop the portion of + one's nature to which the former use was entirely innocent."—<i>Thomas + Sedgwick Steele.</i> + </p> + <p> + "My favorite fly of all is a snipe feather and mouse body."—"<i>Frank + Forester</i>." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0009" id="linkimage-0009"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0178m.jpg" alt="0178m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0178.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 31. Cinnamon. + </p> + <p> + 32. Deerfly. + </p> + <p> + 33. Red Fox. + </p> + <p> + 34. Camlet Dun. + </p> + <p> + 35. Governor. + </p> + <p> + 36. Green Drake. + </p> + <p> + 37. Alder. + </p> + <p> + 38. Cheney. + </p> + <p> + 39. Soldier. + </p> + <p> + 40. Hod. + </p> + <p> + 41. Kingdom. + </p> + <p> + 42. Oak Fly. + </p> + <p> + 43. Gray Coflin. + </p> + <p> + 44. Fire Fly. + </p> + <p> + 45. Beaverkill. + </p> + <p> + 46. Yellow May. + </p> + <p> + 47. Black Jun.. + </p> + <p> + 48. Quaker. + </p> + <p> + "Often the whereabouts of a trend is betrayed by a break or a leap from + the surface, and the wide-awake angler will make it his business to toss + his fly over the spot sooner or later. Sometimes the trout rush at the + lure like a flash, leaping clear over it in their eagerness. They are + difficult to hook then."—<i>Charles Bollock.</i> + </p> + <p> + "No description of the brook trout, that has ever been given, does him + justice. It stands unrivalled as a game fish."—<i>Theodatus Garlick, + M.D.</i> + </p> + <p> + "The best flies to use are imitations of those which are born on the + water; for, though trout will often take land flies, and indeed almost any + insect you can throw on the water, yet it is on the water-flies which he + chiefly depends for his sustenance."—<i>Francis Francis</i>. + </p> + <p> + "A trout does not always get the fly when he attempts to; it may be lying + against the leader, making it impossible for him to get it in his mouth; + you may strike too quickly, taking it out of reach; the strike may be too + hard, tearing his mouth. More trout by far are pricked than hooked. + Practice only can teach you when to strike; you see a faint gleam under + the surface, when you instinctively twitch, to find you have hooked a + beauty. Few fishermen can separate force from quickness of motion. Never + use your arm in making the strike, only your wrist; then will the + difficulty be overcome."— <i>T. S. Up de Graff, M.D.</i> + </p> + <p> + "Innocent stranger! Thou who readest these lines! perhaps you never caught + a trout. If so, thou knowest not for what life was originally intended. + Thou art a vain, insignificant mortal! pursuing shadows! Ambition lures + thee, fame dazzles, wealth leads thee on, panting! Thou art chasing + spectres, goblins that satisfy not. If thou hast not caught a trout, this + world is to thee, as yet, a blank, existence is a dream. Go and weep."—<i>Thaddeus + Norris.</i> + </p> + <p> + "On one occasion the writer was awakened at a very early hour, when, lo! + Mr. Webster, who happened to be in a particularly playful mood, was seen + going through the graceful motions of an angler throwing a fly and + striking a trout, and then, without a word, disappeared. As a matter of + course, that day was given to fishing."—<i>Lawman's Life of Webster</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HOW TO CAST A FLY. + </h2> + <h3> + By Seth Green. + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> am asked a great many times what is the secret of fly-casting? There + are three principles. First, quick out of the water; second, give the line + time to straighten behind you; third, throw. I will explain these + principles more definitely. + </p> + <p> + Raise your rod straight up, or nearly so, the inclination being backward; + then make a quick stroke forward. When you take the line from the water it + should be done with a quick jerk; then give your line time to straighten + behind; then give it the same stroke forward that you did to get it out of + the water. + </p> + <p> + Why so many fail in fly-casting is, they throw the rod backward too near + the ground behind them, and when they make the forward stroke, and the + line gets straightened out, it is some distance above the water and kinks + back, so that when it falls upon the water it lies crooked, and is some + distance short of what it would have been if it had struck the water as + soon as it was straightened out. + </p> + <p> + If a fish should strike at your flies at this time you are pretty sure to + miss him. By never throwing your rod back more than to a slight angle from + the perpendicular, and making the stroke forward, your line goes straight + out and the flies go to the point you desire. + </p> + <p> + Great care should be taken when you have thrown the line behind you, that + the line is given time to straighten before making the stroke forward. I + have t thrown seventy feet of line against a strong wind, first, by giving + my rod a quick, strong back stroke, carrying my rod but slightly back of + the perpendicular, and giving my line time to straighten behind me, then + making the same stroke forward that I did to get it back of me. + </p> + <p> + I nearly forgot to mention that it is more important to have your line fit + your rod than it is to have your coat fit your back. + </p> + <p> + You may think it strange that I should tell you three or four times over + in the same article, that in order to do good fly-casting you must throw + your rod back only just so far, and then wait for your line to straighten + behind you; and when your line is straight, to make a quick stroke + forward, without carrying your rod forward, even a little, before + delivering your line, but these movements are the essential principles in + flycasting. By observing them one may hope to become a skilful fly-caster. + </p> + <h3> + TROUT: + </h3> + <h3> + MEETING THEM ON THE "JUNE RISEN BY "NESSMUK."= + </h3> + <p class="indent15"> + There is a spot where plumy pines + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + O'erhang the sylvan banks of Otter; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Where wood-ducks build among the vines + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + That bend above the crystal water. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And there the blue-jay makes her nest, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + In thickest shade of water beeches; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The fish-hawk, statuesque in rest, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Keeps guard o'er glassy pools and reaches. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Tis there the deer come down to drink, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + From laurel brakes and wooded ridges; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The trout, beneath the sedgy brink, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Are sharp on ship-wrecked flies and midges. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + And of the scores of mountain trout-streams that I have fished, the Otter + is associated with the most pleasing memories. + </p> + <p> + It is, or was, a model trout-stream; a thing to dream of. Haying its rise + within three miles of the Tillage, it meandered southward for ten miles + through a mountain valley to its confluence with the second fork of Pine + Creek, six miles of the distance being through a forest without settler or + clearing. + </p> + <p> + The stream was swift, stony, and exceptionally free of brush, fallen + timber and the usual <i>débris</i> that is so trying to the angler on most + wooded streams. Then, it was just the right distance from town. It was so + handy to start from the Tillage in the middle of an afternoon in early + summer, walk an hour and a half at a leisurely pace, and find one's self + on a brawling brook where speckled trout were plenty as a reasonable man + could wish. + </p> + <p> + Fishing only the most promising places for a couple of miles always gave + trout enough for supper and breakfast, and brought the angler to the + "Trout-House," as a modest cottage of squared logs was called, it being + the last house in the clearings and owned by good-natured Charley Datis, + who never refused to entertain fishermen with the best his little house + afforded. His accommodations were of the narrowest, but also of the + neatest, and few women could fry trout so nicely as Mrs. Davis. True, + there was only one spare bed, and, if more than two anglers desired + lodgings, they were relegated to the barn, with a supply of buffalo skins + and blankets. On a soft bed of sweet hay this was all that could be + desired by way of lodgings, with the advantage of being free from + mosquitoes and punkies. The best of rich, yellow butter with good bread + were always to be bad at Charley's, and his charges were 12 1/2 cents for + meals, and the same for lodging. + </p> + <p> + The two miles of fishing above the "Trout-House" led through clearings, + and the banks were much overgrown with willows, making it expedient to use + bait, or a single fly. I chose the latter: my favorite bug for such + fishing being the red hackle, though I am obliged to confess that the + fellow who used a white grub generally beat me. + </p> + <p> + But the evening episode was only preliminary; it meant a pleasant walk, + thirty or forty brook-trout for supper and breakfast, and a quiet night's + rest. The real angling commenced the next morning at the bridge, with a + six-mile stretch of clear, cold, rushing water to fish. My old-fashioned + creel held an honest twelve pounds of dressed trout, and I do not + recollect that I ever missed filling it, with time to spare, on that + stretch of water. Nor, though I could sometimes fill it in a forenoon, did + I ever continue to fish after it <i>was</i> full. Twelve pounds of trout + is enough for any but a trout-hog. + </p> + <p> + But the peculiar phase of trout lore that most interested me, was the + "run" of trout that were sure to find their way up stream whenever we had + a flood late in May or the first half of June. They were distinct and + different from the trout that came up with the early spring freshets. + Lighter in color, deeper in body, with smaller heads, and better + conditioned altogether. + </p> + <p> + They could be distinguished at a glance; the individuals of any school + were as like as peas in color and size, and we never saw them except on a + summer flood. The natives called them river trout. They came in schools of + one hundred to five times as many, just as the flood was subsiding, and + they had a way of halting to rest at the deep pools and spring-holes along + their route. Lucky was the angler who could find them at rest in a deep + pool, under a scooped out bank, or at the foot of a rushing cascade. At + such times they seemed to lose their usual shyness, and would take the fly + or worm indifferently, until their numbers were reduced more than + one-half. To "meet them on the June rise" was the ardent desire of every + angler who fished the streams which they were accustomed to ascend. These + streams were not numerous. The First, Second, and Third Forks of Pine + Creek, with the Otter, comprised the list so far as I know. And no man + could be certain of striking a school at any time; it depended somewhat on + judgment, but more on luck. Two or three times I tried it on the Otter and + missed; while a friend who had the pluck and muscle to make a ten-mile + tramp over the mountain to Second Fork took forty pounds of fine trout + from a single school. It was a hoggish thing to do; but he was a native + and knew no reason for letting up. + </p> + <p> + At length my white day came around. There was a fierce rain for three + days, and the raging waters took mills, fences and lumber down stream in a + way to be remembered. Luckily it also took the lumbermen the same way, and + left few native anglers at home. When the waters had subsided to a fair + volume, and the streams had still a suspicion of milkiness, I started at 3 + P.M. of a lovely June afternoon for the Trout-House. An easy two hours + walk, an hour of delightful angling, and I reached the little hostelry + with three dozen brook trout, averaging about seven inches in length only, + but fresh and sweet, all caught on a single red hackle, which will + probably remain my favorite bug until I go over the last carry (though I + notice it has gone well out of fashion with modern anglers). + </p> + <p> + A supper of trout; an evening such as must be seen and felt to be + appreciated; trout again for breakfast, with a dozen packed for lunch, and + I struck in at the bridge before sunrise for an all day bout, "to meet 'em + on the June rise." I didn't do it. I took the entire day to whip that six + miles of bright, dashing water. I filled a twelve-pound creel with trout, + putting back everything under eight inches. I put back more than I kept. I + had one of the most enjoyable days of my life; I came out at the lower + bridge after sundown—and I had not seen or caught one fresh-run + river trout. They were all the slender, large-moutlied, dark-mottled fish + of the gloomy forest, with crimson spots like fresh drops of blood. But I + was not discouraged. Had the trout been there I should have met them. I + walked half a mile to the little inn at Babb's, selected a dozen of my + best fish for supper and breakfast, gave away the rest, and, tired as a + hound, slept the sleep of the just man. + </p> + <p> + At 4 o'clock the next morning I was on the stream again, feeling my way + carefully down, catching a trout at every cast, and putting them mostly + back with care, that they might live; but' for an hour no sign of a + fresh-run river trout. + </p> + <p> + Below the bridge there is a meadow, the oldest clearing on the creek; + there are trees scattered about this meadow that are models of arborial + beauty, black walnut, elm, ash, birch, hickory, maple, etc. Most of them + grand, spreading trees. One of them, a large, umbrageous yellow-birch, + stood on the left bank of the stream, and was already in danger of a fall + by + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "The swifter current that mined its roots." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + It was here I met them on the June rise. + </p> + <p> + I dropped my cast of two flies just above the roots of the birch, and on + the instant, two fresh-run, silver-sided, red-spotted trout immolated + themselves, with a generous self-abnegation that I shall never forget. + </p> + <p> + Standing there on that glorious June morning, I made cast after cast, + taking, usually, two at each cast. I made no boyish show of "playing" + them. They were lifted out as soon as struck. To have fooled with them + would have tangled me, and very likely have scattered the school. + </p> + <p> + It was old-time angling; I shall not see it again. + </p> + <p> + My cast was a red hackle for tail-fly, with something like the brown hen + for hand-fly. I only used two, with four-foot leader; and I was about the + only angler who used a fly at all in those days, on these waters. + </p> + <p> + I fished about one hour. I caught sixty-four trout, weighing thirteen and + three quarter pounds. I caught too many. I was obliged to <i>string</i> + some of them, as the creel would not hold them all. But my head was + moderately level. When I had caught as many as I thought right I held up; + and I said, if any of these natives get on to this school, they will take + the last trout, if it be a hundred pounds. And they will <i>salt them down</i>. + So when I was done, and the fishing was good as at the start, I cut a long + "staddle," with a bush at the top, and I just went for that school of + trout. I chevied, harried and scattered them, up stream and down, until I + could not see a fish. Then I packed my duffle and went to the little inn + for breakfast. Of course every male biped was anxious to know "where I met + 'em." I told them truly; and they started, man and boy, for the "Big + Birch," with beech rods, stiff linen lines,' and a full stock of white + grubs. + </p> + <p> + I was credibly informed afterward, that these backwoods cherubs did not + succeed in "Meeting 'em on the June rise." I have a word to add, which is + not important though it may be novel. + </p> + <p> + There is a roaring, impetuous brook emptying into Second Fork, called + "Rock Run." It heads in a level swamp, near the summit of the mountain. + The swamp contains about forty acres, and is simply a level bed of loose + stones, completely overgrown with bright green moss. + </p> + <p> + "Rock Run" heads in a strong, ice-cold spring, but is soon sunken and lost + among the loose stones of the swamp. Just where the immense hemlocks, that + make the swamp a sunless gloom, get their foothold, is one of the things I + shall never find out. But, all the same, they are there. And "Rock Run" + finds its way underground for 80 rods with never a ray of sunlight to + illumine its course. Not once in its swamp course does it break out to + daylight. You may follow it by its heavy gurgling, going by ear; but you + cannot see the water. Now remove the heavy coating of moss here and there, + and you may see glimpses of dark, cold water, three or four feet beneath + the surface. Drop a hook, baited with angle-worm down these dark watery + holes, and it will be instantly taken by a dark, crimson-spotted specimen + of simon pure Salmo funtinalis. They are small, four to six inches in + length, hard, sweet; the <i>beau ideal</i> of mountain trout. Follow this + subterranean brook for eighty rods, and you find it gushing over the + mountain's brink in a cascade that no fish could or would attempt to + ascend. Follow the roaring brook down to its confluence with Second Fork, + and you will not find one trout in the course of a mile. The stream is + simply a succession of falls, cascades, and rapids, up which no fish can + beat its way for one hundred yards. And yet at the head of this stream is + a subterranean brook stocked with the finest specimens of <i>Salmo + fontinalis</i>. They did not breed on the mountain top. They <i>cannot</i> + ascend the stream. Where did they originate? When, and how did they manage + to get there? I leave the questions to <i>savans</i> and <i>naturalists</i>. + As for myself, I state the fact—still demonstrable—for the + trout are yet there. But I take it to be one of the conundrums "no fellah + can ever find out." + </p> + <p> + P. S.—A word as to bugs, lures, flies, etc. Now I have no criticism + to offer as regards flies or lures. I saw a Gotham banker in 1880, making + a cast on Third lake, with a leader that carried <i>twelve</i> flies. Why + not? He enjoyed it; and he caught some trout. Even the guides laughed at + him. I did not: he rode his hobby, and he rode it well. Fishing beside + him, with a five-dollar rod, I caught two trout to his one. What did he + care? He came out to enjoy himself after his own fashion, and he did it. + Like myself, he only cared for the sport—the recreation and enough + trout for supper. (I cannot cast twelve flies.) + </p> + <p> + Now my favorite lures—with forty years' experience—stand about + thus. Tail fly, red hackle; second, brown hen; third, Romeyn. Or, tail + fly, red ibis; second, brown hackle; third, queen of the waters. Or, red + hackle, queen, royal coachman. Sometimes trout will not rise to the fly. I + respect their tastes. I use then—tail fly, an angle worm, with a bit + of clear pork for the head, and a white miller for second. If this fails I + go to camp and sleep. I am not above worms and grubs, but prefer the fly. + <i>And I take but what I need for present use</i>. Can all brother anglers + say the same? + </p> + <p> + "It has so happened that all the public services that I have rendered 'in + the world, in my day and generation, have been connected with the general + government. I think I ought to make an exception. I was ten days a member + of the Massachusetts Legislature, and I turned my thoughts to the search + of some good object in which I could be useful in that position; and after + much reflection I introduced a bill which, with the consent of both houses + of the Legislature, passed into a law, and is now a law of the State, + which enacts that no man in the State shall catch trout in any manner than + in the old way, with an ordinary hook and line."—<i>Daniel 'Webster</i>. + </p> + <p> + "If you do not know a river it is always most desirable to have someone + with you who does."—<i>Francis Francis</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0010" id="linkimage-0010"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0194m.jpg" alt="0194m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0194.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 49. The Teal. + </p> + <p> + 50. Reuben Wood. + </p> + <p> + 51. Red Spinner. + </p> + <p> + 52. No. 68. + </p> + <p> + 53. Hawthorne. + </p> + <p> + 54. Dorset. + </p> + <p> + 55. Widow. + </p> + <p> + 56. Grasshopper. + </p> + <p> + 57. Stebbins. + </p> + <p> + 58. March Brown. + </p> + <p> + 59. Shoemaker. + </p> + <p> + 60. Orange Black. + </p> + <p> + 61. King of the Water. + </p> + <p> + 62. Gen: Hooker. + </p> + <p> + 63. Gray Drake. + </p> + <p> + "The angler atte the leest, hath his holsom walke, and mery at his ease, a + swete ayre of the swete savoure of the mede floures, that makyth him + hungry; he hereth the melodyous armony of fowles; he seeth the yonge + swannes, heerons, duck's, cotes, and many other fowles, wyth theyr brodes; + whyche me semyth better than allé the noyse of houndys, the blastes of + hornys, and the scrye of foulis, that hunters, fawkeners, and fowlers can + make. And if the angler take fysshe; surely, thenne, is there noo man + merier than he is in his spyryte."—<i>Dame Juliana Berners.</i> + </p> + <p> + "Skill, and trained skill at that, does the good work, and the angler's + score is just in proportion to his knowledge of 'how to do it.'"—<i>Wm. + C. Harris.</i> + </p> + <p> + "A gray-haired bait-fisher is very rare, while the passion for + fly-easting, whether for trout or salmon, grows by what it feeds upon, and + continues a source of the highest pleasure even after the grasshopper + becomes a burden."—<i>George Dawson.</i> + </p> + <p> + "It is not the number of fish he captures that makes the angler contented, + for the true angler can enjoy the mere casting of the fly if he has only + an occasional fish to reward his efforts."—"<i>Random Casts.</i>" + </p> + <p> + "The great charm of fly-fishing for trout is derived from the fact that + you then see the movements of your fish, and if you are not an expert + hand, the chances are that you will capture but one out of the hundred + that may rise to your hook. You can seldom save a trout unless you strike + the very instant that he leaps. The swiftness with which a trout can dart + from his hiding-place after a fly is truly astonishing; and we never see + one perform this operation without feeling an indescribable thrill + quivering through our frame."—<i>Charles Lanman</i>. + </p> + <p> + "There is nothing grovelling in fly-fishing—nothing gross or + demoralizing."—<i>Charles Hallock</i>. + </p> + <p> + "Angling is a maist innocent, poetical, moral and religious amusement. Gin + I saw a fisher gruppin creelfu' after creelfu' o' trouts, and then + flingin' them a' awa among the heather and the brackens on his way hame, I + micht begin to suspee that the idiot was by nature rather a savage. But as + for me, I send presents to my freens, and devour dizzens on dizzens every + week in the family—maistly dune in the pan, wi' plenty o' fresh + butter and roun' meal—sae that prevents the possibility o' cruelty + in my fishin', and in the fishin' o' a' reasonable creatures."—<i>James + Hogg</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WHY PETER WENT A-FISHING. + </h2> + <h3> + By W. C. Prime. + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">N</span>ever was night more pure, never was sea more winning; never were the + hearts of men moved by deeper emotions than on that night and by that sea + when Peter and John, and other of the disciples, were waiting for the + Master. + </p> + <p> + Peter said, "I go a-fishing." John and Thomas, and James and Nathanael, + and the others, said, "We will go with you," and they went. + </p> + <p> + Some commentators have supposed and taught that, when Peter said, "I go + a-fishing," he announced the intention of returning to the ways in which + he had earned his daily bread from childhood; that his Master was gone, + and he thought that nothing remained for him but the old, hard life of + toil, and the sad labor of living. + </p> + <p> + But this seems scarcely credible, or consistent with the circumstances. + The sorrow which had weighed down the disciples when gathered in Jerusalem + on that darkest Sabbath day of all the Hebrew story, had given way to joy + and exultation in the morning when the empty tomb revealed the hitherto + hidden glory of the resurrection, joy which was ten-fold increased by are + interview with the risen Lord, and confirmed by his direction, sending + them into Galilee to await Him there. And thus it seems incredible that + Peter and John—John, the beloved—could have been in any such + gloom and despondency as to think of resuming their old employment at this + time, when they were actually waiting for His coming, who had promised to + meet them. + </p> + <p> + Probably they were on this particular evening weary with earnest + expectancy, yet not satisfied; tired of waiting and longing, and looking + up the hillside on the Jerusalem road for His appearance; and I have no + doubt that, when this weariness became exhausting, Peter sought on the + water something of the old excitement that he had known from boyhood, and + that to all the group it seemed a fitting way in which to pass the long + night before them, otherwise to be weary as well as sleepless. + </p> + <p> + If one could have the story of that night of fishing, of the surrounding + scenes, the conversation in the boat, the unspoken thoughts of the + fishermen, it would make the grandest story of fishing that the world has + ever known. Its end was grand when in the morning the voice of the Master + came over the sea, asking them the familiar question, in substance the + same which they, like all fishermen, had heard a thousand times, "Have you + any fish?" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + The memory of this scene is not unfitting to the modern angler. Was it + possible to forget it when I first wet a line in the water of the Sea of + Galilee? Is it any less likely to come hack to me on any lake among the + hills when the twilight hides the mountains, and overhead the same stars + look on our waters that looked on Gennesaret, so that the soft night air + feels on one's forehead like the dews of Hermon? + </p> + <p> + I do not think that this was the last, though it be the last recorded + fishing done by Peter or by John. I don't believe these Galilee fishermen + ever lost the love for their old employment. It was a memorable fact for + them that the Master had gone a-fishing with them on the day that He + called them to be His disciples; and this latest meeting with Him in + Galilee, the commission to Peter, "Feed my sheep," and the words so + startling to John, "If I will that he tarry till I come,"—words + which He must have recalled when He uttered that last longing cry, "Even + so come, Lord"—all these were associated with that last recorded + fishing scene on the waters of Gennesaret. + </p> + <p> + Fishermen never lose their love for the employment, and it is notably true + that the men who fish for a living love their work quite as much as those + who fish for pleasure love their sport. Find an old fisherman, if you can, + in any sea-shore town, who does not enjoy his fishing. There are days, + without doubt, when he does not care to go out, when he would rather that + need did not drive him to the sea; but keep him at home a few days, or set + him at other labor, and you shall see that he longs for the toss of the + swell on the reef, and the sudden joy of a strong pull on his line. Drift + up along side of him in your boat when he is quietly at his work, without + his knowing that you are near. You can do it easily. He is pondering + solemnly a question, of deep importance to him, and he has not stirred + eye, or hand, or head for ten minutes. But see that start and sharp jerk + of his elbow, and now hear him talk, not to you—to the fish. He + exults as he brings him in, yet mingles his exultation with something of + pity as he baits his hook for another. Could you gather the words that he + has in many years flung on the sea winds, you would haye a history of his + life and adventures, mingled with very much of his inmost thinking, for he + tells much to the sea and the fish that he would never whisper in human + ears. Thus the habit of going a-fishing always modifies the character. The + angler, I think, dreams of his favorite sport oftener than other men of + theirs. + </p> + <p> + There is a peculiar excitement in it, which perhaps arises from somewhat + of the same causes which make the interest in searching for ancient + treasures, opening Egyptian tombs and digging into old ruins. One does not + know what is under the surface. There may be something or there may be + nothing. He tries, and the rush of something startles every nerve. Let no + man laugh at a comparison of trout-fishing with antiquarian researches. I + know a man who has done a great deal of both, and who scarcely knows which + is the most absorbing or most remunerating; for each enriches mind and + body, each gratifies the most refined taste, each becomes a passion unless + the pursuer guard his enthusiasm and moderate his desire. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + To you, my friend, who know nothing of the gentle and purifying + association of the angler's life, these may seem strange notions—to + some, indeed, they may even sound profane. But the angler for whom I write + will not so think them, nor may I, who, thinking these same thoughts, have + cast my line on the sea of Galilee, and taken the descendants of old fish + in the swift waters of the Jordan. + </p> + <p> + Trout fishing is employment for all men, of all minds. It tends to dreamy + life, and it leads to much thought and reflection. I do not know in any + book or story of modern times a more touching and exquisite scene than + that which Mrs. Gordon gives in her admirable biography of her father, the + leonine Christopher North, when the feeble old man waved his rod for the + last time over the Dochart, where he had taken trout from his boyhood. + Shall we ever look upon his like again? He was a giant among men of + intellectual greatness. Of all anglers since apostolic days, he was the + greatest; and there is no angler who does not look to him with veneration + and love, while the English language will forever possess higher value + that he has lived and written. It would be thought very strange were one + to say that Wilson would never have been half the man he was were he not + an angler. But he would have said so himself, and I am not sure but he did + say so, and, whether he did or not, I have no doubt of the truth of the + saying. + </p> + <p> + It has happened to me to fish the Dochart, from the old inn at Luib down + to the bridge, and the form of the great Christopher was forever before me + along the bank, and in the rapids, making his last casts as Mrs. Gordon + here so tenderly describes him: + </p> + <p> + "Had my father been able to endure the fatigue, we too would have had + something to boast of, but he was unable to do more than loiter by the + river-side, close in the neighborhood of the inn—never without his + rod." + </p> + <p> + "How now do his feet touch the heather? Not, as of old, with a bound, but + with slow and unsteady step, supported on the one hand by his stick, while + the other carries his rod. The breeze gently moves his locks, no longer + glittering with the light of life, but dimmed by its decay. Yet are his + shoulders broad and unbent. The lion-like presence is somewhat softened + down, but not gone. He surely will not venture into the deeps of the + water, for only one hand is free for a 'cast.' and those large stones, now + slippery with moss, are dangerous stumbling-blocks in the way. Besides, he + promised his daughters he would not wade, but, on the contrary, walk + quietly with them by the river's edge, there gliding 'at its own sweet + will,' Silvery band of pebbled shore leading to loamy colored pools, dark + as the glow of a southern eye, how could he resist the temptation of near + approach? In he goes, up to the ankles, then to the knees, tottering every + other step, but never falling. Trout after trout he catches, small ones + certainly, but plenty of them. Into his pocket with them all this time, + manouvering in the most skilful manner both stick and rod; until weary, he + is obliged to rest on the bank, sitting with his feet in the water, + laughing at his daughters' horror, and obstinately continuing the sport in + spite of all remonstrance. At last he gives in and retires. Wonderful to + say, he did not seem to suffer from these imprudent liberties." + </p> + <p> + And Mrs. Gordon gives us another exquisite picture in the very last day of + the grand old Christopher: + </p> + <p> + * * * "And then he gathered around him, when the spring mornings brought + gay jets of sunshine into the little room where he lay, the relics of a + youthful passion, one that with him never grew old. It was an affecting + sight to see him busy, nay, quite absorbed with the fishing tackle + scattered about his bed, propped up with pillows—his noble head, yet + glorious with its flowing locks, carefully combed by attentive hands, and + falling on each side of his unfaded face. How neatly he picked out each + elegantly dressed fly from its little bunch, drawing it out with trembling + hand along the white coverlet, and then replacing it in his pocket-book, + he would tell ever and anon of the streams he used to fish in of old, and + of the deeds he had performed in his childhood and youth." + </p> + <p> + There is no angler who will not appreciate the beauty of these pictures, + and I do not believe any one of us, retaining his mental faculties, will + fail, in extremest age, to recall with the keenest enjoyment, of which + memory is capable, the scenes of our happiest sport. + </p> + <p> + Was Peter less or more than man? Was John not of like passions with + ourselves? Believe me, the old dweller on Patmos, the old Bishop of + Ephesus, lingering between the memories of his Lord in Galilee and the + longing for Him to come quickly yet again, saw often before his dim eyes + the ripple on Gennesaret and the flashing scales of the silver fish that + had gladdened him many a time before he knew the Master. + </p> + <p> + It is one of the most pleasant and absorbing thoughts which possess the + traveller in those regions, that the child Christ was a child among the + hills of Galilee, and loved them with all the gentle fervor of his human + soul. Doubtless many times before He had challenged the fisher on the sea + with that same question which we anglers so frequently hear, "Have you + taken any fish?" He may have often seen Peter and the others at their + work. Perhaps sometimes He had talked with them, and, it may well be, gone + with them on the sea, and helped them. Por they were kindly men, as + fishermen are always in all countries, and they loved to talk of their + work, and of a thousand other things, of which, in their contemplative + lives, they had thought without talking. + </p> + <p> + In an age when few men were learned, and, in fact, few in any grade or + walk of life could even read or write, I am inclined to think there was no + class from whom better trained intellects could be selected than from + among these thoughtful fishermen. They had doubtless the Oriental + characteristics of calmness and reserve, and these had been somewhat + modified by their employment. Given to sober reflection, patient to + investigate, quick to trust when their faith was demanded by one whom they + respected, slow to act when haste was not necessary, prompt and swift on + any emergency, filled full of love for nature, all harsh elements of + character softened into a deep benevolence and pity and love—such + are the fishermen of our day, and such, I doubt not, were the fishermen of + old. They were men with whom a mother would willingly trust her young boy, + to whom he would become attached, with whom he would enjoy talking, and, + above all, who would pour out their very souls in talking with him, when + among their fellow-men they would be reserved, diffident, and silent. They + were men, too, who would recognize in the boy the greatness of his + lineage, the divine shining out from his eyes. Who shall prevail to + imagine the pleasantness of those days on the sea when Peter and John + talked with the holy boy, as they waited for the fish, and their boat + rocked to the winds that came down from Lebanon. Who can say that there + were not some memories of those days, as well as of the others when we + know Christ was with him, which, when he was tired of the waiting, led + Peter to say, "I go a-fishing!" + </p> + <p> + I believe that he went a-fishing because he felt exactly as I have felt, + exactly as scores of men have felt who knew the charm of the gentle art, + as we now call it. The other has such attraction. Men love hunting, love + boating, love games of varied sorts, love many amusements of many kinds, + but I do not know of any like fishing to which men go for relief in + weariness, for rest after labor, for solace in sorrow. I can well + understand how those sad men, not yet fully appreciating the grand truth + that their Master had risen from the dead, believing; yet doubting, how + even Thomas, who had so lately seen the wounds and heard the voice; how + even John, loving and loved, who had rejoiced a week ago in Jerusalem at + the presence of the triumphant Lord; how Peter, always fearful; how + Nathanael, full of impulsive faith, how each and all of them, wearied with + their long waiting for Him on the shore of the sea, sought comfort and + solace, opportunity and incitement to thought in going a-fishing. + </p> + <p> + I can understand it, for, though far be it from me to compare any + weariness or sorrow of mine with theirs, I have known that there was no + better way in which I could find rest. + </p> + <p> + I have written for lovers of the gentle art, and if this which I have + written fall into other hands, let him who reads understand that it is not + for him. We who go a-fishing are a peculiar people. Like other men and + women in many respects, we are like one another, and like no others, in + other respects. We understand each other's thoughts by an intuition of + which you know nothing. So closely are we alike in some regards, so + different from the rest of the world in these respects, and so important + are these characteristics of mind and of thought, that I sometimes think + no man but one of us can properly understand the mind of Peter, or + appreciate the glorious visions of the son of Zebedee. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FROM "GAME FISH OF THE NORTH." + </h2> + <h3> + By R. B. Roosevelt. + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>here are innumerable rules applicable to trout fishing, and innumerable + exceptions to each; neither man nor fish is infallible. A change of + weather is always desirable; if it has been-clear, a rainy day is + favorable; if cold, a warm one; if the wind has been north, a southerly + one is advantageous; a zephyr if it has been blowing a tornado. Generally, + in early spring, amid the fading snows and blasts of winter, a warm day is + very desirable; later, in the heats of summer, a cold, windy day will + insure success. Dead calm is dangerous, although many trout are taken in + water as still, clear and transparent as the heavens above. The first rule + is never to give up; there is hardly a day but at some hour, if there be + trout, they will rise, and steady, patient industry disciplines the mind + and invigorates the muscles. A southerly, especially a south-easterly + wind, has a singular tendency to darken the surface, and in clear, fine + waters is particularly advantageous; a south-wester comes next in order; a + north-easter, in which, by-the-by, occasionally there is great success, is + the next; and a north-wester is the worst and dearest of all. Give me wind + on any terms, a southerly wind, if I can have it; but give me wind. It is + not known what quality of wind darkens the water; it may be a haziness + produced in the atmosphere, although with a cloudy sky the water is often + too transparent; it may be the peculiar character of the waves, short and + broken, as contra-distinguished from long and rolling; but the fact is + entitled to reliance. + </p> + <p> + Slight changes will often affect the fish. On one day in June, in the + writer's experience, after having no luck until eleven o'clock, the trout + suddenly commenced rising, and kept on without cessation, scarcely giving + time to cast, till two, when they as suddenly stopped. There was no + observable change in the weather, except the advent of a slight haze, the + wind remaining precisely the same. I was much disappointed, not having + half fished the ground, and being prevented, by the numbers that were + taken, from casting over some of the largest fish that broke. As it was I + caught seventy trout in what are ordinarily considered the worst hours of + the day. But in this particular, also, the same rules apply as to the + warmth of the weather. In early spring it is useless to be up with the + lark, even supposing such a bird exists; no fish will break water till the + sun has warmed the air; but in summer, the dawn should blush to find the + sportsman napping. In fact, trout will not rise well unless the air is + warmer than the water. They do not like to risk taking cold by exposing + themselves to a sudden draught. + </p> + <p> + There is a very absurd impression that trout will not take the fly early + in the season; this is entirely unfounded. As soon as the ice disappears + they will be found gambolling in the salt-water streams, and leaping + readily at the fly. At such times, on lucky days, immense numbers are + taken. In March they have run up the sluice-ways and are in the lower + ponds, lying sullenly in the deepest water; then is the Cowdung, politely + called the Dark Cinnamon, the most attractive fly. In April, May and June + they are scattered, and entrapped by the Hackles, Professor, Ibis, and all + the medium-sized flies. In July and August they have sought the + head-waters of navigation, the cool spring brooks, and hide around the + weeds and water-cresses, whence the midges alone can tempt them. + </p> + <p> + Any flies will catch fish, cast in any manner, if the fish are plenty and + in humor to be caught. A few feathers torn from the nearest and least + suspicious chicken, and tied on an ordinary hook with a piece of thread, + will constitute a fly in the imagination of a trout, provided he follows, + as he sometimes appears to do, the advice of young folks—shuts his + eyes and opens his mouth. I cannot recommend such tackle, being convinced + the most skilfully made is the best; but I do advise simplicity of color. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + Good luck, that synonym for all the virtues, does not depend so much upon + the kind of flies as the skill in casting, and a poor fly lightly cast + into the right spot will do better execution than the best fly roughly + cast into the wrong place. The lure must be put where the fish habit, + often before their very noses, or they will not take it; and when they + lie, as they generally do in running streams, in the deep holes under the + banks, where the bushes are closest and cause the densest shade, it + requires some skill to cast properly into the exact spot. Sacrifice + everything to lightness in casting; let the line go straight without a + kink if you can, drop the fly into the right ripple if possible, but it + must drop gently on the surface of the water. An ugly splash of a clear + day in pure water, and the prey will dart in every direction, and the + angler's hopes scatter with them. + </p> + <p> + A beginner may practice a certain formula, such as lifting the line with a + wave and smart spring, swinging it backward in a half circle, and when it + is directly behind him, casting straight forward; but as soon as he has + overcome the rudimentary principles, he should cast in every manner, + making the tip of his rod cut full circles, figure eights, and all other + figures, behind him, according to the wind; bearing in mind, however, ever + to make his fly drop as lightly as a feather. He should use his wrist + mainly, and practice with each hand, and should never be otherwise than + ashamed of a bungling cast, though he be alone, and none but the fish + there to despise him. If the line falls the first time with a heartrending + splash, all in a tangle, it is useless to make the next cast properly. The + fish have found out the trick, and know too much to risk their necks in + any such noose. + </p> + <p> + A skilful fisherman can cast almost any length of line, but practically, + fifty feet, counting from the reel, is all that can be used to advantage. + Some English books say only the leader [gut links] should alight in the + water; but this is nonsense, for at least one-half the line must fall into + the water, unless the fisherman stand on a high bank. With a long line, + the difficulties of striking and landing the fish are greatly increased. + In striking, there is much slack line to be taken up. In landing, it + requires some time to get the fish under control, and he is apt to reach + the weeds or a stump. + </p> + <p> + That most excellent fisherman and learned scholar, Dr. Bethune, in his + edition of Walton, Part II., page 73, says that candid anglers must + confess that nine out of ten trout hook themselves. This may be so in + streams teeming with fish, where a dozen start at once, frantically + striving to be the first; but in clear, well-fished streams, not one fish + in a thousand will hook himself; and on Long Island, an angler would grow + gray ere he filled his basket if he did not strike, and that quickly. + Striking, to my mind, is by far the most important point, and hundreds of + fish have I seen escape for want of quickness. It must be done quickly but + steadily, and not with a jerk, as the latter is apt, by the double action + of the rod, to bend the tip forward, and loosen instead of tightening the + line. There are days when fish cannot be struck, although they are rising + freely. Whether they are playing or oyer-cautious, I never could + determine; whether they are not hungry, or the water is too clear, they + put a man's capacities at defiance. Their appearance must be signalled to + the eye, by that reported to the brain, which then directs the nerves to + command the muscles to move the wrist; and ere this complicated + performance is completed, the fish has blown from his mouth the feathery + deception, and has darted back to his haunts of safety. A fish will + occasionally leap up, seize the fly, discover the cheat, and shaking his + head, jump several feet along the surface of the water to rid his mouth of + it, and do this so quickly as not to give a quick angler time to strike. + How often fish are caught when they rise the second time, as then the + angler is more on the alert; whereas, on the first rise, he was off his + guard! How often fish rise when the angler's head is turned away from his + line, or when he is busy at something else, and how rarely are they + caught! In my experience, it is so great a rarity, that it might almost be + said they never hook themselves. In the language of youth, the only + hooking they do, is to hook off. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Bethune, page 97, says the rod should not exceed one pound in weight. + Indeed, it should not; and if it does, it exemplifies the old maxim, so + far as to have a fool at one end. If we could fish by steam, a rod + exceeding a pound and measuring over fourteen feet might answer well; but + in these benighted days, while wrists are of bone, muscles, cartilages, + and the like, the lighter the better. A rod—and if perfection is + absolutely indispensable, a cedar rod—of eleven or twelve feet, + weighing nine or ten ounces, will catch trout. Cedar rods can only be + obtained in America, and then only on compulsion; but this wood makes the + most elastic rods in the world. They spring instantly to every motion of + the hand, and never warp. They are delicate. The wood is like woman—cross-grained, + but invaluable, if carefully treated. The reel should be a simple click, + never a multiplier, but large-barrelled, and fastened to the butt with a + leather strap. The line silk, covered, with a preparation of oil, tapered, + if possible, at each end, and thirty to forty yards long. The basket—positive—a + fish basket; the angler—comparative—a fisherman. + </p> + <p> + Thus equipped, go forth mildly, approving where the writer's opinions + coincide with yours, simply incredulous where they do not. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + There are several ways of landing a trout, but not all equally + sportsmanlike. Large trout may be gaffed; small ones landed in a net; and + where neither of these means is at hand, they must be dragged out of the + water, or floated up among the bushes, according to the taste of the + angler and the strength of his tackle. + </p> + <p> + A tyro was once fishing in the same boat with me, using bait, when he + struck his first trout. One can imagine how entirely misspent had been his + previous existence, when it is said he had never taken a trout, no, nor + any other fish, before. It was not a large fish; such luck rarely falls to + the share of the beginner; and in spite of what elderly gentlemen may say + to the contrary, an ignorant countryman, with his sapling rod and coarse + tackle, never takes the largest fish nor the greatest in quantity. Were it + otherwise, sportsmen had better turn louts, and tackle makers take to + cutting straight saplings in the woods. My companion, nevertheless, was + not a little surprised at the vigorous rushes the trout made to escape, + but his line being strong and rod stiff, he steadily reeled him in. Great + was the excitement; his whole mind was devoted to shortening the line, + regardless of what was to be done next. We had a darkey named Joe with us, + to row the boat and land the fish, and our luck having been bad during the + morning he was delighted with this turn of affairs, and ready, net in + hand, to do his duty. The fish was being reeled up till but a few feet of + the line remained below the top, when with a shout of "land, Joe, land + him!" my companion suddenly lifted up his rod, carrying the trout far + above our heads. There it dangled, swaying to and fro, bouncing and + jumping, while the agonized fisherman besought the darky to land him, and + the latter, reaching up as far as he could with the net, his eyes starting + out of his head with wonder at this novel mode of proceeding, came far + short of his object. Never was seen such a sight; the hopeless despair of + my friend, the eagerness of the darky, who fairly strove to climb the rod + as the fish danced about far out of reach. What was to be clone? The line + would not render, the rod was so long we could not reach the tip in the + boat; and the only horrible alternative appeared to be my friend's losing + his first fish. The latter, however, by this remarkable course of + treatment, had grown peaceable and when he was dropped back into the + water, made but feeble efforts, while my companion, as quietly as he + could, worked out his line till he could land him like a Christian. Great + were the rejoicings when the prize earned with so much anxiety was + secured. That is the way not to land a trout. + </p> + <p> + One afternoon of a very boisterous day, I struck a large fish at the deep + hole in the centre of Phillipse's Pond, on Long Island. He came out + fiercely, and taking my fly as he went down, darted at once for the + bottom, which is absolutely covered with long, thick weeds. The moment he + found he was struck he took refuge among them, and tangled himself so + effectually that I could not feel him, and supposed he had escaped. By + carefully exerting sufficient force, however, the weeds were loosened from + the bottom, and the electric thrill of his renewed motion was again + perceptible. He was allowed to draw the line through the weeds and play + below them, as by so doing they would give a little, while if confined in + them he would have a leverage against them, and could, with one vigorous + twist, tear out the hook. When he was somewhat exhausted, the question as + to the better mode of landing him arose. The wind was blowing so hard as + to raise quite a sea, which washed the weeds before it in spite of any + strain that could be exerted by the rod, and drifted the boat as well, + rendering the latter almost unmanageable, while the fish was still so + vigorous as to threaten every moment to escape. I besought the boatman, + who was an old hand, and thoroughly up to his business, to drop the boat + down to the weeds and let me try and land my fish with one hand while + holding the rod with the other. He knew the dangers of such a course, and + insisted upon rowing slowly and carefully for shore at a shallow place + sheltered from the wind, although I greatly feared the hook would tear out + or the rod snap under the strain of towing both weeds and fish; once near + shore, he deliberately forced an oar into the mud and made the boat fast + to it, and then taking up the net watched for a favorable chance. He + waited for some time, carefully putting the weeds aside until a gleaming + line of silver glanced for a moment beneath the water, when darting the + net down he as suddenly brought it up, revealing within its folds the + glorious colors of a splendid trout. That was the way to land a trout + under difficulties, although I still think I could have done it + successfully by myself. + </p> + <p> + Generally the utmost delicacy should be shown in killing a fish, but there + are times when force must be exerted. If the fish is making for a stump, + or even weeds, he must be stopped at any reasonable risk of the rod's + breaking or the fly's tearing out. A stump is the most dangerous; one turn + around that and he is off, leaving your flies probably in a most + inconvenient place and many feet below the surface of the water. But + remember the oft-repeated maxim of a friend of the writer, who had been + with him many a joyous fishing day, "That one trout hooked is worth a + dozen not hooked." Small trout are more apt to escape than large ones, + because the skin around the mouth of the latter is tougher. With either, + however, there is risk enough. The hook is small, and often takes but a + slight hold; the gut is delicate, and frequently half worn through by + continual casting. Fish are, in a majority of instances, hooked in the + corner of the upper jaw, where there is but a thin skin to hold them; by + long continued struggling the hole wears larger, and finally, to the agony + of the fisherman, the hook slips out. + </p> + <p> + There are occasions when force must be exerted, and then good tackle and a + well-made rod will repay the cost. At dusk, one night, I cautiously + approached the edge of a newly made pond, that was as full of stumps as of + fish, both being about the extreme limit, and casting into the clear water + struck a fine fish of three-quarters of a pound. Not a minute's grace did + he receive, but I lugged and he fought, and after a general turmoil I + succeeded in bringing him to land, in spite of weeds and stumps and twigs, + which he did his best to reach. The same was done with Severn fish after a + loss of only three flies and with a rod that weighed only eight ounces. + </p> + <p> + In landing a fish wait till he is pretty well exhausted, bring his mouth + above water, and keep it there till he is drawn into the net, and warn + your assistant to remove the net at once if he gets his head down. By + diving after him with the net the assistant would certainly not catch the + fish and might tangle one of your other flies. The fish should be led into + the net, and the latter kept as still as possible; he knows as well as you + do what it is for, and if his attention is drawn to it will dart off as + madly as ever. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + The trout is admitted to be the most beautiful of all our fish; not so + large or powerful as the salmon, he is much more numerous, abounding in + all the brooks and rivulets of our Northern States. He lives at our very + doors; in the stream that meanders across yon meadow, where the haymakers + are now busy with their scythes, we have taken him in our early days; down + yonder in that wood is a brook filled with bright, lively little fellows; + and away over there we know of pools where there are splendid ones. Who + has not said or thought such words as he stood in the bright summer's day + under the grateful shade of the piazza running round the old country house + where he played—a boy? + </p> + <p> + He does not make the nerves thrill and tingle like the salmon, he does not + leap so madly into the air nor make such fierce, resolute rushes; he has + not the silver sides, nor the great strength; but he is beautiful as the + sunset sky, brave as bravery itself, and is our own home darling. How he + flashes upon the sight as he grasps the spurious insect, and turns down + with a quick little slap of the tail! How he darts hither and thither when + he finds he is hooked! How persistently he struggles till enveloped in the + net! And then with what heart-rending sighs he breathes away his life! Who + does not love the lovely trout? With eye as deep and melting, skin as rich + and soft, and ways as wildly wilful as angelic woman—who loves not + one loves not the other. Who would not win the one cares not to win the + other. Strange that man should kill the thing he loves but if to possess + them kills them, he must kill. If women, like the <i>Ephemerae</i>, died, + as they often do, in their love, we should still love them. Such is man; + do not think I praise him. No one kills fish for the pleasure of killing; + but they cannot live out of water, nor we in it, therefore one of us must + die. + </p> + <p> + The man who kills to kill, who is not satisfied with reasonable sport, who + slays unfairly or out of season, who adds one wanton pang, that man + receives the contempt of all good sportsmen and deserves the felon's doom. + Of such there are but few. + </p> + <p> + We seek this, our favorite fish, in early spring, when the ice has just + melted, and the cold winds remind one forcibly of bleak December, and when + we find him in the salt streams, especially of Long Island and Cape Cod; + but we love most to follow him in the early summer, along the merry + streams of old Orange, or the mountain brooks of Sullivan county; where + the air is full of gladness, and the trees are heavy with foliage—where + the birds are singing on every bough, and the grass redolent of violets + and early flowers. There we wade the cold brooks, leafy branches bowing us + a welcome as we pass, the water rippling over the hidden rocks, and + telling us, in its wayward way, of the fine fish it carries in its bosom. + With creel upon our shoulder and rod in hand, we reck not of the hours, + and only when the sinking sun warns of the approaching darkness do we + seek, with sharpened appetite, the hospitable country inn, and the + comfortable supper that our prey will furnish forth. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + There is no fish more difficult to catch, nor that gives the true angler + more genuine sport, than the trout. His capture requires the nicest + tackle, the greatest skill, the most complete self-command, the highest + qualities of mind and body. The arm must be strong that wields the rod, + the eye true that sees the rise; the wrist quick that strikes at the + instant; the judgment good that selects the best spot, the most suitable + fly, and knows just how to kill the fish. A fine temper is required to + bear up against the loss of a noble fish, and patient perseverance to + conquer ill luck. + </p> + <p> + Hence it is that the fisherman is so proud of his basket of a dozen + half-pound trout. He feels that any one more awkward or less resolute + could not have done so well. He feels conscious that he does not owe his + success to mere luck, but has deserved the glory. He feels that he has + elevated himself by the very effort. Do not suppose I mean that there is + no skill in other fishing; there is in all, even in catching minnows for + bait, but most of all in trout-fishing. + </p> + <h3> + TROUT FLIES. + </h3> + <p> + "That <i>we are</i> wise men, I shall not stoop to maintain, but that we + do love angling we are assured of, and therein we know that we are in + unison with very many greatly wise and wisely good men."—<i>Thaddeus + Norris.</i> + </p> + <p> + "The true angler is not confined to fly-fishing, as many imagine. When the + fly can be used it always should be used, but where the fly is + impracticable, or your fish will not rise to it, he is a very foolish + angler who declines to use bait."—<i>W. C. Prime</i>. + </p> + <p> + "The creative power of genius can make a feather-fly live, and move, and + have being; and a wisely stricken fish gives up the ghost in transports."—"<i>J. + Cypress, Jr.</i>" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0011" id="linkimage-0011"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0224m.jpg" alt="0224m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0224.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 64. Jungle Cock. + </p> + <p> + 65. Lake Green. + </p> + <p> + 66. Jenny Lind. + </p> + <p> + 67. Poor Man's Fly. + </p> + <p> + 68. Pheasant. + </p> + <p> + 69. Romeyn. + </p> + <p> + 70. Morrison. + </p> + <p> + 71. Katy-did. + </p> + <p> + 72. Claret. + </p> + <p> + 73. Hoskins. + </p> + <p> + 74. Caldwell. + </p> + <p> + 75. Iron Dun. + </p> + <p> + 76. Queen of the Water. + </p> + <p> + 77. Olive Gnat. + </p> + <p> + 78. Brown Coffin. + </p> + <p> + "The deftly-tossed fly, taking wing on the nerve of a masterly cast, will + drop gracefully far out in the stream where the heavier gear of the bait + rod would never aspire to reach."—<i>Charles Bullock.</i> + </p> + <p> + "Fly-fishing may well be considered the most beautiful of all rural + sports."—"<i>Frank Forester</i>." + </p> + <p> + "To be a perfect trout fisher, to my mind, a man should follow no other + branch of fishing. It spoils his hand if he does. I myself, from the + practice of striking so hard in both salmon, pike and other fishing, lose + numbers of fish and flies in the course of the season; and what makes it + the more vexing is that they are nearly always the best and heaviest + fish."—<i>Francis Francis</i>. + </p> + <p> + "If a pricked trout is chased into another pool, he will, I believe, soon + again take the artificial fly."—<i>Sir Humphry Davy.</i> + </p> + <p> + "It is only the inexperienced and thoughtless who find pleasure in killing + fish for the mere sake of killing them. No sportsman does this."—<i>W. + C. Prime.</i> + </p> + <p> + "We persevered, notwithstanding the storm, and got our hundred trout, all + alive and active, into Lake Salubria. They did not, however, multiply as + we hoped they would. For years one would hear occasionally of a great + trout being caught in the lake, till at last they were all gone. They + lacked the ripples and the running water. They lived to be old, and then + died without progeny, 'making no sign.'"—<i>S. H. Hammond.</i> + </p> + <p> + "The trout is such a light food, that eight of them, some ten inches long, + will not make a supper for a hearty man, leading this wilderness life."—"<i>Porte + Crayon</i>." + </p> + <p> + "I believe I am sincere in saying that I enjoy seeing another man throw a + fly, if he is a good and graceful sportsman, quite as much as doing it + myself."—<i>W. C. Prime</i>. + </p> + <p> + "I was content with my one glimpse, by twilight, at the forest's great and + solemn heart; and having once, alone, and in such an hour, touched it with + my own hand and listened to its throb, I have felt the awe of that + experience evermore."—<i>A. Judd Northrup.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE POETRY OF FLY FISHING + </h2> + <h3> + By F. E. Pond. + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span>t has been said that the angler, like the poet, is born, not made. This + is a self-evident fact. Few men have risen to the dignity of anglers who + did not in early youth feel the unbearable impulse to go a-fishing. There + are, of course, noteworthy exceptions, but the rule holds good. It might + be added, too, that the genuine angler is almost invariably a poet, + although he may not be a jingler of rhymes—a ballad-monger. Though, + perhaps, lacking the art of versification, his whole life is in itself a + well-rounded poem, and he never misses the opportunity to "cast his lines + in pleasant places." + </p> + <p> + This is particularly true of the artistic fly-fisher, for with him each + line is cast with the poetry of motion. Ned Locus, the inimitable + character of J. Cypress' "Fire Island Ana," is made to aver that he "once + threw his fly so far, so delicately, and suspendedly, that it took life + and wings, and would have flown away, but that a four-pound trout, seeing + it start, jumped a foot from the water and seized it, thus changing the + course of the insect's travel from the upper atmosphere to the bottom of + his throat." Being quoted from memory, these may not be the words exactly, + as Toodles would say, but the sentiment is the same. There is the true + poetical spirit pervading the very air, whispering from the leaves, + murmuring in the brook, and thus the surroundings of the angler complete + that which nature began, and make him a poet. In common with other sports + of the field, though in greater degree: + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + "It is a mingled rapture, and we find + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + The bodily spirit mounting to the mind." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Bards have sung its praises, traditions have hallowed it, and philosophers + have revelled in the gentle pastime, from the days of Oppian and Homer + down to Walton, Christopher North and Tennyson. + </p> + <p> + Although the art of fly-fishing was not known to the ancients, the poetry + of angling has been enriched by the bards of ye-olden-time to a remarkable + degree. In Pope's translation of the Iliad, the following passage occurs: + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "As from some rock that overhangs the flood, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The silent fisher casts the insidious food; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With fraudful care he waits the finny prize, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Then sudden lifts it quivering to the skies." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + One of the most familiar of Æsop's fables, in rhyme, is that of the + Fisherman and the Little Fish, while Theocritus, who flourished about the + year 270 B. c., gives us a spirited idyl representing the life of a Greek + fisherman. Oppian and Aristotle each prepared a classical volume on fish + and fishing. Pliny in his "Historia Naturalis" treats at length of the + finny tribes, and Ansonius in his poem, "Mostella," describes the tench, + salmon and other varieties of fish. + </p> + <p> + Among the early contributions to English literature on angling, the + "Poeticæ," generally attributed to a Scottish balladist known as Blind + Harry, is conspicuous. Then the "Boke of St. Albans," by Dame Juliana + Berners, and quaint old Izaak Walton's "Compleat Angler"—a brace of + classic volumes dear to the heart of all who love the rod and reel. + </p> + <p> + In modern times the literature of angling has had scores of staunch and + able supporters among the writers of Britain and our own land. Sir Humphry + Davy's "Salmonia"; Christopher North's essays on angling, in "Noctes + Ambrosianæ"; Stoddart's Angling Songs; all these and a score of others are + familiar to rodsters on both sides of the Atlantic. The clever poet and + satirist, Tom Hood, discourses thus in praise of the gentle art: + </p> + <p> + "Of all sports ever sported, commend me to angling. It is the wisest, + virtuousest, discreetest, best; the safest, cheapest, and in all + likelihood the oldest of pastimes. It is a one-handed game that would have + suited Adam himself; and it was the only one by which Noah could have + amused himself in the ark. Hunting and shooting come in second and third. + The common phrase, 'fish, flesh and fowl,' clearly hints at this order of + precedence. * * * To refer to my own experience, I certainly became + acquainted with the angling rod soon after the birchen one, and long + before I had any practical knowledge of 'Nimrod' or 'Ramroch' The truth + is, angling comes by nature. It is <i>in the system</i>, as the doctors + say." + </p> + <p> + It is no exaggeration to state that the real poetry of fly-fishing, as + given in the grand old book of Nature, is appreciated to the fullest by + American anglers. The breezy air of the forest leaves is found in the + charming works of Bethune, of Herbert, Hawes, Norris, Dawson, Hallock and + many other worthies, past and present. The modern Horace—he of the + traditional white hat—never wrote a better essay than that + descriptive of his early fishing days. The same is true of Rev. Henry Ward + Beecher, and Charles Dudley Warner's most graphic pen picture is his + inimitable sketch, "A Fight with a Trout." The number of really good books + on American field sports is principally made up of angling works, a fact + which goes far to establish the truth of Wm. T. Porter's assertion, + namely: "No man ever truly polished a book unless he were something of an + angler, or at least loved the occupation. He who steals from the haunts of + men into the green solitudes of Nature, by the banks of gliding, silvery + streams, under the checkering lights of sun, leaf and cloud, may always + hope to cast his lines, whether of the rod or the 'record book,' in + pleasant places." + </p> + <p> + This may be appropriately supplemented by the opinion, poetically + expressed by the same author, with reference to the art of fishing with + the artificial fly, thus: "Fly-fishing has been designated the royal and + aristocratic branch of the angler's craft, and unquestionably it is the + most difficult, the most elegant, and to men of taste, by myriads of + degrees the most pleasant and exciting mode of angling. To land a trout of + three, four or five pounds weight, and sometimes heavier, with a hook + almost invisible, with a gut line almost as delicate and beautiful as a + single hair from the raven tresses of a mountain sylph, and with a rod not + heavier than a tandem whip, is an achievement requiring no little presence + of mind, united to consummate skill. If it be not so, and if it do not + give you some very pretty palpitations of the heart in the performance, + may we never, wet a line in Lake George, or raise a trout in the + Susquehanna." + </p> + <p> + Thomson, the much admired author of "The Seasons," was in his youth a + zealous angler, frequently casting his fly in the rippling waters of the + Tweed, a trout-stream justly famous along the Scottish border. The poet + has eulogized his favorite pastime of fly-fishing in the following elegant + lines: + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Now, when the first foul torrent of the brooks, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Swell'd with the vernal rains, is ebb'd away; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And, whitening, down their mossy tinctur'd stream + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Descends the billowy foam, now is the time, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + While yet the dark brown water aids the guile + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + To tempt the trout. The well-dissembled fly— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The rod, fine tapering with elastic spring, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Snatch'd from the hoary stud the floating line. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And all thy slender wat'ry stores prepare; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But let not on thy hook the tortur'd worm + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Convulsive twist in agonizing folds, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Which, by rapacious hunger swallow'd deep, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Gives, as you tear it from the bleeding breast + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Of the weak, helpless, uncomplaining wretch, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Harsh pain and horror to the tender hand." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + When, with his lively ray, the potent sun + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Has pierc'd the streams, and rous'd the finny race, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Then, issuing cheerful to thy sport repair; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Chief should the western breezes curling play, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And light o'er ether bear the shadowy clouds, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + High to their fount, this day, amid the hills + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And woodlands warbling round, trace up the brooks; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The next pursue their rocky-c-hannel'd maze + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Down to the river, in whose ample wave + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Their little Naiads love to sport at large. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Just in the dubious point, where with the pool + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Is mix'd the trembling stream, or where it boils + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Around the stone, or from the hollow'd bank + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Reverted plays in undulating flow, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + There throw, nice judging, the delusive fly; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And, as you lead it round the artful curve, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With eye attentive mark the springing game. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Straight as above the surface of the flood + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + They wanton rise, or, urged by hunger, leap, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Then fix, with gentle twitch, the barbed hook; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Some lightly tossing to the grassy bank, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And to the shelving shore slow dragging some + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With various hand proportion'd to their force. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + If yet too young, and easily deceiv'd, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + A worthless prey scarce bends your pliant rod.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Him, piteous of his youth, and the short space + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + He has enjoy'd the vital light of heaven, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Soft disengage, and back into the stream + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The speckl'd captive throw; but, should you lure + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + From his dark haunt, beneath the tangled roots + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Of pendent trees, the monarch of the brook, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Behooves you then to ply your finest art. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Long time he, following cautious, scans the fly, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And oft attempts to seize it, but as oft + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The dimpled water speaks his jealous fear. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + At last, while haply o'er the shaded sun + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Passes a cloud, he desperate takes the death + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With sullen plunge: at once he darts along, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Deep struck, and runs out all the lengthen'd line, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Then seeks the farthest ooze, the sheltering weed, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The cavern'd bank, his old secure above, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And flies aloft, and flounces round the pool, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Indignant of the guile. With yielding hand, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + That feels him still, yet to his furious course + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Gives way, you, now retiring, following now, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Across the stream, exhaust his idle rage, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Till floating broad upon his breathless side, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And to his fate abandon'd, to the shore + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + You gayly drag your unresisting prize." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Angling, like every other manly pastime, has had numerous assailants—some + of them "men of mark," as in the case of Lord Byron, whose "fine plirensy" + in denouncing Walton and the gentle art failed not to draw down upon + himself the laughter of a world. The plaint of Lord Byron runs thus: + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Then there were billiards; cards, too; but no dice, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Save in the clubs no man of honor plays— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Boats when'twas water, skating when'twas ice, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And the hard frost destroy'd the scenting days; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And angling, too, that solitary vice, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Whatever Izaac Walton sings or says; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The quaint old cruel coxcomb in his gullet, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Should have a hook, and a small trout to pull it." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Another famous satirist of the old school defines angling as "a stick and + a string, with a fish at one end and a fool at the other," while a third, + the well-known Peter Pindar, in closing a "Ballad to a Pish in the Brook," + takes occasion to say: + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Enjoy thy stream, oh, harmless fish, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + "And when an angler for his dish, + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + Through gluttony's vile sin, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Attempts—a wretch—to pull thee out, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + God give thee strength, oh, gentle trout, + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + To pull the rascal in." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + All who love to go a-fishing can well afford to smile at the malicious + flings of morbid critics, and while recreating both mind and body in + casting the mimic fly along the dashing mountain stream, think of the + deluded satirists in pity rather than condemnation. + </p> + <p> + Let us, then, in unison with the quaint and charming poet, Gay: + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Mark well the various seasons of the year, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + How the succeeding insect race appear, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + In their revolving moon one color reigns, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Which in the next the fickle trout disdains; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Oft have I seen a skilful angler try + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The various colors of the treach'rous fly; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + When he "with fruitless pain hath skim'd the brook, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And the coy fish rejects the skipping hook. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + He shakes the boughs that on the margin grow, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Which o'er the stream a weaving forest throw; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + When if an insect fall (his certain guide) + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + He gently takes him from the whirling tide; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Examines well his form with curious eyes, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + His gaudy vest, his wings, his horns, his size. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Then round his hook the chosen fur he winds, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And on the back a speckled feather binds; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + So just the colors shine through every part, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + That nature seems to live again in art." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A PERFECT DAY + </h2> + <h3> + By Geo. W. Van Siclen. + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> take my rod this fair June morning, and go forth to be alone with + nature. No business cares, no roar of the city, no recitals of others' + troubles and woes which make the lawyer a human hygrometer, no doubts nor + fears to disturb me as, drinking in the clear, sweet air with blissful + anticipation, I saunter through the wood-path toward the mountain lake. As + I brush the dew from the bushes around me, I spy in a glade golden flowers + glowing on a carpet of pure green, mingled with the snowy stars of white + blossoms; with their fragrance comes the liquid, bell-like voice of the + swamp-robin, hidden from curious eyes. Soon seated in my boat, I paddle to + the shade of a tall, dark hemlock and rest there, lulled by the intense + quiet. Ever and anon as I dreamily cast my ethereal fly, a thrill of + pleasure electrifies me, as it is seized by a vigorous trout. + </p> + <p> + I have long classed trout with flowers and birds, and bright sunsets, and + charming scenery, and beautiful women, as given for the rational enjoyment + and delight of thoughtful men of aesthetic tastes. And if + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "By deeds our lives shall measured be, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And not by length of days," + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + then a perfect life has been lived by many a noble trout whose years have + been few, but who, caught by the fisher's lure (to which he was + predestined, as aforesaid), has leaped into the air and shaken the + sparkling drops from his purple, golden, crimson, graceful form and + struggled to be free, to the intense delight of the artist who brought him + to the basket, where he belonged. + </p> + <p> + Thus resting, and floating apparently between the translucent crystal and + the blue ether, silent, I have felt the presence of a spirit who inspires + one with pure thoughts of matters far above the affairs of daily life and + toil, of the universe and what lies beyond the blue sky, and of the mind + and soul of man, and his future after death. * + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * I <i>love</i> the mountains, and the meadows, and the woods. +</pre> + <p> + Later satisfied, but not satiated, with fair provision of corn, and wine, + and oil, and my creel well filled, the shadows lengthen and the day begins + to die. + </p> + <p> + Some day I shall hear no more forever the birds sing in the sylvan shade. + My eyes will no more behold the woods I love so well. For the last time my + feet will slowly tread this woodland road, and I shall watch for the last + time the changing shadows made by the clouds upon the hillsides. + </p> + <p> + There will come a time when the setting sun will paint the west as the + bridegroom colors the cheek of the bride; but I shall not know it, and I + shall never again share such hours of peace with the leafy trees. Then, + with folded hands upon my quiet breast, my friends will briefly gaze upon + my face and I shall be gone. In that last day, so full of deepest interest + to me, may my soul be pure. + </p> + <p> + Filled with such thoughts, I regret that I cannot express them like the + poet, whose name I know not, but whose words I will recall: + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + "Good-bye, sweet day, good-bye! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I have so loved thee, but I cannot hold thee; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Departing like a dream the shadows fold thee. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Slowly thy perfect beauty fades away; + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + Good-bye, sweet day. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + "Good-bye, sweet day, good-bye! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Dear were the golden hours of tranquil splendor. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Sadly thou yieldest to the evening tender, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Who wert so fair from thy first morning ray. + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + Good-bye, sweet day. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + "Good-bye, sweet day, good-bye! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Thy glow and charm, thy smiles and tones and glances + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Vanish at last and solemn night advances. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Ah! couldst thou yet a little longer stay. + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + Good-bye, sweet day. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + "Good-bye, sweet day, good-bye! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + All thy rich gifts my grateful heart remembers, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The while I watched thy sunset's smouldering embers + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Die in the west beneath the twilight gray. + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + Good-bye, sweet day." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + As the balsam-breathing night wind begins to blow, I turn my back upon the + silver glancing of the moonlight on the rippling waves of the fairy lake, + and step bravely into the darkness of the woods, where I cannot see the + places where my foot shall fall, but I know that others have safely passed + it before, and that I shall find comfort and home at the end. + </p> + <p> + Note.—"Description of a day on Balsam Lake (headwaters of the + Beaverkill) where no house was ever built. From the lake it is two miles + through the woods (about ten miles in the dark) to the nearest house,"—Extract + from letter accompanying article. + </p> + <p> + "I handle this 'brown hackle' as gently as a relic, not alone because it + is the memento of an unusual achievement, but because the sight of it + brings up vividly before me the beautiful lake where the trout lay; its + crystal waters; the glinting of its ruffled surface as the bright sun fell + upon it; the densely wooded hills which encircled it; the soughing of the + tall pines as the summer's breeze swept through their branches; and the + thrill which coursed through every nerve as trout after trout leaped to + the cast, and, after such manipulation and 'play' as only those who have + had personal experience can comprehend, were duly captured."—<i>George + Dawson.</i> + </p> + <p> + "Don't be in too great a hurry to change your flies."—<i>Francis + Francis.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0012" id="linkimage-0012"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0242m.jpg" alt="0242m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0242.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 1. Brown Hackle. + </p> + <p> + 2. Scarlet Hackle. + </p> + <p> + 3. White Hackle. + </p> + <p> + 4. Yellow Hackle. + </p> + <p> + 5. Ginger Hackle. + </p> + <p> + 6. Gray Hackle. + </p> + <p> + 7. Black Hackle. + </p> + <p> + 8. Coch-y-Bouddr. + </p> + <p> + 9. Gray Hackle. + </p> + <p> + 1. Emerald Gnat. + </p> + <p> + 2. Black C. + </p> + <p> + 3. Soldier Gnat. + </p> + <p> + 1. Brown Pennell. Pennell Hackles. + </p> + <p> + 2. Yellow Pennell. + </p> + <p> + 3. Green Pennell. + </p> + <p> + "And now we have got through the poetry of the art. Hitherto things have + gone happy as a marriage bell. I unhesitatingly declare, and I confidently + appeal to my brother Angler, whether he, a fly fisherman, does not feel + similarly. To me fly-fishing is a labor of love; the other is labor—alone. + But notwithstanding such are my feelings, it by no means follows that + every one else so fancies it. Every one to his taste."—<i>Capt. Peel + ("Dinks")</i> + </p> + <p> + When Spring comes round, look to your tackle with careful inspection, and + see that all are in perfect order. Above all, look well to your flies; + reject all specimens that have been injured by use, and all frayed gut + lengths. It is better to throw away a handful now, than to lose flies and + heavy fish together the first time you fasten to a rise."—<i>Charles + Hallock</i>. + </p> + <p> + "That hook is for a very little fly, and you must make your wings + accordingly; for as the case stands it must be a little fly, and a very + little one too, that must do your business."—<i>Charles Cotton.</i> + </p> + <p> + "For some reason which I have not succeeded in fathoming, the yellow fly + always seems to kill best in the position of dropper, or bob-fly, and the + green when employed as the stretcher, or tail-fly. The brown can be used + in either position."—<i>H. Gholmon-deley-Pennell.</i> + </p> + <p> + "Note that usually, the smallest flies are best; and note also, that the + light flie does usually make most sport in a dark day; and the darkest and + least flie in a bright or clear day."—<i>Izaak Walton</i>. + </p> + <p> + "No description with pen or tongue can teach you how to cast a fly. + Accompany an expert and watch him."—<i>T. S. Up de Graff, M. D.</i> + </p> + <p> + "There is no more graceful and healthful accomplishment for a lady than + fly-fishing, and there is no reason why a lady should not in every respect + rival a gentleman in the gentle art."—<i>W. C. Prime.</i> + </p> + <p> + "Everything which makes deception more alluring should be resorted to by + an Angler; for, let his experience be ever so great, he will always find + opportunities to regret his deficiencies."—<i>Parker Gilmore.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SUGGESTIONS + </h2> + <h3> + By Charles F. Orvis. + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">D</span>uring my long intercourse with the angling fraternity, I have always + found its members very ready to receive and impart suggestions, in the + most friendly manner. It appears to me that those who are devoted to "the + gentle art," are especially good-natured; and while very many have their + own peculiar ideas as to this or that, yet they are always willing and + anxious to hear the opinions of others. Believing this, I am prompted to + make a few suggestions, in regard to fly-fishing for trout, and the tackle + used for that purpose; and if I differ from any, which will be very + likely, I trust that what appears erroneous will be regarded charitably; + and if I shall be so fortunate as to make any suggestions that will add to + the enjoyment of any "brother of the Angle," I shall be content. + </p> + <p> + The rod, of course, is of the first importance in an outfit, as very much + depends on its perfection. + </p> + <p> + For ordinary fly-fishing for trout, a rod from ten to twelve feet in + length will be found most convenient. + </p> + <p> + I use a ten-foot rod, and find it meets all my requirements. + </p> + <p> + It is well to let your rod have weight enough to have some "back-bone" in + it; <i>very</i> light and <i>very</i> limber rods are objectionable, + because with them one cannot cast well against, or across the wind; and it + is impossible to hook your fish with any certainty—especially with a + long line out—or to handle one properly when hooked. + </p> + <p> + A <i>very</i> limber rod will not re-act quickly enough, nor strongly + enough to lift the line and fix the hook firmly; because, when the upward + motion is made, in the act of striking, the point of the rod first goes + down; and, unless it is as stiff as it will do to have it and cast well, + it will not re-act until the fish has found out his mistake and rejected + the fraud. + </p> + <p> + Rods ten to twelve feet long should weigh from seven and one-half to ten + and one-half ounces, depending on the material and weight of mountings, + size of handpiece, etc. Many, perhaps, would say, that eight to ten + ounces, for a single-handed fly-rod, is too heavy; that such rods would + prove tiresome to handle. Much depends on how the rod hangs. If a + ten-ounce rod is properly balanced, it will be no harder work to use it + than a poorly balanced seven-ounce rod—in fact, not as fatiguing. + Some men can handle an eleven-foot rod with the same ease that another + could one that was a foot shorter. Hence, the rod should be adapted to the + person who is to use it. + </p> + <p> + The stiffness of a split bamboo rod is one of its great merits. When I say + stiffness, I mean the steel-like elasticity which causes it to re-act with + such quickness. + </p> + <p> + For material for fly-rods, bamboo ranks first, lance-wood next; after + mentioning these, there is not much to say. Green-heart is too uncertain. + Paddlewood is very fine, but as yet, extremely difficult to obtain in any + quantity. + </p> + <p> + The balance, or "hang," of a rod is of the greatest importance. Let it be + never so well made otherwise, if not properly balanced it will be + worthless. + </p> + <p> + The elasticity should be uniform, from tip to near the hand; a true taper + will not give this, because the ferules interfere with the uniform spring + of the rod. For this reason a little enlargement between the ferules + should be made, to compensate for the non-elasticity of the metal. These + enlargements cannot be located by measurements, as much depends on the + material and the length of the joint. + </p> + <p> + Spliced rods can be made nearer a true taper, for obvious reasons; + although there is no doubt that a spliced rod is stronger and much more + perfect in casting qualities, yet they require such care to preserve the + delicate ends of the splice, and are so troublesome in many ways, that few + will use them. + </p> + <p> + The details of rod-making having been so often told, I do not purpose + making any suggestions on that subject, but will say that, in order to + make a good fly-rod, the maker ought to know how to handle it, when + finished. + </p> + <p> + I believe in a very narrow reel, and use one that is only one-half inch + between outside plates. As both outside and spool plates are perforated, + my line never mildews or gets tender. Hence, it is unnecessary to take the + line off to dry it, as should be done when solid reel plates are used. + </p> + <p> + With such a reel my line never tangles. If your reel be narrow between + plates, and large in circumference, it will take up line rapidly, and + obviate the use of a multiplier, which is objectionable for fly-fishing. A + light click is desirable, just strong enough to hold the handle and keep + the line from over-running. More friction is of no use, and may cause you + the loss of many fish. + </p> + <p> + Experience satisfies me that you should use your reel on the under side of + your rod, with handle towards the right—because the weight of the + reel so placed holds the rod in proper position without your giving it a + thought, and your right hand finds the reel handle without trouble; + because your reel is thus entirely out of the way of your arm; because + with the rod always in proper position, your left hand finds the line + every time, to draw it from the reel when wanted for a longer cast; + because with the reel on the under side the rod is always exactly + balanced, and you will not have to grasp it with anywhere near the force + required with the reel on the upper side. And you can make your casts with + ease and lay out your flies gently and more accurately than you could with + the firmer grip needful to be kept on the rod with the reel in the latter + position, and because, without constant attention, your reel is never on + the upper side of the rod to any certainty, but anywhere and everywhere. + Keep your reels well oiled. + </p> + <p> + Enamelled, or water-proof, braided silk, tapered, American fly-lines, are + the best made for fly-fishing. It is important that the size of the line + should be adapted to the rod. A heavy line on a very light rod would be + bad. A very light line on a heavy rod would be worse. No. 3 or E, and Ko. + 4 or E, are the two best sizes. I find many are inclined to use too light + lines, supposing the lighter the line the less trouble there will be in + casting it. This, I think, is an error.' + </p> + <p> + It is impossible to cast well against or across the wind, with a very + light line; and very light lines do not "lay out" as easily or accurately + as heavier ones. + </p> + <p> + Leaders, or casting lines, I like rather heavy, proportionate to the line. + To use a very light leader on a Ko. 4 line is not well; for what is the + leader but a continuation of the line? Therefore it should approximate the + size of the line, that there may be no sudden change in size where the + leader begins, in order that the flies shall keep ahead, where they + belong. + </p> + <p> + Leaders should be made with loops at proper intervals, to which the flies + are to be attached. Leaders with such loops will last at least twice as + long as those without them. + </p> + <p> + Three flies are generally used; perhaps two are just as good. But I use + three and often find the increased number to work well, as presenting a + greater variety to the fickle notions of the many trout, and it is best to + take all the chances. + </p> + <p> + The first dropper loop should be about thirty inches from the stretcher, + or tail-fly. Second dropper, twenty-four inches above first dropper—depending + somewhat on the length of the leader. Let the flies be as far apart as I + have indicated. A greater distance is not objectionable—a lesser is. + </p> + <p> + Leaders should be tapered and made of the best quality of round gut. "Mist + colored" or stained leaders are, by many, thought to be better than the + clear white gut; but I must say I never have been able to see that they + are, or that there is any difference, practically. There is no great + objection to the colored leaders, and I use them myself usually. I will + not undertake to settle the much-discussed question. Either plain or + colored are good enough, if properly made and from good gut. + </p> + <p> + Always let your leader lie in the water awhile before commencing to cast, + that the gut may soften—or you may lose your leader, fish and + temper, and blame some one because you think you have been cheated, when + no one was in fault but yourself in your haste. When you have finished + fishing, wind your leader around your hat, and the next time you use it it + will not look like a cork-screw, and bother you half an hour in casting. + </p> + <p> + To one who has not acquired the art of fishing with the fly, let me + suggest that a day or two with an expert will save much time and trouble. + There are many little things that cannot well be described, and would take + a long time to find out by experience, that can be learned very quickly + when seen. It is not easy to tell one exactly how to fish with the fly. + </p> + <p> + I remember well my first trout; I remember as well, the first fine rod and + tackle I ever saw, and the genial old gentleman who handled them. I had + thought I knew how to fish with the fly; but when I saw my old friend step + into the stream and make a cast, I just wound that line of mine around the + "pole" I had supposed was about right, and I followed an artist. (I never + used that "pole" again.) I devoted my time that afternoon to what to me + was a revelation, and the quiet, cordial way in which the old gentleman + accepted my admiration, and the pleasure he evidently took in lending to + me a rod until I could get one, is one of the pleasant things I shall + always retain in memory. + </p> + <p> + To really enjoy fly-fishing one must be able to cast at least fairly well; + to cast a very long line is not at all important—to cast easily and + gently is. Fifty to sixty feet is all that is necessary for practical + purposes, the great majority of trout are taken within forty feet. + </p> + <p> + It is not easy to tell one how to cast. The art must be acquired by + practice. As I have said, much can be learned by observing an expert. + There is one great mistake made by most beginners; i.e., far too much + strength is used. Let me suggest to the novice to begin with the line + about the length of the rod; learn to lay that out gently, and as you take + your flies off the water, do it with a quick movement, decreasing the + motion until your rod is at an angle of not quite forty-five degrees + behind you, this angle to be varied according to circumstances which + cannot be foreseen. Then the rod must come to a short pause, just long + enough to allow the line and leader time to straighten out fairly, no + more. Then the forward motion must be made with a degree of force and + quickness in proportion to the length of line you have <i>out</i>, + decreasing the force until the rod is about horizontal; do not bring your + rod to a sudden stop, or your line and your flies will come down with a + splash and all in a heap; but lay your line out gently, my friend, and + your flies will fall like snowflakes. It is not muscle but "gentle art" + that is required. "Take it easy" and keep trying. + </p> + <p> + In an open space, from a boat for instance, take your flies very nearly + straight off the water; never dropping the point of your rod much to the + right, as this leaves your line on the water and makes it hard to lift. + Take your flies up with a quick movement, nearly vertical, and wait for + them to straighten and cast again directly towards the point to which you + wish them to go. + </p> + <p> + After you have acquired the skill to cast straight 'before you will be + time enough for you to practise side casts, under casts, etc., that you + will have to use where there are obstacles before and behind you. The same + movements to cast and retrieve your lines, will apply under all + circumstances, whether in open water or on streams overhung with trees, or + fringed with bushes. Much vexatious catching of flies may be avoided by + not being too eager, and by not using too long a line. Let me add—just + before your flies touch the water, draw back your rod slightly and gently; + this will straighten the line, and your flies will fall exactly where you + want them. + </p> + <p> + Cast your flies so that they fall as lightly as possible, with your leader + extended to its full length; then draw your flies in the direction you + wish, being careful not to draw them too far, or you will have trouble in + retrieving your line for another cast. With your rod too perpendicular you + cannot lift your line quickly enough to carry it back with sufficient + force to straighten it out, and your next cast will be a failure. There is + also much danger of breaking your rod. Usually you will get your rise just + an instant after your flies touch the water, or before you have drawn them + more than a little distance. It is better to cast often and draw your + flies back just far enough so that you can easily lift your line for + another cast. Moreover, with your rod too perpendicular it is not easy to + hook your fish; so cast often and cover all parts of the pool. + </p> + <p> + I think most skilful fly-fishers draw their flies with a slightly + tremulous motion, to make the flies imitate the struggles of an insect, + and I believe it to be a good method. It certainly is not objectionable, + and you will find it can be done without thought; the habit once formed + and it will be difficult for you to draw your flies otherwise. + </p> + <p> + The instant you see a rise at one of your flies, strike quickly, but not + too strongly, nor with a long pull, but with a short, sharp motion, not + too strong or long enough to raise even a small fish from the water, but + just enough to drive the hook firmly in. This may be done by an upward and + inward motion, or a side motion, as circumstances may dictate. A slight + turn of the wrist is often all that is required; but if you have a long + line out, you will have to use your arm and more force. Your fish hooked, + keep him well in hand; don't give him any more line than is necessary. + When he is determined to run, let him do so; but keep your fingers on the + line and put all the strain on him you safely can, increasing the strain + the further he goes. Turn him as soon as possible, and the instant you + have done so, begin to reel him in. When he runs again, repeat the dose + and get his head out of the water a little as soon as you dare. This + exhausts him quickly. Don't raise him too far out of the water, or in his + struggles he will break loose. + </p> + <p> + Should a fish try to run under the boat, reel up until your line is no + longer than your rod, or nearly so, then firmly guide him around the end—remembering + always "it is skill against brute force." + </p> + <p> + In stream-fishing, always wade if you can. When fishing from a boat never + stand up if you can help it, but learn to cast sitting down. It is just as + easy if you once learn how. On streams it is better to wade, because your + feet produce no jar for you cannot well raise them out of the water, and + dare not often. And for various reasons a person alarms the fish less in + wading than in fishing from the bank. + </p> + <p> + Fish down stream always if possible. You can, in so doing, look over the + pools and approach them to the best advantage. It is easier to wade with + the current, and as you cast your flies you can let them float naturally + for just an instant, without their being drawn under the surface. This + instant is the time that, in a great majority of cases, you get your rise. + Every one who has fished much with a fly knows how often he has whipped + every inch of a pool and failed to get a rise where he was sure his flies + could be seen from any part of it, and at last, when he placed his flies + in one particular spot, his hopes were realized in an instant. + </p> + <p> + Why did not the trout rise before? Because he waited until his food came + to him. + </p> + <p> + In streams, especially, trout usually rise an instant after the flies + touch the water, and I believe that trout in streams commonly wait for + their food to come to them, and do not often dart out from where they are + lying to any great distance, but wait until the fly comes nearly or quite + over them, and then rise to the surface and take the fly with a snap and + instantly turn head down to regain the position they had left. In doing + this they often turn a somersault and throw themselves out of the water; + as they go over, their tails come down on the water with a splash, which + some persons think is intentionally done to strike the fly or insect in + order to kill or injure it and then afterwards capture it. Such persons + fail to see the trout's head at all, for very often it barely comes to the + surface, but the quick motion to go down throws the tail up and over—hence + the error, as I consider it. Any one who will take the trouble to throw + house flies to trout in an aquarium, will never again think trout strike + their prey with their tails. + </p> + <p> + The kinds of flies to be used vary with the locality, stream, state and + stage of the water, weather, etc. The fly that pleased the fancy of the + trout to-day—to-morrow perhaps in the same stream and under the same + conditions, as far as any one could see, would fail. The only way is to + keep trying until the one is found that <i>does</i> please. Don't change + too often, but give each "cast" a fair trial. + </p> + <p> + I do not believe in certain flies for certain months in the year. I have + stood up to my knees in snow and taken trout, in mid-winter, with the same + flies I had used in mid-summer. + </p> + <p> + In low, clear water, especially in streams, small flies should be used. In + higher water, larger flies are better, as a rule. When the water is high—as + early in the season—larger and brighter-colored flies may be used to + more advantage. Later, when the water is low and clear, smaller flies and + more sober colors are best. I believe, however, that rules for the choice + of flies have a great many exceptions, and the best rule I know of, is to + keep trying different kinds and sizes until successful. + </p> + <p> + It is often said, "there is no need of so great a variety of flies." I do + not think this is true. Doubtless there are many styles that might well be + dispensed with, but one never knows which to discard, and no man can tell + him, for the very flies one man would say were worthless, another would + consider the best—and prove it, plainly, by the success he had had + with that very fly. So it is well to be provided with many kinds and + sizes. I have learned of the merits of so many different kinds of flies + that I sometimes think nearly all are good—at some time or under + some circumstances. There is much doubt in my mind as to the necessity of + having the artificial flies like the insects that are near or on the + water. One of the best flies that has ever been known—the Coachman—does + not in the least resemble any known insect, I believe—and but few of + the many patterns made imitate anything in nature. The Cowdung fly, + another one of the most "taking" flies—<i>does</i> very much + resemble the natural fly of that name—but I never saw or heard of + their being on or near the water. + </p> + <p> + Early in the season, while the weather is yet cold, the middle of the day + is usually quite as good, and I think the best time for fly-fishing. + Later, in warm weather, the evening is the best, and often the last two + hours of a pleasant day are worth all the rest of it. + </p> + <p> + Generally speaking, a gentle southerly breeze is the most favorable wind; + yet I have had splendid sport during a strong north-easterly wind, but not + often. + </p> + <p> + In conclusion, be patient and persevering, move quietly, step lightly, + keep as much out of sight of the fish as possible, and remember, trout are + not feeding all the time. Perhaps during the last hour before dark you may + fill your basket, that has been nearly empty since noon. Don't give up, as + long as you can see—or even after—and you may when about to + despair take some fine large fish. + </p> + <p> + Unless one can enjoy himself fishing with the fly, even when his efforts + are unrewarded, he loses much real pleasure. More than half the intense + enjoyment of fly fishing is derived from the beautiful surroundings, the + satisfaction felt from being in the open air, the new lease of life + secured thereby, and the many, many pleasant recollections of all one has + seen, heard and done. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BASS FLIES. + </h2> + <p> + "Doubt not, therefore, sir, but that angling is an art, and an art worth + your learning; the question is, rather, whether you be capable of learning + it, for angling is somewhat like poetry, men are to be born so: I mean + with inclinations to it, though both may be heightened by discourse and + practice; but he that hopes to be a good angler must not only bring an + inquiring, searching, observing wit, but he must bring a large measure of + hope and patience, and a love and propensity to the art itself; but having + once got and practised it, then doubt not but angling will prove to be so + pleasant that it will prove to be like virtue, a reward to itself."—<i>Izaak + Walton</i>. + </p> + <p> + "The black bass are unquestionably as fine a fish for angling purposes as + any we possess, and as an article of food are equal to our best."—<i>Parker + Gilmore.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0013" id="linkimage-0013"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0260m.jpg" alt="0260m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0260.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 1. Cheney. + </p> + <p> + 2. White Miller. + </p> + <p> + 3. La Belle. + </p> + <p> + 4. Scarlet Ibis. + </p> + <p> + 5. Shad-Fly. + </p> + <p> + 6. Green and Gold. + </p> + <p> + "Never use too much power in casting; it is not only not necessary, but it + is injurious. You cast the line with the top and half the second joint, + and very little force suffices to bring this into play. If you use more, + all the effect is to bring the lower part of the rod into action, which + has very little spring compared with the top of it."— <i>Francis + Francis.</i> + </p> + <p> + "Although trout are taken with numerous angle worms, still frequently all + these will fail, and a colored imitation fly will lure them, and herein + lastly consists the science of the fisherman, in judging what style of fly + is appropriate to a peculiar state of the atmosphere or reality." <i>A. + Robinson Warren.</i> + </p> + <p> + "Black bass when struck and played will always head down stream."—<i>W. + C. Harris.</i> + </p> + <p> + "Fish always lose by being 'got in and dressed.' It is best to weigh them + while they are in the water. The only really large one I ever caught got + away with my leader when I first struck him. He weighed ten pounds."—<i>Charles + Dudley Warner.</i> + </p> + <p> + "The aim of the angler ought to be, to have his artificial fly calculated, + by its form and colors, to attract the notice of the fish; in which case + he has a much greater chance of success, than by making the greatest + efforts to imitate any particular species of fly." —<i>Professor + Rennie.</i> + </p> + <p> + "I fear it will be almost deemed heresy to place the black bass on a par + with the trout; at least, some such idea I had when I first heard the two + compared; but I am bold, and will go further. I consider he is the + superior of the two, for he is equally good as an article of food, and + much stronger and untiring in his efforts to escape when hooked."—<i>Parker + Gilmore</i>. + </p> + <p> + "The one great ingredient in successful fly-fishing is patience. The man + whose fly is always on the water has the best chance. There is always a + chance of a fish or two, no matter how hopeless it looks. You never know + what may happen in fly-fishing."—<i>Francis Francis.</i> + </p> + <p> + "In bass fishing we have thought the moon to be an advantage. If it does + not guide the prey to the lure, it at least lends beauty to the scene and + bathes in its pale light the surroundings of the fisherman, which are + often so exceedingly beautiful. In addition, it assists him in his work + and enables him to handle his tackle more easily and play his fish more + comfortably."—<i>Seth Green.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE RESOURCES OF FLY-FISHING. + </h2> + <h3> + By Dr. James A. Henshall. + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he charms of fly-fishing have been sung in song and story from time + immemorial by the poetically gifted devotees of the gentle art, who have + embalmed the memory of its aesthetic features in the living green of + graceful ferns, in the sweet-scented flowers of dell and dingle, and in + the liquid music of purling streams. + </p> + <p> + The fly-fisher is a lover of Nature, pure and simple, and has a true and + just appreciation of her poetic side, though he may lack the artist's + skill to limn her beauties, or the poet's genius to describe them. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "To him who in the love of Nature holds + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Communion with her visible forms, she speaks + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + A various language." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + And what delightful converse she holds with the fly-fisher, as with rod + and creel he follows the banks of the meandering stream, or wades its + pellucid waters, easting, ever and anon, the gossamer leader and feathery + lure into shadowy nooks, below sunny rapids, over foam-flecked eddies, and + on silent pools. She speaks to him through the rustling leaves, murmurs to + him from the flowing stream, and sighs to him in the summer breeze. She is + vocal in a myriad of voices, and manifest in innumerable ways. + </p> + <p> + The still fisher, reclining on the mossy bank, is disposed to dreamy + reveries, to pleasant fancies; but the fly-fisher, with quickened senses, + has an ear for every sound, an eye for every object, and is alive to every + motion. He hears the hum of the bee, the chirp of the cricket, the twitter + of the sparrow, the dip of the swallow; he sees the gay butterfly in its + uncertain flight, the shadow of the drifting cloud, the mossy rock, the + modest violet, the open-eyed daisy; he is conscious of the passing breeze, + of the mellow sunlight, of the odors of the flowers, of the fragrance of + the fields. Nothing escapes his keen notice as he easts his flies, hither + and yon, in the eager expectation of a rise. + </p> + <p> + Fly-fishing is, indeed, the poetry of angling. The capture of the salmon + is an epic poem, the taking of the trout an idyl. But it is not my + presumptuous purpose to ring the changes on the delights of salmon or + trout fishing, for they have been immortalized by the pens of gifted + anglers for ages. My feeble effort would be but a sorry imitation of those + glorious spirits who have made their last cast, who have crossed to the + other side of the river, and + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + "Gone before + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + To that unknown and silent shore." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + So, leaving the salmon, the trout, and the grayling to their well-earned + laurels, I wish to say a word for several less pretentious, because less + known, game-fishes, whose merits are perhaps as great for the fly-fisher + as those familiar game-beauties of the waters. + </p> + <p> + It is among the possibilities, in this world of transitory things, that + fly-fishing for the salmonids in the United States will, in the near + future, be known only by tradition. It should, therefore, be a source of + great consolation to the fly-fisher to know that there are now, and + perhaps will ever be, in the streams and lakes of this broad land, percoid + game-fishes equally worthy of his skill, which require only to be known to + be properly appreciated. + </p> + <p> + First among these is the black bass, which already ranks the brook trout + in the estimation of those anglers who know him best: and when I say black + bass, I include both species. The black bass is, at least, the peer of the + trout in game qualities, and in rising to the artificial fly, under proper + conditions. An allusion to a few of these conditions may not seem out of + place. + </p> + <p> + As a rule, the best time of day for fly-fishing for the black bass is from + an hour before sunset until dark, though there are times when he will rise + to the fly at almost any hour of the day. + </p> + <p> + It is important that the angler keep out of sight, and that the shadow of + his rod be not disclosed to the wary and suspicious bass; for if he sees + either, he will not notice the flies, however skillfully and coaxingly + they may be cast. Thus it is that the earlier and later hours of the day + are best; the angler, facing the sun, the shadows are cast far behind him; + or, before sunrise or after sunset, or on cloudy days, the shadows are not + so apparent, and the bass are more apt to rise. If the fly-fisher for + black bass will faithfully follow these precautions, he will not be + disappointed at the result. + </p> + <p> + There is another condition, equally important, that must ever be borne in + mind: The black bass will rise to the fly only in comparatively shallow + water, say from one to six feet in depth. This is a feature often + overlooked by many fly-fishers in their first experiences in black bass + fishing. They seem to think that he should rise to the fly in any + situation where he can be taken with bait; but a moment's consideration + will show this to be fallacious. A brook trout will take a bait twenty + feet below the surface, but will not rise to a fly from the same depth. + Trout streams are generally shallow, while the salmon swims very near the + surface; thus it is that the angler is seldom disappointed in their rising + to the fly. On the other hand, the black bass, while inhabiting larger and + deeper streams, is, unlike the trout, a great rover, or forager, + frequenting both deep and shallow waters. As a rule, he is in shallow + water early in the season, retiring to the depths in the hottest weather; + again appearing on the shallows in the fall, and in winter seeking the + deepest water to be found. Trout inhabiting deep ponds and lakes rise to + the fly only when in comparatively shallow water, or when near the + surface. The fly-fisher, therefore, must expect to be successful only when + the proper conditions exist. I would like to pursue this subject further, + but in so brief an article as this, only the most general and important + features can be noticed. + </p> + <p> + Any good trout fly-rod, from ten to eleven feet long, and from eight to + nine ounces in weight, will answer for black bass fishing; the heavier rod + to be used only where the bass run quite large, averaging three pounds or + more. The best line is one of braided silk, tapered, waterproof, and + polished. The leader should be six feet of strong single gut, and but two + flies should be used in the cast. As to flies, the angler must take his + choice. My experience has led me to confine myself to a dozen varieties + for black bass fishing, and they are usually, though not always, best in + the order named: Polka, King of the Waters, Professor, Oriole, Grizzly + King, Coachman, Henshall, Oconomowoe, Ped Ibis, Lord Baltimore, White and + Ibis, and the various hackles (palmers), the best being the brown. The + Abbey, or Soldier, may often be substituted for the King of the Waters, + being similar in appearance, and others may be substituted in like manner + for several in the above list. + </p> + <p> + The Polka, Oriole, Oconomowoc and Henshall, are flies of my own designing, + and are usually very killing, especially the Polka, Their construction is + as follows: + </p> + <p> + Polka.—Body, scarlet, gold twist; hackle, red; wings black with + white spots (guinea fowl); tail, brown and white, mixed. + </p> + <p> + Oriole.—Body, black, gold tinsel; hackle, black; wings, yellow or + orange; tail, black and yellow, mixed. + </p> + <p> + Oconomowoc.—Body, creamy yellow; liackle, white and dun (deer's + tail); tail, ginger; wings, cinnamon (woodcock). + </p> + <p> + Henshall.—Body, peacock herl; hackle, white hairs from deer's tail; + wings, light drab (dove); tail, two or three fibres of peacock's + tail-feather. + </p> + <p> + The Lord Baltimore fly originated with Prof. Alfred M. Mayer, of the + Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey, its formula being as + follows: + </p> + <p> + Lord Baltimore.—Body, orange; hackle, tail, and wings black, with + small upper wings of jungle-cock. + </p> + <p> + Professor Mayer and myself, being natives of Baltimore, designed, unknown + to each other, a fly to embody the heraldic colors of Lord Baltimore and + the coat of arms of Maryland—black and orange. He named his fly, + "Lord Baltimore," while mine I designated the "Oriole," from the Baltimore + oriole, or hanging bird, which beautiful songster was named in honor of + Lord Baltimore, its colors being black and orange. + </p> + <p> + Black bass flies should not be too large, nor yet too small, the largest + brook trout flies being about the right size. They should be tied on + Sproat or O'Shaughnessy hooks, the first-named being the best, from Nos. 2 + to 5. In the above list of flies, most of them are "general" flies, one of + which, at least, can be used in the cast under almost any circumstances. + The darkest ones are best for bright days and clear water, the brighter + ones for dark days or high water, and the lightest ones, e. g.; Coachman + and White and Ibis, after sundown. + </p> + <p> + There are several other inland fishes belonging to the same family (<i>Centrarchidoe</i>) + as the black bass, which, though generally lightly esteemed, are good + pan-fishes, are quite gamy, will rise eagerly to the fly, and in the + absence of more desirable fishes, afford good sport to the fly-fisher with + light and suitable tackle. + </p> + <p> + The Rock Bass (<i>Ambloplites rupestris</i>), sometimes called "Red-eye," + is well-known west of the Allegha-nies. Its color is olive-green, with + dark mottled markings and brassy and coppery reflections. The iris of the + eye is scarlet. The dorsal fin has eleven spines and eleven soft rays; + anal fin, six spines and ten soft rays. It has a large mouth, rises well + to the fly, and when it attains its maximum weight of a pound or two, + fights vigorously on a six-ounce fly-rod and light tackle. Any of the + "general" trout flies, tied on Sproat hooks, Nos. 5 to 7, will answer for + rock bass. + </p> + <p> + The Calico Bass (<i>Pomoxys sparoides</i>), variously known as "Northern + Croppie," "Strawberry Bass," "Grass Bass," "Silver Bass," "Chincapin + Perch," etc., is a very handsome fish, bright green and silvery, with + purplish reflections, and numerous dark spots or blotches. The fins are + also much mottled, especially the anal fin. It has a smaller mouth, and is + not quite so gamy as the rock bass, but is, withal, a great favorite with + many anglers. The radial formula of its fins are: Dorsal, seven spines, + fifteen soft rays; anal, six spines, eighteen soft rays. + </p> + <p> + The Southern Croppie (<i>Pomoxys annularis</i>) is also called "Bachelor," + </p> + <p> + "Tin-month," + </p> + <p> + "Speckled-perch," + </p> + <p> + "New-light," + </p> + <p> + "Campbellite," etc. It is closely allied to the last-named species, but is + not quite so deep in body, and has a larger, thinner, and more delicate + mouth. It is also much lighter in color, olivaceous, and silvery, + sometimes quite pale, with much smaller spots, and the anal fin is pale + and scarcely marked. Its dorsal fin has but six spines, and fifteen soft + rays; anal fin, six spines, eighteen rays. Both the "Croppies" have large + anal fins, fully as large as the dorsals. They grow to two or three pounds + in weight, usually swim in schools, and lurk about logs, brush, or fallen + trees, under dams, etc. They give fair sport on a five-ounce rod. Trout + flies of subdued tints should be used for croppies, as the gray, brown and + red hackles, gray drake, brown drake, stone fly, black gnat, blue dun, + etc. + </p> + <p> + The Black Sunfish (<i>Chaenobryttus gulosus</i>), known in the South as + the "War-mouth Perch," is more nearly related to the black bass than any + other member of the family in its large mouth, the radial formula of its + fins, and to some extent in its coloration; it also partakes of the gamy + nature of the black bass to no inconsiderable degree. Its color is dark + olive-green on the back, the sides lighter, with blotches of blue and + coppery red, the belly brassy or yellowish; iris red; ear-flap black, + bordered with pale red. It has teeth on the tongue. Dorsal fin, ten + spines, nine soft rays; anal, three spines, eight rays. With a six-ounce + fly-rod, and any of the flies named for black bass, the fly-fisher will + find this fish worthy of his steel, as it grows to two pounds in weight. + </p> + <p> + The Blue Sunfish (<i>Lepomis pallidus</i>) is a very common and + widely-diffused species. In the South, it is known as the "Blue Bream," + and "Copper-nosed Bream." Its mouth is quite small. In color it is + olivaceous or bluish-green, with a distinct dusky spot on the last rays of + dorsal and anal fins. The dorsal has ten spines, eleven rays; anal, three + spines and ten soft rays. It is closely allied to the following species. + </p> + <p> + The Long-eared Sunfish (<i>Lepomis megalotis</i>), or "Red-bellied Bream," + or "Red-bellied Perch," of the Southwest, is one of the handsomest + sunfishes. Its color is bluish on the back, with the belly red or orange; + cheeks with blue and red stripes; colors very brilliant; iris bright red; + ear-flap very large, black, with pale border. Dorsal fin with ten spines, + ten soft rays; anal, three spines, ten rays. Both this and the last-named + species are quite wary, very gamy, and are greatly esteemed by Southern + anglers, and not without reason. When they reach a pound or two in weight + they furnish excellent sport on a five-ounce rod. Any of the trout-flies + of gay patterns, as Red Ibis, White and Ibis, Professor, Grizzly King, + etc., on Sproat hooks, Nos. 8 to 10, will answer, if the day be not too + bright, in which event less showy flies should be used. As a rule, any of + the hackles (palmers), are good flies for these or any fishes of this + family. + </p> + <p> + The striped-bass group, or sub-family (<i>Labracinoe</i>), is composed of + some of our best game-fishes. They will all rise to the fly, but more + especially the fresh water species. Those of the coast, the striped-bass + or rock-fish (<i>Roccus lineatus</i>), and the white perch (<i>Roccus + americanus</i>), when they enter brackish and fresh-water streams, are + frequently taken with a gaudy fly. + </p> + <p> + The White Bass (<i>Roccus chrysops</i>), also called "Striped Lake Bass," + and "Fresh-water Striped Bass," is a well-known game-fish of the great + lakes and Upper Mississippi Valley, and is rightly held in much favor by + western anglers. Its color is silvery, darker above, with a number of dark + stripes along the sides, four or five being above the lateral line. The + mouth is large. There are two distinct dorsal fins, being entirely + separated. The first dorsal has nine spines; the second dorsal, one spine + and fourteen soft rays; anal fin has three spines and twelve soft rays. A + patch of teeth on base of tongue. Its usual weight is one to three pounds, + though it is occasionally taken up to four or five pounds. It is good + game, rises well to the fly, and on a six or seven-ounce rod is capable of + giving fine sport. + </p> + <p> + The Yellow Bass (<i>Roccus interruptus</i>), or "Brassy Bass," or "Short + Striped Bass" takes the place of the white bass in the Lower Mississippi + Valley, and is closely allied to it, though it usually does not grow so + large by a pound or two. It has a smaller mouth, and has no teeth on the + base of its tongue. Its color is brassy, olivaceous above, with seven very + black stripes along its sides. The dorsal fins are somewhat connected at + the base. First dorsal has nine spines; second dorsal has one spine and + twelve soft rays; anal fin, three spines, nine soft rays. Any of the flies + recommended for the black bass, though made smaller and tied on Sproat + hooks, Nos. 4 to 6, will be found excellent for the white and yellow bass. + </p> + <p> + In the perch family (<i>Percidoe</i>) are several species that are + excellent for the table, and not to be despised as game-fishes. The most + commonly known is The Yellow Perch (<i>Perca americana</i>), which + inhabits most of the waters of the Northwest and East, being found in both + fresh and brackish waters. In color it is dark olive with yellow sides, + and some halfdozen dark vertical bars; upper fins, dusky yellowish; lower + fins, reddish. Mouth moderate in size. First dorsal fin has thirteen + spines; second dorsal, one spine and thirteen soft rays; anal, two spines, + eight soft rays. It grows usually to a pound, though sometimes to double + that weight. It rises pretty well at times, to a small gaudy fly, and on a + five-ounce rod will give considerable sport to the angler. + </p> + <p> + The Pike-Perch (<i>Stizostedium vitreum</i>), likewise known as "Mall-eyed + Pike," "Glass Eye," and in some waters called "Salmon," and in Canada + known as "Pickerel," is a fine table fish, growing occasionally to fifteen + or twenty, and even to forty pounds, though its usual weight is from four + to six pounds. Its color is a greenish-olive, mottled with brassy yellow; + it has a large black spot on the first dorsal fin. Eye large. First dorsal + fin has thirteen spines; second dorsal, two spines and twenty soft rays; + anal, two spines, twelve rays. + </p> + <p> + There is a much smaller variety of this species (var. <i>salmoneum</i>), + which grows to but two or three pounds. It has a larger eye. Its color is + bluer, or greener than the above, and not so brassy. First dorsal has + fourteen spines; second dorsal, one spine, twenty soft rays; anal fin, two + spines, thirteen soft rays. + </p> + <p> + Both of these fishes, together with the next-named, are hard-pulling, + vigorous fishes on the rod, though they do not exhibit much dash or take + much line. They swim away rather slowly, but are constantly jerking, + tugging and pulling on the line in such a way as to compel the angler to + handle them carefully to preserve his tackle intact. They are regarded + with much favor by anglers in the West and Northwest. The same tackle is + used as for black bass. + </p> + <p> + The Saugek (<i>Stizostedium canadense</i>) is also called "Jack," + </p> + <p> + "Sand-pike," + </p> + <p> + "Gray-pike," and "Battle-snake-pike." It is closely related to the + foregoing species, though smaller, growing to a length of twelve to + fifteen inches. It is longer and rounder in proportion than any of the + pike-perches, with a more pointed head and smaller eye. Its color is + paler, grayish above, with brassy sides, which are marked by several + blackish blotches or patches. First dorsal fin has two or three rows of' + round black spots. First dorsal has twelve spines; second dorsal, one + spine, seventeen soft rays; anal, two spines, twelve soft rays. + </p> + <p> + Both species of pike-perch are nocturnal (the last not so much so), and + are very similar in their habits. Usually they rise best to the fly at + sundown, continuing until late in the evening, especially on moonlight + nights; therefore at least one fly in the cast should be some + light-colored fly, as the Coachman, White and Ibis, or Miller. Sometimes, + however, darker flies are just as good after nightfall as during daylight. + The flies for pike-perch should be as large or larger than bass flies, and + should be tied on Sproat hooks, Nos. 1 to 3. + </p> + <p> + The angler who is so unfortunately situated as to be debarred from salmon, + trout, or black bass fly-fishing, can always find in the small streams or + ponds near him, one or more of the fishes described in the foregoing + account, when, by the use of very light and suitable tackle, he can enjoy + to a great degree the delights and pleasures of fly-fishing. + </p> + <p> + Even the despised pike or pickerel species (<i>Esocidoe</i>) and some of + the catfishes will rise to a large and gaudy fly. In Florida I have taken + catfish with the artificial fly until my arms ached and I was fain to cry + quits. I have also taken many marine species with the fly, as red-fish, + blue-fish, sea-trout, snappers, groupers, crevalle, bone-fish, snooks, + etc., etc., and once, as a matter of experiment, a five-foot alligator. + The 'gator was taken with a "fly" tied on a shark-hook, the hackled body + being a squirrel's tail, with wings of a small seagull. The rod, used on + that occasion only, was a light pine sprit (belonging to the sail of a + small boat), fifteen feet in length, an inch and a half in diameter at the + centre and tapering to an inch at each end. + </p> + <p> + Thus it will be seen that the opportunities and resources for fly-fishing + are nearly as great as for baitfishing, and that it only remains for the + angler to take advantage of them, study the habits of the fishes, attain + the necessary skill in casting, and practice due caution in fishing. + </p> + <p> + "All the charm of the angler's life would be lost but for these hours of + thought and memory. All along a brook, all day on lake or river, while he + takes his sport, he thinks. All the long evenings in camp, or cottage, or + inn, he tells stories of his own life, hears stories of his friends' + lives, and if alone calls up the magic of memory."—<i>W. C. Prime.</i> + </p> + <p> + "It is a mooted question among the very best 'fly-fishers,' whether an + exact representation of the living insect is necessary to insure success + in angling with the fly. The Scotch flies are not imitations of living + insects; and the best anglers in that country maintain the opinion that it + is absolutely useless and unnecessary to imitate any insect either winged + or otherwise."—"<i>Frank Forester.</i>" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0014" id="linkimage-0014"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0278m.jpg" alt="0278m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0278.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 7. Henshall. + </p> + <p> + 8. "Oconomowoc." + </p> + <p> + 9. Oriole. + </p> + <p> + 10. Polka. + </p> + <p> + 11. Ondawa. + </p> + <h3> + 12. "W. T." + </h3> + <p> + "Sometimes, of course, the loss of fish, or even fish and tackle, cannot + be avoided: but good, careful work and the best materials will frequently + obviate so annoying an ordeal. However, having struck your fish, the + tackle and your own coolness are generally responsible for the issue, and + woe betide you if careless knot or indifferent tying should have been made + in constructing your leader or fry,"—<i>Parker Gilmore</i>. + </p> + <p> + "It is well known that no person who regards his reputation will ever kill + a trout with anything but a fly. It requires some training on the part of + the trout to take to this method. The uncultivated, unsophisticated trout + in unfrequented waters prefers the bait and the rural people, whose sole + object in going a-fishing appears to be to catch fish, indulge them in + their primitive taste for the worm. No sportsman, however, will use + anything but a fly, except he happens to be alone."—<i>Charles + Dudley Warner.</i> + </p> + <p> + "The true fly-fisher, who practises his art <i>con amore</i>, does not + delight in big catches, nor revel in undue and cruel slaughter. He is ever + satisfied with a moderate creel, and is content with the scientific and + skilful capture of a few good fish. The beauties of nature, as revealed in + his surroundings—the sparkling water, the shadow and sunshine, the + rustling leaves, the song of birds and hum of insects, the health-giving + breeze—make up to him a measure of true enjoyment, and peace, and + thankfulness, that is totally unknown to the slaughterer of the innocents, + whose sole ambition is to fill his creel and record his captures by the + score."—<i>James A. Henshall, M.D.</i> + </p> + <p> + "In the fly book the sportsman collects his treasures—the fairy + imitations of the tiny nymphs of the water side—and it is the source + of much delight in inspecting, replenishing and arranging during the + season that the trout are safe from honorable pursuit."—<i>R. B. + Roosevelt</i>. + </p> + <p> + "There have been caught in Walden, pickerel, one weighing seven pounds, to + say nothing of another which carried off a reel with great velocity, which + the fisherman safely set down at eight pounds, because he did not see him. + I am thus particular, because the weight of a fish is commonly its only + title to fame."—<i>Henry D. Thoreau</i>. + </p> + <p> + "Wet days in camp try 'grit.' 'Clear grit' brightens more crystalline the + more it is rained upon; sham grit dissolves into mud and water."—<i>Theodore + Winthrop</i>. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WINTER ANGLING + </h2> + <h3> + By Frank S. Pinckney. + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he best winter angling is to be Had in that charming interval between the + hallowed old holidays and that sloppy period which, of late years, heralds + the slow approach of spring in these our latitudes. + </p> + <p> + The practice of angling at this season of the year for large trout, + immense black bass and preternatural mascalonge, has grown of late to + proportions which seem to warrant some special mention of so delightful, + if unseasonable, a sport, as well as some brief description of the tackle + and paraphernalia required for its fullest enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + To the winter angler a first-class outfit is of prime importance. The + poles should be of well-seasoned hickory or hard maple, from eight to ten + inches in diameter, in sections about three feet in length. These need not + to be divested of their rich covering of bark, curved, bronzed and + lichened, but should be fitted, fresh from the sheltered pile, with + careful skill into an old-fashioned open fire-place, about which, in years + agone, the angling forefathers of the angler of to-day told marvellous + tales of deeds of "derring do" with "dipscys," bobs and poles; and about + which now <i>his</i> children list with wonder, not unmingled with some + tinge of incredulity, to His yet more wondrous recitals of brave contests + and curious captures with dainty rods and delicate reels. + </p> + <p> + The winter anglers wading shoes may be made of any soft material that will + protect his feet should they chance to slip from the old brass fender down + upon the sombre painted brick hearth below, during some delicious drowse. + Most anglers have lady friends—fair cousins and others, who make + them nicely with substantially embroidered lily-pads and firm strong + rosebuds and vigorous elastic daffadowndillys. These are a good protection—but + the soles? + </p> + <p> + Two dollars and a half, without hob nails, and no deduction for small + feet! Even winter angling has its drawbacks. + </p> + <p> + The winter angler's fishing coat should be warmly quilted to protect him + from the cold, and may be of a color to suit his complexion if he has one. + It should be given him by his wife or "ladye faire" as a sample of her + skill in manipulating the needle and—the dressmaker. + </p> + <p> + As to the kind of lure required, much must depend upon the taste of the + individual angler, but it certainly ought to be hot and not have <i>too</i> + much water in it. + </p> + <p> + For protection against black flies, midgets and mosquitoes, he may, if he + likes, smear his face and hands with oils either of tar or of pennyroyal, + or he may build a "smudge" on the library table, but the most successful + winter anglers I know use for this purpose a hollow tube of convenient + length with a bowl at one end and a set of teeth, either real or + artificial, at the other. The bowl may be filled with any harmless weed + capable of burning slowly as, for example, tobacco. As a rule, one of + these will answer the purpose, but if the flies are especially + troublesome, or the angler should chance to be bald-headed, he may be + forced to ask a brother angler to come to his assistance with a + contrivance of a similar nature. Together they will probably be able to + defy all attacks of the black flies or even the blues. + </p> + <p> + As to creels (or baskets) the merest mention will suffice. At the nearest + newspaper office will be found one of suitable size and fair proportions. + It is called a "waste basket" and is specially constructed to hold the + abnormal catches made by winter anglers. + </p> + <p> + Possibly the highest charm of winter angling (or as some call it "Fireside + fishing") is the grand wide ranging freedom of it. Three vast realms are + at one's command. The realm of Memory, with its myriad streams of + recollection filled with the fish and fancies of the Past. The realm of + Anticipation bright with golden dreams of the coming open season, and + lastly the realm of Pure Lying, wherein from the deep, dark pools of his + own inner turpitude the angler at each cast hooks a speckled-sided + Hallucination (<i>Salmo Hullucionidus</i>), a large-moutlied Prevarication + (<i>Micropterus Prevaricatrix</i>), or a silver-gleaming Falsehood (<i>Salmoides + Falsus</i>), each more huge than the other, and all "beating the record" + quite out of the field. * + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Note—The writer respectfully submits this nomenclature to + revision by Dr. Henshall, an unquestioned authority. +</pre> + <p> + What wonderful vistas, what remotely narrowing perspectives, stretch away + into the vague distances of the first two of these grand realms! How far + reachingly the life-lines of anglers uncoil in both directions from the + reel of time—"playing" the hoarded treasures of memory at one end, + and making tournament easts into the future with the other! Are not the + time-worn rod-case and the well-thumbed fly-book and note-book on his + table, side by side with the last daintily tapered product of his plane, + rasp and scraper—his rod, just finished for the coming summer—which, + perchance for him may never come? + </p> + <p> + Is he not at once revelling in the past and dreaming of the future? + </p> + <p> + There is no sport, when known in all its branches, that is so fully an + all-the-year-round delight as is angling. + </p> + <p> + Many an idle hour of the long winter evenings may be pleasantly passed by + the angler in "going over" his tackle, oiling his reels, airing his lines, + and re-arranging his flies, freeing them from the moth and rust that do + corrupt. He is but a slovenly worshipper at the shrine of the good Saint + Izaak, who casts aside his panoply after the last bout of autumn and gives + no thought to it again till spring makes her annual jail-delivery of + imprisoned life. Constant care of the belongings of his art, be he fly or + bait fisher, is characteristic of the faithful angler, and only simple + justice to the tackle maker. There is nothing sadder or more + dejected-looking than a crippled rod and a neglected "kit" full of snarled + lines, rusty hooks, and moth-eaten flies. + </p> + <p> + In the matter of winter angling, the fly-fisherman has a decided advantage + over him who uses bait alone. The art for him has more side issues. He + may, if he can, learn to tie flies or contrive and construct newfangled + fly-books. The effort to learn will probably ruin his temper and break up + his domestic relations if he has any, but it is not for me to say that "<i>le + jeu ne vaut pas la chandelle</i>." If no domestic ties trend him toward + caution as yet, and he dreads none in the future, he may even venture the + attempt to make his own rods. + </p> + <p> + Let me say a word here of amateur tackle-making from the standpoint of + personal experience. It is agreeable—it is even fascinating, but it + does not <i>pay</i>; very few have the mechanical deftness, the patience, + taste, and judgment combined to really excel in any of its branches. No + young man with a career to make for himself by dint of constant toil or + close application to a business or profession has any right to devote to + these arts the time and attention they demand if even a fair degree of + skill is to be attained. For the angler of "elegant leisure" this has no + weight perhaps, but he too will, as a rule, find better tackle than he can + make, readily at his command at a cost so inconsiderable as to quite + justify me in saying that his amateur work will not <i>pay</i>—for, + if he be young, out-of-door sports will far better serve to lay up in his + still developing frame the treasures of health and vitality for future + use. There are those, indeed, for whom it is a proper employment of time + and who are endowed with the peculiar faculties required. To such it is a + charming occupation, a delightful distraction, and a choice factor in the + enjoyment of the winter angler by the fireside. + </p> + <p> + Every angler ought to keep a record or diary of his angling bouts. Most + anglers do so, I think. Therein should be recorded not only the weight and + size of daily catch, the number saved, and the number <i>thrown back</i>, + (I look back with especial pride upon my record in this direction), but + also some jottings of scenes, impressions, and incidents. Reading + therefrom years after at the fireside he will detect a faint perfume of + old forests in the winter air, and hear again in fancy the swirl of swift + waters sweeping among mossy rocks. + </p> + <p> + I take up my own, quoting from it almost at random note, if you please, + how, in untamed words, have expressed themselves the exhilaration of the + stream—the tingling of healthy blood through ample veins—the + joy in nature's aspects, and the delightful sense of unrestraint that + comes only of fresh air, of wholesome exercise, of angling. + </p> + <p> + "May 20th.— * * * The streams hereabout lack two important elements + which are the charm of my favorite——-kill, to wit, + picturesqueness and the possibility of large trout—large, I mean, + for our mountain brooks where still found <i>au naturel</i>. I went over + the other day to Bright's Run. I don't know exactly where it is, and I + consider it (next to Bright's disease of the kidneys) the very worst thing + Bright has developed. It is a stream such as might properly empty into the + Dismal Swamp, and find itself quite at home there. It is totally devoid, + of romantic beauty—and nearly so of trout. I never worked so hard in + my life for twenty-two little ones, that put me to the blush as I put them + in the basket. I was perpetually in a row with the overhanging thickets + and the underlying logs, and my thoughts were a monologue of exclamation + points. I would not angle in Bright's turgid waters again for all the + trout the most minute analysis might discover in them. + </p> + <p> + "Yesterday I had a much more agreeable day without a seven-mile ride on a + pesky buck-board. I went quite alone, up the Buckhill as far as the Fall. + This is a pleasant stream full of nature—and sawdust—with here + and there a speckled trout and here and there a black snake. (By special + permission of mr. Tennyson.) There really are now and then cool little + nooks which make one envy the trout; and an occasional spring dripping + with a fresh <i>rat-tat-tat</i> over rocks and moss and into one's whiskey + in spite of all one can do. This sort of thing is what makes a + trout-stream after all. You may catch a whale in a goose-pond but it isn't + angling. To me much depends upon surroundings. I like to form a + picturesque part of a picturesque whole. Even when there is no audience in + the gallery. + </p> + <p> + "Given, a dark glen fringed with pines that sigh and pine high up aloft—a + pool whose sweep is deep, around which rocks in tiers, mossy as tombstones + centuries old, bow their heads in mourning—heads crowned with weeds, + and grave-mounds of mother earth, and pallid flowers, pale plants and + sapless vines that struggle through shadows of a day in coma, laid in the + hearse of night, without a proper permit, and I am happy. I don't know + just why, but if I meet an undertaker I mean to ask him. All these deep, + dark hiding spots of nature seem but so many foils to the keen sense of + life and thrills of vitality that fill me. My nervous system sparkles + against such sombre backgrounds. + </p> + <p> + "Then, too, the Fall was lovely. Next to Niagara, the Kauterskill and + Adams', this Buckhill Fall is one of the most successful, in a small way, + that I know of. It might be bigger and higher and have twenty-five cents + worth more water coming over it out of a dam; but for a mere casual Fall + gotten up inadvertently by nature, it is very good, in an amateurish sort + of away, you know! + </p> + <p> + "There is, I believe (hang it, there <i>always</i> is!) a romantic legend + connected with—but stay!—you already guess it. Big Buck Indian—years + ago—in love with mother-in-law—commits suicide—jumps + over the ledge—ever since on moonlight nights, water the color of + blood (probably tannery just above the Fall), Buck Kill, now corrupted + into Buckhill. In the march of civilization the last <i>impedimenta</i> to + be left by the wayside are the beautiful superstitions of ignorance. + </p> + <p> + "I am now quite alone here. A young music composer, hitherto my companion, + left yesterday, so I am handcuffed to nature in solitary confinement. + </p> + <p> + "By the way, my composer was a voluntary exile from the domestic arena. He + had but recently married—to formulate it by proportions—say + about a ton of mother-in-law to about an ounce of wife, and when the + contest waxed fiercer than became the endurance of a sensitive nature, he + packed his bag and came a-fishing. He was a capital angler—a + phenomenal musician and had an appetite and digestion like one or more of + the valiant trencher men of England's merrie days, so he solaced his grief + with Sonatas and buckwheat cakes in the mornings and tears and + ginger-bread in the evenings. He was a born genius and as beautiful as a + dream, so I advised him to go home, choke his m-in-l, kiss his wife and + live happily all the days of his life. I think he has gone to try the + plan. + </p> + <p> + "Speaking of buckwheat cakes, you can go out here most any time and catch + a nice mess running about a half a pound and <i>game</i> all the way + through. No! No! + </p> + <p> + "I'm thinking of the trout! I mean they are light as a feather, and taste + to me just as did those I never had half enough of when I was a lad with + my good old Presbyterian grandmother, who would not 'set' the batter on + Saturday night lest it should 'work' on the Sabbath. + </p> + <p> + "Just here I wish to record an event which has happened to me while yet + each detail is fresh in my memory. + </p> + <p> + "The day had been showery, yet the fishing had been very poor, so I went + at sunset to try my luck in the stream near the house, where are some fair + pools and a semi-occasional trout. + </p> + <p> + "The darkness had begun to gather, indeed it was so dark that I knew only + by the instinct of habit where my flies fell upon the water, for I could + not fairly see them. I had just made a cast across a little rock which + protruded somewhat above the surface into a small pool behind, and was + slowly drawing my line toward me, when I perceived a frog seated upon the + rock, watching the proceedings with some apparent anxiety. Hardly had I + made out his frogship in the gloaming, when pop! he went into the water. + 'Kerchung!' At this instant I felt a <i>strike</i> and returned the + compliment sharply, so as to set my hook well in and make sure of my + trout. He was very <i>game</i>, and I was obliged to play him with a five + and a half ounce rod for some time, but finally landed him in good form, + only to discover that instead of a trout I had taken froggy on a black + hackle fly, setting the hook firmly into the thin membrane which connects + the two hind legs and just where the tail <i>ought</i> to be. This left + him the fullest freedom of action and gave him so good a chance to fight + me that I never suspected him of being anything less than a half-pounder. + He must have jumped from the rock directly on to the fly trailing behind + it and been thus hooked by my 'strike.' Mem. —This story is true as + gospel, but better not tell it where you enjoy an exceptional reputation + for veracity. + </p> + <p> + "<i>July 19th.</i> * * * Nothing has happened! Nothing ever does happen + here. Delightful existence, free from events! I remember hearing Homer + Martin once say that it was the height of his artistic ambition to paint a + picture without objects. The confounded objects, he said, always would get + wrong and destroy his best effects. How far this was intended to be a + humorous paradox and how far the suggestion of an artistic ideal, I know + not, but I surely somewhere have seen a painting—from whose brush I + cannot say—which quite nearly fulfilled this strange condition. It + represented an horizon, where met a cloudless, moonless, starless summer + sky and a waveless, almost motionless sea—these and an atmosphere. + The effect was that one could hardly perceive where the sea ceased and the + sky began. I wonder if it would not be thus with a life quite devoid of + events—would one be able to distinguish such from Heaven? + </p> + <p> + "The charm of it is that it leaves both the physical and intellectual in + one to develop freely. When a cow, grazing in a woodland pasture, comes at + noonday to the brook to drink and then calmly and not without a certain + ungainly majesty of movement, crosses the deep pool and climbs the steep + hank on the other side, by no apparent motive urged save of her own sweet + will, she always looks refreshed and filled in some sort with the stolid + bovine expression of great contentment. Mark how different it all is when + the same cow crosses the same brook driven by the barefooted urchin with a + gad and shrill cries and a possible small dog in the background. How + wearily and breathlessly she wades, and with what distressful pan tings + she climbs, and how unhappy and enduring and long-suffering she appears, + as you watch her shuffle away down the cow-path homeward! It's the Must + that hurts. It's the barefooted urchin Necessity with his infernal gad + Ambition and his ugly little cur dog Want, always chasing and shouting + after one, that makes it so tiresome to cross the stream. + </p> + <p> + "Then, too, as to the mind. Shall not one gain better intellectual growth + when beyond the reach of the imperial ukase of daily custom which fixes + the mind upon and chains the tongue to some leading event of the passing + hour? + </p> + <p> + "In swift and endless succession come foul murders, robberies, + revolutions, sickening disasters, nameless crimes, and all the long list + of events, and are as so many manacles upon the mind. + </p> + <p> + "I hate Events. They bore me. <i>All except taking a pound trout</i>. + </p> + <p> + "Alas! what a rent these last words make in the balloon I have been + inflating! Logic (another troublesome nuisance, evolved, probably, at + Hunter's Point) forces me from the clouds to earth and insists that I + shall accept a trite aphorism: 'Little events fill little minds; great + events for big ones.' + </p> + <p> + "Then if I take refuge in the cowardly device of saying I don't want a big + mind, what becomes of my theory of intellectual development as the + outgrowth of an eventless life! + </p> + <p> + "I decline to follow out more in detail this or any other line of + argument. One can't argue in the face of such an event as the thermometer + in the nineties away up here in the mountains. + </p> + <p> + "This chance allusion to logic reminds me that I have recently heard from + a dear old angling friend. He writes incidentally that since his return to + his active professional duties he has made money enough to pay many times + over the expenses of his recent two weeks' fishing bout with me. I have + written him that he might find it well to start at once upon another trip. + I have no doubt there exists a certain correlation of forces whereby a + week's fishing, with its resultant increase of oxygenation, and rebuilding + of gray tissue, accurately represents a certain amount of possible mental + labor and thus, indirectly, a fixed sum of money. + </p> + <p> + "It is then alarming to think how abnormally rich a man might become if he + fished all the time." + </p> + <p> + If I have thus quoted somewhat at length vaporings of other days from my + note book it has been only to suggest to others, whose angling experiences + are and have been wider and more varied than my own, how readily they can + organize a "preserve" for winter angling. Believe me, no event, no + feeling, no passing observation of your surroundings can be too trivial to + record, and each written line will, in years to come, suggest a page of + pleasant memories when as "Nessmuk" says— + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + "The Winter streams are frozen + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And the Nor'west winds are out." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Webster's sport of angling has given him many opportunities for + composition, his famous address on Bunker Hill having been mostly planned + out on Marshpee Brook; and it is said that the following exclamation was + first heard by a couple of huge trout immediately on their being + transferred to his fishing-basket, as it subsequently was heard at Bunker + Hill by many thousands of his fellow-citizens: 'Venerable men! you have + come down to us from a former generation. Heaven has bounteously + lengthened out your lives that you might behold this joyous day.'"—<i>Lan-man's + Life of Webster.</i> + </p> + <p> + "How, I love fishing dearly. There is no sport like it for me, but there + is a vast deal in fishing besides catching fish."—<i>H. H. Thompson.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0015" id="linkimage-0015"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0296m.jpg" alt="0296m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0296.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 13. The Triumph. + </p> + <p> + 14. Alexandra. + </p> + <p> + 15. Seth Green. + </p> + <p> + 16. Jungle Cock. + </p> + <p> + 17. Fitz-Maurice. + </p> + <p> + 18. Caddis. + </p> + <p> + 19. Davis. + </p> + <p> + "When fish are basking during the mid-day hours in the hot summer months, + they are not always to be drawn to the surface. But the combination more + suitable for this method is the dressing known as the 'Alexandra Fly.'"—<i>David + Foster.</i> + </p> + <p> + "The exertion of crossing the Atlantic for fly-fishing will be amply + repaid the sportsman by the quantity and weight of the fish he will + capture; for there the fish are not troubled with the fastidiousness of + appetite which in Great Britain causes it always to be a source of doubt + whether the water is in proper order, the wind in the east, or thunder + overhead, either of which, or all combined, too frequently cause the most + industrious to return, after a long and laborious day, with an empty + basket."—<i>Parser Gilmore.</i> + </p> + <p> + "Of all places, commend me, in the still of the evening, to the long + placid pool, shallow on one side, with deeper water and an abrupt + overhanging bank opposite. Where the sun has shone all day, and legions of + ephemera sported in its declining rays; the bloom of the rye or clover + scenting the air from the adjoining field! Now light a fresh pipe, and put + on a pale Ginger Hackle for your tail-fly, and a little white-winged + Coachman for your dropper. Then wade in cautiously—move like a + shadow—don't make a ripple. Cast, slowly, long, light; let your + stretcher sink a little. There, he has taken the Ginger—lead him + around gently to the shallow side as you reel him in, but don't move from + your position—let him tug awhile, put your net under him, break his + neck, and slip him into your creel. Draw your line through the rings—cast + again; another and another—keep on until you can see only the ripple + made by your fly; or know when it falls, by the slight tremor it imparts + through the whole line down to your hand—until the whip-poor-will + begins his evening song, and the little water-frog tweets in the grass + close by not till then is it time to go home."—<i>Thaddeus Norris</i>. + </p> + <p> + "You may always know a large trout when feeding in the evening. He rises + continuously, or at small intervals—in a still water almost always + in the same place, and makes little noise—barely elevating his mouth + to suck in the fly, and sometimes showing his back-fin and tail. A large + circle spreads around him, but there are seldom any bubbles when he breaks + the water, which usually indicates the coarser fish."—<i>Sir Humphry + Davy</i>. + </p> + <p> + "It is not difficult to learn how to cast; but it is difficult to learn + not to snap the fins off at every throw."—<i>Charles Dudley Warner.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOT ALL OF FISHING TO FISH + </h2> + <h3> + By A. Nelson Cheney. + </h3> + <p> + "We cast our flies on many waters, where memories and fancies and facts + rise, and we take them and show them to each other, and, small or large, + we are content with our catch."—<i>W. G. Prime</i>. + </p> + <p> + The commonly accepted definition of fly-fishing is the casting—with + a light, strong, elastic, pliant rod—of two, three or four + artificial flies, on a delicate leader attached to a fine tapered silk + line over the surface of waters inhabited by the lordly, silver-coated + salmon; that aristocratic beauty, the speckled trout, or the more + sombre-colored but gamy black bass. + </p> + <p> + This, in truth, is called the acme of fishing, the highest degree + attainable in the school of the angler. But of what a small portion, + comparatively, of the pleasure of angling does the mere casting of the + fly, however artistic, and the creeling of the fish, however large, + consist. + </p> + <p> + If it were all of fishing to fish; if fish were only to be obtained in + pools, in a desert waste that never reflected leaf or twig; from walled-in + reservoirs, where fish are fattened like a bullock for the shambles; from + sluggish, muddy streams within the hearing of great towns, redolent of + odors that are bred and disseminated where humanity is massed between + walls of brick and mortar, or even from a perfect fish preserve, where + everything is artificial except the water; or if the beginning of fishing + was making the first cast and the end the creeling of the last fish, would + the gentle art under such conditions have been a theme for the poet's pen, + a subject for the artist's brush, or a topic for the interesting story + during the centuries that have passed since the first line was written, or + the first words sung? I think not. + </p> + <p> + Fishing for the fish alone would not have inspired Dame Juliana Berners, + Izaak Walton, Charles Cotton, Sir Humphry Davy, John Bunyan, Sir Walter + Scott, "Christopher North," and other and more modern writers to tell of + the peace, the quiet, the health and the pleasure to be gained in the + pursuit of this pastime. + </p> + <p> + The skill exercised and the delicate tackle used by a past master of the + art would have been unnecessary to cultivate or fashion, solely to supply + the brain with food through the alimentary canal. + </p> + <p> + An angler's brain is fed by absorption as well as by assimilation. + </p> + <p> + There might be reason in calling a fisherman with an eye simply to the + catching of fish, a "lover of cruel sport," but the cruelty would be of + the same kind, but in a less degree, as that displayed by the butcher who + supplies our tables with beef and mutton. + </p> + <p> + To an angler the pleasures of the rod and reel are far-reaching and have + no boundary save when the mind ceases to anticipate and the brain to + remember. I have had the grandest sport on a midwinter's night with the + snow piled high outside and the north wind roaring down the chimney, while + I sat with my feet to the blaze on the hearth, holding in my hand an old + fly-book. The smoke from my lighted pipe, aided by imagination, contained + rod, fish, creel, odorous balsam, drooping hemlock and purling brook or + ruffled lake. I seemed to hear the twittering birds, leaves rustled by the + wind and the music of running water, while the incense of wild flowers + saluted my nostrils. The heat of the fire was but the warm rays of the sun + and the crackle of the burning wood the noise of the forest. Thus streams + that I have fished once or twice have been fished a score of times. + </p> + <p> + I had nothing to show for the later fishings, but I could feel that God + was good and my memory unimpaired. The fish in the pipe-smoke has been as + active as was the fish in the water, and afforded as fine play. My reel + has clicked as merrily in the half-dream as on the rod in the long ago, + and my rod has bent to the play of the fish as though it were in my hand + instead of lying flat on a shelf in a cool room up-stairs. I have had in + my musings all the pleasure of actual fishing, everything but the fish in + the flesh. + </p> + <p> + When Winter comes and the ravages in tackle have been repaired and all is + in perfect order for another season, I put my rods where they will not be + injured by the modern furnace heat, each joint of each rod placed flat on + a shelf. But the tackle trunk, securely locked that no vandal hand may get + to its treasures, is where my eye rests upon it daily, and my fly books + are in one of the drawers of my writing desk where I can easily reach + them. 'When I take one of the books out of an evening, or at any time + during my walking hours in early winter, I generally seek out some + tattered fly that is wrapped carefully in a paper and placed in one of its + pockets. The book may be full of flies, sombre or gorgeous in all the + freshness of untried silk, mohair, feathers and tinsel; but take for + instance this one with the legend written on its wrapper: + </p> + <p> + "Puffer Pond, June, 1867.—Thirty-five pounds of trout in two hours. + The last of the gentlemen that did the deed." + </p> + <p> + This, to me, tells the story of a very pleasant week spent in the + Adirondacks. I remember, as I hold the ragged, faded fly in my hand and + see that it still retains something of the dark blue of its mohair body + and the sheen of its cock-feather wings, that it was one of six flies that + I had in my fly-book that June day that stands out from other June days, + in my memory, like a Titan amongst pygmies. The fly had no name, but the + trout liked it for all that, and rose to it with as much avidity as though + they had been properly introduced to some real bug of which this was an + excellent counterfeit. + </p> + <p> + That glorious two hours' time—with its excitement of catching and + landing without a net some of the most beautiful and gamy fish that ever + moved fin—comes back to me as vividly as though at this moment the + four walls of my room were the forest-circled shores of that far-away + pond, and I stand in that leaky boat, almost ankle deep in the water that + Frank, the guide, has no time to bail, occupied as he is in watching my + casts and admiring my whip-like rod during the play of a fish, or fishes, + and in turning the boat's gunwale to the water's edge to let my trout in + when they are exhausted. It is sharp, quick work, and the blue-bodied fly + is always first of all the flies composing the cast to get a rise, until I + take off all but the one kind, and then one after another I see them torn, + mutilated and destroyed. Later they will be put away as warriors gone to + rest and the epitaph written on their wrappings: + </p> + <p> + "Thy work was well done; thy rest well earned." + </p> + <p> + Now there is no time to mantle the fallen or sing paeans to the victors; + the action is at its height. I put my last blue fly on my leader and cast + it again and again with success, before those dark open jaws, that come + out of the water every time it falls on the surface, have destroyed its + beauty forever. Frank says the time is up and we must go. + </p> + <p> + The boat, propelled with broken oars, is headed for the landing-place, and + I sit back in the stern admiring those sleek beauties that lie in the + bottom, and that have fought so well and so vainly. My rod is inclined + over my shoulder and the blue fly is trailing on the water astern. + Suddenly I feel a twitch and hear a splash, and turning around find I am + fast to a fish, the noblest Roman of that, day's struggle. Once, twice, + thrice he shows himself in all his fair proportions. + </p> + <p> + "Two pounds and a half, if an ounce," says Frank. + </p> + <p> + I get down on my knees in the water of the cranky boat, as the reel sings + the merriest tune that ever delighted the ear of an angler. Two or three + mad dashes, and I think the trout is tiring. I reel him slowly in, but the + sight of the boat gives him new life and he darts under it in spite of my + efforts to swing him around the stern. The rod tip is passed clear of the + boat and the fight continues. + </p> + <p> + Exhausted? The fight is only begun. + </p> + <p> + The unwieldy boat is far too slow to follow the fish, and I see my line + growing rapidly less on my reel with no sign of weakness on the part of + the fish. I am compelled to advance the butt of the rod and the tip droops + nearer and, hesitatingly, still nearer to it, as though the tip would + whisperingly confess that the strain is greater than it can bear, while + the stout nature of the wood rebels at the confession. Involuntarily I + raise myself by a muscular action as though the cords and sinews of my + body could relieve the pressure on the lancewood and save the rod. + </p> + <p> + "You'll smash your pole!" is the warning Frank utters. + </p> + <p> + I care not now, for the fight has been a glorious one, but the "pole" + survives to fight many another fight; the trout is turned and, at last, + comes side up, to the boat, vanquished but not subdued. + </p> + <p> + Here, in another paper, are three flies fastened together. A Chicken Red + Palmer Hackle, a Grizzly King and a fly with black body, brown wings, red + tail and tip. They are large trout flies and won honorable retirement by + catching three small-mouthed black bass at one and the same time. Fishing + from a boat in the Hudson River, above a long rough rapid, I cast inshore + and saw the stretcher fly taken by a small bass; immediately after the two + droppers were taken by other bass that did not show themselves when taking + the lures. My rod was the same that I have already mentioned, an ash and + lancewood of eight ounces—scale weight—and my entire attention + was directed to it and the fish, that were bending it like a willow wand; + when, suddenly, I discovered that the boatman had also been interested in + the play of the fish and allowed the boat to drift into the swift water at + the head of the rapids. The boatman made an effort to row up stream at the + same time the fish decided to go down, and I found I must either smash my + tackle and lose the fish—at this time I had seen but the one bass + that took the stretcher fly—or run the rapids at the risk of an + upset. I was very anxious to see the size of the fish that were struggling + on my leader in that swift running water, and every angler will know the + decision that was instantly made, to "shoot the rapids." + </p> + <p> + The sight of these old tinseled lures brings back to me the wild + excitement of that driving, whirling ride through the racing, seething + waters. Hatless I crouch down in the boat, one hand clutching the gunwale + of the broad river craft, and the other holding aloft my rod. I give no + thought to the possible fate of the occupants of the boat. My anxiety is + for the fish. When the curved line is straight again, will I feel the bass + at the end or only the bare flies? These very flies! + </p> + <p> + Very soon the boat is rocking in the lumpy water at the foot of the chute, + and I stand up, fill my lungs, and find my fish are still fast. Here in + the broad water I bring to net three small-mouthed bass that together + weigh four and one-quarter pounds, only one of which, at any time, showed + himself above water. As I put the faded flies back into their paper + coverings I find that my pulse has quickened and my pipe no longer burns. + </p> + <p> + I must not exhibit all my treasures here, to the public. These old + souvenirs are only for the eyes of sympathizing angling friends when me + meet to blow a cloud and talk of other days. + </p> + <p> + A little brown-eyed maiden once, looking into my fly-book, asked why I had + the old frayed flies tied up in separate papers and marked, while the nice + new flies did not show this care. Had she been of maturer years I might + have quoted Alonzo of Aragon's commendation of old friends, but instead, I + merely said: + </p> + <p> + "The nice new flies I can easily buy, but no one sells such old flies, + therefore I take the greater care of them because of their rarity." + </p> + <p> + The new flies will not be slighted, for they, also, have their season of + admiration and caressing touch. When their day has come the old veterans + of many a fight will not be forgotten either, but while maturing plans for + augmenting their numbers, the recruits in their new, bright dress will be + inspected to see what claims they may have for future honors. + </p> + <p> + The lengthening days and diminishing snowbanks naturally turn the angler's + thoughts forward, and he sniffs the south wind as though he would discover + some slight remaining odor of fragrant apple blossoms borne to him from + the far southland as the forerunner of warm air, blue sky, bursting buds, + open streams, green grass, "gentle spring," and time to go a-fishing. Then + the untried flies are examined and speculation is rife as to their + excellence, each for its own particular kind of fish. + </p> + <p> + Day dreams and evening musings give place to an activity of mind and body + when fishing is under consideration. The lessons of the last season and + other seasons are brought to bear to perfect all arrangements for a fresh + campaign. Consultations with brother anglers are frequent, and plans many + and various are weighed and discussed. The tackle box is overhauled again + and again, notwithstanding the attention paid to it at the close of the + last season, to be sure that nothing is wanting or left undone. Lines are + tested; leaders are subjected to the closest scrutiny to see that no flaws + or chafed places exist to give way at a critical moment during some future + contest, when a trifle will turn the scales; reels are taken apart and + carefully oiled; rods sent to the maker for a new coat of varnish, and, + perhaps, a few new whippings for the guide rings; fishing shoes, although + they have a row of holes just above the soles, get an extra dressing of + oil to keep the leather soft; and an inventory of the wardrobe is taken + and old garments are selected that appear for the time, considering the + use they are to serve, far more faultless than when first sent home by the + tailor. "About these days your business letters, if written to people into + whose souls the love of angling has entered, may terminate as follows: + </p> + <p> + "P. S.—What are the prospects for the spring fishing in your + neighborhood? Did the late freshets of last fall destroy the trout eggs + deposited in the streams about you?" or, "Did the unusual severity of the + winter cause destruction to the trout spawn in the headwaters of your + brooks?" + </p> + <p> + Some evening when the "fever is on" you will write to a guide up in the + North Woods, some honest, faithful fellow that you have known in all + weathers for many seasons: + </p> + <p> + "Be sure and take a boat over to Mahogany Pond, (that is not the name of + it, for its title is taken from a domestic wood that grows on its shores), + before the snow goes off and keep me informed as to the condition of + things, for I wish to start and be with you as soon as the water is free + from ice. I shall bring a friend with me, the gentleman I told you about + last summer, who knows the name of every plant that grows in the woods, as + well as the name of every fish that swims in the water. The old camp, with + a few repairs, will answer, as Mr. ——— is an old + woodsman and angler of the first order, and requires no more than the few + simples that you usually take to camp. He, like myself, goes into the + woods to fish and fill his lungs with the pure mountain air that you live + in." + </p> + <p> + When Dick reads the letter he smiles, for it contains nothing unknown to + him before. It is his own idea to carry a boat to the pond on the snow, + for there is no road, path or trail, but he only says to himself: + </p> + <p> + "He's got it just as bad this spring as ever. The medicine will be ready + for him." + </p> + <p> + The angler does all this and more; mind, I say the <i>angler,</i> for the + other fellow that goes a-fishing because it is the thing to do, or because + he has heard some one dilate upon the pleasure to be found in practising + the art, will do nothing of the sort. It is too much trouble, or, more + likely, these things never occur to him. + </p> + <p> + How the man of severe aspect who, if he smiles, looks as though he wore a + petrified smile that he had bought at a bargain, and whose sole ambition + and pleasure is to make money, live as long as he can in doing so, and die + as rich as possible; this man, if he could know, and comprehend, what is + passing through the angler's mind at this season, would say such vagabonds + are the cumberers of the earth; but he could not find a "cumberer" in all + the land who would change places with him, take his joyless life, sapless + heart, frozen visage, narrow views and great wealth, and give in return + the angler's light heart, happy disposition, love of God, his fellow-man + and Nature; his resources within himself, engendered by his fondness for + the wild woods, to enjoy the past and anticipate the future, whatever + betide; his desire to see good in every thing, his clear conscience and + his fishing tackle. + </p> + <p> + Bear in mind that the pleasure of angling is not alone the consummation of + your hopes for a large score. Hear what Sir Humphrey Davy says on this + subject: + </p> + <p> + "From the savage in his rudest and most primitive state, who destroys a + piece of game, or a fish, with a club or spear, to man in the most + cultivated state of society, who employs artifice, machinery, and the + resources of various other animals, to secure his object, the origin of + the pleasure is similar, and its object the same: but that kind of it + requiring most art may be said to characterize man in his highest or + intellectual state; and the fisher for salmon and trout with the fly + employs not only machinery to assist his physical powers, but applies + sagacity to conquer difficulties; and the pleasure derived from ingenious + resources and devices, as well as from active pursuits, belongs to this + amusement. Then, as to its philosophical tendency, it is a pursuit of + moral discipline, requiring patience, forbearance, and command of temper. + </p> + <p> + "As connected with natural science, it may be vaunted as demanding a + knowledge of the habits of a considerable tribe of created beings—fishes, + and the animals that they prey upon, and an acquaintance with the signs + and tokens of the weather, and its changes, the nature of waters, and of + the atmosphere. As to its poetical relations, it carries us into the most + wild and beautiful scenery of nature, amongst the mountain lakes, and the + clear and lovely streams that gush from the higher ranges of elevated + hills, or that make their way through the cavities of calcareous strata. + How delightful in the early spring, after the dull and tedious time of + winter, when the frosts disappear and the sunshine warms the earth and + waters, to wander forth by some clear stream, to see the leaf bursting + from the purple bud, to scent the odors of the bank perfumed by the + violet, and enamelled as it were with the primrose and the daisy; to + wander upon the fresh turf below the shade of trees, whose bright blossoms + are filled with the music of the bee; and on the surface of the waters to + view the gaudy flies sparkling like animated gems in the sunbeams, whilst + the bright and beautiful trout is watching them from below; to hear the + twittering of the water-birds, who, alarmed at your approach, rapidly hide + themselves beneath the flowers and leaves of the water-lily; and, as the + season advances, to find all these objects changed for others of the same + kind, but better and brighter, till the swallow and the trout contend as + it were for the gaudy Mayfly, and till in pursuing your amusement in the + calm and balmy evening, you are serenaded by the songs of the cheerful + thrush and melodious nightingale, performing the office of paternal love, + in thickets ornamented with the rose and woodbine." + </p> + <p> + While it is not all of fishing to fish, it does not consist entirely of + preparation, and it must have something substantial as a basis for the day + dream or fireside musing. You must catch some fish, as capital stock, to + talk about. I never knew an angler that was satisfied to do all the + listening. + </p> + <p> + In my native State the law makes it legally possible to wet a hook for + speckled trout, for the first time each year on April first, and this day + has come to be called "Opening Day," and is spoken of in such glowing + language that one might think it the opening of some vast commercial + enterprise instead of the opening of the fishing season. As the result of + an angler's hopes and preparations, as I have tried, imperfectly, to + sketch them, I will quote from my fishing diary what is there set down as + one consummation: + </p> + <p> + "<i>April 1st</i>, 1878.—Opening day. Fished Halfway brook from + Morgan brook to, and through the woods; then fished Ogden brook from Van + Husen's road to Gleason's. Banks more than full of roily snow water; + weather decidedly cold; strong wind from the Northwest; cloudy sky. Caught + one small trout that I returned to his native element to grow; discovered + from my single specimen of the <i>Salvelinus fontinalis</i> that they have + the same bright spots that they have always had; look the same, smell the + same, <i>feel</i> the same; other peculiarities lacking. Warm sun and rain + required to develop the characteristics we so much admire in our leaping + friend. Managed to fall into the Ogden brook—in fact, went in + without the slightest difficulty, amid applause from the bank; discovered + from my involuntary plunge that the water is just as wet as last year, and + if memory serves, a trifle colder. Reached home in the evening, cold, wet, + tired and hungry. Nevertheless, had a most <i>glorious time</i>." + </p> + <p> + "These flies, I am sure, would kill fish."—<i>Charles Cotton</i>. + </p> + <p> + "I would advise all experts to keep a well-filled fly-book. It is a + pleasure to experiment, and the educated eye takes delight in looking at + the varieties of colors, shapes and forms which the skilled workman in + fly-art has provided as lures for the speckled beauties."—<i>George + Dawson</i>. + </p> + <p> + "Fly-fishing and bait-fishing are co-ordinate branches of the same study, + and each must be thoroughly learned to qualify the aspirant to honors for + the sublime degree of Master of the Art."—<i>Charles Hallock.</i> + </p> + <p> + "Americans have reason to be proud of the black bass, for its game + qualities endear it to the fisherman, and its nutty, sweet flavor to the + <i>gourmand</i>."—<i>Parker Gilmore.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0016" id="linkimage-0016"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0316m.jpg" alt="0316m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0316.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + 20. Black Maria. + </p> + <p> + 21. Tipperlinn. + </p> + <p> + 22. Premier. + </p> + <p> + 23. Grizzly King. + </p> + <p> + 24. Ferguson. + </p> + <p> + 25. Californian. + </p> + <p> + "'What flies do you most affect here?' 'Any, at times, and almost all. In + some weather I have killed well with middlesized gaudy lake-flies; but my + favorites, on the whole, are all the red, brown, orange and yellow + hackles, and the blue and yellow duns.'"—<i>Henry Wm. Herbert.</i> + </p> + <p> + "Fish will frequently, although breaking freely, refuse the fly, but + generally a few will be misled, and occasionally one will be caught."—<i>P. + B. Roosevelt.</i> + </p> + <p> + "The <i>natural</i> and acquired skill actually necessary before any man + can throw a 'neat fly' is only known to those who have made this method of + angling their study and amusement."—"<i>Frank Forester</i>." + </p> + <p> + "Luck has little to do with the size of an angling score; for skill in + handling, a knowledge of the haunts of the fish, of the conditions of + wind, weather and water, character of baits to be used, of the changes and + drift of tideways, sun-rays and shadows, and a familiar acquaintance with + the natural history of the family pisces, their habits, habitat, and + idiosyncrasies (for no other animal is so erratic as these scaly fins), + all go to make up the complete angler, known as such from the days and + writings of Izaak Walton, in the seventeenth, up to this great nineteenth + century."—<i>Wm. C. Harris</i>. + </p> + <p> + "What is the use of my telling you what manoeuvres that trout will perform + before he comes to the landing-net, gently as a lamb? I don't know what he + will do; never saw two of them act alike."—<i>Oliver Gills, Jr.</i> + </p> + <p> + "Probably the secret of the infatuation of this amusement to most or many + of the brothers of the angle, is to be found in the close and quiet + communion and sympathy with nature essential to the pursuit of the spoil + of the water."—<i>John Lyle King</i>. + </p> + <p> + "The principle of the rod is in reality only this, that it is the home end + of the line, stiffened and made springy, so that you can guide and manage + it—cast and draw it, keep a gentle pressure with it on the hook, so + that the fish shall not rid himself of it, and finally lift him to the + landing net."—<i>W. C. Prime.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FLY-FISHING IN FLORIDA + </h2> + <h3> + By Dr. J. C. Kenworthy. + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he votaries of the rod and reel have overlooked an important field for + sport, for, in my opinion, no portion of the United States offers such + advantages for fly-fishing as portions of Florida during the winter + months. The health of the State is beyond cavil or dispute; the climate is + all the most fastidious can ask; there is an almost total absence of + insect pests, and last though not least, a greater variety of fish that + will take the fly than in any other section of the Union. My own + experience is mainly based on opportunities for observation on the + south-west coast, and it is possible that points on the eastern coast, as + the Indian River inlet and the outlet of Lake Worth, may offer advantages + over the section referred to. + </p> + <p> + As far as my knowledge extends, fly-fishers are indebted to my friend, + Geo. C. Johnson, of Bridgeport, Conn., for the development of fly-fishing + in Florida. Some years since I met Mr. Johnson on his arrival in this city + <i>en route</i> to Homosassa. He remarked that he had brought his fly-rod + with him, and I suggested that a heavy bass rod would prove more + serviceable. + </p> + <p> + On the evening of his arrival at Homosassa he visited the dock in front of + Jones' house, and noticed fish breaking water near the shore. He proceeded + to the house, rigged his rod, and was followed to the dock by a number of + laughing sceptics, who ridiculed the "spindly rod and feather baits." In + compliance with Mr. Johnson's request, Dr. Ferber rowed him a short + distance from the dock, and the fun commenced with large-mouthed bass and + red trout; and from that evening fly-fishing became an established + institution on the south-west coast of Florida. For a number of years Dr. + Ferber has devoted his winters to fly-fishing on the south-west coast, and + it is to be regretted that he was not requested to give his ripe and ample + experience, instead of one who is far beneath him in experience and + ability to wield the split bamboo or pen. + </p> + <p> + The next season after Mr. Johnson's visit to Homosassa Mr. Francis + Endicott, of New York, visited the locality and indulged in fly-fishing. + He informed me that he had captured with the fly eight distinct species of + fish on the Homosassa River; and I will ask where else in the United + States can the devotee of the gentle art capture eight distinct species of + fish with the fly on a river but ten miles in length? + </p> + <p> + My friend, Dr. Ferber, on his return from the southwest coast in April + last, visited me, and stated that he had caught on that coast, with + artificial flies, eleven distinct species of fish. Among the number I may + mention large-mouthed bass (trout of the South), channel bass, cavalli, + ravallia, skip jacks, sea trout, brown snappers, roach, and three species + of bream. + </p> + <p> + Instead of wading icy-cold and over-fished brooks, tearing clothes and + flesh in creeping through briers and brush, and being subjected to the + sanguinary attention of mosquitoes and black flies in bringing to creel a + few fingerlings, in Florida the angler can cast his fly from a sandy beach + or boat, inhale an invigorating atmosphere, bask in the sunshine, and + capture specimens of the finny tribe, the weight of which can be + determined by pounds instead of ounces. + </p> + <p> + Sea trout of the South are closely allied to the weak fish of the North, + and frequent rapid waters, oyster beds and weedy flats. They range from + one to five pounds, are good biters and make a noble resistance to avoid + the landing net. + </p> + <p> + Large-mouthed black bass (trout of the South) exist in great numbers in + the lakes and streams of the State. In very clear lakes and streams they + are not disposed to indulge in artificial baits. As fighters they are + unworthy of the notice of experts. It has been my lot to capture them in + many localities, and I have found that after the first few struggles they + open their mouths and come to gaff like a grain bag. + </p> + <p> + Brown snappers exist in countless numbers in some of the streams of the + State—as in the Homosassa. They range from six ounces to one pound, + and cannot resist the temptation to capture a hook decorated with + feathers. They are good biters and full of game. Owing to the presence of + a number of rat-like teeth, they play sad havoc with flies; and we would + advise those who propose engaging in the capture of this fish to provide + an ample supply of feathery lures. + </p> + <p> + Skip-jacks (or bone-fish) visit the streams in schools. They range from + two to six pounds. They readily take a fly and die game. Owing to their + build, size of fins, and muscular development, they are worthy of notice. + On one occasion I was camped at Little Gasparilla pass, and at the bay + side of the inlet there existed an eddy in which I could see hundreds of + skip-jacks. Tor some time I amused myself by casting, and the moment the + bait would touch the water the surface would be in a boil. I would strike + and the next instant a bone-fish would be two or three feet in the air. As + a rule they enter the streams with the flood tide, and as they are + constantly breaking the water they can be followed in a boat. By following + the fish on the flood and ebb the rodster may enjoy a number of hours of + exciting sport. Between Esteno and Marco passes I have seen them for hours + at a time feeding on minnows near the beach. + </p> + <p> + The Ravallia is a fish with which I am unacquainted, although I have + reason to believe that it exists in quantity at certain points on the + south-west coast. My friend Dr. Ferber, informed me that in one of his + cruises he entered Billy Bow Legs Creek and noticed a deep pool. He made a + cast and landed a ravallia. Nearly every cast he would land one or two + ranging from one to three pounds, unless a ravenous cavalli interfered. + </p> + <p> + The cavalli of large size would seem to tire of the flouncing and + floundering of their neighbors, and would join in the fray, when the + doctor would part with a fly or leader. The doctor assured me that the + sport was kept up until he was surfeited. He describes the fish as + resembling a pike perch of the North, and is loud in its praise as a game + fish. Friends have informed me that they have captured specimens of this + fish, with cut bait, weighing thirty pounds. My impression is, that if + pools and inlets south of Punta Passa were thoroughly tried with the fly + that the piscator would be rewarded with large-sized specimens. + </p> + <p> + Bream of several species exist in great numbers in many of the streams and + lakes of the State. They range from four ounces to one pound, and afford + considerable sport on a light rod. Roach are not plentiful, but there they + exist they will not refuse a brown hackle. + </p> + <p> + In many of the streams of the State war-mouthed perch exist in numbers, + ranging from one to three pounds. When the streams are low, they readily + take a fly, and give the angler all lie can attend to. + </p> + <p> + In some of the creeks tributary to the St. Johns' and in some of the + interior lakes, pickerel exercise their snapping propensities, and do not + object to appropriate a gaudy fly in the early mom or at the close of the + day. + </p> + <p> + On the Eastern Coast, more especially at Indian River inlet, small blue + fish congregate in numbers during the winter months, and at times will not + refuse a fly. They are fair fighters, and as the piscator can fish from a + sandy beach, much enjoyment can be secured. + </p> + <p> + In Florida cat fish will take a fly, and I may also add a spinner. In this + State we have a number of species of this fish, and one is a surface + feeder. In the evening, when they are feeding on the surface, they will + not reject a large and gaudy fly. To those who have been accustomed to + capture with a stout rod diminutive specimens of catties, I will say, hook + on to a catty weighing from six to twelve pounds and there will be "music + in the air," and unless skill is exercised on the part of the fisherman + the leader will go to where the "woodbine twineth." + </p> + <p> + In Florida, as everywhere else, the best fishing is near where A., B. or + C. run a hotel or keep a boarding house, or where certain steamboats make + a terminal landing. But in my experience the best places to fish, as a + rule, are where there are no hotels or specimens of the colored persuasion + with their cast nets. When "I go a-fishing" I leave civilization, hotels, + and boarding-houses in the rear. + </p> + <p> + The best points for fly-fishing for large-mouthed bass are on the upper + St. Johns, the tributaries of Indian river, the Kessimmee and the streams + and lagoons on the south-west coast. For pickerel and bream the best + points are the tributaries of the St. Johns between Mandarin and Lake + Monroe. For war-mouthed perch, the best streams will be found in Alachua + County. + </p> + <p> + From all that I can glean from gentlemen who have fished the locality, the + lower Indian River and its tributaries will furnish a fine field for the + fly-caster. West of Cedar Keys to St. Marks is a shoal coast covered with + marine algæ; and the coast line is cut up with a number of small streams + stocked—nay, swarming—with fish. This section is uninhabited, + the streams have not been fished, and a fine field for sport awaits the + fisherman. In addition, hand line or bass rod fishing can be enjoyed for + sheepshead and channel bass. The woods abound with deer, the hummocks + contain plenty of turkeys, and the bays and grassy flats during the winter + are alive with ducks, and in certain localities geese and brant will be + found. Beech birds, as snipe and curlews, can be bagged in quantity. + </p> + <p> + The first stream worthy of notice on the southwest coast is the Homosassa + River, forty miles south of Cedar Keys. But this beautiful river has lost + its greatest attraction, "Mother Jones." I have been informed that she + left Homosassa, and, as a sequence, there will be wanting the clean rooms + and beds, the stewed and scalloped oysters, the aromatic coffee, the + delicious breakfast bacon, and the luscious sheepshead done to a turn. + With "Mother Jones" will depart many of the attractions of the place, more + particularly the cuisine. I write feelingly, for I was the first to make + known the attractions of my favorite Homosassa. + </p> + <p> + According to my friend, Dr. Ferber, Billy Bow Legs Creek, a tributary of + Sarasota Bay, presents many attractions to the fly-fisher, more especially + in the capture of cavalli and ravallia. Long Boat Inlet, an entrance to + this bay, must not be overlooked. + </p> + <p> + Many points in Charlotte Harbor offer inducements to the fly-fisher. If he + tires of using the split bamboo, he can troll with a spinner and land + large channel bass and cavalli; for diversement he can seat himself in an + arm chair on the dock at Punta Passa and imitate my friend Matthew Quay + (late Secretary of State of Pennsylvania), who landed fifty-six large + sheepshead in one hour. If dissatisfied with this description of sport the + piscator can indulge in the capture of Jew-fish, weighing from one to + three hundred pounds. On the Calloosahatchee, above the islands, the fly + caster can be satiated with sport in landing large-sized eavalli. From + Charlotte Harbor southward every entrance, bay, pass and lagoon will + afford royal sport. + </p> + <p> + Delicate mist-colored leaders are not a necessity, for Florida fish have + not been educated or posted with regard to the tricks of the craft. They + seem to recognize but little difference between a single strand of gut and + a clothes-line. The main things requisite are strong leaders and + large-sized hooks, for when fish are so plentiful and valueless the + fisherman is apt to try and see how many he can land within a given + period. With regard to flies, almost any of the more common ones will + answer a good purpose. My choice for channel bass, eavalli, sea trout and + bone fish is a large-sized gaudy fly with a large-sized hook. + </p> + <p> + To reach the south-west coast persons can go direct from Savannah or + Fernandina, or visit Jacksonville <i>en route</i>. At Cedar Keys, Tampa, + or Manatee they can charter a sloop or schooner of from four to six tons + for five or six dollars per day. This amount will cover captain, boy, + small boat, bedding, stove and cooking utensils. Fish, beach birds, + oysters and clams are plentiful, and the expense of the culinary + department will be from fifty cents to five dollars per capita per diem, + according to the Dutch proclivities of the persons comprising the party. + </p> + <p> + The coast is shallow, the ten-fathom line ranging from thirty to forty + miles from shore, and as a consequence there is no undertow, rollers or + heavy seas. The passage from Cedar Keys to Bay Biscayne can be made in a + small boat at almost any time. On one occasion the writer made the trip + from Key West to Cedar Keys in a boat sixteen feet in length. + </p> + <p> + Fly-fishing in Florida is a recent development, and it offers a large + field for experiment and investigation; and I trust that the period is not + far distant when the sport will be indulged in by the many. By the first + of January, 1884, Tampa will be reached from this city in twenty-four + hours via Sanford and Kissimmee. From what we know of railroads in this + State we feel assured that one will be completed to Punta Passa within two + years; when Charlotte Harbor and Estero Bay, the greatest of fishing + points, will be rendered accessible to all. + </p> + <p> + In preparing this article we have used the common names of fish, and the + reason for so doing will be obvious to all. In passing through this city, + if fly-fishers will call upon me between 12 m. and 2 p.m., I will endeavor + to smooth the road for them. + </p> + <p> + Jacksonville, Fla. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FLY-FISHING. + </h2> + <h3> + By Col. E. Z. C. Judson.—"Ned Buntline." + </h3> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">F</span>ishermen are <i>born</i> such—not made! That is my private opinion, + publicly expressed. It is founded upon the experience of full half a + century on ocean, lake, river, and brook. I have taken a mature man with + me on a fishing trip, who had never cast "a line in pleasant places," lent + him rod and tackle, made a few casts in his presence, caught perhaps a + half a dozen trout, and then watched his imitative power combined with the + tact <i>born</i> in him. If he was one of the right sort he would go right + on improving every hour, and in a little while begin to fill his creel + with the best of us. + </p> + <p> + My personal knowledge of fish and fishing began early. My father had few + superiors as an angler, and trouting was his specialty. He made his own + rods, lines and flies. The first was a tapering ashen pole—generally + about ten feet long—scraped, oiled and varnished till it was as + smooth and bright as glass. The line was made from horse-hair and braided + with a care and patience that used to be a wonder to me. + </p> + <p> + The blue-jay, the red-headed woodpecker, the pheasant and wood-duck were + shot for fly-feathers. When I was a wee toddler in skirts I used to hold + hooks and snells and play at "helping papa." + </p> + <p> + All this was done here at the head of the Delaware, where both my father + and myself were born. But a change came. When I was about six years old my + father bought a large tract of wild land in the wildest part of Wayne + County, Pennsylvania, and settled on it. The Lackawaxen Creek ran right + through it, and that then lovely stream was literally alive with speckled + trout. From the day we entered our log house there I was a <i>fisher</i>-boy. + I caught trout every day in the summer, for a big spring rose within a rod + of the house and from it ran a lively brook to the main stream, ten rods + away, and even a pin-hook and linen thread would draw them out. + </p> + <p> + As I grew older I would go with my father to the big eddies and deep + holes, where he would lure the largest to his fly and I was only too—too + utterly happy when allowed to wade waist deep in the water to carry or + float his string of trout toward home. + </p> + <p> + Since then never a summer has passed, except when actively engaged in + naval or military service for my country, that has not found me fishing + somewhere. I have covered the best waters in Maine, New Hampshire and + Vermont; Canada and the British Provinces know me of old; California, + Oregon and British Columbia—all along the Big Rockies—have + seen me testing flies and bait, the former often tied rudely on the spur + of necessity, but generally very effectively. For where trout are <i>very</i> + plenty, food is scarce, and they will bite at anything. I speak of trout + mostly, for that is my <i>favorite</i> fish. Salmon next, although the + work comes in when you strike anything oyer eight or ten pounds, and sport + degenerates when it becomes <i>labor</i>. I have heard of "labors of + love," but I never took stock in anything of the kind. + </p> + <p> + In all this active piscatorial life, I have studied <i>Fishermen</i> as + well as fish. And I have come to the conclusion which opens this article—that + fishermen are <i>born</i> for it and can't he manufactured out of <i>raw</i> + material! + </p> + <p> + I have felt thankful to our Father above that nine out of ten of the <i>tourists</i> + who take to the streams in easy reach, are indifferent fishermen. For + thereby the streams still contain fish. Were all who fish in them skillful + and hoggish, in a little while there would be no fishing except in + "far-away" places, difficult to reach. + </p> + <p> + I do not claim to hold a Master's Degree as a fly-fisherman. + </p> + <p> + I do delight in the art, for one of the arts and sciences it surely is. I + have bowed my head in reverence before the skilled hand of my dear friend, + George Dawson—now beside the bright waters of the Happy Land above. + I have stood silent and pleased while Seth Green deftly made casts which I + could only feebly imitate. + </p> + <p> + Yet those who know me best say that I <i>can</i> use a fly-rod and catch + trout and salmon therewith, so I essay a few words on the subject, + speaking only from my own experience. I have never been observant enough + to see a trout strout strike a fly with his tail, drown it and then eat + it. I always take a trout in the mouth on my fly—generally hooked in + the upper lip, showing that he does <i>his</i> part of the business in a + straightforward way and does not come tail first to the lure. + </p> + <p> + I own to be a little particular about my rod, the middle joint not too + limber, but with back-bone as well as spring; it suits me if it tapers so + as to describe a perfect arc when the tip is brought near to the butt. I + specify no makers—though I own to favorites in that line. I wish to + make no petty jealousies here. + </p> + <p> + A rod as near ten feet long as may be, for trout fishing, weight from + seven to eight ounces, never over ten, with the reel close to and <i>under</i> + the butt; an easy running click-reel; a line of braided hair and silk, + strong and weighty enough for a cast against the wind as well as with it; + a clear, strong, looped leader for a quick change of flies; a book well + supplied with the latter to give the speckled beauties a choice, and I am + ready for work. + </p> + <p> + The idea of special flies for special seasons of the year I have found to + be a humbug. Trout are exceedingly whimsical about flies. Watch those that + are on the stream, see which the trout leap for and get as near the like + of them as your book will allow. + </p> + <p> + Always, if possible, fish down stream. It is easier. You can detect + swirls, eddies, shaded pools, coverts of rock, mossy-banks and overhanging + branches, from above, better than below. Trout do not scare so easily that + a cast of fifteen or twenty feet will not find them ready to rise if they + are hungry. You have also the aid of the current in guiding your fly to + each coveted spot after it touches the water. + </p> + <p> + Enter a stream, say its average width is seventy-five or one hundred feet, + few of our mountain streams are so much, and a skilled rodster can cover + it with ease—for wading down lie chooses his water, makes his casts, + seldom over twenty or twenty-five feet of line to a cast, much of oftener + less, and in "good waters" fills his creel. + </p> + <p> + For a forward cast, with your line as far out as may be necessary for the + distance, throw your rod sharply back to an angle of not over fifteen + degrees, and then bring it forward quickly till, as your line and flies + are extended, the tip is on a level with your breast, never lower so as to + dip water. With a line "taut," so to speak, if a trout rises as your fly + or flies touch the stream, a sharp, quick turn of the wrist will strike + the hook home and secure him. Your strike must be firm and decisive; give + the trout one second to understand and he <i>spits</i> the fly out. Laugh + if you will, but that is what he does. + </p> + <p> + When hooked, if not too large for your tackle, <i>draw</i> the trout + swiftly to you, <i>lift</i> him out, and break his neck, by bending back + the head where it joins the back-bone. Thus he is out of pain, and does + not bruise and flop himself soft, while dying, in your creel. "Playing" a + trout for the mere fun of the thing, is unnecessary torture; besides, you + frighten more than you secure, in the process. A very large trout, of + course, must be weakened in the water, but many fishermen think there is + no sport without they "play" a fish, no matter how small he is. + </p> + <p> + Never cast a foot more line than you need. You cannot gather slack half as + easy as you can pay it out. + </p> + <p> + In regard to flies—I have found the brighter the day, as a general + thing, the darker fly do trout want. At early dawn, or in the soft + twilight of evening, a very light fly—a Coachman, is best. Next, + Gray Miller, and especially the Stone fly. I use more Coachmen, Black + Gnats and Stone flies in <i>one</i> season, than I do of all other flies + put together in three summers. + </p> + <p> + Be sure, of all things, that your line runs easy through the standing + guides, or guide-rings. I like the former best. + </p> + <p> + In casting right or left, to reach under bushy or over-hanging limbs, the + same sharp, or quick action which makes an over-cast successful, is + required, and great care not to draw any slack line when your fly drops + where you want it. + </p> + <p> + Many fly-fishermen are considered adepts according to the <i>length</i> + rather than the grace and certainty of their casts. I do not think in + actual stream fishing an average of a day's casting, would reach over + fifteen feet to a cast. I never made but one <i>very</i> long cast in + actual angling in my life. + </p> + <p> + Once, on the bank of a mill-pond in the upper part of Alder Brook, in + Ulster County, N. Y., I saw a trout in shoal water, the largest I ever + caught in that vicinity. To reach him without alarm, I cast seventy-two + feet, <i>measured</i> afterward from a knot on my line near my reel, and + got my fish. + </p> + <p> + He weighed two and a quarter pounds, and I had to play him some to save + him. + </p> + <p> + And now, with a word to young fishermen and old <i>beginners</i>, I will + close. + </p> + <p> + Learn first to cast a line and take a trout with bait before you try a + fly. You will thereby gain confidence, learn to hook your fish at the + instant he strikes, and gain the supple use of arm and wrist which makes + the fly-fisherman skillful. + </p> + <p> + My dear wife, by whose sick bed I pen these words, for one long joyous + summer in camp, fished by my side, using bait while she saw me casting no + lure but flies. + </p> + <p> + The next time we went on the stream she had a six-ounce fly-rod, and fifty + beautiful trout in two hours to her basket proved how apt a pupil she had + been. + </p> + <p> + With many words of cheer to all who love the glorious pastime, I remain, + as of yore—Uncle Ned—<i>a born fisherman</i>. + </p> + <p> + "Eagle's Nest," Delaware Co., N. Y. + </p> + <p> + "There are two peculiarities of all sorts of fish, which are frequently + unnoticed; that they are largely attracted to their food by scent, and + that they feed at night."—<i>Seth Green</i>. + </p> + <p> + "The first and last object of the fly-fisher is to show as much of the fly + to the fish as possible, and as little of anything else."—<i>Francis + Francis</i>. + </p> + <p> + "The notion of the main mass of anglers would appear to be, that if an + unusually cunning fish takes up an impregnable-looking position he is to + be religiously left unassailed. 'Breakers ahead!' seem to be scented by + the over-cautious pliers of the rod, when the chances of conquest are + really 'as even' as in less dangerous localities; and even supposing this + were not so, the greater the difficulties the more exciting the sport, and + the keener the pleasure."—<i>David Foster.</i> + </p> + <p> + (Illustration Missing) + </p> + <p> + 26. Manchester. + </p> + <p> + 27. Blue Jay. + </p> + <p> + 28. Imperial. + </p> + <p> + 29. McLeod. + </p> + <p> + 30. Black and Gold. + </p> + <p> + 31. White and Jungle Cock. + </p> + <p> + "Many men of fame, even equal to Dr. Johnson's, have been eminent as + anglers, and have redeemed and disculpated angling from his surly and + foolish sneer."—<i>John Lyle King.</i> + </p> + <p> + "I invariably endeavor, when dressing a fly, to imitate the living insect; + still I have seen nondescript flies beat all the palmer hackles and the + most life-like flies that ever graced a casting-line."—"<i>Frank + Forester</i>." + </p> + <p> + "If we are content with an ungainly fly, we will be satisfied with + inferiority of rod and tackle; and although the fish may not see the + difference, the angler may become, from neglecting one point, slovenly in + all. A well-made fly is a beautiful object, an ill-made one an eye-sore + and annoyance; and it is a great satisfaction both to exhibit and examine + a well-filled book of handsomely tied flies."—<i>R. B. Roosevelt</i>. + </p> + <p> + "What is life, after all, but just going a-fishing all the time, casting + flies on many rivers and lakes, and going quietly home as the day is + ending?"—<i>W. C. Prime.</i> + </p> + <p> + "This fishing story is at an end; not for want of material, for there are + other scenes and other times of equal pleasure that crowd my memory as I + write these lines. And so it will ever be to you, my friend, should you, + even in your later years, take up the angler's art: it grows with its + growth, and strengthens with its strength, and, if uncurbed, may + perchance, with many of us, become a passion. + </p> + <p> + "But, for all that, it will fill the storehouse of our memories with many + a scene of unalloyed pleasure, which in the sunset of life we may look + back upon with fondest satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + "If in the minds of any one of you who as yet are ignorant of the charm of + fishing, as it has here been revealed. I have induced the desire for a + test, 'Stand not upon the order of your going, but go at once,' provided + it be the season, and, the word of an old fisherman for it, you will thank + me for these random pages."—<i>Charles W. Stevens.</i> + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Fishing With The Fly, by +Charles F. Orvis and Others + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FISHING WITH THE FLY *** + +***** This file should be named 46680-h.htm or 46680-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/4/6/6/8/46680/ + +Produced by David Widger from page images generously +provided by the Internet Archive + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of +the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at +www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have +to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. + + + +Title: Fishing With The Fly + Illustrated + +Author: Charles F. Orvis and Others + +Release Date: August 25, 2014 [EBook #46680] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FISHING WITH THE FLY *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger from page images generously +provided by the Internet Archive + + + + + + + +FISHING WITH THE FLY + +By Charles F. Orvis and Others + +Copyright 1883 + + "Together let us beat this ample field, + + Try what the open, what the covert yield." + +--Pope. + +"Gentlemen, let not prejudice prepossess you. I confess my discourse is +like to prove suitable to my recreation, calm and quiet. So much for the +prologue of what I mean to say."--Izaac Walton. + + + + +FISHING WITH THE FLY. + + + + +ETCHINGS ON A SALMON STREAM. + +By Charles Hallock + +I suppose that all that can he instructively written of the salmon has +already been said. The processes of natural and artificial propagation +have become familiar to all who desire to learn; the secrets of their +periodical migrations--their advents and their absences--have been +fathomed from the depths of ocean; their form and beauty have been lined +by the artist's brush, and their flavor (in cans) is known to all the +world where commerce spreads her wings. And yet, the subject always +carries with it a perennial freshness and piquancy, which is renewed +with each recurring spring, and enhanced by every utterance which +attempts to make it vocal; just as the heavenly choirs repeat the +anthem of the constructed universe intoned to the music of the assenting +spheres! The enthusiasm which constantly invests it like a halo has not +been dissipated or abated by the persistent pursuit of many centuries, +albeit the sentiments of to-day are but the rehearsal of the original +inspiration, and present knowledge the hereditary outcome of ancient +germs. + +All down the ages echo has answered echo, and the sounding forks have +transmitted orally the accented annals wherever the lordly salmon swims. + +Now, hold rhapsody, and let us look to the river! Do you mark the regal +presence in yonder glinting pool, upon which the sun flashes with an +intensity which reveals the smallest pebble on the bottom? Nay? You +cannot see that salmon, just there at the curl of the rapid? Nor his +knightly retinue drawn up there abreast just behind him in supporting +position? Then, my friend, you are indeed a novice on the river, and the +refraction of the solar rays upon its surface blinds your unaccustomed +eyes. Well, they do certainly look but shadows in the quiet pool, so +motionless and inanimate, or but counterfeiting the swaying of the +pensile rock-weeds of the middle stream. What comfortable satisfaction +or foreboding premonitions do you imagine possess the noble lord while +he is taking his recuperative rest in the middle chamber, after passing +from his matriculation in the sea? Faith! you can almost read his +emotions in the slow pulsations of his pectoral fins, and the inflection +of his throbbing tail! Perhaps he shrinks from the barricade of rock and +foam before him; or hesitates to essay the royal arch above the gorge, +which reflects in prismatic hues of emblematic glory the mist and +mysteries of the unattempted passage. + +And his doughty squires around him; do they share his misgivings, or +are they all royal bloods together, _sans peur sans reproche_, in scaled +armiture of blue and silver, eager to attain the land of promise and +the ultimate degree of revelation? Ah! the way is indeed beset with +difficulties and crucial tests, but its end is joy and the fulness of +knowledge: and "knowledge is the beginning of life." + +Let us go nearer, and with caution. Ha! what flash was that across the +pool, so swift and sudden that it seemed to begin and end at once? It +sped like a silver arrow across the line of sight, but it was not a +silver arrow; only _the salmon_ on his route up stream, at the rate of +90 miles per hour. Were it not for the obstructions of the cascades and +the long rapids, and perchance the wicked set-nets of the fishermen, +it would not take him long to accomplish his journey to the head of the +stream, and there prepare for the spawning-beds. But were-the way to +procreation made thus easy, and should all the salmon of a season's +hatching survive, they would stock their native rivers so full in a +couple of years that there would be no room for them. So the sacrifice +of life is necessary that life may continue. Strange the paradox! + +I love to see the salmon leap in the sunlight on the first flood of a +"June rise," and I love to hear his splash in the darkness of the still +night, when the place where he jumped can be determined only by the +sound, unless perchance his break in the water disturbed the reflection +of a star. I have stood on heights afar off at the opening of the +season, ere my unconsecrated rod had chance to exercise its magic, or my +lips and feet to kiss the river, and with the combined exhilaration of +impatience, desire, and joy, watched the incessant spirits of silvery +spray until my chained and chafed spirit almost broke at the strain; +and I have lain on my couch at midnight sleepless and kept awake by +the constant splash of the salmon leaps. More interesting, if not so +stimulating, is the leap of the salmon at obstructing falls, with the +air filled with dozens of darting, tumbling, and falling fish--the foam +dashing and sparkling in the sun, the air resonant with roar, and damp +with the ever-tossing spray. Nay, more: I have seen a fall whose breast +was an unbroken sheet thirty feet perpendicular, inclosed by lateral +abutments of shelving crags which had been honey-combed by the churning +of the water in time of flood; and over these crags the side-flow of +the falls ran in struggling rivulets, filling up the holes and providing +little reservoirs of temporary rest and refreshment for the running +salmon; and I have actually seen and caught with my hands a twelve-pound +salmon which had worked its way nearly to the counterscarp of the +topmost ledge in its almost successful effort to surmount a barrier so +insuperable! Surely, the example of such consummate pertinacity should +teach men to laugh at average obstacles which stand in the pathway of +their ambition! + +I always become enthusiastic oyer the rugged grandeur of some Canadian +rivers with which I am familiar. + +We have no such rivers in our own domain, except on the Pacific slope; +and except in parts of Scotland and Norway, the streams of Europe must +be tame in comparison. It is because so few of our own anglers have +the experience to enable them to draw contrasts, that they do not more +appreciate the charm of salmon fishing. Even a vivid description +fails to enforce the reality upon their comprehension, and they remain +listless and content with smaller game. Beyond the circumscribed horizon +of grass-meadows and the mountain trout streams of New England and the +Blue Ridge their vision does not reach. There is a higher plane both of +eminence and art. + +Opportunely for man's periodical proclivities, nature has given to +salmon and green peas a vernal flavor and adaptation to each other, as +well as to his desires, so that, when the spring comes around they act +directly on his liver, expelling all the effete accumulations of +winter, stimulating the action of the nerves and brain, and imparting an +irresistible desire to go a-fishing. They oil the hinges of the tongue +and keep it wagging until June. When that auspicious, leafy +month arrives, not all the cares of State will hold a President, +Vice-President, or even a Vice-Regent, from taking his annual outing on +the salmon streams. Representatives of royalty and representatives of +republicanism join sympathies and hands. The Governor-General of Canada +sails to his favorite river in a government vessel with her officers in +full panoply of brass buttons and navy-blue. The President of the United +States abandons the well-worn star routes for more congenial by-paths. +Wealthy Americans in private yachts steam away to the tributaries of the +St. Lawrence, and clubs cross lines on their exclusive casting grounds. +The humbler citizen, with more limited purse, betakes his solitary way +to the rehabilitated streams of Maine, enjoys fair sport, and while he +fishes, thanks the indefatigable Fish Commissioners of the State for the +good work which they have accomplished. + +"So everybody is happy, and nobody left out; and therefore so long as +the season lasts--Hurrah for Salmon and Green Peas, and vive la Salmo +Salar! I may, peradventure, give you some instructions that may be of +use even in your own rivers; and shall bring you acquainted with +more flies than Father Walton has taken notice of in his Complete +Angler."--Charles Cotton. + +"Eh, man! what a conceit it is when ye reach a fine run on a warm spring +mornin', the wuds hatchin' wi' birds, an' dauds o' licht noos and thans +glintin' on the water; an' the water itsel' in trim order, a wee doon, +after a nicht's spate, and wi' a drap o' porter in't, an' rowin' and +bubblin' ower the big stanes, curlin' into the linn and oot o't; and you +up tae the henches in a dark neuk whaur the fish canna see ye; an' than +to get a lang cast in the breeze that soughs in the bushes, an' see yer +flee licht in the verra place ye want, quiet as a midge lichts on yer +nose, or a bumbee on a flower o' clover."--Norman McLeod, D.D. + +"Salmon fishing is confessedly the highest department in the school of +angling."--George Dawson. + +[Illustration: 0016] + + +1. Prince Wm. of Orange. + +2. Butcher. + +3. Jock Scott. + +4. Silver Doctor. + +5. Fairy + +6. Silver Gray. + +7. Curtis. + + +"The noblest of fish, the mighty salmon, refuses bait utterly, and only +with the most artistic tackle and the greatest skill can he be taken; +the trout, which ranks second to the salmon, demands an almost equal +perfection of bait, and in his true season, the genial days of spring +and summer, scorns every allurement but the tempting fly. The black bass +prefers the fly, but will take the trolling spoon, and even bait, at all +seasons; whereas the fish of lesser station give a preference to bait, +or accept it alone. This order of precedence sufficiently proves what +every thorough sportsman will endorse--that bait fishing, although an +art of intricacy and difficulty, is altogether inferior to the science +of fly fishing."--_Robert B. Roosevelt._ + +"Sometimes a body may keep threshin' the water for a week without +seein' a snout--and sometimes a bodyhyucks a fish at the very first +thrau!"--_Christopher North._ + +"Salmon fishing is, to all other kinds of angling, as buck shooting to +shooting of any meaner description. The salmon is in this particular the +king of fish. It requires a dexterous hand and an accurate eye to raise +and strike him; and when this is achieved, the sport is only begun, +where, even in trout angling, unless in case of an unusually lively +and strong fish, it is at once commenced and ended. Indeed the most +sprightly trout that ever was hooked, shows mere child's play in +comparison to a fresh run salmon."--_Sir Walter Scott._ + +"'I chose the largest fly I could find,' said the captain, 'because +the water here is very deep and strong; and as the salmon lies near the +bottom I must have a large fly to attract his attention; but I must not +have a gaudy fly, because the water is so clear that the sparkle of the +tinsel would be more glittering than anything in nature; and the fish, +when he had risen and come near enough to distinguish it, would be very +apt to turn short.' + +"'You have it now, precisely,' said the parson; 'the depth of the +water regulates the size of the fly, and the clearness of the water +its colors. This rule, of course, is not without exceptions; if it were +there would be no science in fishing. The sun, the wind, the season, +the state of the atmosphere, must also be taken into consideration; for +instance, this rapid we are going to fish now, is the very same water +we have been fishing in below, and therefore just as clear, but it is +rough, and overhung by rocks and trees. I mean therefore to put on a +gayer fly than any we have used hitherto.'"--_Rev. Henry Newland._ + +"I unhesitatingly assert that there is no single moment with horse or +gun into which is concentrated such a thrill of hope, fear, expectation, +and exultation, as that of the rise and successful striking of a heavy +salmon. I have seen men literally unable to stand, or to hold their rod, +from sheer excitement."--_H. Choimondeley Pennell._ + + + + +FLY CASTING FOR SALMON. + +By George Dawson. + +There is no essential difference between trout and salmon casting. The +same general principles apply to both, and it only requires the careful +application of the skill attained in 'the one to become equally expert +in the other. The difference is simply the difference in weight. A +twelve-foot trout rod weighs, say, eight ounces, and an eighteen-foot +salmon rod, with reel, weighs two or three times as much. The one can +be manipulated with one hand; the other requires both. With the one you +ordinarily cast forty or fifty feet; with the other sixty or eighty; and +with rods equally approximating perfection, it is as easy to cast the +eighty feet with the one as the forty feet with the other. I do not mean +to say that no more muscular exertion is required in the one case than +in the other, but simply that with such slight effort as is necessary +with either, it is as easy to place your fly where you wish it with the +one rod as with the other. No great muscular exertion is necessary to +cast with either. Indeed, the chief difficulty in casting is to get rid +of the idea that a great deal of muscular effort is necessary to get out +a long line. That coveted result is not to be attained by mere muscle. +If you have a giant's strength you mustn't use it like a giant. If you +do you will never make a long or a graceful cast with either trout +or salmon rod. With both there must be only such strength used as +is necessary to give the line a quick but not a snappy back +movement--keeping up the motion evenly until the fly is placed where you +desire it. + +The most difficult attainment, in both salmon and trout casting, is to +be able, with instinctive accuracy, to measure the distance traversed +by the backward movement of your line. If you begin the return too soon +your line will snap and thereby endanger your fly; if you are too tardy +it will droop and thereby lose the continuity of tension indispensable +to a graceful and effective forward movement. This essential art +can only be attained by practice. Some attain it readily; others +never;--just as some measure time in music with unerring accuracy, +without a teacher; some only acquire the art after protracted drilling, +and others never acquire it at all. + +There is almost as perfect rhythm in fly-casting as in music. Given a +definite length of line and the expert can measure his cast by his one, +two, three, four, as accurately as a teacher can regulate the time of +his orchestra by the movement of his _baton_. While this is true in +casting with either rod it is most noticeable in easting for salmon. +The heavy line, the massive springy rod, and the great distance to be +traversed, render each movement--the lift from the water, the backward +flight of the line, the return motion, and the drop at the point +desired--as distinct to a quick perception as the beat of a bar in +music. + +But there are occasions when it would not do to cast by count. If the +wind is strong in any direction the movement of the line is perceptibly +effected; and if the wind happens to be at your back, it requires great +skill and care to counteract its influence and secure satisfactory +results. With such a wind, unless you are perfect master of the +situation, you will be apt to snap off more flies in an hour than you +will be likely to lose legitimately in a fortnight. Nine-tenths of all +the flies I ever lost took their departure before I learned how to cast +safely with a high wind at my back. + +In many salmon rivers the pools are so placed and the general body +of water is of such depth that you can always cast from your anchored +canoe. As, under such circumstances, there are no obstructions behind +you, less care is required in keeping your fly well up in its backward +flight than when casting from the shore--as in some rivers you always +have to do. + +In the salmon season the water is usually well down in the banks, and +in many rivers the slope from high water mark to the summer channel is +considerable. In casting, as a rule, you stand near the water; unless, +therefore, you cast high--that is, unless you keep your fly well up +in its backward flight it will almost certainly come in contact with +a stone or boulder of some sort and be broken. To avoid this mishap +requires great care. You must keep the point of your rod well up +always--several degrees higher than when casting on the water. My first +experience in shore-casting where the banks had a precipitous slope cost +me a great many pet flies; and I never got to feel really "at home" in +casting under such circumstances. It detracts from the sport when +your mind is occupied with the proper swing of the line. But enough of +ecstacy remains to enable one to overlook this inconsiderable drawback. +Only give the angler an opportunity to cast from any sort of standpoint +and he will speedily discover the proper lift and swing to overcome any +obstacle, and be happy. + +Salmon casting--especially the frequency of the cast--depends largely +upon the character of the water you are fishing. If the pool is straight +and narrow and the current strong, and you are casting from a canoe, you +can so manipulate your fly as to render frequent casts unnecessary--the +important thing being not to let your fly sink, as it is not likely to +do in such a current. In large pools where the current is sluggish, as +is sometimes the case, frequent casts are necessary in order to touch it +at every point with your fly on the surface. Where you are able to cast +across a pool, if the current moves with a moderate force, you can sweep +it at each cast by giving your rod the proper motion. This latter class +of pools are those most coveted, because you can cover a great deal +of ground with very little effort. If you fall in with a pool--as +you sometimes will--where the current is so sluggish as to be almost +imperceptible, frequent casts are unavoidable. Without them, not only +will your fly sink, but your line will soon acquire a slack which not +only gives one an uncomfortable feeling but is unsafe in case of a rise. +The very first requisite in salmon fishing is a taut line. It is not +only requisite for safety, but without it it is impossible to promptly +and properly recover your line for a new cast. + +But there is nothing so tests a salmon angler's skill and patience as +to cast in an eddy or whirl. No matter how carefully or at what distance +one casts, the moment the fly touches the water it begins to come back +upon you, compelling constant casting if you cast at all. The result +is a great deal of hard work with very little effect, because to keep a +straight line your fly must be lifted almost the very moment it finds a +lodgment on the surface. In such a pool one soon becomes weary with his +efforts to place and hold his fly in the desired position, for it is not +often that he is rewarded by a rise. Since my first experience in such a +pool I have never hankered after its counterpart. And yet it was a sort +of success in this wray: Having become tired casting I allowed my fly +to go as it pleased. It was soon out of sight, having been drawn down by +one of the whirls, and in reeling up to prevent its being twisted around +the rock I presumed to be the primary cause of the whirl, I found myself +hooked to a fish which had taken my fly at least ten or twelve feet +below the surface. When I first felt him he came up as easily as a +six-ounce chub, and I supposed I had nothing heavier than a medium sized +trout. But as soon as he felt the hook and saw my canoe he showed his +mettle, and gave me just such a fight as I might have expected from a +twenty-pound salmon, as he proved to be. That was the first and last +salmon I ever took with the fly so far under water. The rule with some +anglers is "to let the fly sink a little"; my rule is never to let it +sink at all. When a fish strikes I want to see him. There is no movement +that so thrills and delights me as the rush of the salmon for the fly. +To me, half the pleasure of a rise is lost if I don't see the head and +shoulders of the kingly fish when he leaps for the lure. + +The manner of casting is almost as varied as the casters themselves. You +will seldom see two salmon anglers cast precisely alike. Some cast with +a straight backward and forward movement, without the divergence of +a hair. Others secure a half sweep to the line by giving the backward +movement over the left shoulder and the return over the right, or _vice +versa_. Still others almost invariably cast sideways, or "under" as it +is called, seldom lifting their rod perpendicularly. Some stand as erect +and motionless as a statue when they cast. Others sway to and fro as +if they made their body rather than their arms do the work; and others +still push themselves forward as they cast, as if they were not sure +their fly would reach its destination unless they followed it. These, +however, are simple mannerisms. Each may be equally expert--that is, +equally successful in placing his fly just where he wants it and just at +such distance as he please. My own preference and practice is, a slight +sway of the body and a nearly straight backward and forward movement of +the line. There are, of course, occasions when a semicircle sweep of the +line, or a lateral movement, or an under cast is necessary to reach +some desired objective point. All these movements, when they are deemed +necessary, will come from experience; but for unobstructed waters I +prefer a straight cast, and only such slight motion of the body as +will give occasional respite to the arms; for it is no boy's play to +so handle a ponderous salmon rod for hours in succession as to give the +needed sweep to an eighty-foot line. + +The flies used for salmon are more numerous and varied than those used +for trout, and quite as uncertain and puzzling to those who use them. I +have taken salmon, as I have taken trout, out of the same water within +the same hour with flies of directly opposite hues, and of shapes and +sizes which were the counterpart of nothing "in the heavens above, +in the earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth." There are, +however, standard flies which experience has shown to be generally more +"taking" than others, and for this sufficient reason are always found +in salmon anglers' fly books. But no expert deems any fly or any dozen +flies invariably adapted to all waters and all conditions of wind and +weather. It is superlative nonsense, therefore, to multiply varieties +indefinitely. It is only necessary to have an "assortment," gaudy and +sombre, large and small, but plenty of them. It is very unpleasant to +run short when you are two or three hundred miles away from "the shop." +Those who have had any considerable experience know just what they want, +and the only safe thing for the novice to do, when ready to lay in his +stock, is to seek advice of someone who knows something of what may be +required in the waters to be visited. + +And then let him go to the quiet and roaring rivers where salmon +congregate, experiment with such flies as he has, lure the fish by his +skilful casts, strike quick, fight hard, and be happy. + +Albany, Dec. 7th, 1882. + + + + +THE SALMON AND TROUT OF ALASKA. + +By L. A. Beardslee, Captain D. S. Navy. + +From the great salmon of the Yukon, to the tiny fingerlings, which in +innumerable quantities throng in the various creeks of Alaska, and are +as ambitious to seize a single salmon egg as are their larger brethren +to appropriate great masses of the same, however illy the bait may cover +and disguise the hook which impales it, there is not, I am convinced, +an Alaskan fish, which through any merit of its own, is entitled to +an introduction to the angling fraternity through the medium of this +volume, and to the companionship of the beautiful fac-similes of the +flies, which in life they scorned. + +From personal observation and collected information, I am prepared to +accuse all of the salmon family which are found in Alaska, of the grave +offence of utterly ignoring the fly, either as food or plaything, and of +depending upon more gross and substantial resources. + +They are odd fish, and require peculiar treatment both in catching and +discussing. And it is to this cause alone that they are indebted for the +honor of being made honorary members of the gallant band of game-fishes +of which this volume treats. + +I have selected them as the subject of my contribution, because a +single glance at the array of well-known names of those who are to be +my co-contributors, convinced me that if I wished to present any new, +interesting, or valuable facts upon any icthyological subjects within +my range, I would have to travel well out of the ordinary tracks, and go +prospecting in some "far countree." + +This I have done, and I feel confident that I alone of the contributors +have been forced by circumstances over which I had no control, into a +situation where the obtaining of my notes became pleasure instead of +toil. + +The notes which will be woven into this paper are not all of them +entirely new. Some have entered into a series of letters, which over +the signature "Piseco" have appeared in the columns of the _Forest and +Stream_, during 1879-80-81. Through the courtesy of the editor of that +journal, I am permitted to again make use of them. + +I have preferred a grave charge against the salmon and trout of Alaska; +it is but just that I should explain the basis upon which it is founded, +and endeavor to establish my claim to be somewhat of an authority on the +subject. + +From the middle of June, 1879, to the latter part of September, 1880, I, +as the commander of the U. S. ship of war _Jamestown_, was stationed +in the Territory of Alaska, with general instructions to restore and +preserve order among the incongruous collections of Whites, Creoles, and +Indians of which the inhabitants of that forsaken country was composed. + +My command was moored in Sitka Harbor, but during the two summers and +autumns of my sojourn, my duties called upon me to make frequent trips +of from ten to two hundred miles, to various portions of the Territory. + +These trips were made in small steamers which I hired, steam launches +and boats of the ship, and Indian canoes, and in them I explored many +of the straits and sounds which separate the islands of the Alexander +Archipelago. + +Naturally fond of fishing and gunning, my Orvis rods, with full +assortment of flies, all gear necessary for salt-water fishing, and my +rifle and shot-gun, were my inseparable companions; and after days spent +in explorations, sometimes of bays and sounds never before entered by +white men, and in one case of a large bay forty miles deep by fifteen +broad, existing where the latest charts showed solid land only, my +evenings were spent poring over works on natural history, icthyology, +and ornithology, and jotting down in my note-book descriptions of my +finds. Such jolly times! One day a mineral lode, another great flocks of +ptarmigan, another a bear, a mountain sheep, or some new fish--gave me +something to dream of. + +The Alexander Archipelago, of which Baranoff, Kruzoff, and Tchitagofi +Islands are the principal, is separated from the coast by Chatham +Strait, which, beginning at the southward as a continuation of Puget +Sound reaches to above 60 deg. north at Chilkhat; it is from three to ten +miles wide, deep and steep, too, throughout, bordered on the coast side +by high, heavily timbered, snow-clad mountains, and on the other by +high wooded islands. On both sides, many of the ravines are occupied by +immense glaciers, from which flow icy streams, the birthplace of salmon. + +Running nearly east and west there are several straits and sounds +connecting Chatham Strait with the Pacific Ocean, of which Peril +Strait, Icy Strait, and Cross Sound, are the principal. These, too, +are bordered, as is Chatham Straits, and are the homes of glaciers and +glacial streams. + +Many of these streams I have personally fished, and among those under my +command were several with kindred tastes, and I became possessed of the +results of their experience. + +I have read all that I could find of works on Alaska, and since my +return have naturally conversed much with every one whom I have met who +had also an Alaskan episode in his life, and have collected testimony +on the point at issue. One and all affirm that my experience has been +theirs, and the most strenuous efforts with well selected flies have +failed to record a single capture of trout or salmon. The first bit of +evidence I collected is worth recording. When the news that the Yankees +had purchased Alaska, and thus become owners of the land north as well +as south of British Columbia, was communicated to the Scotch Admiral +of the English squadron at Victoria, Vancouver's Island, he ejaculated, +"_Dom the country! let 'em have it; the blausted saumon won't rise to a +floi._" Such was our united experience and verdict. + +Of course, as we caught no end of them (trout and salmon) there were +baits which would seduce them, and these were, for the trout, salmon +roe, and for the salmon, live herrings. + +There was no poetry in our trout fishing, for compared with salmon roe +in slippery, sticky, slimy chunks, fish worms are aesthetically dainty. + +There are several little lakes and more streams in the vicinity of +Sitka; some within reach for a day's fishing, and some within an hour's. +The principal of these are _Piseco Lake_ and stream, back of and running +through the town; _Indian River_ and pond, _Saw-Mill_ creek and lakes, +from one to five miles to the eastward; the _Redoubt_ river, lake, and +fall, seven miles to the southward; and a nameless lake and outlet on +Kruzoff Island, the lake embedded in a deep valley, one side of which is +formed by the foot-hills of Mount Edgecomb, a noble, eternally snow-clad +extinct volcano. In all of these trout or salmon are abundant in the +season; in some both, and in some are found species which do not exist +in others. + +At the "_Redoubt_" I believe that all varieties and species are found. +The place is named from a huge dam winch the Russians built across the +mouth of a deep and wide ravine, thus forming a large lake of the river +which here empties into the sea. The dam is provided with a number of +salmon gates and traps. From the first run to the last, every passing +school leaves here its tribute, seduced by the proximity of the +beautiful lake; which tribute, duly smoked or salted, is barrelled for +the San Francisco market by a very "lone fisherman," a Russian who for +many years, without other companionship than his klootchman (Indian +wife) and dogs, has devoted his life to the business. + +If in this paper I make an occasional blunder, by transposition, +or misapplication of the terms "specie" and "variety," or fail on a +scientific nomenclature, I beg that it will be remembered that my claim +is not to be an authority on icthyology, when such names are necessary, +but on Alaska fish, which get along very well with their English, +Indian, or Russian names. + +I find in my note-book memoranda of the capture of +_bathymaster-signatus, chirus deccagramus, and even a +cotlus-polycicantliocejrfialous_, but had not Professor Bean instructed +me, I should have continued (and I believe I did) to call the first two +after the fish they most resembled, viz., rock cod and sea bass; and +of the last named I have lost and forgotten the description. But we +can spare him; the salmon and trout will, I feel sure, furnish all the +material needed, and I will confine myself to them. + + +THE SALMON. + +Five species of salmon haye been identified as found in Alaska; these +are: + +The Oncorhynchus Chouicha, + +The Oncorhynchus Keta, + +The Oncorhynchus Nerka, + +The Oncorhynchus Kisutch, + +The Oncorhynchus Garbosha. + +I am indebted to Professor Bean for the above list. In it I recognize +some familiar Russian names, and I will supplement the nomenclature. The +"_Keta_" is the big hump-backed salmon of the Yukon, sometimes attaining +a weight of sixty pounds; the _Nerha_ is also called by the Russians +_Crassnarebia_, or red-fleshed; and the distinction is well made, for +compared with it, the flesh of the other species seems to fade into +pink; the "_Kisutch_" or "black throat" is so called on account of the +intense blackness of the roof of the mouth and throat; the flesh is +lighter red than the _Nerkas_, but more so than any other species, +and as a table fish it excels all others, bringing twice the price at +retail; the _Garbosha_ is the small hump-back, and strikingly resembles +the "red fish" of Idaho. This is the only salmon that I am sure +ascends any of the streams near Sitka, except at the Redoubt, where +the _Kisutch_ and _Crassna-rebia_ are taken in late August and +early September. The common name for the _garbosha_ is the +"dog salmon," and a more _hideous_ object than one of them as found +swimming listlessly or dying in one of the pools, it is hard to conceive +of. I find this note of description: "Aug. 26th.--In a shallow pool +I saw a fish some two feet long, feebly struggling as though he were +trying to push himself ashore. I picked him up and laid him on the +grass. A sicker fish never continued to wag his tail; his skin was +yellow, picked out with green and blue spots, from an inch to three +in diameter; and one on his side was about an inch wide and six inches +long, bleeding and raw as though gnawed by mice. One eye was gone, one +gill cover eaten through, and every fin and the tail were but ragged +bristles, all web between the rays having disappeared." + +The first run of the salmon is well worth description. About the middle +of May, varying from year to year by a few days only, the inhabitants of +dull, sleepy old Sitka experience a sensation, and are aroused from the +lethargy in which they have existed through the long winter. The word +spreads like wildfire, _the salmon are coming!_ Everybody rushes to the +heights which furnish prospect, and strain their eyes for confirmation. + +One of our sailors, musically inclined, paraphrased very neatly the old +song, "_The Campbells are Coming!_ huzza! huzza!" and achieved fame by +portraying the emotions nightly under the lee of the forecastle. + +So good an outlook has been kept by the keen-eyed Indians, and the +Creole boy in the belfry of the Greek church, that when first the glad +tidings are announced, the fish are many miles away, and no signs of +their advent visible to the unpracticed eye. Ear away to the southward, +there hangs all winter a dense black bank, the accumulation of the +constant uprising of vapor from the warm surface of the Kuro-siwo, +or Japanese Gulf Stream, which washes the shores of this archipelago; +condensed by the cold winds sweeping over the snow-clad mountains to +the northward, it is swept by them, and piled up as far as the eye can +reach, covering and hiding the southern horizon as with a pall. + +Presently our glasses reveal bright flashes upon the face of this +curtain; and soon, to the naked eye, it appears as though the whole +horizon had been encircled with a coral reef, against which the dashing +waves were being shattered into foamy breakers. The breakers advance, +and soon among them we discern black, rapidly-moving forms, and here +our previous nautical experience comes into play, and, "Holymither, d'ye +mind the say pigs!" as shouted by Paddy Sullivan, the captain of the +afterguard, explains most graphically the phenomenon. + +The salmon _are_ coming, and with them, among, and after them, a host +of porpoises; an army so great, that an attempt to estimate in numbers +would be futile. + +The Bay and Sound of Sitka are dotted with many beautiful, well-wooded +islands; between them, the channels are deep and blue, and these are +soon thronged by the fleeing salmon and their pursuers; the harbor is +soon reached; but it does not prove one of safety, for although there +are immense flats covered only at half to whole tide, where the salmon +could, and the porpoises could not go, the former avoid them, and, +clinging to the deep water, seek vainly the protection of our ship and +boats, which do not deter the porpoises in the slightest degree. For +two or three days, our eyes, and at night, our ears, tell us that the +warfare, or rather massacre, is unceasing; then there comes an interval +of several days, during which there are no salmon nor porpoises. + +I had formed an idea, a wrong one, that the presence of salmon would be +made manifest by the leaping of the fish; on the contrary, were we to +judge by this sign alone, but very few had visited us. + +The first school had hardly gotten fairly into the harbor, before I, +with others, was in pursuit. + +The cannery boats, and Indians, with their seines, and I with a trolling +line and fly-rod. + +A single fish apparently, was at intervals of perhaps a minute, leaping +near a point. Indian Dick, one of my staff, excitedly pointed that way, +and urged me to go. "_There! there! sawmo sugataheen_" (plenty). I +was inclined to look elsewhere, or wait for a larger school; but Dick +remonstrated, "_Man see one fish jump, sir, may be got thousand don't +jump, be under_." And Dick was right; but a very small percentage leap +from the water, of which I became more fully convinced when I went with +Tom McCauley, head fisherman of the cannery, on seining trips, or +rather on a seining trip, for the affair disgusted me; and, as with my +experience of Spanish bull-fighting, one trial was enough. Imagine so +many fish that _tons_ were the units used in estimating, penned up by +the walls of the seines, into an enclosure, massed so solidly that five +Indians, striking rapidly at random into the mass, with short-handled +gaff hooks, at such rate that, upon one day's fishing, this boat, +manned by eight Indians and one white man, secured _thirteen tons_ of +marketable fish. It was bloody, nasty butchery, and sickened me. Not a +fish attempted to leap out of the net. + +McCauley supplied me with some data, from his point of view. + +"_About the middle of June, the fish are plentiful enough to start the +cannery, and the season lasts from ten to twelve weeks" He has observed +"Seven different kinds of salmon, all of which are good for canning and +for the table; but two species which come latest are the most valuable, +the flesh being very red and rich with oil_" (Kisutch and Crassna +Rebia); that "_all of the salmon 'dog' more or less, and that the +dogging begins immediately after they have attempted to enter the +streams, not before August; that after this process has begun_ (and he +discovered it in fish which, to my unexperienced eyes showed no signs of +it) _the value for canning was depreciated_," and all such he rejected, +and gave to the flock of poor Indians, who, in their canoes, followed +us to secure them. If McCauley's ideas are correct, the Alaska salmon +caught in salt water, should be superior to those of the Columbia River +and elsewhere, caught in brackish water. During the season of 1879 there +was packed at this cannery, 144,000 lbs. of fish; the largest catch +of any one day was 30,000 lbs. (over 16 tons); the greatest quantity +canned, 9,000 lbs.; the largest fish obtained, 51 lbs.; and the average +weight 12 lbs. The cost of the fish can be estimated at less than +one cent per pound. Just what "dogging" is, I don't know. McCauley's +opinion, which was shared by many others familiar with the fishing, is +that it is a sickness indicated by a change of form and color, produced +by contact with fresh water, and that the most hideously hump-backed, +hook-jawed, red and purple garbosha, was once a straight-backed, comely +fish; which, if true, upsets some theories. All I know about it is, that +previous to the advent of the garboshas, in August, no change of form +and color is observable in any of the fish, none of which enter the +streams. During August, at the same time and place in the creeks, there +can be seen garbosha salmon in all stages of the transformation, and +the change in form and color is coincident. Some are silvery and nearly +straight; others tarnished, and with slight elevation of back; others +red, with greater protuberance; and finally, some purple-red, with fully +developed humps, which more than double their height above the median +line; and these monsters the Indians like best, and say that they are +better for smoking than any other. + +Another idea which I had imbibed in regard to salmon, became greatly +modified by my experience. I thought, and I believe many do, that the +instinct which prompts the salmon to run in from the sea, is to reach, +by the shortest route, the place of birth; and that they make a straight +wake from the ocean to the mouth of their native creeks; and that while +impelled by this instinct, they refrain altogether from food. In all +of this, I think that I was mistaken; and that the fish which begin to +swarm in Sitka Harbor in May, and continue coming and going for nearly +three months before any enter the stream, are simply visitors, which, +on their way north, are driven in to seek shelter from the porpoises and +other enemies. + +That they feed at this time, I have plenty of evidence. We caught small +ones, on hand-lines baited with venison. Numbers were taken trolling, +using any ordinary spoon. I had with me pickerel, bass, and lake trout +spoons, of brass and silvery surface. All were successful, the silvery +ones the most so. + +And I had many good strikes upon _spectabilis_ or salmon trout, of six +to eight inches, spun on a gang and trolled. The Indians in Chatham +Strait catch a great many upon hooks baited with live herring; these are +attached to short lines, which are fastened to duckshaped wooden buoys, +and allowed to float away from the canoe. I have myself been present at +the capture of a number in this manner. + +The Greek Priest, and companies of the least poor of the Creoles, own +seine boats, which go out daily; and after every fair clay's seining the +sandy beach in front of Russian town presents a picturesque appearance, +dotted as it is with heaps of from one to three tons of salmon, whose +silvery sheen reflects the light of the bonfires, around which, knives +in hand, squat all the old squaws and children, cleaning on shares. +Nearly all of the fish taken by them are smoked for winter's use. + +Every glacial stream in Alaska is, in its season, full of salmon, +alive and dead. One, which for want of a better, was given my name, and +appears on the charts as _Beardslee_ River, I will describe; for in it I +saw, for the first time, that which had been described to me, but which +I had doubted; a stream so crowded with fish that one could hardly wade +it and not step on them; this and other as interesting sights fell to me +that pleasant August day. + +As we, in our little steamer, neared _William Henry Bay_, situated +on the west side of _Chatham Strait_, and an indentation of _Baranoff +Island_, we found ourselves in a pea-green sea, dotted here and there +with the backs of garbosha salmon; the fish, which were of the few that +had survived the crisis of reproduction, having drifted out of the +hay, and with their huge humps projecting, were swimming aimlessly, +and apparently blindly (for after anchoring, they would run against our +boats, and directly into hands held out to catch them), in the brackish +surface water; made so and given its peculiar color by the water of +Beardslee River, which arising at the foot of a glacier, had been fed +by rivulets from others on its course to the sea, and through its lower +specific gravity, rested upon the salt water. These sick salmon were so +plentiful that I thought that a large percentage had lived and escaped +the danger, but upon landing at the mouth of the river, saw that I was +mistaken. For several miles the river meanders through an alluvial flat, +the moraine of receded glaciers. The moraine was covered with a thick +growth of timothy and wild barley, some standing six feet in height; +much more pressed flat by layers, three and four deep, of dead salmon, +which had been left by the waters falling. Thousands of gulls and fish +crows were feeding upon the eyes and entrails of these fish, and in the +soft mud innumerable tracks of bears and other animals were interspersed +with bodiless heads of salmon, showing that they, too, had attended the +feast. I waded the river for over two miles, and the scene was +always the same. That wade was one to be remembered. In advance of +me generally, but checked at times by shoal water, there rushed a +struggling and splashing mass of salmon, and when through the shoaling, +or by turning a short corner, I got among them, progress was almost +impossible; they were around me, under me, and once when, through +stepping on one I fell, I fancy over me. All were headed up stream, and +I presumed, ascending, until, while resting on a dry rock, I noticed +that many, although _headed up_, were actually slowly _drifting down +stream_. + +In many pools that I passed, the gravel bottom was hollowed out into +great wallows, from which, as I approached, crowds of salmon would +dart; and I could see that the bottom was thickly covered with eggs, and +feasting on them were numbers of immense salmon trout. + +I saw frequently the act of spawning; and I saw once, a greedy trout +rush at a female salmon, seize the exuding ova, and tear it away, and +I thought that perhaps in some such rushes, lay the explanation of the +wounds which so frequently are found on the female salmon's belly after +spawning. + +At first, I thought there were two species of salmon in the creek; one +unmistakably the hideous garboslia, the other a dark straight-backed +fish; but upon examining quite a number of each variety which I had +picked up, I found that all the hump-backed fish were males, and the +others all females; that is, all that I examined; but as they were all +spent fish, I could not be sure. I therefore shot quite a number of +livelier ones, and found confirmation. + +I saw one female that was just finishing spawning. She lay quiet, as +though faint, for a couple of minutes, then began to topple slowly over +on to her side, recovered herself, and then, as though suddenly startled +from a deep sleep, darted forward, and thrust herself half of her length +out of the water, upon a gravel bar, and continued to work her way until +she was completely out of water, and there I left her to die. + +A very large proportion of the fish were more or less bruised and +discolored; and upon nearly all there extended oyer the belly a fungoid +growth resembling rough yellow blotting paper. + +The size of the fish was quite uniform, ranging from two feet to thirty +inches. + +But that I had seen the living spent fish in the bay, I could have +readily believed the truth of the impression of many, that the act of +spawning terminates the life of the salmon of the Pacific coast. + +One more point on the salmon, and I will leave them. + +Upon our first arrival, we all indulged very heartily upon them, and in +two or three days, a new disease made its appearance among us. A number +of us were seized with very severe gripes and cramps, and these lasted, +in all cases, for several days, and in some for a much longer period, +two of the men becoming so reduced that it was necessary to send them +to hospital. The direct cause, our doctor ascertained, was the diet +of salmon to which we had taken; and by regulating and reducing the +consumption, the difficulties were checked. + +In conclusion, I would say that I have made every effort that would +naturally occur to a fisherman to take Alaska salmon with flies, of +which I had good assortment, and never got a rise. + + +ALASKA TROUT. + +I am indebted to Professor Tarleton II. Bean for a classification of the +various trout, of which specimens had been duly bottled and labelled, +during our stay in Alaska. I had fancied, from differences in the +markings, that I had _five_ species at the least, but Bean ruthlessly +cut the number down to three, viz.: + +_Salvelina Malma, or Spectabilis, or Bairdil_ + +_Salmo Gardnieri_, and + +_Salmo Purpuratus_, or Clark's trout. + + +The first named, called commonly by us the salmon trout, was abundant in +all of the streams, from about middle of June until middle of September, +evidently timing their arrival and departure by the movements of the +salmon, upon whose eggs they live. I have noted, on June 1st, "No salmon +trout yet in any of the streams. Several fine, large ones captured by +the Indians in nets set in sea." Ten days after, the streams were full +of them, and in the earlier part of the interim many would run into the +pools of the lower parts with the flooding tide, and out again on the +ebb. + +When they left us in September, it is probable that they migrated +south, for in a letter to _Forest and Stream_, dated Portland, Oregon, +September 28, a correspondent states that, in that month, "there begins +to appear in the streams near the Columbia river, a trout," whose +description tallies exactly with that of the _spec-tabilis_, except that +the correspondent speaks of their affording _fine sport with the fly_; +this the trout while in Alaska fails to do. At first, the _spectabilis_ +affect the rapids, but after a few days seek the deep pools, where they +gather in great numbers, and bite ravenously on hooks covered with spawn +and sunk to the bottom. Occasionally, when spawn was out, we used a bit +of fresh venison; but at the best they cared little for it, and when +the blood became soaked out, the bait was useless. Although fairly gamey +when hooked, fishing for these trout was but a poor substitute, for one +who had felt and remembered the thrills caused by sudden strikes of our +Adirondack fish. I have often when pool-fishing, seen them leisurely +approach the bait, and nibble at it as a dainty, full-fed kitten will at +a bit of meat, and when one did get the hook, we found it out only by a +slight resistance to the series of light twitches which it was necessary +to give it. They have evidently been taught by experience that salmon +roe is not apt to attempt escape. The usual size of the fish ranged from +six to twelve inches--now and then one larger. The largest taken by any +of us, near Sitka, fell victim to my "salmon spawn fly," and gave +my little Orvis rod half an hour's good work. It measured twenty-one +inches, but was very light for the length, weighing but two and +three-quarter pounds. At the Redoubt river, much larger ones were taken; +and two which I shot in Beardslee river were over two feet in length; +how much they weighed I never found out, for their surroundings of +sick and dying salmon, upon whose eggs they were feeding, prejudiced me +against them and I left them. + +In shape and color the _spectabilis_ vary greatly, both factors +depending upon the length of time they have been in fresh water. When +fresh run, they are long and lean, shaped somewhat like the lake trout +of Adirondack lakes. The colors are dark lustrous olive-green back, +growing lighter as the median line is approached, and blending into a +silvery gray tint, which pales to a pure white on the belly; the green +portion is sprinkled with golden specks; the flesh is hard, and very +good for the table. After a yery short sojourn in the creek, bright +crimson specks appear among the golden, which, however, fade to a pale +yellow; the lustre of the green disappears, they become heavier, but the +flesh becomes soft and uneatable, and the skin is covered with slime. +Salmon trout taken late in August and early in September, were full of +ripe ova. + +Professor Bean placed some fish, that had been taken in salt water, into +a bucket of fresh, and the crimson spots made their appearance in less +than a day. + +When fully decked with these, and fattened, they resembled our +_fontanalis_ greatly--the head, however, being somewhat larger, and the +tail less square. + +_Salmo Gardneri_. My acquaintance with this species is yery limited. The +first one that I saw I took in Sawmill Creek, well up to the head, in +September, 1879. Seeing that it differed greatly from the _spectabilis_, +I preserved it in alcohol, and it was subsequently identified by +Professor Bean. It measured a trifle over ten inches, and was very +plump, weighing seven and a quarter ounces. In my notes, I describe it +thus: "Body, dark green on back, but in general colors very much like +a steel head or quinnat salmon; covered with round, black spots, from +one-sixteenth to one-eighth inch in diameter; these extend considerably +below the median line, and the tail and dorsal fins are covered +with them; the second dorsal adipose, but less so than that of the +_fontanalis_, having a slight show of membrane, on which there are four +spots; ventral and anal fins, yellowish in centre, bordered with red; +belly, dull white; tail, nearly square; scales, quite large, about the +size of those of a fingerling chub; flesh, firm; and skin, not slimy. No +signs of ova or milt." + +On the 28th of April, 1880, I made note: "The first salmon of the season +made their debut to-day--that is, if they are salmon, which I doubt. + +"Five beauties, from thirty to forty inches long, were brought +alongside, in a canoe paddled by a wild-looking and awe-struck Siwash, +who, with his crouching Klootchman and papoose, gazed upon our ship, +guns, and us with an expression that showed them to be unfamiliar +sights. He was evidently a stranger, and was taken in, for he took +willingly two bits (25 cents) each for the fish, and no Sitka Siwasli +but would have charged treble the price. Through an interpreter, I +learned that he had spent the last seven months in a shanty on the +western side of Kruzoff Island, and that well up, among the foot-hills +of Mount Edgecomb, there was a little lake, from which there flowed a +small stream into the Pacific, and that in the headwaters of this stream +he had speared these fish, which run up the stream in the fall, remain +all winter in the lake, and in early spring spawn in the head of the +outlet." + +All of this militated strongly against the theory that they were salmon, +and when, on being dressed, the females were found to be full of ripe +ova, said theory was upset completely. My ten-inch specimen of last +September supplied us with a clue, and it was soon decided that these +magnificent fish were indeed trout; for in every respect except size, +and size of spots, some of which were a quarter of an inch in diameter, +the fish were identical. Whitford, the oldest inhabitant, confirmed +the Indian's story, and gave me in addition the Indian name for the +fish--_Quot_ and that of the Russians, which I forget, but it meant +"Mountain Trout," and said that they are found only in the lakes, high +up in the mountains, and that in winter the Indians spear and catch them +through holes in the ice. + +We found the flesh to be very delicious--far more so than the best of +the salmon. The processes of cooking, both by broiling and boiling, had +a curious effect, for the flesh, which, when uncooked, was of a very +bright red, blanched to pure white. + +The trip to Mount Edgecomb, in the early spring, involved hardship and +danger; and although several of us resolved that we would undertake +it, for the sake of such fish, somehow we never did, and I have thus +described all of the _gardneri_ that I ever saw. + +_Salmo purpuratus (Clarkii)_. The most beautiful of the trout family, +although in no way equal to our Eastern trout in any other respect. + +The _purpuratus_ is a lake trout, and found only in low-lying lakes. +Just back of Sitka, at the foot of the mountains, and elevated perhaps +twenty feet above the sea, is a little lake dubbed by me "_Piseco_". + +Handy to get at, and its outlet running through the centre of the town, +it became, in early spring, our first resort for fishing. Arriving in +June, 1879, many of us had, through days of fruitless endeavor, during +the summer and autumn, grown to disbelieve the tales of the inhabitants, +that this lake abounded in trout; but on the 20th of May, 1880, from +somewhere, there thronged the shallow edges, among the lily pads, great +schools of these trout, and for about two weeks there was no limit to +the number one could take of them. Salmon spawn was the best bait, but a +bit of venison would answer. A fly they would not rise to. In size, they +ranged from six to twelve inches--the latter size being, however, very +exceptional; their average was about eight inches. The description in my +notes is: "Specimen, May 27th. Length, nine and one-half inches; depth, +two and three-eighth inches; weight, five ounces; colors--back, rich, +dark brown, growing lighter toward medial line; at which, covering it +for a space of half an inch, there is a longitudinal stripe of rich +purple, extending from opercle nearly to tail; below the median line, +bright olive-green, lightening to silvery white on belly. All of the +tinted portion is profusely sprinkled with oval black spots, which mark +also the dorsal, caudal, and adipose fins; the ventral and anal fins are +yellowish bordered with crimson; tail, nearly square. + +"The entire tinted portion has a beautiful golden iridescence, so that +when held in the sunlight, and looked at from the rear, it seems to be +gilded." It may be noticed that, with the exception of the purple stripe +and the golden iridescence, the description of this fish is almost +identical with that of the _gardneri_. I think it quite possible that +they are the same at different ages, and that later in life these +Clarkii may become ambitious and seek more lofty lakes. None that were +taken contained ova. + +Where they came from, unless they run up the inlet at night, no one +found out, for although closely watched in the daytime, none were ever +seen in it. + +After about two weeks the greater portion disappeared, and although +sought in the deep waters of the lake, could not be found. Major William +Governeur Morris, the Collector of Customs of Alaska, assures me, +however, that during the summer of 1882, he found certain places in the +lake where he caught them until August. On July 4th he with a friend +catching four hundred and three in three hours, baiting with a single +salmon egg. + +I am not sure that we could not have again found them, but the fishing +having grown slack in the lake, and growing daily better in the creeks, +we spent most of our time on the latter. + + +COMPARISON OF ALASKA WITH EASTERN TROUT. + +The principal differences between the Alaska and Eastern trout are, +first, all Alaskans have hyoid teeth, the eastern trout have not. + +No Alaskan trout will take a fly. All Alaskan trout, I think, spend a +portion of their lives in salt water. Length being equal, the Alaska +trout, with the exception of the Gardneri, or mountain trout, are +lighter than those of our eastern streams. + +Using as a standard the average weight of a number of ten-inch +Adirondack trout, the following table will show this: + +[Illustration: 0051] + + Fontanalis-Adirondack, length 10 inches, + Fresh-run Spectabilis, " 10 " + Crimson-specked " 10.3 " + Sal mo Clarkii, " 9 " + Salmo Gardneri, " 10.1 " + +In conclusion, I must again request that this contribution shall not be +considered and judged as an attempt to scientifically describe the fish +treated upon, but rather as what it really is, a condensation of the +field-notes of an amateur angler. + +I have, in giving the sizes, weights, and other data in regard to the +Alaska salmon and trout, depended almost entirely upon my personal +knowledge and experience; it may not be out of place to add to them some +data gathered from reliable authorities. + +In his report on the resources of Alaska, Major Mm. Governeur Morris +writes: "Sixty thousand Indians and several thousand Aleuts and +Esquimaux depend for the most part upon dried salmon for their winter +sustenance." + +The Hon. Wm. S. Hodge, formerly Mayor of Sitka, states in an official +report: "And additional testimony comes to us from numerous persons, +that at Cook's Inlet the salmon average in weight sixty pounds, and some +of them reach a weight of one hundred and twenty pounds, and Mr. T. G. +Murphy only last week brought down from there on the _Newbern_ a barrel +full, containing only _four_ fish." Surgeon Thomas T. Minor, who some +years ago visited Cook's Inlet, in connection with business of the +Smithsonian Institution, makes statements which confirm the foregoing. + +In the vicinity of Klawaek a cannery is established. A catch of seven +thousand fish at one haul of the seines is not unusual, many weighing +over forty pounds. + +Mr. Frederick Whymper, artist to the Russian Overland Telegraph +Expedition, says in his well-written and interesting account of his +adventures: "The Yukon salmon is by no means to be despised. One large +variety is so rich that there is no necessity when frying it to put fat +in the pan. The fish sometimes measure five feet in length, and I have +seen boats whose sides were made of the tough skin." + +And a writer who, if disposed to strain the truth would not do so to say +anything in favor of Alaska, says in an article in Harper's Magazine, +Vol. LV. page 815: "The number of spawning fish that ascend the Yukon +every June or July is something fabulous.... It would appear reasonable +to anticipate, therefore, the adoption by our fishermen of some +machinery by which they can visit the Yukon when the salmon begin to +run, and while they ascend the river catch a million pounds a day, for +the raw material is there, of the largest size, the finest flavor, and +the greatest number known to any stream in the world.'" + +My general views about Alaska differ widely from those of the writer, +but on the salmon question, I indorse all I have quoted, excepting only +the word flavor. + +I do not think the Alaska salmon equal in this respect to those of the +Atlantic coast, and far behind those of the Rhine; they are, however, +superior to those of the Columbia River. + +In speaking of the salmon, I find I have omitted to mention that in +early spring, before the arrival of the salmon trout, and after their +departure in fall, great quantities of fingerling salmon pervaded the +streams, and bit eagerly at any kind of meat bait. + +While the _spectabilis_ were present, these little fellows kept out of +sight and notice. + +Since the body of this paper was written there has been on exhibition by +Mr. Blackford, of Fulton Market, Yew York, a number of trout, pronounced +to be the _salmo irideus_, one of which, weighing fifteen pounds, was +sent to the Smithsonian Institution, and there identified by Professor +Bean as being "_Salmo gardneri, the great trout of Edgecomb Lake_." + +I, studying these fish in their glass tank, did not form this opinion, +for Blackford's trout had a broad red band extending from just back of +the eye to the tail, covering the opercule, a marking not existing on +any of the Edgecomb trout I have seen. But the Professor assures me that +"_color on the lateral line is not a specific character_." On comparing +my notes of description of these fish, I find that in all other respects +they did appear identical, hence that the conclusion arrived at by +Prof. Bean, that "the _gardneri_ and the _irideus_ (or rainbow trout of +McCloud River), are identical seems well founded. If so, and my crude +supposition that the Clarkii, obtained in Piseco Lake near Sitka are +also identical with the gardneri turns out to be correct, there can be +a condensation of nomenclature, which will lead to at least one valuable +result from this paper. + +"No sooner had the barbed hook fastened in its insidious hold, and the +impaled monarch learned that he was captive, than every effort of his +lithe and agile frame was brought into play to recover freedom. In every +struggle, in every effort to burst thee bonds that made him captive, +there was an utter recklesness of consequences, a disregard for life +that was previously unknown, as from side to side of the pool he rushed, +or headlong stemmed the sweeping current. Nor did the hero confine +himself to His own element; again and again he burst from its surface +to fall back fatigued, but not conquered. The battle was a severe one, a +struggle to the death; and when the landing net placed the victim at +my feet, I felt that he had died the death of a hero. Such was my first +sea-trout, no gamer, truly, than hundreds I have captured since; +but what can be expected of a race of which every member is a +hero?"--_Parker Gilmore_. + +"If, indeed, you be an angler, join us and welcome, for then it is known +to you that no man is in perfect condition to enjoy scenery unless +he have a fly-rod in his hand and a fly-book in his pocket."--_Wm. G. +Prime_. + +"It was something more than a splendid trout that he brought to our view +as we met him at the landing. The young heart in the old body--the +genuine enthusiasm of the veteran angler--the glorification of the +gentle art which has soothed and comforted many an aged philosopher--all +this he revealed to us, and we wanted to lift the grand old man to our +shoulders and bear him in reverent triumph up the ascent."--A. Judd +Northrop. + +"From the fisherman's point of view, the sea trout is equal to the +finest grilse that ever ascended Tay or Tweed, exceeding, as he does, +for gameness and pertinacity every other British fish."--_David +Foster_. + +[Illustration: 0056] + +1. Silver Doctor. + +2. Scarlet Ibis. + +3. Black June. + +4. Gray Drake. + +5. Captain. + +6.'Academy. + +"As to flies, the indifference of sea-trout about kind, when they are in +the humor to take any, almost warrants the belief of some anglers that +they leap in mere sport at whatever chances to be floating. It is true +they will take incredible combinations, as if color-blind and blind to +form. But experiments on their caprice are not safe. If their desire is +to be tempted, that may most surely be done with three insects, adapted +to proper places and seasons. One need not go beyond the range of a +red-bodied fly with blue tip and wood-duck wings for ordinary use, a +small all gray fly for low water in bright light, and a yellowish fly, +green striped and winged with curlew feathers, for a fine cast under the +alders for the patriarchs."--_A. R. Macdonough_. + +"His tackle, for brieht airless days, is o' gossamere; and at a wee +distance aff, you think he's fishin' without ony line ava, till whirr +gangs the pirn, and up springs the sea-trout, silver-brieht, twa yards +out o' the water, by a delicate jerk o' the wrist, hyucked inextricably +by the tongue clean ower the barb o' the kirby-bend. Midge-flees!"--_The +Ettrick Shepherd_. + +"O, sir, doubt not but that Angling is an art; is it not an art to +deceive a trout with an artificial fly?"--_Izaak-Walton._ + +"Sea-trout show themselves wherever salmon are found, but not always +simultaneously with them. In rivers where the salmon run begins in +May or early June, you need not look for sea-trout in any considerable +numbers before well on into July. Intermediately they are found in +tide-water at the mouths of the salmon rivers, and often in such numbers +and of such weight as give the angler superb sport."--_George Dawson_. + + + + +SEA-TROUT. + +By Fitz James Fitch. + +Sunday morning, August 2, 1874, found us, Mr. A. R. Macdonough and +me, at Tadousac, a French. Canadian village, very small for its age, +situated on the northeast shore of the Saguenay River, one and a half +miles from the junction of its dark and mighty waters with the turbid +and mightier St. Lawrence. This day was the beginning of the culmination +of four months of preparation for a month's release from the business +world, its toil, care and worry. The preparations began with the payment +of $150 in gold--$171.20 currency--the rent named in a lease securing +to us the exclusive right to fish a river on the north shore of, and +emptying into, the St. Lawrence many miles below the Saguenay. We left +New York sweltering in a temperature that sent the mercury up to the +nineties; were fanned by the cool evening breeze of the Hudson, and +later by the cooler breath of the old Catskills, around which cluster +the recollections and associations of thirty years of my life. We had +travelled by rail to Montreal, 412 miles, and spent a day there; by +steamboat to Quebec, 180 miles, where we passed twenty-four hours. +We had left this, the most interesting city of English-speaking North +America, in the morning by steamboat, and, after a day of delights +upon this majestic river, the St. Lawrence, reached L'Anse a l'Eau, the +landing for Tadousac, 130 miles, in the evening of August 1st. + +We felt as we walked out upon the wide piazza of the Tadousac Hotel +that + + "summer Sunday morn + + When Nature's face was fair," + +and looked up that mysterious river, the Saguenay, and upon its +castellated mountains of granite, that indeed "the lines had fallen to +us in pleasant places." We had reached the end, as our course lay, of +railroads and steamboat lines, and must finish our journey in _chaloupe_ +and birch-bark canoe. We were there to leave civilization and its +conveniences for nature and primitive modes of life. In the story I +am relating my progress up to this point has been as rapid as was our +transit. From this point on it must correspond with our slower mode of +progression; and hence there must be more of detail in what follows. +I hope, but cannot expect, that the reader will find the change as +agreeable and free from irksomeness as we found our _chaloupe_, canoe, +tent, and life in the woods. + +After an excellent breakfast, we lighted cigars and walked down to the +humble cottage of my guide, David, on the beach of the little bay of +Tadousac, who had in charge our tents, stores, camp equipments, +and three new birch-bark canoes, ordered months before, +and for which we paid $75 in gold. David paddled us out to our +_chaloupe_, anchored in the bay, and introduced me to Captain Edward +Ovington, master, and his nephew, Fabian, a lad of sixteen or seventeen +years, his mate. The _chaloupe_ was thirty feet "fore and aft;" beam, +9 1/2 feet. Six or eight feet aft we called the quarter-deck. A +comfortable seat surrounded three sides of it, affording sittings for +eight or ten persons. Next forward of this, and separated from it by a +bulkhead, was a space of six or eight feet for freight. Next came our +cabin, eight by nine feet, and just high enough to enable us to sit +upright on the low shelf which was to serve as a seat by day and bed +at night. Then came the forecastle, in which was a very small cooking +stove. The vessel was rigged with main and topmast, strengthened by +iron shrouds, with a large mainsail, topsail, jib and "jigger," as it +is called by Canadian boatmen. It was in respect to the jigger that the +craft differed from a sloop-rigged yacht or boat. Clear aft, and back +of the rudder-post, was a mast about fifteen feet high; running from +the stern of the vessel was a stationary jigger boom, something like the +jib-boom, except that it was horizontal; on these was rigged a sail in +shape like the mainsail. The boat was a fair sailer, strong, well built, +and from four to six tons burden. In returning to the hotel we stopped +at and entered the little French Roman Catholic Church. It is not known +when it was erected. Jacques Cartier, in his second visit to America, +in 1535, explored the Saguenay; and Father Marquette made Tadousac his +residence for a short time. When he first came to this country in 1665, +tradition tells us, he established a mission there and built a log +chapel on the site where the church we entered stands. The latter is a +wooden building, about twenty-five by thirty feet, with a handsome altar +placed in a recess chancel, the rear wall of which is adorned with three +oil paintings. The centre one, over the altar, wras the Crucifixion. +A small porch, or vestibule, of rough boards, had been added in modern +times. A little antique bell swung in the belfry on the east gable, +which was surmounted by an iron floriated cross. The church was filled +with devout _habitans_, mainly--there was a sprinkling of summer +boarders and anglers--who listened with apparent interest to the +extempore sermon of a young French priest of prepossessing appearance +and manner. In the afternoon I attended the English Episcopal Church, +about a mile from the hotel, and midway between Tadousac and L'Anse +a l'Eau. Here I felt quite at home, enjoyed the services, and joined +heartily in the prayer for the "Queen, the Royal Family, and all who are +in authority." I was compelled to put a U. S. greenback, to represent my +contribution of one dollar, upon the plate. I have been sorry ever +since that I did not secure a reputation for honesty and fair dealing by +adding a dime to pay the premium on gold, and thus make good our (then) +depreciated currency. + +August 3d.--A gray flannel suit and shirt were donned this morning. +Our fishing clothes and paraphernalia were packed in large canvas bags, +toilet articles, etc., in grip sacks, and all else left in our Saratoga +trunks, and in charge of the hotel manager until our return. At 11 +o'clock we walked down to the beach where David and the Captain met us +with our respective canoes. I asked "Dah-veede" (he was very particular +about the pronunciation of his name), "how shall I dispose of myself in +this cranky thing?" + +"Sit down on the bottom, sir." The latter part of the sitting process +was rather emphatic. I wondered how I was to get up! All being on board +the good _chaloupe_ Quebec, the sails were spread to the breeze, and by +one o'clock we had beat out of the bay, down the Saguenay, and were on +the St. Lawrence. As we sailed, the canoes which had been in tow were +hoisted on deck; one, turned upon its side, was lashed to the shrouds +of the vessel on either side, and the third, turned bottom up, was laid +upon the cabin deck. The wind was N. W., and favorable, so that we made +about eight knots an hour. We landed at Escomains, to take on +board Pierre Jacques, a full-blooded Indian, possessing the usual +characteristics of his race--laziness and love of whiskey. He was Mr. +Macdonough's guide; and, despite the weaknesses mentioned, proved a +good guide and a most skilful canoeist. We continued to sail until ten +o'clock at night, when we dropped anchor. The night was dark and rainy, +the wind fresh, and the river very rough, causing our little craft +to dance, roll, and pitch in a most disgusting manner. We had no +seasickness on board, but much wakefulness on my side of the cabin. +Being thus "Rocked in the cradle of the deep," was not a success as a +soporific, in my case, at least. + +_August 4th_.--Seven o'clock, A. M. We have been sailing since daylight +this morning, and are now at anchor near the Sault au Cochon. Mr. +Macdonough had occasion to visit a country store near the falls, and +suggested that I try to catch a trout for breakfast. The stream which +empties into the St. Lawrence here is of considerable size--say forty +feet wide--and pours over a ledge of rocks, or precipice, about fifty +feet in height, into the head of a small bay. The water under and near +the fall is very rough and swift. My guide launched my canoe, paddled +me out, and placed me in such a position that I could cast in the eddy +formed by the swift waters from the fall. With a hornbeam rod, of ten +ounces in weight, and twelve feet in length, armed with two flies, I +whipped the waters. A few casts brought up a trout. I saw its head as it +rose for my dropper, struck, and hooked the fish. It ran down with the +current, my click reel singing the tune so delightful to anglers' ears, +until near one hundred feet of line was out. Placing my gloved thumb +upon the barrel of the reel, I checked its progress. The trout dashed +right and left, from and towards me, at times putting my tackle to a +severe test. It kept below the surface of the water; therefore, I could +only judge of the size of my captive by the strength it exerted in its +efforts to escape. My enthusiastic guide was much excited, and cheered +me by such remarks as, "Juge he big trout. He weigh three, four, five +pounds! He very big trout!" I concurred in his opinion, as it often +required the utmost strength of my right hand and wrist to hold my rod +at the proper angle. After playing the fish fifteen or twenty minutes, +without its showing any signs of exhaustion, I slowly, and by sheer +force, reeled the fish to the canoe, and my guide scooped it out +with the landing net. I then discovered it was not the monster we had +supposed it to be, but that it was hooked by the tail fly at the roots +of the caudal fin. The fish was killed, by a blow upon the head, and +weighed. The scales showed two pounds two ounces. The guide paddled +ashore, and upon the rocks near the falls built a fire, and prepared our +breakfast. The fish was split open on the back, spread out upon a plank, +to which it was secured by wooden pegs, set up before the fire, and +thus broiled, or more properly, roasted. A more delicious trout I never +tasted. + +Up to this point, what has been written has been abstracted from the +prolix journal that I kept of this bout. + +As I have taken my first sea-trout from Canadian waters it is fitting +that I turn to the subject of this article, + + +SEA-TROUT. + +Like all anadromous fishes its "ways are dark and past finding out." +Hence scientists, naturalists, anglers and guides differ widely and +materially in regard to its proper name, its species, and its habits. +Scarcely any two writers upon the subject have agreed in all these +points. Sea-trout (_Salmo Trutta_) abound in northern Europe. As stated +by Foster in his "Scientific Angler," in "nearly every beck and burn, +loch and river of Scotland and Ireland; and are readily taken with a +fly." These sea-trout have been mentioned and described by many eminent +writers--Sir Humphry Davy, Yarrel, Foster, and others. The description +given of this fish, the number of rays in its fins, its coloring and +markings, and lastly the absence of all red or vermilion spots render it +absolutely certain that they are not in species identical with the sea +trout of the Dominion of Canada. + +As is shown by Thaddeus Norris, in his admirable work, "The American +Angler's Book," conclusively I think, the supposed identity of the two +kinds of sea-trout mentioned have led many writers astray when speaking +of the sea-trout found in American waters. + +Norris has applied to the latter fish the name _Salmo Canadensis_, +given, I believe, by Col. Hamilton Smith, in 1834. Whether icthyologists +can find a better or more appropriate one matters not. It is desirable +that there be a name to distinguish this fish from all others, and this +one, if generally adopted, will serve all necessary purposes. + +In describing the fish Norris writes thus: "A Canadian trout, fresh from +the sea, as compared with the brook trout, has larger and more distinct +scales; the form is not so much compressed; the markings on the back are +lighter and not so vermiculated in form, but resemble more the broken +segments of a circle; it has fewer red spots, which are also less +distinct." He also thinks the sea-trout, until they attain the weight +of two pounds, more slender in form. Again I quote verbatim: "In color, +when fresh run from the sea, this fish is a light, bluish green on the +back, light silvery gray on the sides, and brilliant white on the belly; +the ventral and anal fins entirely white; the pectorals brownish blue in +front and the posterior rays rosy white. The tail is quite forked in the +young fish, as in all the salmonidae, but when fully grown is slightly +lunate." + +Genio C. Scott, who laid no claim to being a scientist, but who was +a close observer, also compares the same fish, which he calls the +Silver-trout or sea-trout, _Trutta Argentina_, or _Trutta Marina_, with +the brook trout. He says, "The sea-trout is similar to the brook-trout +in all facial peculiarities. It is shaped like the brook-trout. The +vermicular marks on the back, and above the lateral line, are like those +of the brook-trout; its vermicular white and amber dots are like the +brook-trout's; its fins are like the brook-trout's, even to the square +or slightly lunate end of the tail. It has the amber back and silver +sides of such brook-trout as have access to the estuary food of the eggs +of different fishes, the young herring," etc. + +These descriptions differ but little, and are, I believe, as accurate +in the main as can be given. Both these writers, as will be seen, are +discussing, and have taken opposite sides upon the question, whether the +Canadian sea-trout is an anadromous brook-trout. This question was very +well presented by Mr. Macdonough (my companion) in an article entitled +"Sea-Trout Fishing," published in _Scribner's Monthly Magazine_ for May, +1877. He begins thus: "What is a sea-trout? A problem to begin with, +though quite a minor one, since naturalists have for some time past kept +specimens waiting their leisure to decide whether he is a cadet of +the noble salmon race, or merely the chief of the familiar brook-trout +tribe. Science inclines to the former view upon certain slight but sure +indications noted in spines and gill covers. The witness of guides and +gaffers leads the same way; and the Indians all say that the habits of +the sea-trout and brook-trout differ, and that the contrast between the +markings of the two kinds of fish taken from the same pool, forbids the +idea of their identity. Yet the testimony of many accomplished sportsmen +affirms it. The gradual change of color in the same fish as he ascends +the stream from plain silvery gray to deepest dotted bronze; his haunts +at the lower end of pools, behind rocks, and among roots; his action in +taking the fly with an upward leap, not downwards from above--all +these resemblances support the theory that the sea-trout is only an +anadromous brook-trout.... Indeed the difference in color between the +brook-trout and sea-trout ranges within a far narrower scale than that +between parr, grilse, and salmon." The reader who has not read the paper +would doubtless thank me for quoting it entire. + +As will have been seen, the conscientious and lamented Thad. Norris, +when he wrote as above quoted, thought that the Canadian sea-trout were +not the English _Salmo Trutta_, nor the _Salmo Fontinalis_, and as proof +gave this table showing the number of rays in the fins of the following +fish: + +[Illustration: 0069] + +He adds, speaking of the last two fish--"there being only a difference +of one ray in the pectorals, which may be accidental." I am credibly +informed that some years after his book was written, and after a more +familiar acquaintance with the _S. Canadensis_, his views underwent +an entire change, and that he wrote "the _S. Canadensis_ is the _S. +Fontinalis_ gone to sea." + +The space allowed me for this paper will not admit of my quoting further +from the writings of those above mentioned or of others upon this +subject. + +I will now state, as briefly as I can, my own views resulting from long +familiarity with brook-trout, gained by thirty-five years of angling for +them, my acquaintance with the sea-trout of Long Island, and those found +in Canadian waters. In regard to the markings of the fish _immediately +after migrating from salt to fresh water_ it is unnecessary to say more, +except that the vermicular marks differ somewhat in different fish. Some +that I caught and examined closely had, as Scott says, "vermiculate +marks on the back very plain and distinct." And on others, as Norris +writes, "the markings on the back were lighter and not so vermiculated +in form, but resembling more the broken segments of a circle." The fish +in this respect differ from each other far less than often do brook +trout, taken from the same pool. Norris thinks the sea-trout more +slender in form than the brook-trout until the former attains the weight +of two pounds. I have not been able to discover this difference between +sea-trout and the brook-trout taken from the waters of this State. The +trout of Rangeley Lake, and waters adjacent in Maine (I assume, as I +believe, they are genuine brook trout), are thicker and shorter than +trout of the same weight caught in the State of New York, or the +Canadian sea-trout. I have two careful and accurate drawings--one of +a sea-trout which weighed four and one-quarter pounds, and measured +twenty-two and one-half inches in length, and five and one-eighth inches +in depth--the other of a Rangeley trout that weighed eight pounds, and +measured twenty-six inches in length, and eight and a half inches in +depth. I have seen and measured several Rangeley trout two of seven +pounds each, one of four and one-half pounds, etc., and in all I think +there was a similar disproportion as compared with the other trout above +mentioned. + +As regards the number of rays in the fins of sea-trout I can only say +that while fishing for them I counted the rays and found them to compare +in number with those of the brook-trout as given by Norris in the table +inserted ante. + +All the writers from whom I have quoted, and all persons with whom +I have conversed who have fished for these sea-trout, concur in the +opinion that soon after the sea-trout enters fresh water, a change in +color and appearance begins, which ends in assimilating, as nearly as +may be, the fish in question to the brook trout. On the first day's +fishing, when my guide accompanied me, he opened the mouth of a trout +and called my attention to small parasites--"Sea-lice," he called +them--in the mouth and throat of the fish. He said that the presence of +these parasites was a sure indication that the fish had just left the +salt water; that they would soon disappear in fresh water. As a matter +of curiosity I examined the mouths of several fish, and invariably found +that if they presented the appearance described by Norris and Scott, the +parasites were present; but if they had assumed a gayer livery none were +to be found. The change in color, which begins with the trout's advent +to fresh water, is progressive, and ceases only when the object of its +mission, the deposit and impregnation of the spawn, is accomplished. In +proof of this I will state that during the last days of our stay on +the stream, and notably in fish taken fifteen or twenty miles from +tide water, it was not infrequent that we caught trout as gorgeous +and brilliant in color as the male brook trout at the spawning season. +Whether this change of color is attributable to the character of the +water in which it "lives, moves, and has its being," to the food it +eats, or other causes, it is impossible to say. I often caught from the +same or adjacent pools, trout fresh from the sea and dull in color, and +those showing in a greater or less degree the brilliancy of the mountain +brook trout. Of course they differ widely in appearance, and therefore +it is not surprising that the "Indians all say," as expressed by Mr. +Macdonough, "that the contrast between the markings of the two kinds of +fish forbids the idea of their identity." + +As mentioned by Mr. Macdonough the sea-trout have their "haunts at the +lower end of pools" [and upper end he might have added with truth], +"behind rocks, among roots," in short, in the same parts of a stream +that an experienced angler expects to find and does find the brook +trout. + +The sea trout will take the same bait, rise at the same fly, and rest +at the same hours of the day, as brook trout. The flies that I ordered, +made from samples furnished by Mr. Macdonough, who had had some years' +experience on the stream before I accompanied him, were much larger and +more gaudy than the usual trout flies, and ordinarily were sufficiently +_taking_ in character; but, on very bright days, when the water was low +and clear, we found that the flies used by us on the Beaver Kill, and +Neversink, in Sullivan County, New York, were better. The largest trout +taken by us on this bout--four and one-quarter pounds--was hooked with +a stone fly made by Pritchard Brothers, of New York, for use on those +streams. On one occasion, I took at one cast, and landed safely, two +trout, weighing three pounds and one-quarter, and one and three-quarters +pounds, respectively, upon one of the said stone flies and a mediumsized +gray hackle. + +In conclusion of this part of my article, I will say that, for the +reasons above given, I have no doubt but that the Canada sea-trout are +anadromous brook trout, and that they should be classed with the _salmo +fontinalis_, or, if preferred, _salvelinus fontinalis_. + +The trout in question come up the St. Lawrence from the ocean in large +numbers, and file off, probably in accordance with the instinct of +anadromous fishes, to the streams in which they were severally hatched. +The detachment for our stream reaches it invariably in the first days of +August. "When once fairly in the current" (I quote from Mr. Macdonough's +paper), "their movements up-stream are very rapid. Passionless and +almost sexless, as the mode of the nuptials, they are on their way to +complete, may seem to more highly organized beings, they drive with +headlong eagerness through torrent and foam, toward the shining +reaches and gravelly beds far up the river, where their ova are to be +deposited." They stop for but a short time for rest in certain pools; +one of these resting places was directly in front of our tents. Two, +three, or more, could be taken from it in the morning; sometimes, not +always, in the evening; but assuredly the ensuing morning; and so on, +until the beginning of September. + +When these fish return to "the ocean, that great receptacle of fishes," +as Goldsmith styles it, is a problem not yet solved. Some think they +remain until winter, or spring. I incline to the opinion that they +go back to the sea in the fall soon after their procreative duty is +performed. It is well known that the _salmo fontinalis_ gives no care or +thought to its offspring; and evinces no love or affection for it after +it passes the embryotic or ova-otic stage; and that during that +stage their parental fondness is akin to that of the cannibal for the +conventional "fat missionary." The voraciousness that prompts the +parent trout to eat all the eggs they can find as soon as deposited and +fertilized, would also prompt them to return to the estuaries so well +stocked with food suited to their taste and wants. + +What becomes of the young fry during early _fishhood_ is another +problem. From the fact that no small trout are caught or seen in the +rivers, at the source and in the tributaries of which millions are +hatched, it is fair to assume that the young remain where they were +incubated until they attain age, size, and strength that enable them +to evade, if not defend themselves against, the attack of their many +enemies. When this time arrives, they doubtless accompany their parents, +or the parents of other troutlings (it is, indeed, a wise fish "that +knows its own father"--or mother), on their migration to the sea. During +our stay upon the stream I caught but two trout as small as one-fourth +of a pound, but one of six ounces, and few as small as half a pound. The +average size of our whole catch was one pound four ounces. + +Since writing the foregoing, I have received from Dr. J. A. Henshall, an +answer to a letter that I addressed to him, before I began this article, +in which I asked him to give me the nomenclature of the sea trout of the +lower St. Lawrence, and also to inform me whether he thought these fish +anadromous brook trout. + +I here record my thanks to the Doctor for his courteous compliance with +my request, and give a copy of so much of his letter as relates to the +fish under consideration, which, to my mind, settles the question of +the _status_ of the sea-trout of Canada. + +"Cynthiana, Ky., Jan. 29, 1883. + +"Dear Sir,--The so-called 'sea-trout' or 'salmon-trout' of the lower St. +Lawrence, is the brook trout (_S. fontinalis_), but having access to +the sea, becomes anadromous, and like all anadromous and marine fishes, +becomes of a silvery appearance, losing, somewhat, its characteristic +colors. The brook trout has a wide range (from northern Georgia to the +Arctic regions), and of course presents some geographical variations in +appearance, habits, etc...but does not vary in its specific relations. +Mr. ------" (naming an American author to whom I referred), "was wrong +in calling this fish _Salmo trutta, S. trutta_ is a European species; +and if he applied the name to the Canadian brook trout it is a misnomer. +I cannot say, not having read --------" (a work by said author mentioned +by me). "Trusting this may meet your wants, I am, + + "Yours very sincerely, + +"J. A. Henshall. + +"P.S.--On next page please find nomenclature of the sea-trout of the +lower St. Lawrence. + +"Canadian Sea-Trout. + +"_Salvelinus fontinalis_, (Mitchell), Gill & Jordan. + +"Synonomy.--_Salmo canadensis_, Ham. Smith, in Griffith's Cuvier, x, +474, 1834. _Salmo immaculatus_, H. R. Storer, in _Bost, Jour. Nat. +Hist_., vi, 364, 1850. + +"Vernacular Names.--Canadian brook trout, sea-trout, salmon trout, +unspotted salmon, white sea-trout, etc. + +"Specific Description.--Body oblong or ovate, moderately compressed; +depth of body one-fourth to one-fifth of length; back broad and rounded. + +"Head large, not very long, sloping symmetrically above and below; head +contained four or five times in length of body. Nostrils double; vomer +boat-shaped; jaws with minute teeth; no teeth on hyoid bone; mouth +large, the maxillary reaching to the eye; eye large. + +"Scales very small, in two hundred and twenty-five transverse rows; +caudal fin slightly lunate in adult, forked in young; adipose fin small. + +"Fin rays: D. 10; A. 9; P. 13; V. 8; C. 19. + +"Color: back mottled with dark markings; sides lighter; belly silvery +white; red and yellow spots on body, mostly on sides. + +"Coloration often plain and silvery in sea-run individuals." + +The so-called "sea-trout" of Long Island, as stated by Mr. Charles +Hallock, in his "Fishing Tourist," and of certain streams in +Connecticut, as mentioned by Mr. W. C. Prime in "I go a-Fishing," are +genuine brook trout. Although they have access to the salt water, and go +there for food--and hence are fat and delicious in flavor--they _are +not anadromous brook trout_. They do not "pass from the sea into fresh +waters, at _stated seasons_" (Webster's Dic.). They are caught at all +times from February or March until the following autumn in fresh water, +and, as Hallock expresses it, "they run in and out with the tide." + +When this article was commenced it was my intention to write not only of +the sea-trout, but to give an account of our excursion in 1874; and in +doing so to speak of the events of each day succeeding those of which +I have written. It has already exceeded in length the measure that was +fixed upon, hence I can give the reader only a casual glance at us as we +proceed to our destination; and a look now and then into our camp. + +I left our party--breakfast over--at the Sault au Cochon, at about eight +A. M. of August 4th. Soon thereafter we set sail and made such progress +that a few hours brought us to the mouth of our river. It was low tide +when we reached it--low tide means something here, as the tide has a +rise and fall of fifteen feet--and hence the anchor was dropped near the +river's mouth, canoes launched, our personal baggage transferred to our +respective canoes--Macdonough's was named _Commodore_, in honor of his +father, who made an imperishable name on Lake Champlain in the war +of 1812, and mine _La Dame_, in honor of some one who lived in my +imagination; I never met her elsewhere. In the third canoe were placed +the tents, camp utensils, and stores for twenty-four hours. When all was +in readiness I lighted my pipe, seated myself on the bottom of my +canoe, leaned back against one of the _bords_ or cross bars; then David, +sitting upon the V formed by the sides of the canoe at the stern, with +paddle in hand, sent the birch bark flying up our river. Like most +Canadian trout streams it consists of a series of still, deep pools, and +swift, rocky rapids, alternating. Often the rapids have a fall of one +foot in ten, and are from one to five, and sometimes ten or more rods in +length. It is marvellous how these canoeists will force a loaded canoe +up them. In doing so they stand near the back end and use a long, +iron-pointed "setting pole." Before sunset we reached our camping place, +five or six miles from the St. Lawrence. The guides built a fire to +dispel the mosquitoes, which were fearfully numerous and bloodthirsty, +and then set about pitching our tents. M. and I lighted cigars, put our +rods together, and in ten minutes' time had taken from the pool in front +of us, each two trout, weighing from one pound two, to one pound eight +ounces each. Having caught enough for dinner we busied ourselves in +arranging our tents, preparing our beds, etc. My journal for the day +ends with the following brief entry: Nine P. M.--We are now settled in +camp, have eaten a good dinner, smoked our cigars, and are going to bed. + +_Aug. 5th_.--Having had a good night's sleep I rose at five A. M., made +a hasty toilet, took my rod and threw into the pool, within forty +feet of my tent, and took during a few minutes three trout weighing +three-quarters, one and a-quarter, and one and a-quarter pounds +respectively. M. soon followed and caught two of one and a-quarter +pounds each. Breakfast over we sent our guides with the canoes down to +the _chaloupe_ for the rest of our tents, stores, etc., and consequently +we can only fish the home pool to-day. With a hatchet I cut out a path +through the laurel thicket to the head of the pool, six or eight rods +distant; returned to camp, put on my India rubber wading pants and +rubber shoes (having a leather sole filled with Hungarian nails), took +my rod, walked to the head of the pool, and cast my flies on the swift +waters. In an instant a pair of capacious jaws emerged from the water. +I struck, and as the head disappeared, saw the tail and half the body of +an enormous trout.... In twenty minutes the fish was in my landing net. +I walked proudly and in a most contented frame of mind back to camp. +"That," said Mr. Macdonough, "looks like old times." The scales were +hooked in his jaw, the index showed three pounds, eight ounces.... Our +camp is on a sandy point of land around which curves the pool, and from +which, for the space of about one-eighth of an acre, all trees were cut +and the land cleared off, under the direction, tradition states, of +Sir Gore Ouseley, who first encamped here about twenty years ago, with +eighteen servants, retainers, and guides, of whom my guide was one, and +the cook. The stumps have rotted away, and the clearing is covered with +timothy and red-top grasses. We have cut much of this with our knives, +and intend to finish haying to-day. The grass when cured is to be used +in making our beds more luxurious. The pool in front is nearly two +hundred feet across at one point, and in places ten or fifteen +feet deep. In the centre and near the foot is a rock island about +seventy-five feet long. In the foot of the pool between this rock and +our camp large trout have been seen at all hours of the day. + +Opposite our camp is quite a hill covered with spruce, larch, and white +birch. We have canvas beds, supported by crotched sticks about eighteen +inches high, upon which poles are laid and the canvas stretched. +5 P.M.--I have filled two canvas sacks with hay for a bed, and a +pillow-case with the same, for a bolster. These, with my small feather +pillow, sheets, blankets, and night-shirts, will render sleeping in the +"bush" Christian-like and endurable. 7 p. m.--I have just cast into the +pool and caught a pound and a-half trout, making for the day six trout, +weighing nine pounds four ounces, and have not fished in the aggregate +one hour. The guides, Captain and Fabian, have arrived with the three +canoes and all stores. + +_Aug. 6th_, 7.30 a. m.--We have just finished breakfast. It consisted +of coffee, trout fish-balls, broiled ham, rice and wheat _crepes_ +(pancakes) with butter and maple sugar. My guide is an excellent cook +and our stores abundant and of good quality. We purchased them in Quebec +at a cost of $73.59 in gold. A tub of butter, barrel of bread, and sack +of coarse salt, to preserve the trout, were purchased at Tadousac, and +cost $11.34 in gold. + +5 P.M.--I have just come in from my first day's fishing. Began at 10 A. M., +quit at 4 P. M. I fished below and Macdonough above the camp. + +"M. killed 15 fish, weight 26 lbs., 4oz. + +"F. " 25" " 31 lbs., 4 oz. 57 lbs., 8 oz. + +_Aug. 7th_.--... Dinner is a great institution with us. Next to +catching a trout of three pounds or over it is the event of the day. +Ours of this evening was as follows: + +"Soup: bean with extract of beef. + +"Fish: boiled trout. + +"Vegetables: potatoes and boiled onions. + +"Pastry: rice cakes and maple sugar. + +"Dessert: crackers, cheese, and orange marmalade. + +"Wines: claret and sherry. + +"Tea: English breakfast." + +Our canoes are beauties. They are eighteen feet long, three feet three +inches wide in the centre, and fifteen inches in depth. With two men in +they draw but three or four inches of water. + +_Aug. 9th_.--We left our camp with one tent, two canoes, and provisions +for four days; walked through the woods three miles to a lake, through +which our river runs, which is eight miles above us by the stream. + +... It is a lovely sheet of water about three and a-half miles long +and one and a-half wide, surrounded, except at the inlet and outlet, by +rocky cliffs, in many places five to eight hundred feet high.... + +_Aug. 10th_.--To our usual breakfast was added this morning a broiled +partridge (ruffed grouse) which Fabian killed with a stick or stone +yesterday, in making the portage. While at breakfast a gray or silver +fox ran past us within twenty feet of where we sat. The woods are filled +with squirrels; their chattering is heard constantly. Large and very +tame fish-hawks abound--reminding one of the beach from Sandy Hook to +Long Branch.... We have tickled the lake with a spinner, trolled with +a long hand line, for pickerel. We fished but an hour with two lines. We +caught fourteen, weighing thirty-four pounds. + +_Aug. 11th_.--We fished down from the Middle Camp (as our present one is +called). M. had the morning's fishing in the "spring hole," and took six +fish averaging two pounds each. In the Magdalen pool I took three one +pound trout immediately upon throwing in. Suddenly not ten feet from +where I stood (I was in the water up nearly to my waist), and directly +in front of me, a monster fish from three to four feet long, and of +thirty or thirty-five pounds weight, shot up from the water, stood +seemingly upon its tail for an instant, and with a heavy splash fell +over into the pool. "My God! what is that?" I asked my guide. "It's +a _saumon_, sir," he calmly replied. I was all excitement and began +whipping vigorously where it rose. Failing to get it up, I put on a +salmon fly. By this time salmon were leaping above me, below me, and at +my very feet. I whipped diligently, letting my fly fall like thistledown +upon the water, and then with a splash to attract attention, and now +letting it sink and float with the current. It was all in vain; three +hours of my most skilful fishing failed to entice one of the wily +monsters. Neither could I get up a trout; they had all been driven away +by the salmon. I caused my guide to paddle me over the still pool just +above, and saw in the pellucid water, three or four feet beneath the +surface, ten or fifteen large salmon. They lay perfectly still for a +time, and then darted through and around the pool in every direction, as +if in play. Suddenly they would congregate in the centre of the pool and +lay with their heads up stream, the largest slightly in advance of the +rest, as motionless as if the water had become ice, encasing the fish. + +_Aug. 12th_.--At Main Camp.... The canoeing down from the Middle +Camp--five miles--was delightful, and at times very exciting; that is, +in running the rapids, which are numerous. In making a portage around +the "Little Falls" we started up a cock partridge. It alighted upon the +limb of a dead tree no higher than my head. "We approached within six +feet of it, and stood for a minute or two gazing at the graceful bird. +It returned our gaze with head turned aside, and a look of curious +inquiry which said, as plainly as if it had spoken, 'What kind of +animals are you?' I could easily have hit it with my landing-net handle +hut would not make it a victim of misplaced confidence." This incident +reminded me of the lines of Alexander Selkirk, in the English Reader, +which was in use in my early school-boy days: + + "They are so unacquainted with man, + + Their tameness is shocking to me." + +I may add that squirrels were constantly running about our camp, +exhibiting no more fear than those in the parks of Philadelphia. + +_Aug. 14th_.--"David build a fire between our tents, it is cold," I +called out about five o'clock this morning. "Yes, sir," he replied; "a +black frost this morning, had to thaw out my boots before I could get +them on." Our little encampment consists of two wall tents, ten feet +square, for the use of Mr. Macdonough and myself. They are about +fifteen feet apart, opening towards each other, upon a line twenty feet +from the pool, upon ground five or six feet above it. Back of our tents +is our dining-table, made of planks split from the spruce, and sheltered +with a tent fly. In rear of this is the kitchen fire; and still farther +back, two "A tents," one for the use of our men, and the other for-the +protection of our stores. + +I do not often look into our kitchen: Seeing Fabian wipe my +silver-plated fork upon his pantaloons, between courses, cured me of +this. "Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise." I did, however, +look into the kitchen to-day to see how our excellent bread was baked. +It was properly made with "raising powder," kneaded and formed into +loaves. A trench was dug in the ashes and sand, forming the bed of our +camp fire, wide and long enough to admit of three loaves. They were put +into the trench, without any covering except the hot sand and ashes, +with which they were surrounded on all sides, top and bottom. Live coals +were raked over the mound, and it was left for time and heat to do the +rest. An hour or so after I saw the bread taken from the ashes. It was +brushed slightly with a wisp broom, which removed the little of ashes +and sand adhering; and the bread was as clean as if it had just left the +baker's oven, and was of a uniform rich brown color. Lamb and green peas +(French canned) formed one course at dinner to-day. The flavor of fresh +mutton is much improved by non-intercourse with the butcher for two +weeks. + +_Sunday, Aug_. 16.--Another bright and beautiful day. It would be +pleasant to hear "the sound of the churchgoing bell, which these rocks +and these valleys ne'er heard," It is now near two weeks since we +entered upon our camp life, and we have seen no signs of civilization, +save in our camp; nothing but forest, rock, water and sky, all as they +came from their Great Creators hand. No sounds have been heard to carry +us back in thought to the world of life and labor, save the occasional +booming of the fog cannon at a government station on the south side of +the St. Lawrence. How strangely did the warning voice of this gun, +telling us of danger to the mariner, break upon the silence of the hour +as we sat watching the fairy forms and fantastic shapes in our first +evening's camp-fire! + +Pleasant as it is to the writer to live over again the days of which +he has written--to dwell upon the scenes in which he was an actor, so +vividly presented to his mind's eye as he writes of them--pity for the +too-long suffering reader has prompted him to close the lids of his +journal and restore it to its place in the book-case. + +It only remains to write somewhat of our success in fishing. The season +was a very dry one, our river very low, and no rain sufficient to affect +it fell during our stay, consequently the trout did not come up in +as large numbers as usual, and the clearness of the water rendered +successful fly-fishing more difficult. We caught on this occasion but +two hundred and forty-three trout, of the aggregate weight of three +hundred and four pounds. All these fish were taken with a fly, save one: +thereby hangs a tale heretofore untold. At Tadousac, on our way out, I +saw a gentleman, to whom I had been introduced, making something in the +construction of which he used three snelled hooks and about three inches +in length of thin white rubber tubing. I asked, + +"What is it?" + +"A devil," he replied. He gave me materials, and while sailing down the +river I made one. One day at the Home Pool I saw ten or a dozen +large trout. They paid no heed to my flies. "Try the devil," my guide +whispered. In a moment of weakness I yielded to the tempter and put it +on. The first cast caused commotion in the watery camp. At the second I +struck and soon drew out on the beach a pound and a half trout. I looked +upon the beautiful fish with compassion, cursed myself for resorting to +such unfair means, removed the cruel hooks as tenderly as I could from +the mangled and bleeding mouth, and taking off the _devilish_ invention +threw it as far as possible into the woods. + + .........."The beasts of game + + The privilege of chase may claim." + +I have not since used, and shall not in the future use, this rightly +named instrument, and hope no angler will. I have narrated this only +unpleasant feature of my bout to illustrate the _devilish_ ingenuity of +"pot fishermen" and the curiosity of sea-trout. I wonder what was the +gender of the fish! + +With a view of showing the capabilities of our river in the production +of fish, I have aggregated the scores from 1872 to 1882 inclusive. In +one of these years three rods were in use, in three others two, and in +the other years but one. The average time of fishing in each year was +about three weeks. + +Number of trout taken, 5,525; aggregate weight, 6,625 pounds; average +about one pound three ounces. In the year 1881 the average size of +two hundred and thirteen trout taken with a single rod in eight days' +fishing was one pound fourteen ounces. Not one of these fish was wasted. +A few were eaten upon the stream, but most of them were given to the +guides, who salted and packed them in barrels for future use. A sack of +coarse salt and empty fish barrels were always included in the anglers' +stores. + +Three days after the last date mentioned we were again on board our +_chaloupe_ "homeward bound." The loss in weight in our stores was made +good by the barrel of salted _anadromous salvelinus-fontinalis_ which +were to supplement and eke out the pork barrel of our honest and worthy +guides during the long ice-bound winter before them. + +Tadousac was reached about sunrise on a bright morning. At nine o'clock +we were in citizen's dress and seated at the hotel breakfast table. A +glance around the room showed that summer birds and Cook's tourists had +mainly migrated to more southern latitudes. Our trunks were re-packed, +our guides paid $1.50 each per day, and the captain $2.00, gold, and +bade adieu. We took the Saguenay steamboat for Quebec, the Grand Trunk +Railroad from Point Levi to Montreal, where we passed the night. The +next morning we travelled by rail to Rouse's Point and by boat down +that charming Lake, Champlain. At the various landings many persons, +including several friends, came on board. + +Nearly all carried snugly-cased fishing rods, whose summer work was +ended. The Chateaugay, the Saranacs, Paul Smith's, Baker's, Martin's, +and various other familiar names met our ears. We envied none of them. +Our cup of joy, happiness and contentment was full to the brim. There +was no room for "envy, hatred and malice," but a feeling of gratitude +and thankfulness to the Author of every "good and perfect gift," welled +up from our hearts. + +"Every angler has his own peculiar notion in regard to the best fly; and +the difficulty of presenting a perfect catalogue will be very apparent, +when it is considered that the _name_ of the fly of one writer bears a +different name and description from that of another, and it is more than +probable that the name and description of some of the flies in my list +may not be in accordance with the views and opinions of many old and +experienced anglers."--"_Frank Forester_." + +"After staying in a village parlor till the family had all retired, +I have returned to the woods, and partly with a view to the next day's +dinner, spent the hours of midnight fishing from a boat by moonlight, +serenaded by owls and foxes, and hearing, from time to time, the +croaking note of some unknown bird close at hand."--_Henry D. Thoreau_. + +"He sat down on a lump of granite, and took out his fly-book. It is a +sport, he added, as he was selecting the flies, that there is less to be +said against than shooting, I imagine. I don't like the idea of shooting +birds, especially after I have missed one or two. Birds are such +harmless creatures. But the fish is different--the fish is making a +murderous snap at an innocent fly, when a little bit of steel catches +him in the very act. It serves him right, from the moral point of +view."--_William Black_. + +"There is much diversity of opinion about the manner of fishing, whether +up or down the stream; the great majority of anglers, both In Europe and +this country, favor the latter method, and very few the former."--_John +J. Brown_. + +"'Beautiful!' Well you may say so, for what is more beautiful than a +well-developed pound trout?"--_Charles W. Stevens_. + +[Illustration: 0092] + +7. Ferguson, + +8. Abbey. + +9. Royal Coachman. + +10. Seth Green. + +11. Professor. + +12. Montreal. + +"Reader, did you ever throw the fly to tempt the silvery denizen of the +lake, or river, to his destruction? Have you watched him, as it skimmed +like a living insect along the surface, dart from his hiding-place, and +rush upon the tempting but deceitful morsel; and have you noticed his +astonishment when he found the hook was in his jaw? Have you watched +him as he bent your slender rod 'like a reed shaken by the wind,' in his +efforts to free himself, and then have you reeled him to your hand and +deposited him in your basket, as the spoil of your good right arm? If +you have _not_, leave the dull, monotonous, every-day things around you, +and flee to the Chazy Lake."--_S. H. Hammond._ + +"I now come to not only the most sportsman-like, but the most delightful +method of trout-fishing. One not only endeared by a thousand delightful +memories, but by the devotion of many of our wisest and best men for +ages past; and, next to my thanks for existence, health, and daily +bread, I thank God for the good gift of fly-fishing. If the fishes are +to be killed for our use, there is no way in which they are put to so +little pain as in fly-fishing. The fish rises, takes your fly as though +it were his ordinary food; the hook fixes in the hard gristly jaw, where +there is little or no sensation. After a few struggles he is hauled on +shore, and a tap on the head terminates his life; and so slight is the +pain or alarm that he feels from the hook, that I have over and over +caught a trout, with the fly still in his mouth which he has broken off +in his struggles an hour or even half an hour previously. I have seen +fish that have thus broken off swim away with my fly in their mouths +and begin to rise at the natural fly again almost directly."--_Francis +Francis._ + + + + +RANGELEY BROOK TROUT. + +By James A. Williamson, Sec. Oquossoc Angling Association. + +About twelve summers ago, when spending a delightful vacation at +Manchester, Vermont, under the shadow of Mt. Equinox, my attention was +called to a little book which gave a description of the exceptionally +large brook trout inhabiting the waters of the Rangeley Lakes. + +Never having heard, heretofore, of a fish of that species that weighed +more than three pounds, and never having caught any over a pound and a +half (although I had dropped a line in many waters and exerted my utmost +muscle in casting a line for fingerlings), I could not bring my mind +to believe that such fish as were described really existed, and at +once pronounced it another fish story. Although much interested in the +narrative I finally threw down the book in disgust, and as I did so, +observed for the first time that the author was Robert G. Allerton, a +very old friend, whom I had always esteemed a man of veracity. I at once +took a new interest in the subject and determined to investigate +the matter personally. I came to New York, had an interview with Mr. +Allerton, who was the Treasurer of the Oquossoc Angling Association, and +by his advice joined the club, and in due time started for the +promised land of mountains, lakes, and large trout, and after the usual +vicissitudes of travel reached my destination at Camp Kennebago about +the middle of September. + +The forests were just developing their autumnal hues, the air was fresh +and bracing, and all nature seemed to conspire to make one realize that +there was health in every breath inhaled, and beauty in every phase of +land and water. Having secured a first-rate guide and boat, and partaken +of a trout breakfast, which was relished immensely, such as can only be +appreciated by one who has left the haunts of civilization and gone into +the wilderness for recuperation, I considered my first duty was to pay +my respects to Mr. Allerton, who was in camp at Bugle Cove. From this +location Lake Mooselemeguntic lies spread out before you, while Mt. +Washington in the distance rears its snowy peak, overtopping Jefferson, +Monroe, and the other giants of the White Hills of New Hampshire. + +The crystal waters of the lake tempt us to cast a fly, and a suitable +place having been secured, we proceed to business. After making several +casts in a manner more or less scientific but without success, my former +unbelief came creeping over me, and, as my arm became tired and almost +refused to do its duty, a sense of despondency overcame me, which I am +sure sensibly affected the beauty if not the efficacy of my casts. But +suddenly I am awakened to the realization of the fact that a big fish +has seized the fly and is making the reel hum in its frantic endeavors +to secure its liberty. Fathom after fathom of the dainty line disappears +beneath the water, and at last prudence dictates a gentle snub, which +finally terminates in a decided check to the mad career of the quarry. +Having succeeded in turning his head in a different direction, another +rush is made across stream, making the line whiz as it cuts through +the water; then suddenly he takes a downward course and ceases from +all apparent effort to free himself. He now sulks for a long time, and +impatience begins to take the place of the excitement with which the +fight began. The guide, who, during the fray had hoisted his anchor, got +ready his landing-net, and was now holding his boat in position with the +oars, suggested that I had better send him a telegraphic message, which +was accordingly done by striking the rod with a key. The first few +strokes seemed to make little or no impression, but presently he +convinced us that he was still there, although we had some forebodings +that he had escaped by winding the line around a log or some other +object at the bottom of the stream. He was up and alive in every sense, +and performed the same tactics for liberty with apparently more vigor +than at first. These were kept up for about half an hour, when he again +took a turn of sulking, but this time of shorter duration, and when he +again began his rushes it was with an evident loss of strength, but no +diminution of determination and pluck. + +A friend who was watching and timing me from his boat came oyer to +inquire how the battle was progressing, and pertinently asked, "Whether +the fish was going to take me or I the fish." At last the strength of +the tackle, the pliability of the rod, and the determination of the +rodster overcame the pluck and strength of the fish, and he was brought +to the boat turned upon his side and was beautifully landed by the +guide. The scales were at once applied, with a result of eight pounds +full weight. + +My inquiring and interested friend informed me that I had been two hours +and twenty minutes in the fight, and as I sat down in the boat I, for +the first time, realized that I was tired. + +Now, my dear reader, do not think that this kind of sport is of common +occurrence, for from that time to this, I have taken but two fish of +equal weight; the average, however, has been much larger than trout from +any other locality in which I have fished. Any fish under half a pound +is considered unfit to land, and is again committed to the water to grow +larger. The number of trout does not seem to be falling off; but this +can be accounted for by the annual plant of fry from the Hatching House +of the Oquossoc Angling Association, who have for years past turned +about one million fish into these waters, and now contemplate increasing +the amount to five million; still I think there is a sensible diminution +of the size of the catch, which now run from one-half to four pounds, +and anything over that weight is the exception. This would seem to +confirm the supposition of Professor Agassiz, made many years ago, that +these large fish possibly may have reached an age of from 100 to 200 +years, as they were evidently very old. + +Any one who has been thrilled with the vigorous strike of one of the +ordinary sized fish would be almost beside himself when one from three +to five pounds rose to his fly, and if his tackle was good, the sport +derived therefrom, would serve him a lifetime; and when the shades +of night had fallen upon the camp, and he with his fellow-fishermen +collected around the great fire, point and vigor would be given to his +recital of how he caught and played the monster he that day had brought +to his creel. + +"Let it be seen that a love of the 'gentle art' openeth first the heart, +then the fly-book, and soon the stores of experience and knowledge +garnered up through long years, wheresoever we meet a 'Brother of the +Angle'; and that to us 'angling is an employment of our idle time,'; +that therein we find 'a rest to the mind, a cheerer of the spirits, a +diverter of sadness, a calmer of unquiet thoughts, a moderator of the +passions, a procurer of contentedness, and that it begets habits of +peace and patience in chose that possess and practice it.'"--_Thaddeus +Norris_. + +"Fly-fishing holds the same relation to bait-fishing that poetry does to +prose. Not only the fly, but every implement of the fly-fisher's outfit +is a materialized poem."--_James A. Henshall, M.D._ + +"Between the tyro and the proficient grayling fisher there exists a +wider gulf than is the case with the experienced and inexperienced in +any other branch in the whole art of fishing. Practical skill and +general artistic bearing are more fully exemplified in fishing for +grayling, than for trout and salmon, whilst upon the same ground +the unskilled efforts of the bungler stand at a yet more glaring +contrast."--_David Foster_. + +"Hooking a large grayling, I had good evidences of his plucky qualities; +the pliant rod bent as he struggled against the line, curling his body +around columns of water that failed to sustain his grasp, and setting +his great dorsal fin like an oar backing water, while we cautiously +worked him in, his tender mouth requiring rather more careful handling +than would be necessary for a trout; making a spurt up stream, he +requires a yielding line, but after a time he submits to be brought in, +rallying for a dart under the boat, or beneath a log, as an attempt is +made to place the landing net under him."--_Professor Milner_. + +[Illustration: 0102] + +13. Bee. + +14. Tomah Jo. + +15. "No Name." + +16. Blue Bottle. + +17. Grasshopper. + +18. Canada. + +"Do not despair. There was--alas! that I must say there was--an +illustrious philosopher, who was nearly of the age of fifty before he +made angling a pursuit, yet he became a distinguished fly-fisher."--_Sir +Humphry Davy_. + +"Fly-fishing for grayling and trout are not altogether identical. Both +are frequently found in the same water, and are to be taken with the +same cast of flies. Finer tackle, as a rule, is required in the case of +the former, as also smaller and brighter flies." --_David Foster_. + +"The grayling generally springs entirely out of the water when first +struck by the hook, and tugs strongly at the line, requiring as much +dexterity to land it safely as it would to secure a trout of six times +the size."--_Dr. Richardson._ + +"Grayling will often take the fly under water, rising so quietly that +you will scarcely see any rise or break of the water at all. It is +desirable, therefore, to watch the line narrowly, and to strike whenever +you think it stops or checks, and you will now and then be surprised, +although there is no break in the water, to find a good grayling on the +hook. For, as is often the case with trout, the big ones are very quiet +risers."--_Francis Francis._ + +"To be a perfect fisherman you require more excellencies than are +usually to be found in such a small space as is allotted to a man's +carcass."--_Parker Gilmore_. + +"The trout has, so to speak, a Herculean cast of beauty; the +grayling rather that of an Apollo--light, delicate, and gracefully +symmetrical."--_H. Cholmondely-Pennell_. + + + + +THE GRAYLING. + +By Fred Mather. + +The very name of my beloved fish calls up a host of recollections that +form themselves into a picture that, above all others, is the most +cheerful one adorning memory's wall. We old fellows live largely in the +past, and can afford to let younger men revel in the future; and in my +own case, I can say that, having filled Shakespeare's apothegm of "one +man in his time plays many parts," there are often retrospects of life +as a boyish angler, an older hunter, trapper, and general vagabond on +the frontiers; a soldier; and a later return to a first love. Of these +glances over the shoulder of time, a few trips to Northern Michigan and +its grayling streams mark the journey of life with a white stone. + +When Prof. Cope announced, in 1865, that he had received specimens from +Michigan, the English anglers in America were incredulous, and there +was some spicy correspondence, in the sportsmen's papers of those +days, concerning the identity of the fishes. As usual, the scientist +discomfited the angler, and proved his position. The fish had long been +known to the raftsmen and natives of Michigan by local names, but had +never been identified as the historic grayling. Some eight years +after the discovery of Prof. Cope that we had the grayling in American +waters; Mr. D. H. Pitzhugh, Jr., sent some of them to Mr. Charles +Hallock, then editor of _Forest and Stream_, and they were shown in New +York to the doubters, who even then were not convinced. + +Mr. Pitzhugh took great interest in the new fish, which, as a lumberman +and an angler, he had long known as a "Michigan trout," but had never +recognized as the gentle grayling, and he has since done more than any +other man to popularize it and introduce it to anglers. + +He invited Mr. Hallock, Prof. Milner, and myself to come up and fish for +it, and we each extolled its attractions in the press. As a consequence, +the fish has been nearly exterminated by vandals who fish for count, and +the waters where we fished at first are nearly barren. + +Of all game fishes the grayling is my favorite. It is gamy but not +savage; one does not feel the savage instinct to kill that the black +bass or the pike raises in him, but rather a feeling of love for a +vigorous fighter for its life who is handicapped with a tender mouth. +To me the fish is always thought of as the "gentle grayling," and the +"golden-eyed grayling," although the latter epithet is not always a +correct one, owing to the changes in the iris. + +In fishing for grayling it is well to use a mediumsized fly of a subdued +color; a yellow body and a brown wing is the fly that should be used +if only one is recommended; it is a most killing combination. Brown +Hackles, Bed Ibis, Professor, Queen of the Water, and other trout flies +are also killing; but the first-mentioned fly, whose name I do not know, +owing to a defective memory and the vagaries of fly nomenclature, is the +most killing, and a cast into the upper edge of a pool below a rapid is +usually most successful. * + +* Oak-fly. + +The beauty of the grayling is of a kind that is better appreciated after +some acquaintance. The bright colors of its "magnificent dorsal," as the +phrase went a few years ago, are not its chief claim to admiration. Its +shapely contour, striped ventrals, iridescent caudal, and its beatific +countenance win the heart of the angler and make him love the grayling, +and feel that it is a fish to respect for the higher qualities expressed +in its physiognomy, and not one that it is merely a satisfaction to kill +as he would a savage pike. True, we kill the grayling, but we do it in a +different spirit from that in which we kill some other thing. It was +not only my good fortune to know "Uncle Thad" Norris, but to have fished +with him. The dear lovable old man, who long since paid his fare to the +grim ferryman, once said: "When I look into a grayling's eye I am sorry +I killed it; but that feeling never prevents me from making another cast +just to see if another will rise." + +In another century Norris will be more read and appreciated than he is +to-day. Of all American angling writers of this century he will stand +foremost, and yet he never wrote as fully as he intended of the fish +that he told me had afforded him more pleasure than any other. He had +not revised his "American Angler's Book" for some time before his death, +and so his remarks on Back's grayling must stand as he wrote them before +the era of the Michigan grayling. He there says of the Arctic grayling: +"The grayling being a fish in the capture of which the American angler +cannot participate, we give no account of the manner of angling for +them, but refer the reader who may have interest or curiosity on that +score to English authors." He intended to revise that sentence and +give his own experience, but the Reaper judged him ripe for the harvest +before he did it. In my opinion he was one of those who should never +have been ripe for that harvest, and his loss to our angling literature +was a severe one. + +That the grayling will take bait, truth requires the admission; would +that it were not so. I would prefer that its food was the soaring +insect, or even the floating thistledown, with an occasional feather +from an angel's wing dropped in the moonlit flood; but science has +laid bare its interior with the searching scalpel, and the Caesarian +operation has brought forth the lowly caddis-worm and other larvae, and +the bait-fisher has taken advantage of the knowledge and pandered to the +baser appetite of the fish. + +That the grayling does not eat other fish is proved by its small month, +as well as by its known habits. It is not a leaper, like the trout, but +takes the fly from the surface with merely an exposure of a portion of +its head. When struck, it makes a rigorous rush, and, if it does not +fight as long as the trout does, it gives much resistance at the last +moment by the sidelong movement it makes when being reeled in, which is +due to the size and curvature of its dorsal fin. It inhabits only the +coldest of streams, and while the grayling of Europe is found in the +trout streams, it is not to be found there in Michigan. + +We have several species of grayling in America. Two of these only are +accessible to anglers, the Michigan grayling, _Thymallus tricolor_, and +one at the head waters of the Yellowstone, the _T. Montanus_, The other +species are Arctic. + +The Michigan fish is reported to grow to nearly two pounds weight; I +never saw one that I thought would weigh much over a pound, and I have +taken them in spawning season for the purpose of procuring their eggs. +Whether this fish will bear acclimatization to other waters, I cannot +say. I raised a few until a year old at my former trout farm in Western +New York, and when I left them I opened the pond and let them into the +stream below, but none have ever been taken there, as far as I know. It +seems a pity to allow this elegant fish to become extinct, as it will in +a few years in its limited habitat, and if opportunity offered I would +again try to domesticate it. + +The trout-fisher needs no special directions nor tackle to fish for +grayling; he may cast in the usual manner, only remembering that the +fish has a very tender mouth, and must be treated with this fact ever +in mind. The Michigan grayling streams are not suited for wading, and, +therefore, fishing from a boat is the rule. This may not suit some +anglers, to whom I can only say, every one to his fancy, but no wading +for me; dry feet are more comfortable than wet ones, and boat-fishing or +bank-fishing are more suitable to my taste, than to be immersed up to my +hips in cold water for half a day. + +I have killed, I believe, every game fish in America east of the Rocky +Mountains, except the salmon, for which I have a rod in readiness, that +I hope to use soon, and I can say that while I do not think the grayling +the superior of all of them for gameness, yet there is something of +romance in the remembrance of the grayling, a kind of sentimental +retrospect, that endears the fish to me above all others. Whether it was +owing to the pine woods and the genial companionship, I do not care to +consider; but each year there comes a longing to repeat the pleasant +experiences of the Au Sable and its delicate grayling. + + + + +TROUT FLIES + +"The trout-fly does not resemble any known species of insect. It is a +'conventionalized' creation, as we say of ornamentation. The theory is, +that, fly-fishing being a high art, the fly must not be a tame imitation +of nature, but an artistic suggestion of it. It requires an artist to +construct one; and not every bungler can take a bit of red flannel, a +peacock's feather, a flash of tinsel thread, a cock's plume, a section +of a hen's wing, and fabricate a tiny object that will not look like any +fly, but still will suggest the universal conventional fly."--_Charles +Dudley Warner_. + +"When you fish with a flie, if it be possible, let no pary of your line +touch the water, but your flie only."--_Izaak Walton_. + +[Illustration: 0112] + +1. Coachman. + +2. Leadwing Coach. + +3. Royal Coachman. + +4. Coachman red tip. + +5. Gilt Coachman. + +6. Cowdung. + +7. Fern. + +8. Blue Jay. + +9. Abbey. + +10. Red Ant. + +11. Black Ant. + +12. Seth Green. + +13. Professor. + +14. Blue Professor. + +15. Dark Stone. + +"A combination of English Jay is one of the most effective flies in the +world, as it can be put into as gay a fly as you please, and also into +as plain a one as you like."--_Capt. Peel ("Dinks")_. + +"When I think of the great secrets of Nature locked up from our +knowledge (yet under our eyes at every turn of your daily duty), and +imagine what a mine of intellectual wealth remains to be opened out +by quickness of sight, clearness of intellect, and the pickaxe of hard +work, a great panorama opens before me. How ignorant--how terribly +ignorant--are we of God's great laws as applied to the creatures +that live in the element in which we are forbidden to exist!"--_Frank +Buckland_. + +"The ancient belief in the stoppage of sport during a thunderstorm is +not strictly true."--_David Foster_. + +"A fish will _hook himself only_ in cases where the fly first touches +the water at the end of a straight line, or when the line is being +withdrawn smartly for a new cast. In all other cases the skill of the +angler must be employed."--_Charles Hallock_. + +"We had determined on a feast, and trout were to be its daintiest +dainty. We waited until the confusing pepper of a shower had passed away +and left the water calm. We tossed to the fish humbugs of wool, silk +and feathers, gauds such as captivate the greedy or the guileless. The +trout, on the lookout for novelty, dashed up and swallowed disappointing +juiceless morsels, and with them swallowed hooks. Then, O Walton! O +Davy! O Scrope! ye fishers hard by taverns! luxury was ours of which ye +know nothing. Under the noble yellow birch we cooked our own fish. We +used our scanty kitchen-battery with skill. We cooked with the high art +of simplicity. Where Nature has done her best, only fools rush in to +improve. On the salmonids, fresh and salt, she has lavished her +creative refinements. Cookery should only ripen and develop."--_Theodore +Winthrop_. + +"As a general thing, it is a waste of time to be forever changing your +flies. If the trout are not rising, it is entirely useless to fling an +assortment of flies at them."--_T. S. Up de Graff, M.D._ + +"In taking the fly, I award the palm to the trout, as he usually throws +himself out of the water to do so. The salmon does not, he scarcely more +than shows himself; but after being hooked the sport commences, and it +is all activity to the death, rarely any sulking."--_Charles W. Stevens_ + + + + +A TROUTING TRIP TO ST. IGNACE ISLAND. + +By W. Thomson + +Towards the end of August, 1877, I had become pretty well fagged out +with office work and felt that I must have a week or two of out-door +recreation or sport of some kind, so I naturally decided upon a +troutfishing expedition; and I selected, as the scene, the island of St. +Ignace, in Lake Superior, of which I had heard most excellent accounts +in regard to fish products. I had, it is true, caught a great many brook +trout throughout the summer, in small streams close at hand; but these +were mostly fish of inferior size, few indeed reaching one pound in +weight; while I was assured by an ancient fisherman of repute, that at +the Island, the real _Salmo fontinalis_ often attained to four, five, +and even seven pounds. + +This was the kind of ground I had been, for many years, anxious to find, +and I made up my mind to try it at all events. + +The first thing to do was to secure two suitable companions, and a man +or boy of all work. The former I quickly enlisted in the persons of a +genial M.D. and an overworked limb of the law. The latter opportunely +turned up in the shape of "Jim," a colored youth of sixteen, as black +as the ten of spades, but no less celebrated for his culinary skill +than for his impish tricks and imperturbable good humor and honesty. To +banish formality once for all, and put things upon an easy and familiar +footing at the start, I christened the M.D. "Squills" and the lawyer +"Bluffy," out of compliment to his usual style of treating witnesses +in court. In deference to my advanced age and _general good looks_, the +boys called me "Governor," I being then about fifty-three and neither +of them thirty. Our supplies, consisting of a ten by twelve tent, three +camp beds and bedding, two small boats, a stock of provisions for +six men for two weeks, one rifle, two fowling pieces, and our fishing +tackle, were soon got together, and in twenty-four hours from the first +proposal, we were ready to take the cars for Collingwood. At that point +we secured an ample supply of ice; and then embarked with our traps on +board a steamer bound for Duluth and intermediate ports, and touching at +St. Ignace on her way. + +This island is situated in Canadian waters, about thirty-five miles from +the mouth of Nepigon River, forty-seven miles east of the famous Silver +Islet and some seventy from Thunder Bay. I say island, but there are in +fact _two_ called St. Ignace; the largest being about sixteen miles +long by ten wide; with generally bluff shores and high headlands, one +of these rising to a height of thirteen hundred and fifty feet above the +lake level. The smaller island, at which steamers touch and upon which +we camped, is separated from the larger by a channel of from fifty to +a hundred yards wide, and is about two miles by a half a mile in size, +having one bold headland five hundred feet high. Neither island is +inhabited except by occasional Indians and other fishermen; nor do +either of them, so far as I observed, contain any agricultural land, the +formation being rock. Both, however, as well as contiguous groups, are +mostly covered with a thick growth of spruce, balsam, birch and mountain +ash. This last is so plentiful that in the autumn its brilliant red +leaves may be seen from quite a distance at sea, framed in a background +of dark green spruce, and presenting a most charming view. The larger +island contains in itself numerous small lakes which abound in pike +(_E. Indus_), and what we Canadians call yellow pickerel (_Stizostedium +vitreum_), really pike-perch. No one bothers catching these, however, as +the surrounding waters yield an enormous supply of choicer fish, +among which are said to be ten varieties of the salmon family; besides +whitefish, some of which attain to seventeen pounds in weight! I took +some trouble to ascertain the local names by which the various species +of trout are known, and the greatest attested weight of individuals of +each. I am indebted to Mr. Wm. Boon, of Barrie, Ontario, a professional +fisherman who spends four months of every year upon the island, for the +following list, which I give without vouching in any way for this queer +addition to the salmon family: + +1. Salmon trout, weight up to..................... 70 lbs. + +2. "Siskowitt," weight up to...................... 12 " + +3. Half-breed Siskowitt, weight up to............ 5 " + +4. "Potgut," very inferior fish, weight up to..... 12 " + +5. Rock or black trout, weight up to.............. 40 " + +6. Large gray or shovel-nose trout, weight up to.... 70 " + +7. "California trout/yellow spots and flesh, weight up to 10" + +8. "Half-breed red trout," weight up to........... 15 " + +9. Common brook or speckled trout, weight up to.. 7 " + +10. "Red trout," weight up to.......................42 " + +All of these, of course, are local names, but the fish are all true +trout; crossed and re-crossed, I presume, _ad infinitum_. The brook +trout is the only species found here with a square tail, those of all +the others being more or less forked. The "red trout" is far superior to +any of its confreres, and is called by the Indians--Pugwashooaneg, that +is, Paysplatt--District-fish, as it is taken only in this locality, and +only in the fall of the year as a rule. The Indians come from Nepigon +expressly to fish for it, and care for no other trout in comparison. +It is much more highly esteemed than the brook trout. This very day on +which I write this article, I had a salted piece of one of these "red +trout" for dinner and found the flesh of a bright pink, and the flavor +exquisite. I shall refer to it again. + +On our passage from Collingwood we touched at the following ports and +"landings," viz.: Meaford, Owen Sound, Killarney, Little Current, +Bruce Mines, Hilton, or St. Joseph Island, Garden River, and the Sault. +Thence, via Michipicoton Island to St. Ignace. I may say here, before I +forget it, that among the useful productions of this last are incredible +quantities of huckleberries and "sand cranberries." The former were just +in season at the date of our visit, and after the first day "Jim" always +gave us capital puddings and pies made from them. + +We found many pleasant people on board the steamer, with whom we picked +acquaintance in that free and easy manner peculiar the world over to +anglers. + +After a delightful trip of four days, we made the landing on our Island +at about five o'clock on a beautiful evening, and, having got our whole +outfit ashore, selected a charming spot in the midst of a spruce grove +as a camping ground. The tent was put up, beds and bedding arranged, +supplies for present use unpacked, a table improvised and things +generally "set out" in a most orderly manner by the Doctor and "Bluffy," +while I employed myself in the construction of a fish corral, the use +of which will be seen further on. Meantime, "Jim" had, with a few loose +stones, made for himself a very passable fire-place, and soon had tea +and coffee prepared, several appetizing dishes cooked, and called us to +supper at 6.30. After a hearty and enjoyable meal, we proceeded to put +the finishing touches to our work; sorted out and overhauled our fishing +tackle; caught a few minnows and placed them in a perforated bucket +in the lake; and before dark were all in ship-shape and thoroughly +comfortable. "Jim" slung his hammock between and beneath two umbrageous +trees, and by eight o'clock, with a full stomach and clear conscience, +was roosting in it, happy as a lord! From this coign of vantage, with +the gathering darkness to hide his _blushes_, he favored us with several +choice negro melodies rendered in a style and with a pathos which any +"professional" might have envied. As the night deepened we drank in with +appropriate senses all the delights of our surroundings. The great fire +before which we three sat, lighting up with weird and fantastic effects +the sombre foliage of the adjacent forest; the plaintive cry of the +distant loon; the harsher notes of the bittern, and the even, gentle +murmur of the softly lapping waves, all united to inspire us with a +sense of freedom and happiness unknown to the busy world. Serene and +contented, we "turned in" at ten, with blissful anticipations for the +morrow. We had not forgotten that prime necessity of a well-ordered +camp, light, but had brought with us several pounds of sperm candles, +two gallons of oil and a good swinging lamp, which, suspended from the +centre-pole, not only rendered the tent cheerful, but gave facilities +for performing with ease and comfort the thousand and one little jobs +which precious daylight could not be wasted upon. Reader, did you ever +"camp out" in the midst of a dense grove of pine or spruce trees? If +not, you have yet to enjoy the luxury of the most balmy and refreshing +sleep which can bless mortal man. There is a something in the delicious +aroma of the resinous woods which induces a perfect repose, obtainable, +in my experience, through no other means. A sound, sweet, wholesome, and +yet not heavy sleep; quiet and dreamless, and from which you awake, not +drowsy and cross, but with a buoyancy of spirits, a strength of body and +clearness of mind which make even hard daily toil seem a mere pastime. +And so, with thankful hearts sank we to rest on this our first night at +St. Ignace. There are no black flies on the Island, and the season was +too far advanced for mosquitoes to be troublesome; facts which added +not a little to our serenity of mind and took away the last excuse for +ill-humor. + +The next morning, after partaking of a breakfast which fully sustained +Jim's reputation as a cook, "Squills" and "Bluffy" agreed to go out in +the larger of the two boats, leaving the small one for me. They were +provided with various kinds of bait, including frogs, worms, grubs, +grasshoppers, and minnows, as well as a goodly supply of spoons and +other lures. I had decided upon trying flies for the first day, and if +found effective I intended to stick to them. The boys anchored out at +about a hundred yards from shore and went to work; and I moved slowly +along the coast-line, closely examining the bottom and the lay of the +submerged rocks, as well as the trend of the contiguous land. When an +angler is in strange waters he will find this preliminary survey to be +always a paying operation. By and by I found a lovely-looking reef which +extended from the shore to deep water. This reef or ledge was broad and +smooth on one side, but the other dipped down sharply, and presented +a rough, jagged, and cavernous face. Here, if anywhere, I judged +_fontinalis_ would be sure to lurk; so I anchored within twenty feet of +the precipitous edge of the reef, with water apparently about ten feet +deep under the boat, but of profound depth a few yards from the ledge. +At that time I had no split bamboo rod, a fact which I have ever since +regretted, but I had an excellent ash and lance-wood, which had killed +myriads of fish, and is still to the fore. I never was and never will +be a skilful fly-fisherman, or perhaps I should say--as too much modesty +savors of affectation--a skilful fly-_caster_. + +That is I never could, nor can I yet, make an effective and proper cast +of over forty-two feet from reel to fly. I have always found, however, +that I _take as many fish_ as those artistic anglers who can cast more +than double that distance. On this occasion I tried a white miller as +tail fly, and a common gray hackle as dropper, and they succeeded so +well that I only thereafter changed them as a matter of experiment. I +never at any time during this trip used more than two flies at once, as +that number gave me quite enough to do. + +Well, this morning of which I am now writing, was one to make glad +the heart of an angler. A southwest wind blew softly, and the sun was +obscured by warm gray clouds. No fish of any decency or self-respect +could _help_ biting on such a day! I felt so sure of good luck that I +put overboard a wicker-work basket, with a hole in the lid, so arranged, +with a falling spring door, that fish could be put in but could not get +out. This floated astern and would keep fully a hundred pounds of fish +alive, if necessary, for any length of time. Having fixed everything to +my liking, I stood up and made my first cast along the edge of the reef. +No result! but I thought I saw a faint suspicion of a shadowy form or +two, and a slight movement of the water just behind my flies. Have been +too quick, I thought; and so tried again, letting the flies this time +rest until they sank an inch or so below the surface, when I _attempted_ +to draw them slowly in. I say attempted, because they had not moved +six inches when first the dropper and then the tail fly were taken in a +rush, by two large trout which didn't draw towards me worth a cent, for +some fifteen minutes at least. On the contrary they darted away as if +the Old Hick was after them with a red-hot frying-pan; pulling in unison +like a pair of well-broken colts and severely trying my rather too light +tackle. Any decided check was out of the question. I could only put +on such pressure as the single gut leader would bear, and that was +sufficient to make a half-circle of my rod. I had beautiful open water +in which to play the fish, but as they rushed along and down the face +of the submerged cliff, I did not know what hidden dangers might lurk in +the unseen depths, nor at what moment a sharp, jagged rock might cut the +line, or some profound recess furnish a retreat from whence it might be +impossible to withdraw my prize. So far however, all went well. The fish +in their terror had sought deep water and not touched rock at all. Soon +the distraction of the heavy, ceaseless strain caused them to forget +the glorious maxim that, "in union is strength." and they began to pull +different ways. Now I was sure of them! and very gradually and gently, +inch by inch, I coaxed them away from the dangerous ground, and got them +safely above the smooth bottom of the plateau on the farther side of +the boat, where I could see their every motion and watch their brave +struggles for life. A prettier sight I never witnessed than the curious +way in which the movements of one fish neutralized those of the other. +If one sought the bottom, his mate went for the surface; if one rushed +away seawards, the other came towards the boat. They literally _played +each other_, and I was for awhile a mere spectator! After looking upon +these cross-purposes for some minutes, I noticed that the fish on +the tail fly became entangled with the line above his comrade on the +dropper, and both then began to whirl furiously round and round after +the usual manner of trout in a like predicament. When the wildest of +this flurry was over, I drew them cautiously to the boat and dipped up +both at once with my landing net. An immediate application of my pocket +scale proved their weight to be twenty-nine and thirty-three ounces +respectively, the heaviest trout being that on the drop or upper fly. +They were evidently a mated pair, and both were broad-shouldered, deep +fish, but not very long, the largest being only sixteen and a half +inches. Their backs were beautifully clouded and mottled, but the +carmine spots on their sides were not quite so vivid as those of dark +river-water trout. Fortunately they were merely lip-hooked, and being +at once placed in the floating creel, soon revived. Now I began to feel +big, and thought myself quite an expert, but in less than five minutes +the conceit was taken out of me with a vengeance, for on my very next +cast I struck a magnificent fish and lost him, and half my leader, +instanter. On feeling the hook old _Salmo_ went like a shot over the +brow of the declivity and (I suppose) into a hole, and cut the line +short off. After that mishap I became more careful, and never dropped my +fly more than six inches from the edge of the reef; and whenever a +fish was struck I drew him at once, at all hazards, away from the risky +ground and played him on the plateau. + +By ten o'clock I had secured fifteen beauties, some running close upon +three pounds. Eleven of these were as lively as ever, but four had been +hooked in the throat and soon died. + +As the day was now becoming bright and hot, I thought it time to look +after my boys, who were out of sight around a point. I soon came up with +them and found "Squills" asleep in the bottom of the boat while "Bluffy" +sat smoking, with his rod lying idly across the gunnel with the line in +the water. "What luck, boys?" I shouted. "Squills" awoke and replied, +"What luck yourself, Governor? Not one blessed fish in this region." I +settled on my sculls, ready for a quick start, and said, "Why, +Squills, you don't know _how_ to fish. Just compound a few of your best +prescriptions and throw them overboard. They have generally proved fatal +to your patients, and will murder the fish sure." + +"Squills" made a wicked dab at my head with his long-handled net, but +a stroke put me in safety, and I added, "And you, friend 'Bluffy,' just +rehash that famous trespass-case speech of yours, which gave the judge +fits and nearly killed the jury, and if you don't have lots of dead +fish, I'm a Dutchman." The poor boys, however, were past joking; and I +rowed back and examined their ground. They had actually been fishing all +the morning in water nine feet deep; over a bottom smooth as a billiard +table, without a weed, rock or stone to hide them from the fish; all of +which, within a hundred yards, could plainly see them and their boat. So +I said, "Come boys, we'll go to camp and have an early trout dinner, and +in the evening you shall catch fish to your heart's content." Then up, +after this manner, spoke the dolorous "Squills". + +"That is all right, Governor, but it strikes me that in order fully to +enjoy a trout-dinner, it is, above all things, necessary first to have +the trout." + +"True, most sapient medicus, and here they are," I rejoined, at the same +time lifting the lid of my creel. "Glory to Galen!" + +"Thunder and turf!" + +"Ghost of Walton! where did you get those, Governor?" both exclaimed +in a breath. "Boys," said I, "you are hungry, tired, and cross; possess +your souls in patience; come to camp; take some lime-juice and water, +with a little of something in it; eat, drink, and recover your strength, +and you shall have the best afternoon's sport you ever saw." These words +of wisdom cheered the fellows up wonderfully, and we all put off for +camp. + +That redolent and shiny youth, Jim, soon cleaned two of the dead fish, +together about five pounds, cooked them in a style of his own, and we +sat down at the unfashionable hour of eleven to our first camp dinner. +I will, for once, give the _menu_, merely to show what awful _hardships_ +we had to encounter! + +Brook trout, fried in red-hot lard, garnished with bread crumbs; broiled +mutton chops; baked potatoes; cold tongue; pickles; sauces and jellies: +aftercourse--pancakes with maple syrup; wind up--Stilton cheese. Didn't +we just suffer for our country? After the inevitable and welcome pipe +(not cigars), and some choice and (I am happy to say) _chaste_ anecdotes +by "Bluffy," we laid down for a two hours' siesta. Oh, the glory, the +happiness of out-door life, away from posts, telegraphs, or newspapers! +Oh, the delight of feeling that every fresh breath of pure ozone-laden +air, adds to health and wholesome animal spirits, and is rapidly +re-invigorating your system, and fitting you to more effectually take +part in renewed and honest work! + +At four o'clock the sun was again obscured by kindly clouds and we all +went ont to the reef; the boys, as before, in one boat, and I in +the other. And then occurred sport such as is seldom seen in genuine +troutfishing. My friends stuck to their minnow and grasshopper bait, +while I retained the fly. I induced them to anchor quite close to the +edge of the reef, so that they might, if necessary, drop their lines +perpendicularly down its face. They had not fished five minutes when +"Bluffy" gave a whoop, which might have awakened a petit-juror or scared +a witness out of his boots. I glanced that way, and found the man of +law standing up in the boat with curved and straining rod and a glow +of intense satisfaction pervading his jolly countenance. "I've got +him, Governor! He's a whopper; an old he fellow! None of your three +pounders," he yelled in great excitement. Sure enough, he _had_ him, and +after ten minutes of skilful play, landed a trout of over four pounds. + +This beat me all hollow! Indeed the largest _S. fontinalis_ I took on +this trip weighed three pounds, one ounce, being two ounces lighter than +the heaviest I have ever yet caught. + +"Squills" now got his hand in and brought out a dashing fish of three +and a-half pounds, in a manner so pretty and artistic as to elicit a +warm eulogium from the "Governor," who, of course, had not meantime been +idle himself. In fact, I had taken a double and single while the boys +got their two; but these outweighed my three. All through our excursion +the _largest_ fish were invariably taken by bait, but not so many of +them as by the fly. However, the fly was so much less trouble and so +much prettier, and cleaner to handle, I did not care to change, seeing +at once that we should catch more fish than we wanted anyway. + +It was a great treat to me to watch the enjoyment the boys had in their +sport. Neither of them had been out before for years, and no student at +the beginning of a long vacation could have manifested such unbounded +delight at his freedom, as did they with their fishing and its +accompanying pleasures. It is a fact worthy of note that while I, using +the fly, took only speckled trout (_S. fontinalis_), my friends, with +bait, secured several of other and larger kinds. + +Well, amid laughter, joke and repartee, the afternoon wore away, and +evening shades came all too quickly. + +Our sport had been almost unique in its exhilarating success and +joyousness. When the sun sank below the waters we had taken in all +seventy-six fine trout, none under one pound. Of this number my fly was +responsible for thirty-two, "Squills" had taken twenty-one, and "Bluffy" +twenty-three. A lovelier lot of fish was never seen; and with the +exception of eight dead ones, we transferred them all safely to the +corral, built in the edge of the lake near our tent, with large stones. +Here, about eighty per cent, of all the fish taken on this trip remained +alive during the whole time of our stay. Whenever one showed signs of +failing we dipped him out for present use. This corral, hacked up by our +supply of ice, gave us full assurances that our good luck would not be +followed by reckless waste. + +But I had almost forgotten the chief incident of this memorable day. +As we approached the camp we saw "Jim" on the shore dancing a double +"Virginny break-down" and grinning all over from head to foot; his +shining ebony face and gleaming teeth fairly illuminating the coming +darkness. On seeing us he yelled out, "I got him, gentlemen; I beats you +all; takes this nigger to catch fish!" + +The imp had actually made for himself a raft of drift-wood, paddled it +out to deep water, and taken with bait a great salmon trout of twenty +pounds! and it was now swimming about in the corral like a yery +leviathan among my morning's catch. This tickled us all so immensely +that we then and there bestowed upon "Jim" an extra "quarter" each. This +boy was indeed a treasure; a first-class cook and care-taker; willing, +faithful, and honest; while his store of songs, exhibits of dancing, and +never-failing fun and good-humor, would haye sufficed to keep cheerful +any camp in the world. Poor fellow! he was drowned two years later in +Lake Michigan, while bathing. + +If I did not fear to spin out this already dull narrative to an +inordinate length, I should like to give a detailed account of each of +the twelve days we fished and shot in this vicinity. + +_Twelve_ days only, mind you, for not a line was wet on Sunday. + +Our one rifle proved a useful adjunct, but we found no use for the +shot-guns, the season being too early and the weather too fine for +ducks. The delicately sighted Winchester, however, procured us several +fine specimens of the loon or great northern diver, and one or two large +blue cranes, all of which, I presume, now adorn "Squills'" sanctum in +British Columbia. + +Almost every day we had choice sport, and we limited our catch only by +the facilities we possessed for saving and carrying away the fish. + +One particular day we devoted to salmon and red trout, which we fished +for away off in very deep water, all of us using either spoons or +live herring bait, in trolling. We had plenty of wholesome exercise in +rowing, and very fair luck as regards fish; taking in all, seven salmon +trout and five red trout. + +The honors of this day fell to "Squills," who captured with his spoon a +salmon trout of nineteen pounds, while I got a red trout of ten pounds. +This last named fish is as pink in the flesh and as fine flavored as +_Salmo salar_. It is said by local fishermen to be in fact the same +fish, and they suppose that in ages long past sea salmon had some means +of reaching this lake, and when the waters subsided some were left, +and that from them the red trout is descended. As I have myself no +scientific knowledge whatever I cannot offer an opinion upon this point. +I can only say that if a skilled fisherman, or even a scientist, were to +receive one of these fish from, say Quebec, he could hardly distinguish +it from the veritable _Salmo salar_, though it bears even a more exact +resemblance to the salmon of Frazer Fiver, British Columbia. + +I am told that this red trout will rise to the fly, but I cannot vouch +for the fact, as all we took were captured with bait or spoon. + +A rather curious, though frequently occurring, thing happened one +evening as we were all fishing, with our boats not more than fifty feet +apart. I had hooked, and was playing a medium sized speckled trout, when +it was seized and gorged by a sixteen-pound salmon trout. I realized +the situation instantly and gave line freely, so as to allow the poacher +lots of time to swallow his stolen prey. The rifle was in the other +boat, and I asked the boys to come alongside, as we should probably have +to use cold lead, the fish being too large for our landing nets. By the +time they were in position, about sixty feet of my line had gone slowly +out, and I judged that the large fish had got the small one fairly in +his stomach. I then began to reel in very gently, and was surprised to +find that the big trout followed my lead with great docility until I had +brought him quite near the surface. Then he became alarmed and dashed +off--a proceeding to which I made no resistance, as I feared pulling the +bait from his throat. Being apparently satisfied that all was right, +my unknown friend soon became quiescent, and I could only feel a slight +tremor of the line as he settled his supper satisfactorily in his maw. +Again I coaxed him slowly and cautiously towards the boat in which +stood "Bluffy" with poised rifle. This time I ventured to make him show +himself within twenty feet of the muzzle of the gun, when "Bluffy" very +neatly put a bullet through his head, and he turned belly up and was got +on board. "Well done, "Bluffy," said "Squills;" "your _practice_ could +not have done greater _execution_ if you had been making out a bill of +costs for a client." + +"Well, no," says 'Bluffy;' "but I think perhaps one of _your curative +pills_ would have killed the fish more unutterably dead." + +"Peace, boys, peace," said the "Governor"; "this is a solemn occasion; +we have used unlawful and unsportsmanlike means to take a game fish; but +as it could not be helped we will condone the offence by giving the fish +away to the first deserving object we meet." + +"And that will be 'Jim,' quietly observed 'Squills.'" + +But dear me! what is the use of trying to tell all the fun and glorious +sport we had? The pen of a "Frank Forester" or a Hallock might do +justice to the subject, mine cannot. Suffice it to say that, as the days +went on, each one made me feel younger and younger, until I found it +hard to convince myself that I was over twenty-five. As to my comrades, +we had not been out a week before they were boys of sixteen! + +Last days will come, however, and all too quickly, let us bear up never +so bravely. The fifteenth morning saw us packing up and preparing to +return once more to civilized life and "the busy haunts of men." + +I am afraid to say how many trout we had at the finish, but I know that +we packed in ice more than three hundred pounds weight to take home with +us; and gave away, almost alive from the corral, nearly as many more +to the captain of the steamer, thereby calling down upon our heads the +earnest blessings of passengers and crew. + +I find, on looking over this MS. that I have forgotten to say that we +discovered several places along the channel edge of the island where +most excellent trout-fishing could be had from the shore; and that, by +the advice of local fishermen, my friends tried the "hearts" of killed +trout as bait, and found such very effective. This "heart" is a piece of +flesh which lies inside the pointed part of the fish's belly which +runs between the gill covers. It looks much like a genuine heart, and +_pulsates_ for several seconds after being removed from the fish. I +suppose that it is in fact a real heart. Never once did this bait fail +to attract a bite; but, of course, not many hearts could be obtained, +as we extracted the delicate morsel only from such fish as were required +for immediate consumption. + +Me finally bade farewell to our two weeks' elysium, with sorrowful +feelings, but before the lapse of twenty-four hours, kind and loving +thoughts of wives, little ones, and home re-asserted themselves, and +we landed at Collingwood in jubilant spirits and vigorous health, fully +prepared to resume our several avocations, and fight again the battles +of life with renewed courage and hope. + +P.S.--We were absent from Barrie twenty-five days in all, and the whole +trip cost us only one hundred and thirty-five dollars, or forty-five +dollars each. Our ice was kept almost intact by being wrapped in +blankets and covered with spruce boughs. Mr. Boon, before referred to, +has built and is this winter (1883) filling a large ice-house on the +small island for his own use and that of any visitors who may fish in +the neighborhood next summer. Mr. Boon took five hundred half barrels of +choice fish on these grounds last season; with nets, of course. + + + + +THE ANGLER'S GREETING. + +By W. David Tomlin. + +Whither away, friend! Your black slender rod-box and the creel denote +you are on fishing intent, but where are you bound? + +A momentary glance, a cordial good evening; the question then came--To +whom am I indebted for this greeting? An exchange of cards resulted in +a long and cordial grasp of hands; glad to meet you! Is it possible? The +magic pasteboard revealed two names not unknown to each other through +the columns of their favorite angling journal, and this visitor had +come to the little country station in quest of some of the fishing often +spoken of in the said paper. + +The fates had led the correspondent to the railway station to bid +good-bye to a friend when the angler unlimbered himself therefrom; and +was looking around as strangers do. + +"Can you recommend a quiet inn near this point where I can find decent +treatment? I am not inclined to be fussy." + +A few minutes' walk and I introduced him to mine host, who was a genuine +piscator, and nothing pleased him better than to have an angler under +his roof: he took possession of him and considered nothing too much +trouble, so long as he gave his guests good fishing, clean beds, a +square meal, and satisfaction. + +While supper was being prepared, we pleasantly chatted over the prospect +of sport, and the angler's aim and ambition. He wanted a day or two of +trouting, and some roach fishing with a fly, as he had read some letters +giving an experience in fishing for these dainty fish, and intended +trying them. The inspection of a well-filled fly-book showed how +carefully he had selected his stock. + +The early supper over, we strolled up the hillsides overlooking this +lovely vale. On the grassy downs we seated ourselves, and I pointed out +to him the various fishing points; yonder is a splendid reach where the +trout are always found; see that sheeny rivulet coming down through +that clump of trees! that is the best trout stream in this section of +country. + +Note the different water-courses. The canal runs through the middle +of the valley; see here, clear away to the west, a little brook comes +tumbling in; see just below that point, a silvery-looking stream on +the farther side of the canal--that is a fine trout stream; follow its +course until it loses itself in that big clump of willows: a saw-mill is +hidden in those willows, and the stream, after supplying the mill with +power, drops into a culvert under the bed of the canal; there it is +again in that piece of open moorland; there it is coming out from that +long clump of willows, and finally joining the stream mentioned before +as the best trout stream in this region; thus the two streams, the Gade +and the little Bourne, are swallowed up in the canal; and have always +been splendid waters for roach fishing. + +The hills hide the canal and streams in their winding course, or I +would point out to you the best fishing grounds for miles along this +Hertfordshire valley; but I presume there lies under your observation +enough fishing ground for a day or two. + +The sun is tending downward like a huge ball of fire, the vale is in a +dreamy shade; how glistening the appearance of the water-courses, like a +big silvery thread winding in and out along the vale! the evening air +is full of music; the bee is humming around you; what a flood of music +comes from the throat of that woodland thrush in yonder thorn hedge! the +strain is taken up, and the very woods echo again with the song of the +black-bird. As he ceases his roundelay, the soft clear note of another +bird strikes on the ear; for the moment' nature seems hushed; almost +breathless you wait; the notes come rich and clear, as silvery as a +lute, a flood of melody; the sound dies away and instantly the woods +ring again; all the sweet-throated songsters seem as if applauding the +song of the nightingale; we sit and drink in these sounds, until one by +one the songs drop into silence, leaving the nightingale to pour out its +tuneful music until far into the night. At this moment there comes in +the air the quivering boom of a bell ringing ont the hour of nine from +the steeple of the church yonder, faintly limned on the evening shadows. +Ah! listen again! there comes the evening chime. How the quivering notes +pulsate up here on these-hilltops! how silvery the tones; as the chords +of the vesper hymn rings out sweet and clear, our hearts beat in +rhythm to the strain! Lovely vale! Israel's grandest seer, who with eye +undimmed and natural force unabated, even from Pisgah's lofty heights +gazed on no lovelier scene than this we have surveyed. We descend into +the shadows; promising to meet my angling friend some time during the +following day, I wend my way homeward and to rest. + +The evening shadows were again falling ere I could join our angler, but +the flies were on the waters and roach were fairly jumping, the surface +of the stream was alive with fish, both roach and dace breaking water +around us. My friend was no novice; I found him whipping the stream from +bank to bank, and his creel testified to his success. He was using a +tail fly and dropper, a red hackle for the former, and an imitation of +the common blue house-fly for the dropper. These fish are fastidious in +their tastes; they do not rise at flies like a trout, but come to the +surface of the water and just break for the fly and at once turn tail +up. He who fishes for them must have a quick eye and steady hand; then +he can kill readily enough. They are a toothsome fish, but a trifle +bony. Eye and hand must work together, and when fish are feeding they +will readily take the fly. They are tender in the mouth and require care +in handling. They afford good sport in streams where they are abundant, +and are often killed weighing from one and a-half to two pounds. + +My angling friend had come well prepared with letters introducing him to +the owners of the fine trout streams, and readily obtained permission to +fish these preserved waters. It was rare sport to watch him daintily lay +out his line across the stream, his stretcher a June fly, or at times a +floating May-fly skittered across the surface until close to the farther +hank. Here lay a big _Salmo fario_. We had been watching him lazily +coming to the surface to suck in a fly or bug that had tumbled from the +trees overhead. A big cockchafer came spinning and buzzing down stream. +All laziness gone in an instant, up came the _Salmo_ showing his huge +sides. A fierce lunge and a heavy splash and the chafer was gone into +the cavern of the open mouth. The fly-book was out in an instant. A +dark brown fly somewhat resembling the 'chafer replaced the stretcher. +A careful cast a little up stream, a lunge and a miss from the trout. +Another cast close in to the bank, a slight jerk and the fly assumed the +appearance of the buzzing chafer; the same sharp dash, the hand was +as quick as the trout this time, the hook was driven home and the fun +began. Such a dashing, splurging, rushing I had never seen. He was +determined to use every art known to trout-lore before he surrendered. +The rod bent and sprung, the line fairly swished as he tore up stream; +above him lay the limb of a tree, scraggy and ragged; toward this he +plunged, but the line tightened on him; he tugged and jerked, but gained +not an inch; he came to the surface and thrashed the water with his +broad tail. Fatal error! as he did so the line came in as fast as +fingers could fly round, the landing net was slipped under him, a quick +upward movement and Master _Salmo_ was flung high and dry. He was too +big for the net and so was ignominiously flung ashore. + +What a noble trout! His silver sides and belly gleamed in the light, his +blood-red spots seemed to glow with indignation at his cruel death. He +had long been a lordling over the other trout and now was strangling! +Kill him! I cannot bear to see a trout gasping. Killed and scaled he +weighs three and a half pounds. A credit to the angler: but at times, +during the contest, it was a question to which the honor belonged; it +was: "Splendid rod!" "Ah! how skilfully he handles his fish." + +"Who would have dreamt that little thing would have stood such a +strain?" + +Gentle angler, let us leave our friend to the contemplation of the +beauties of the fairest of all England's garden landscapes, and the +preserved trout streams, and plunge with me into an American forest. + +By a beautiful lake in the famous State of Michigan a little settlement +is springing up. Over in that bay is a trout creek emptying; it is full +of trout--trout _galore_--trout by the hundreds can be seen. Come with +me, I will show them to you. Let me drop a fly into this hole. Ah! there +he is! see him dash for it. He won't come again, let us push along. + +Push along, you say? do you expect I am coming through that brush? Hot +much; I am not a crank. If you are so fond of trying to break your neck +for a string of trout, why go. I go! am quite willing to be alone on +this lovely little creek, for it contains some of the handsomest trout +it has ever been my good luck to kill. Here and there I drop in a +fly; sometimes a "Yellow May," sometimes a "Professor," sometimes a +"Stone-fly"; once in a while an "Ibis" is fancied by some fastidious +trout. How and then a "Floating May-fly" seems a favorite. Where the +brush overhangs and is a darksome, lonely spot, I drop in a "Royal +Coachman," and out comes a big trout lusty and fighting; sometimes fancy +flies are spurned and hackles of all colors kill; then a fly composed of +alternate feathers, red and white, of no name, but a favorite with the +writer, will kill when trout will not take any other fly. + +I am enjoying the fun, and the creel is getting heavy. Half a mile of +fishing and twenty-five handsome trout is doing good enough for mid-day +fishing. + +As the evening falls I take my split bamboo and the fly-book, pull on +the wading hoots, and go down to the mouth of the creek, wading out +until I am as far as the sand runs. I cast out more for practice than to +expect trout. I have on a big bass-fly large enough for a salmon-fly. As +it strikes the water twenty-five feet from me there is a commotion. "Ye +gods and little fishes!" What was the fuss? I cast again, and as true as +I am here if a number of trout did not jump clear out for that fly, +big as it was! Hastily reeling in I put on a dun-colored fly, and cast +again; the same jump and dash, but no trout. Changing my flies until at +last I put on as a stretcher a "White Miller," I flung out clear beyond +any former cast into the midst of what appeared like a boiling spring. +The fly dropped softly and out came a host of trout. School kept just +then, for I certainly had struck a school of trout. Striking, I fastened +into a fine fish; reeling in, I dried my fly and cast again and hooked +again. The fun grew fast and furious; my little bamboo swished and bent; +hooks were snipped off; I was excited and jubilant, when along came +an itinerant parson. The twenty-five or thirty trout I had, set him +longing; he must fish. Jerking off his boots, pulling up his pants, he +waded into the icy cold water equipped with a stick cut from the forest. +He had nosed out a line and some hooks from a supply I had left on the +bank in my fishing-case, and without so much as "by your leave" began +threshing the water as close to the school as he could get his line; +this was baited with a piece of dead fish. To say that I was disgusted +faintly expresses my feeling. I would have ceased fishing, but my friend +with whom I was staying said, "Ho, don't stop while sport is so good." +I put on a "Royal Coachman" and cast out again, hooking and bringing +out trout every second or third cast. I began casting wide, the school +followed my flies. I tried the "Professor's," "Dun's," "Hackle's," "Seth +Green," "Governor," and "May-flies," with good success. With one pure +"Yellow May" I caught a dozen handsome trout, but in this event the +evening shadows were fast falling. As they deepened, the "Royal +Coachman" and "White Millers" were the killing flies. I cast until I +could not see where my flies fell, and even then once in a while hooked +and brought in a trout. + +I had been thoughtless enough to leave my creel up in the house, never +expecting to have this run of good luck. All my trout were taken from +the hook and thrown twenty-five feet to shore. I lost many of them in +this way. Thirty my friends claimed, yet when I came to count tails, I +found forty as handsome trout as ever man wished to see, and all caught +from 6 in the evening until dark, about 7.45. I had no net, no creel, +therefore had to lead my trout into my hand. The friend at whose house I +was staying claims I lost more than I caught by having them flounder off +the hook while trying to take them by the gills, and by flinging them +ashore. + +I have used flies on this creek many times, but never had such luck +before nor since. My experience has been that the fine fancy flies of +the eastern streams are useless on these Michigan streams; the nearer +the flies approach to a species of small moth found flitting amidst the +foliage of the forest, the greater the success. A word, brother angler, +and I have done. Learn to cast a fly, and you will never go back to +bait fishing from choice. Get good flies, and you won't regret the +extra money they cost you; don't buy cheap imitations or trade made +flies--"they are frauds." + +Don't buy a pole big enough for the staff of a Philistine Goliath; +to fish for trout, buy a fine rod, take care of it, learn to use it +thoroughly. Never buy a cheap rod; a rod fit for trouting must be as +fine as it is possible to make them, and it should not make a shadow on +the water. Cheap rods are like cheap guns, scham-dahms! Good trout +rods cost a good deal of time and labor; cheap rods are turned out in +a rapid-running lathe. They are a delusion. Get the best materials of +everything you need, and buy of a good maker. Never be tempted to buy +"cheap flies because they are bargains"--cheap rods because some one is +selling out; "want to get out of the business, no money in it." Remember +you are the party who will be sold. Cheap things for trouting are a +"fraud, a delusion, and a snare." + +Almost every angler has been bitten, but the prevailing opinion is: buy +the best tackle your pocket-book can afford and take care of it. And my +word for it, as an angler who learned to cast a line for pickerel at ten +years old, you will love the sport and think it the best way to spend a +summer's vacation of any amusement under the sun. + +"In using the fly the object is to imitate the movements of the natural +insect as nearly as possible. To drop the line naturally on the water, +and then to keep the fly endued with life, is the stratagem. From the +moment the fly touches the water the angler should keep his eye on it. +Trout often feed a little under the surface; they do not always break +when they rise, but quietly suck in the fly."--_Charles Hallock_. + +"'An angler, sir, uses the finest tackle, and catches his fish +scientifically--trout, for instance--with the artificial fly, and he is +mostly a quiet, well-behaved gentleman. A fisherman, sir, uses any kind +of 'ooks and lines, and catches them any way; so he gets them it's all +one to 'im, and he is generally a noisy fellah, sir, something like a +gunner.'"--_Doctor Bethune._ + +[Illustration: 0148] + +16. Silver Black. + +17. Scarlet Ibis. + +18. Stone Fly. + +19. White Miller. + +20. Fiery Brown. + +21. Yellow Drake. + +22. Grir. King. + +23. Imbrie. + +24. Soldier Palmer. + +25. Cha + +26. Portland. + +27. Ethel May. + +28. Pale Evening Dun. + +29. Great Dun. + +30. Whimbrel. + +"Be stil moving your fly upon the water, or casting it into the +water; you yourself, being also alwaies moving down the stream.--_Izaak +Walton._ + +"When once alarmed, trout will never bite."--_Seth Green_. + +"Fly-fishers are usually brain-workers in society. Along the banks of +purling streams, beneath the shadows of umbrageous trees, or in the +secluded nooks of charming lakes, they have ever been found, drinking +deep of the invigorating forces of nature--giving rest and tone to +over-taxed brains and wearied nerves--while gracefully wielding the +supple rod, the invisible leader, and the fairy-like fly."--_James A. +Henshall, M.D._ + +"It is generally true that if a trout is pricked by a fly-hook he will +not rise to it again."--_W. C. Prime_. + +"Christopher North.--Would you believe it, my dear Shepherd, that my +piscatory passions are almost dead within me; and I like now to saunter +along the banks and braes, eyeing the younkers angling, or to lay me +down on some sunny spot, and with my face up to heaven, watch the slow +changing clouds!" + +"Shepherd.--I'll no believe that, sir, till I see't--and scarcely +then--for a bluidier-minded fisher nor Christopher North never threw a +hackle. Your creel fu'--your shootin'-bag fu'--your jacket-pouches fu', +the pouches o' your verra breeks fu'--half-a-dozen wee anes in your +waistcoat, no' to forget them in the croon o' your hat,--and, last o' +a', when there's nae place to stow awa ony mair o' them, a willow-wand +drawn through the gills of some great big anes, like them ither +folk would grup wi' the worm or the mennon--buta' gruppit wi' the +flee--Phin's delight, as you ca't,--a killen inseck--and on gut that's +no easily broken--witness yon four pounder aneath Elibank wood, where +your line, sir, got entangled wi' the auld oak-root, and yet at last ye +landed him on the bank, wi' a' his crosses and his stars glitterin' like +gold and silver amang the gravel! I confess, sir, you're the King o' +Anglers. But dinna tell me that you have lost your passion for the art; +for we never lose our passion for ony pastime at which we continue to +excel." + + + + +THE LURE. + +By "Bourgeois." + +Among the delightful summer resorts of Colorado Estes Park may be justly +considered one of the most attractive. It is now easy of access. Seven +years ago it began to be frequented, the trail having given way to the +wagon road. Before the days of easy ingress, I had m cast my lures upon +the waters of the Thompson and Fall River, with gratifying success. + +In the summer of 1875, the Governor, the Governor's mother, and myself, +determined upon Estes Park for a six weeks' vacation. With this end in +view, in the latter part of July, I sent off the team loaded with the +camp outfit. + +Two days after we took the morning train for Longmont, on the Colorado +Central, and had an early lunch at the tail end of the wagon just +outside the town. Before noon we were on the fifteen-mile drive into the +canon of the St. Vrain, for camp. + +By sunrise the following morning we had started, with twenty miles to +make over a new road part of the way, and no road at all in places, +and the places were many. However, we had to hitch on to the end of +the tongue but once, to snake the wagon over an otherwise impassable +boulder. The rock stood a foot out of ground, stretched entirely across +where the road was to be, and at an angle of 45 deg.. The team could barely +get a foothold upon the top, when the traces were let out full, and the +double-tree hooked on the end of the tongue. The horses understood +their business, and upon a word settled their shoulders into the collars +together, the breeching gradually lifted as their knees bent a little; +without a slip their iron-shod hoofs held to the hard granite, and we +were up as deftly as a French dancing master would raise his hat to a +lady. In travelling in the hills there is nothing so gratifying as a +team whose pulling powers you can swear by; a balky horse is an engine +of destruction or death; if you know his failing, shoot him before you +reach the foothills. + +As the sun dropped behind the range, lighting up the high peaks with +his golden rays, and the pines were beginning to take on tints of darker +green, we reached the head of the Park, and within three miles of our +camping ground. To the right of us "Olympus," with the dying sunlight +dancing on his granite head, to the left Long's Peak, with patches of +snow here and there, towering godlike above the surrounding giants. +Before us, Prospect Mountain with its rugged front far reaching above +its robes of green, while around its base and toward us came leaping the +beautiful mountain stream for two miles through the meadow-hued park, +with scarce a willow upon its banks. What a place to cast a fly! Aye, +indeed it is; and what a place it was to catch trout. But we must move +on around Prospect Mountain to Ferguson's for camp, which we make on a +little eminence near a great spring and close by the cabin where we know +we shall be welcome. + +A late supper disposed of, and the Governor stowed away in the blankets, +Ferguson and I fall talking at his broad fire-place about Horse Shoe +Park and Fall River; of course trout are plenty there; he had been up +the day before and knew whereof he spoke; yes, there were quite a number +of tourists in the park, but the streams were not "fished out." He +rather thought that with "a pole" to every rod of the stream the fishing +improved; at least for him. + +Our genial friend who obeyed Joshua in the long ago, was out of bed next +day sooner than I. Dick, the pony, gave me a cheerful good morning as +I put in an appearance and changed his picket pin. I received his +salutation as a good omen. + +Breakfast over and Dick saddled, it was eight o'clock. We had five miles +to go. I strapped my rod and creel to the pommel, and with a caution to +the Governor's mother not to let him fall into the spring, Ferguson +and I were off. There was no occasion to hurry; if we reached the +beaver-dams in Horse Shoe Park by ten o'clock we would be just in time. +Experience had taught me that the two hours before noon, and after five +o'clock were the hours for success. + +Our route was a "cut off" without any trail, but familiar; across the +Thompson, up stream, westward for a mile, we turned up a "draw" to the +right, for a swale in the ridge dividing the Thompson and its tributary, +Fall River. By nine o'clock we had reached the summit of the divide. +Before and below us lay a beautiful park, three miles in length, by a +mile in width toward its upper end, where it rounded at the base of +the mountain range, giving it the shape of a horse shoe, which no doubt +suggested its name. To the north it is guarded by an immense mountain +of rocks, where towering and impenetrable cliffs stand out against +the background of blue sky, as though the Titans had some time builded +there, and mother earth had turned their castles into ruins, and +left them as monuments of her power. To the south a long, low-lying, +pine-covered hill, while from the range in the west with its snow +covered summit and base of soft verdure, comes a limpid stream winding +down through the grass-covered park, its course marked by the deeper +green of the wild grass and the willows. A mile away a band of mountain +sheep are feeding; they have evidently been down to water and are making +their way back to their haunts in the cliffs, and whence we know they +will quickly scud when they see or wind us. Ferguson longed for his +rifle; it was just his luck; he had the "old girl" with him the last +time, but "nary hoof" had he seen. To me they were precious hints of +man's absence, and the wilderness. + +Reaching the stream we picketed the ponies in the grass to their knees; +the nutritions mountain grass, the mother of cream so thick that you +have to dip it ont of the jug with a spoon. The ponies were happy, and +I became nervous; it seemed half an hour before I could get my tackle +rigged. But after I had sent my favorite gray hackle on its mission and +had snatched a ten-inch trout from his native element, my nerves were +braced. A second and a third followed; I heard nothing from Ferguson +except the "swish" of his old cane pole above the music of the waters. +The trout struck and I landed them so fast that the sport began to be +monotonous, and I followed up the sound of the cane. Going round a clump +of willows I discovered the old gentleman upon the edge of the pool, and +that old rod going up and down with the regularity of a trip hammer, the +owner combining business and sport. I asked him what he was doing; he +said he was fishing, and I thought he was. + +Wandering up stream, taking it leisurely, I had by noon filled my creel, +and was enjoying a sandwich under the shelter of some willows, when my +companion came along with his sixteen pound lard-can filled, besides a +dozen upon a stick. I asked him when he intended to quit. He said he had +never seen fish "bite" so; he hated to stop, and yet had all he could +carry, but concluded with me that enough was as good as a feast. Then +he began to banter me about my ash and lancewood, and the excess of his +catch over mine. I told him to wait till some other day. It came in the +course of time, upon the same stream. The trout refused everything I +had, grasshoppers included. Finally I fished up an old fly-book from +the depths of my coat pocket, and in it were half a dozen nameless +blue-bodied flies with a mouse-colored feather upon a number six Kirby. +Upon sight, I remembered to have discarded them in disgust, but I +thought I would try one for luck, and lo! the mystery was solved. I had +been working industriously for two hours and had two trout. Ferguson had +been no more successful, but was in sight when the trout began to rise +to my cast-off fly. He came down my way, wanted to know what I +was using, and I gave him one; he lost that and his leader in some +half-sunken brush, and I gave him another. But his good genius had +deserted him; I persuaded a trout right away from his lure, and he quit +in disgust, while I said never a word. Though a little sensitive upon +the score of success, he was and is a genial and companionable angler, +and one who can make a good cast withal, an he have proper tools. + +Willow Park, an adjunct to Estes Park, through which runs a branch of +the Thompson, has afforded me many a day's sport, and is nearer to camp. +Upon a memorable occasion I had been fishing down stream, when, with a +well-filled creel, I encountered a gigantic boulder on the hank. Just +beyond it was a pool that was suggestive; to reach the base of the +boulder it was necessary to get over a little bayou of about five feet +in width and three in depth. To jump it were easy but for the willows, +yet I must get to that pool. Selecting a place where I think the willows +will give way to my weight, I essay the leap. My feet reach the opposite +hank, my body presses back the brush, but I feel a rebound that assures +me of my fate. I clutch frantically at the swaying bush; it breaks in +my hand, and I sit down quite helplessly, muttering a prayer till the +cold water bids me shut my mouth. Emerging I hear a well defined laugh, +but not being in the mind to fear the spirits that haunt these wilds, I +make for the base of that boulder and the coveted pool. A moment after +I discover a face bedecked with glasses upon the opposite side of the +brook, and recognize the smiling countenance of a genial member of the +guild looking at me through the willows. + +"Oh, is that you?" + +To this lucid inquiry I reply in the affirmative. "Where's Ferguson?" + +"At home, I suppose." + +"I thought I heard him fall in the creek." + +I told him I did not think Ferguson had a monopoly of the bathing +privileges of the Thompson and its tributaries. + +"Well, I thought it was funny." + +"Thought what was funny?" + +"Why, I heard the splash, and supposed it was Ferguson; then I +remembered Ferguson was a church member in good standing." + +I took my revenge by competing with my brother for the contents of that +pool, and beat him by one. But to this day he greets me with a smile. +When I got back to camp I learned that the Governor had been trying to +follow in the footsteps of his father, and had tumbled into the spring. +He had been fished out by the combined efforts of his mother and Mrs. +Ferguson, and I discovered him swathed in a blanket by the kitchen +stove, mad as a hornet; I shook hands with him. + +Our camp is pitched in a pleasant spot, with two tall pines, a hundred +feet away, for sentinels. _Coup de soleil_ is unknown in Colorado, so I +prefer the sun's rays to lightning, especially while trees seared from +top to bottom are plentiful in the Park as monitors. To the right is +Prospect Mountain, with its west end a beetling cliff, perhaps two +thousand feet high, where I once had the buck-ague during an interview +with a "big-horn." To the left and in front, the range, where the +storm-king holds high carnival, while lower down and nearer is a +mountain of towers and pinnacles of brown and red and gray, carved out +by that whimsical sculptor, Old Time. With the sun for my artist, the +range for both his easel and background, I have lounged away many an +hour under one of the old janes. My gaze wandering down the green slope +to the river half a mile away, and with the weird music of the tumbling +waters coming and receding on the summer breeze to help my dreams, we +have together wrought out fantastic ruins and ghostly shapes to people +them. A drifting cloud, perhaps, will change a barbacan to a spire, and +a Doric capital to a Corinthian, or the knight panoplied to a brownie +with a lily for a throne, and + + "......jolly satyrs, full of fresh delight, + + Come dancing forth, and with them nimbly ledd + + Faire Helenore, with girlonds all bespredd, + + Whom their May-lady they had newly made;" + +to give place again, as the golden meshes weave, to cowled monks or +ladies, fair, as suits the whim of the artist's patron. Again, the +goblins of the range begin their game of nine-pins, and the fleecy +clouds that have been slowly drifting, drifting all the day, settle down +upon the mountain top and change from white to gray and from gray to +black as the sport grows furious. Something these elves must have to +light up their frolic, and presently it comes in great flashes of wicked +steel-blue and red, zigzaging down the mountain side, or in straight +blinding bolts that rive paths in the hard granite, scattering the loose +rock and shivering the pines, while the noise of the jolly nine-pins +rattles and re-echoes among the crags, and dies away to come again more +quickly, until the mountain-top is a sheet of lurid flame and the din +unceasing, so closely follows peal upon peal. The game is too violent +to last, but the gnomes love to hug the range in their pastime, and I, +understanding the signs, and having no fear of their electric lights, +watch the fast growing rift of azure that crowds hard upon the driving +blackness. At last the mellow rays touch up my mountain ruins, and they +are arrayed in new splendors and peopled with other phantoms. + +So I have dreamed, and might go on dreaming, but this time I am brought +back to the green slope and a little figure. The Governor is toiling +up the trail with a quart bucket, his special chattel, from the spring, +whence he volunteered to bring a drink for his mother. I can see no +impediment in his path, yet he stumbles and falls. Would I had been +there to warn him; but the water is spilled. He does not cry, but +gathers himself and his property up, and goes back to begin his task +over again. Just then there came to me pat, an aphorism, I think, of +"Poor Goldsmith": "True greatness consists not in never falling, but +in rising every time we fall;" and I took it as an omen of good for the +boy. + +The time is approaching when we must break camp and go back to the brick +and mortar and the realities of civilization. Duties to be performed +will be undertaken with better zest when I get to them, but I cast +lingering looks toward my mountain ruins as the day of departure draws +nigh. I even have a thought that it would be pleasant to relapse into +barbarism, if out of such as mine our civilization has grown--we might +build up a better. As this may not be, I am encouraged by the thought +that another season will come, and with hope in my heart I am better +prepared for the work awaiting me. I know that I shall go back with a +fresher feeling for my kind, and more charity. So when one September +morning, after a day of gray mist hanging oyer the iange, the wind comes +down chill from the heights, and the morning sun lights up my castles +and pinnacles in diadems of new-fallen snow, I say we must be off. We +gather together our lares of nomadic life, and with a regretful farewell +to those I cannot bring away, we make the journey home, a better man and +woman, with a nut-brown, healthy boy, for much of which I give credit to +the artificial fly, and the beautiful denizens of the mountain streams. + + + + +FLY FISHING IN THE YOSEMITE. + +By A. Louis Miner, Jr. + +A merry party had come for a holiday to the Yosemite, and their camp +was established between the north and south domes near the forks of the +Merced. Toward the east the Tenajo Canon opened, revealing through its +vista of granite crags the highest peak of "Clouds' Rest," crowned with +eternal snows. Westward, the Sentinel Rock, like a minaret among the +domes, pierced the sky. + +There were seven in the party, including a heathen from the flowery +kingdom, almond-eyed--Ah Yang. His nominal function was to do as he was +bid, and serve as man of all work, but in reality he ruled; and ruled +with a rod of iron. Yang had been induced to come by motives purely +sordid; but the others, aside from seeing the wondrous valley, had +various reasons for making the journey. + +The Judge came for relaxation. He needed it. For the last dozen years he +had devoted himself to reading the morning papers, lunching at his club, +and entertaining his friends sumptuously at dinner. + +His wife, who, in the levelling atmosphere of camp, came to be styled +the _Judgess_, imagined herself on the verge of a decline, and sought +recuperation in the forest. If the Judgess were described as fat and +forty, omitting the fair, the description would fall far short of truth. +In spite of her ailments, the Judgess would haye enjoyed herself in a +way, had it not been for the young woman she was chaperoning. This was +Madge. Certain young men in San Francisco called her a _rattler_, +and certainly there was nothing slow about her. The chief end of her +existence, at home and everywhere, seemed to be the pursuit of fun; +to this end she flirted with anything that came in her way, from stray +herdsmen on the plains to an English baronet at a Yosemite hotel. When +nothing else was at hand, and to the Judgess' indignation, she flirted +with the Judge. With charming zest she played continued games of poker +with him till his honor's purse was far thinner than its owner. The +Judge's admiration for Madge was profound, but after an hour at cards, +he would usually remark, "that girl has the devil in her, _as it were_, +bigger than a wolf." + +It is said that all men have a ruling passion. Be that as it may, a +passion certainly ruled a worthy clergyman of the company. The men of +our generation affected with beetle mania are many, but his Reverence +was absolutely devoted to bugs. The Judgess, a zealot to such a degree +that Mary of England was but lukewarm in comparison, said that his +Reverence valued a butterfly more than a human soul; and Madge +insisted that, while he pretended to read his office, he was engaged in +dissecting a coleoptera or something. + +The Doctor, who was Madge's unworthy brother, had come with the avowed +intention of sketching. All the long way from San Francisco he had been +at work with brushes and blotting paper. Often the "prairie schooner," +in which the party travelled, had "lain to" while the Doctor washed in +patches of blue and white to represent cloud-effects, or a jagged gray +band against streaks of orange, portraying sunrise in the Sierras. + +The last member of the party without professional distinction, and +familiarly called "Jack," had also a _penchant_, though many years had +passed since it had been gratified. When they had left the San Joaquin +plain and its sluggish rivers oozing their way through mud and reeds, +and had climbed into the mountain, a halt was made in a deep canon. Here +was a stream indeed. How blithely it danced along, eager to find the +Golden Gate and the Pacific! How it sang to Jack of fellow streams near +the other ocean! How it whispered of trout streams ahead! Presently a +long-cherished fly book was produced and Jack was poring over it. His +Reverence, attracted by the little volume, looked over Jack's shoulder. +He was entranced. A volume of ecclesiastical Latin would not have +interested him half so much. He began to criticise and expound. Some +were perfect. Some were caricatures of diptera. The other members of the +party drew around. "Pooh!" said the Doctor, "I hope you don't expect to +catch any trout with those things in Yosemite! Everybody knows that the +Merced trout don't take the fly." The Doctor went on to say, "that with +a common string, such as any grocer would use to tie up a package of +tea, a good strong hook, and a worm," he would catch in the same time, +more fish than could all the sportsmen of California, fishing with fancy +flies. + +The Doctor, like most cynics, was somewhat given to hyperbole. + +During the remainder of the journey into the valley, Jack felt himself +regarded as the victim of a mild halucination. + +The Doctor could sketch; beetles were awaiting his Reverence's +microscope; flirtation and frolic were dawning on Madge's horizon; even +the Judge and Judgess could get rid of a stone or two avoirdupois if +they tried; but poor Jack had come, it appeared, to fish, and there +were no fish to catch, or at least to catch with a fly. Such was the +tradition, and so the Doctor had asserted, and no one ever disputed the +Doctor excepting Yang, the Chinaman. + +Our friends had been revelling in the enchantments of the valley a week; +had climbed the trails that crept zig-zag up the dizzy heights; had +spent hours among the soft mist and rainbows at the first landing of +that wonder of the world, the Yosemite Falls; and still Jack had not +accomplished the cherished desire of his heart. He had not the moral +courage to take from its swaddling clothes his beloved rod (which the +Doctor would persist in calling "your fish-pole"). Never had he so +longed to cast a fly; but he thought, of the teasing Madge and waited. +At best, he was but a poor male creature. Madge, in his place, would +have been whipping the stream, with defiance and determination, an hour +after her arrival. + +His Reverence and the Doctor had arranged to ascend Clouds' Rest on a +Thursday and return next day. Early Thursday morning, before Yang or the +birds were stirring, Jack sauntered forth to his morning bath in the +icy waters of the river. This Rio, de la Merced, would it prove to +him indeed a _river of mercy_, or a river of humiliation? But what +a glorious stream it was! Here it glided through wooded banks, the +opposite side black in the shadow of overhanging manzanita, while nearer +the rippling waters were checkered with the shadows of the cotton-wood +leaves, trembling in the growing light. Further on, the river whirled +and eddied around great boulders, resting among the mossy rocks in deep, +dark pools, bordered with fern and flecked with patches of lace-like +foam. Further still, it wound silently through the sedges, reflecting on +its glassy surface the storaied-carved Cathedral Rocks, or the huge mass +of El Capitan. Here was an ideal trout stream, but were there trout in +it! No doubt, for the Doctor had taken his grocers' string and a worm +and a veritable pole, and after a day's tramp had returned to camp wet, +hungry, in a sulphurous mood, but with four unmistakable trout. These, +served up the next morning, were appropriated by the Judgess, and made +an excellent appetizer to more abundant bacon and flap-jacks. + +Jack had reached that pearl of waters, the Mirror Lake, and was watching +the marvellous beauties pictured on its bosom, when suddenly there was +a soft plash, the sleeping depths were troubled, a circling ripple crept +toward him, and Jack's pulses bounded. A trout had risen! + +Through the dewy chaparral and the fragrant whispering pines, our friend +hurried back to camp in a fever of impatience. He tried to help Yang +with breakfast, but was told by that dignitary to "giv' us a rest," and +so humbly retired. He then waked his Reverence. He wakened the Doctor +and was greeted by language far from complimentary. He aroused the +Judgess, and was pierced with daggers from her eyes while she hurriedly +adjusted her teeth. + +After breakfast more torturing delays, the Judgess declined to join the +mountain party. The others must not think that she feared to ride the +mules, for she adored mountain climbing, and the exercise and all that. +(This was a dreadful fib, which was probably made use of at her +next confession.) Both the Judge and herself were pining for a few +refinements of life at the hotel. Without napkins and finger-bowls, life +became a burden. The poor Judge had to acquiesce and said: "She wants +a little civilization _as it were_." Then Jack rebelled. There was a +general confusion, in the midst of which Yang began to fire his pistol. +This pistol was the idol of his pagan soul, and his frequent salutes the +terror of the party. No one dared to interfere. At this time the volley +was continued and promiscuous. The Judgess screamed, and having no +immediate revenge in the shape of ill-cooked dinners to fear, sharply +expostulated. Thereupon Yang, with utmost _sang froid,_ told her to +"shut your head" and journey to regions he had probably heard the Doctor +name. This was too much. The Judgess climbed into the wagon and stated +her opinion of people who permitted such "goings on" and of a priest +who allowed a Christian woman to be sworn at. Madge was convulsed with +laughter, even his Reverence smiled, while the Judge, poor man, looking +as if every brewery on the continent had been burned, snapped his whip, +and the wagon was lost to sight beneath the arching sequoias. + +It was high noon when the sure-footed mules had arrived and the party +fairly started off. Jack waved an adieu with one hand, and with the +other reached down his rod from the branches of a live oak. Yang +proceeded to dissect a sucker he had caught for bait, saying: "If you +fisliee, me fishee too, but j'ou no sabee nothing." + +Later in the afternoon Jack stood on the grassy point where the lake +narrows into the river. He had adjusted his flies, and everything was +in readiness. He paused to watch Yang, who was stationed below on the +river, fasten a cubic inch of sucker to his hook, expectorate upon it, +turn around three times, and fling it with a tremendous splash into +the water. Whether these performances were the result of Oriental +superstition, or whether the Chinaman imitated some American example, he +did not stop to consider. His long unpractised hand, trembling a little +now, had sent the flies far out beneath the shadows of some willows. +Another cast was made, and then another. At the fourth there was a rise, +and the fish was hooked. The struggle was short but spirited. Yang, +abandoning his primitive tackle, was ready with the landing-net, and the +fish was killed. As the sport continued, Jack grew calmer, while Yang's +excitement increased. He trembled as if the ague were upon him. His +stoicism was laid aside. He laughed, jabbered, and Jack was obliged to +address him as the Chinaman had addressed the Judgess. Yang begged to +try the rod, and by reason of his imitative faculties might have made +good use of it, but he had to content himself with the net. + +At last the lengthening shadows deepened into twilight, and the +gathering darkness put an end to the sport. The great dome of Mt. +Watkins, inverted in the motionless water, had changed from gold +to crimson, and from crimson to violet; they paid no heed until the +reflection faded, then, looking up, the real mountain, circled by rising +mists, seemed to float in the darkening sky, and Jack, with that feeling +of perfect content and peace which kings can never know unless they are +anglers, stowed away his flies, unjointed his rod, while Yang shouldered +the catch. + +It was a happy couple that went down the Tenajo canon that evening. The +moon smiled upon them; an owl hooted enviously; Jack softly whistled +a strain from Schubert, while Yang made the towering rocks echo and +re-echo to the joyous banging of the pistol. + +The fish were dressed, supper eaten, Yang's tin dishes washed, and +everything was snug for the night. Jack, stretched beneath a giant +pine and smoking his evening pipe, was watching the weird play of the +firelight in the canopy of foliage above. The Celestial appeared. + +"Me heap lonesome, got no more cartridges; you no care; go down hotel +stay Chinaboy to-night." + +Unselfish, devoted, and charitable as Yang claimed to be, he could +hardly pretend to heroism. The Chinaman was permitted to go, and Jack, +appropriating the Judgess' hammock, turned in. This hammock owed Jack a +lodging. All the way across the plains, and up the mountains, and in the +valley, that hammock had almost nightly collapsed. Perhaps the Judge did +not know how to tie a knot; perhaps the ample physique of the Judgess +was too much for any knot, but the thing kept occurring, to the great +discomfiture of the Judgess and all the rest of the party. As Jack, with +his feet at the fire, and his head on a sack of barley, lay studying +the midnight heavens, there would come a shock as of an earthquake. The +Judge was a little deaf and after a night or two of experience, +would lie just beyond reach of whatever member his better half could +disentangle with which to punch him. First, his Reverence would be +summoned; but he slept the sleep of the just. Then cries for Ah Yang and +the others would follow. Yang was too wise a Chinaman to awaken. Jack +sometimes rolled over and kicked the Doctor till he roused, and the good +lady hearing his exclamations, claimed his assistance; but sometimes +Jack also shed his blankets and relieved the massive limbs from a state +of suspension. + +With content Jack rolled himself in the hammock. Never had he slept in +such profound solitude. The nearest camp was far away down the valley; +and towards the east, beyond the mountain-barrier, nothing but the wild +desert, and solitary, sage-clad hills of Nevada. + +The river murmured over the pebbles, the pines faintly whispered, and +that was all. For once he was alone, and oh! the peace of it! Was it +such a night as this that tempted men to leave their fellows for a +hermitage? Such visions came to him as seldom visit men beneath a roof. +At last he slept, and dreamed of the first trout he had killed in a +little New England meadow-brook. He was filling a creel with bass from a +fair Wisconsin lake. He was in a plunger off Montauk Point, striking the +blue-fish. He was trolling for pike through Champlain, and casting a fly +from a canoe on Adirondack waters. + +The South Dome was glowing in the ruddy morning light; a flock of +blackbirds were piping cheerily; an odor of fried trout and coffee was +in the air, and Yang was tugging at the blankets, and saying: + +"Come, you heap laze, bleakfast all leddy. Git up!" + +What a dinner Yang and Jack had in readiness for the party that night! +The Judge and spouse, after much pressing, had come. The lady could not +withstand the trout, especially on a Friday. The judicial pair arrived +just as Madge and his Reverence raced into camp on the sturdy mules. +The Doctor and guide followed. Madge's cheeks were glowing, her eyes +sparkling, and her tongue rattling, as she leaped from her saddle. "Such +a time as they had had! His Reverence had been a duck, and the Doctor +for once had behaved himself and kept civil." She gave her hand to the +Judgess, but kissed the Judge. + +At Yang's summons, a jovial company sat down to such a table as campers +in the Sierras seldom see. Madge was in ecstasies, and even the Judgess +expressed approval. There was real damask upon it, with napkins and +silver forks and wine from the hotel, with all sorts of garnitures of +Yang's contrivance. + +The dinner began, continued, and ended with fish; but fish cooked in +every way which Oriental imagination could devise, and camp facilities +permit. Even "Simpson's Fish Dinner," of seven courses, in Billingsgate, +could not surpass it. The Judgess, having disposed of about a dozen +fish, remarked that, after all, these were _only_ California trout, and +entirely lacked the flavor, as they lacked the beauty, of their Eastern +cousins. She thought, however, that Yang's salad--of cresses from the +Merced--was not bad; but wine--even if it was champagne--when sipped +from a tin cup, left much to be desired. Alas! Jack had forgotten to +borrow the glasses. + +All that evening, around the camp-fire, the party listened to an +account of the catch. The Doctor did not hesitate to express his entire +disbelief in the story. It was his opinion that Jack had hired the +Indians to fish for him, and bribed Yang to hold his tongue. Then Yang +spoke: + +"You think you heap smart. Jack heap sabee how fish, and you no sabee, +but me sabee you. Last Fliday you go fish, and when me water horse, see +Injun sellee you fish. I sabee _you_." + +In the peals of laughter which followed, the Doctor went away to his +blankets muttering. So the trout the Judgess had enjoyed a week before +were not the Doctor's catching, after all. + +A week longer the party lingered in the valley. Madge and his Reverence +became quite expert with the fly. The lake seemed to have yielded all +its finny treasures to Jack, but the Merced afforded ample sport. Many +strings of trout were sent to fellow-campers, and to friends at the +hotel; and one little hamper made the long journey by stage and rail to +San Francisco. + +The "trout-camp" became famous in the valley, and paragraphs noticing +the catch appeared in the _Stockton Independent_, and even in the +_Sacramento Bee_. Jack had accomplished his purpose, and had not come to +the Yosemite in vain. + +Then the prairie schooner sailed away through the mountains, Madge and +his Reverence driving by turns, while the Judge held his ponderous foot +on the brake. Yang was mounted on a mustang, while the doctor and Jack +trudged through the dust. Frequent halts were made, the Judgess taking +her noon-day siesta; the "three fishers," as she called Madge, his +Reverence and Jack, striking out for some neighboring stream. Near the +Tuolumne big trees his Reverence took the largest trout of the trip--a +four-pounder. On the Tuolumne Biver the three met with fair success; but +on the upper waters of the Stanislaus the sport was better. They tarried +by the stream winding through that dead little mining town, Big Oak +Flat. The banks of the little river were honey-combed by the old placer +mining. The population of the Flat wondered to see Madge cast a fly. +Even the Chinamen who were still washing for gold, would throw aside +their cradles and pans to gaze. + +An ancient beau of the town stranded there fifteen years ago (such a man +as Bret Harte would have gloried in), became so enamored with the fair +angler that he would have followed in her wake; but the fickle object +of his admiration eluded her admirer, and the miner sadly headed his +mustang toward his mountain home, promising to call "next time he went +to 'Frisco." The schooner dropped anchor in Oakland. The Judge asked all +to dine with him that day week--"a sort of a re-union, _as it were_, you +know." His Reverence hastened to don something more in keeping with his +cloth than a blue shirt; Madge threw a kiss to Jack as the Doctor handed +her into a carriage; and Jack was left to cross the ferry alone. Yang, +however, had not abandoned him. He produced a piece of red paper and +asked Jack to write his address upon it. + +"I hab one fliend who come get your washee Monday." + +Jack, inured to submission, could not refuse, and Yang's "fliend" still +does his "washee." + +Since the Yosemite excursion Jack has trailed salmon flies on the +noble Columbia River, and whipped the California trout streams from the +cactus-covered plains of the Mexican border to the glaciers of Mount +Shasta, but he has never had such keen enjoyment with the fly as on that +afternoon at Mirror Lake. + +When he arranges his tackle for a little holiday sport on the Russian +River, or the streams among the red woods of Santa Cruz, he sees again +the reflected fir-trees and granite dome trembling in the water as the +trout leap to his fly; he again hears Yang's ejaculations and commands. +"Fifty-sleven, Jack. Hi! that big fish; fifty-eight. You _heap_ +sabee. Hold him tight.'Rusalem, him sabee how swim! Pull like hella, +fifty-nine!" + +"Trout take some flies because they resemble the real fly on which they +feed. They take other flies for no such reason."--_W. C. Prime._ + +"The oft-repeated quotation, 'Spare the rod and spoil the child,' has +been misconstrued for many a long day, and if I had known early in +life its real significance it would hardly have made so doleful an +impression. There is no doubt to-day in my mind that this 'rod' meant a +_fishing-rod_, and the timely cherishing of it in youth tends to +develop the portion of one's nature to which the former use was entirely +innocent."--_Thomas Sedgwick Steele._ + +"My favorite fly of all is a snipe feather and mouse body."--"_Frank +Forester_." + +[Illustration: 0178] + +31. Cinnamon. + +32. Deerfly. + +33. Red Fox. + +34. Camlet Dun. + +35. Governor. + +36. Green Drake. + +37. Alder. + +38. Cheney. + +39. Soldier. + +40. Hod. + +41. Kingdom. + +42. Oak Fly. + +43. Gray Coflin. + +44. Fire Fly. + +45. Beaverkill. + +46. Yellow May. + +47. Black Jun.. + +48. Quaker. + + +"Often the whereabouts of a trend is betrayed by a break or a leap from +the surface, and the wide-awake angler will make it his business to toss +his fly over the spot sooner or later. Sometimes the trout rush at the +lure like a flash, leaping clear over it in their eagerness. They are +difficult to hook then."--_Charles Bollock._ + +"No description of the brook trout, that has ever been given, does him +justice. It stands unrivalled as a game fish."--_Theodatus Garlick, +M.D._ + +"The best flies to use are imitations of those which are born on the +water; for, though trout will often take land flies, and indeed almost +any insect you can throw on the water, yet it is on the water-flies +which he chiefly depends for his sustenance."--_Francis Francis_. + +"A trout does not always get the fly when he attempts to; it may be +lying against the leader, making it impossible for him to get it in his +mouth; you may strike too quickly, taking it out of reach; the strike +may be too hard, tearing his mouth. More trout by far are pricked than +hooked. Practice only can teach you when to strike; you see a faint +gleam under the surface, when you instinctively twitch, to find you +have hooked a beauty. Few fishermen can separate force from quickness of +motion. Never use your arm in making the strike, only your wrist; then +will the difficulty be overcome."-- _T. S. Up de Graff, M.D._ + +"Innocent stranger! Thou who readest these lines! perhaps you never +caught a trout. If so, thou knowest not for what life was originally +intended. Thou art a vain, insignificant mortal! pursuing shadows! +Ambition lures thee, fame dazzles, wealth leads thee on, panting! Thou +art chasing spectres, goblins that satisfy not. If thou hast not caught +a trout, this world is to thee, as yet, a blank, existence is a dream. +Go and weep."--_Thaddeus Norris._ + +"On one occasion the writer was awakened at a very early hour, when, lo! +Mr. Webster, who happened to be in a particularly playful mood, was +seen going through the graceful motions of an angler throwing a fly and +striking a trout, and then, without a word, disappeared. As a matter of +course, that day was given to fishing."--_Lawman's Life of Webster_. + + + + +HOW TO CAST A FLY. + +By Seth Green. + +I am asked a great many times what is the secret of fly-casting? There +are three principles. First, quick out of the water; second, give the +line time to straighten behind you; third, throw. I will explain these +principles more definitely. + +Raise your rod straight up, or nearly so, the inclination being +backward; then make a quick stroke forward. When you take the line from +the water it should be done with a quick jerk; then give your line time +to straighten behind; then give it the same stroke forward that you did +to get it out of the water. + +Why so many fail in fly-casting is, they throw the rod backward too near +the ground behind them, and when they make the forward stroke, and the +line gets straightened out, it is some distance above the water and +kinks back, so that when it falls upon the water it lies crooked, and +is some distance short of what it would have been if it had struck the +water as soon as it was straightened out. + +If a fish should strike at your flies at this time you are pretty sure +to miss him. By never throwing your rod back more than to a slight angle +from the perpendicular, and making the stroke forward, your line goes +straight out and the flies go to the point you desire. + +Great care should be taken when you have thrown the line behind you, +that the line is given time to straighten before making the stroke +forward. I have t thrown seventy feet of line against a strong wind, +first, by giving my rod a quick, strong back stroke, carrying my rod +but slightly back of the perpendicular, and giving my line time to +straighten behind me, then making the same stroke forward that I did to +get it back of me. + +I nearly forgot to mention that it is more important to have your line +fit your rod than it is to have your coat fit your back. + +You may think it strange that I should tell you three or four times over +in the same article, that in order to do good fly-casting you must +throw your rod back only just so far, and then wait for your line to +straighten behind you; and when your line is straight, to make a quick +stroke forward, without carrying your rod forward, even a little, before +delivering your line, but these movements are the essential principles +in flycasting. By observing them one may hope to become a skilful +fly-caster. + + +TROUT: + +MEETING THEM ON THE "JUNE RISEN BY "NESSMUK." + + There is a spot where plumy pines + + O'erhang the sylvan banks of Otter; + + Where wood-ducks build among the vines + + That bend above the crystal water. + + And there the blue-jay makes her nest, + + In thickest shade of water beeches; + + The fish-hawk, statuesque in rest, + + Keeps guard o'er glassy pools and reaches. + + Tis there the deer come down to drink, + + From laurel brakes and wooded ridges; + + The trout, beneath the sedgy brink, + + Are sharp on ship-wrecked flies and midges. + +And of the scores of mountain trout-streams that I have fished, the +Otter is associated with the most pleasing memories. + +It is, or was, a model trout-stream; a thing to dream of. Haying its +rise within three miles of the Tillage, it meandered southward for ten +miles through a mountain valley to its confluence with the second fork +of Pine Creek, six miles of the distance being through a forest without +settler or clearing. + +The stream was swift, stony, and exceptionally free of brush, fallen +timber and the usual _debris_ that is so trying to the angler on most +wooded streams. Then, it was just the right distance from town. It was +so handy to start from the Tillage in the middle of an afternoon in +early summer, walk an hour and a half at a leisurely pace, and find +one's self on a brawling brook where speckled trout were plenty as a +reasonable man could wish. + +Fishing only the most promising places for a couple of miles always gave +trout enough for supper and breakfast, and brought the angler to the +"Trout-House," as a modest cottage of squared logs was called, it being +the last house in the clearings and owned by good-natured Charley Datis, +who never refused to entertain fishermen with the best his little house +afforded. His accommodations were of the narrowest, but also of the +neatest, and few women could fry trout so nicely as Mrs. Davis. True, +there was only one spare bed, and, if more than two anglers desired +lodgings, they were relegated to the barn, with a supply of buffalo +skins and blankets. On a soft bed of sweet hay this was all that could +be desired by way of lodgings, with the advantage of being free from +mosquitoes and punkies. The best of rich, yellow butter with good bread +were always to be bad at Charley's, and his charges were 12 1/2 cents +for meals, and the same for lodging. + +The two miles of fishing above the "Trout-House" led through clearings, +and the banks were much overgrown with willows, making it expedient to +use bait, or a single fly. I chose the latter: my favorite bug for such +fishing being the red hackle, though I am obliged to confess that the +fellow who used a white grub generally beat me. + +But the evening episode was only preliminary; it meant a pleasant +walk, thirty or forty brook-trout for supper and breakfast, and a quiet +night's rest. The real angling commenced the next morning at the bridge, +with a six-mile stretch of clear, cold, rushing water to fish. My +old-fashioned creel held an honest twelve pounds of dressed trout, and +I do not recollect that I ever missed filling it, with time to spare, +on that stretch of water. Nor, though I could sometimes fill it in a +forenoon, did I ever continue to fish after it _was_ full. Twelve pounds +of trout is enough for any but a trout-hog. + +But the peculiar phase of trout lore that most interested me, was the +"run" of trout that were sure to find their way up stream whenever we +had a flood late in May or the first half of June. They were distinct +and different from the trout that came up with the early spring +freshets. Lighter in color, deeper in body, with smaller heads, and +better conditioned altogether. + +They could be distinguished at a glance; the individuals of any school +were as like as peas in color and size, and we never saw them except +on a summer flood. The natives called them river trout. They came in +schools of one hundred to five times as many, just as the flood was +subsiding, and they had a way of halting to rest at the deep pools and +spring-holes along their route. Lucky was the angler who could find them +at rest in a deep pool, under a scooped out bank, or at the foot of a +rushing cascade. At such times they seemed to lose their usual shyness, +and would take the fly or worm indifferently, until their numbers were +reduced more than one-half. To "meet them on the June rise" was the +ardent desire of every angler who fished the streams which they were +accustomed to ascend. These streams were not numerous. The First, +Second, and Third Forks of Pine Creek, with the Otter, comprised the +list so far as I know. And no man could be certain of striking a school +at any time; it depended somewhat on judgment, but more on luck. Two or +three times I tried it on the Otter and missed; while a friend who +had the pluck and muscle to make a ten-mile tramp over the mountain to +Second Fork took forty pounds of fine trout from a single school. It +was a hoggish thing to do; but he was a native and knew no reason for +letting up. + +At length my white day came around. There was a fierce rain for three +days, and the raging waters took mills, fences and lumber down stream in +a way to be remembered. Luckily it also took the lumbermen the same way, +and left few native anglers at home. When the waters had subsided to +a fair volume, and the streams had still a suspicion of milkiness, I +started at 3 P.M. of a lovely June afternoon for the Trout-House. An +easy two hours walk, an hour of delightful angling, and I reached the +little hostelry with three dozen brook trout, averaging about seven +inches in length only, but fresh and sweet, all caught on a single red +hackle, which will probably remain my favorite bug until I go over the +last carry (though I notice it has gone well out of fashion with modern +anglers). + +A supper of trout; an evening such as must be seen and felt to be +appreciated; trout again for breakfast, with a dozen packed for lunch, +and I struck in at the bridge before sunrise for an all day bout, "to +meet 'em on the June rise." I didn't do it. I took the entire day to whip +that six miles of bright, dashing water. I filled a twelve-pound creel +with trout, putting back everything under eight inches. I put back more +than I kept. I had one of the most enjoyable days of my life; I came +out at the lower bridge after sundown--and I had not seen or caught +one fresh-run river trout. They were all the slender, large-moutlied, +dark-mottled fish of the gloomy forest, with crimson spots like fresh +drops of blood. But I was not discouraged. Had the trout been there I +should have met them. I walked half a mile to the little inn at Babb's, +selected a dozen of my best fish for supper and breakfast, gave away the +rest, and, tired as a hound, slept the sleep of the just man. + +At 4 o'clock the next morning I was on the stream again, feeling my way +carefully down, catching a trout at every cast, and putting them mostly +back with care, that they might live; but' for an hour no sign of a +fresh-run river trout. + +Below the bridge there is a meadow, the oldest clearing on the creek; +there are trees scattered about this meadow that are models of arborial +beauty, black walnut, elm, ash, birch, hickory, maple, etc. Most of them +grand, spreading trees. One of them, a large, umbrageous yellow-birch, +stood on the left bank of the stream, and was already in danger of a +fall by + + "The swifter current that mined its roots." + +It was here I met them on the June rise. + +I dropped my cast of two flies just above the roots of the birch, and +on the instant, two fresh-run, silver-sided, red-spotted trout immolated +themselves, with a generous self-abnegation that I shall never forget. + +Standing there on that glorious June morning, I made cast after cast, +taking, usually, two at each cast. I made no boyish show of "playing" +them. They were lifted out as soon as struck. To have fooled with them +would have tangled me, and very likely have scattered the school. + +It was old-time angling; I shall not see it again. + +My cast was a red hackle for tail-fly, with something like the brown hen +for hand-fly. I only used two, with four-foot leader; and I was about +the only angler who used a fly at all in those days, on these waters. + +I fished about one hour. I caught sixty-four trout, weighing thirteen +and three quarter pounds. I caught too many. I was obliged to _string_ +some of them, as the creel would not hold them all. But my head was +moderately level. When I had caught as many as I thought right I held +up; and I said, if any of these natives get on to this school, they will +take the last trout, if it be a hundred pounds. And they will _salt them +down_. So when I was done, and the fishing was good as at the start, I +cut a long "staddle," with a bush at the top, and I just went for that +school of trout. I chevied, harried and scattered them, up stream and +down, until I could not see a fish. Then I packed my duffle and went to +the little inn for breakfast. Of course every male biped was anxious to +know "where I met 'em." I told them truly; and they started, man and boy, +for the "Big Birch," with beech rods, stiff linen lines,' and a full +stock of white grubs. + +I was credibly informed afterward, that these backwoods cherubs did not +succeed in "Meeting 'em on the June rise." I have a word to add, which is +not important though it may be novel. + +There is a roaring, impetuous brook emptying into Second Fork, called +"Rock Run." It heads in a level swamp, near the summit of the mountain. +The swamp contains about forty acres, and is simply a level bed of loose +stones, completely overgrown with bright green moss. + +"Rock Run" heads in a strong, ice-cold spring, but is soon sunken +and lost among the loose stones of the swamp. Just where the immense +hemlocks, that make the swamp a sunless gloom, get their foothold, is +one of the things I shall never find out. But, all the same, they are +there. And "Rock Run" finds its way underground for 80 rods with never +a ray of sunlight to illumine its course. Not once in its swamp course +does it break out to daylight. You may follow it by its heavy gurgling, +going by ear; but you cannot see the water. Now remove the heavy coating +of moss here and there, and you may see glimpses of dark, cold water, +three or four feet beneath the surface. Drop a hook, baited with +angle-worm down these dark watery holes, and it will be instantly taken +by a dark, crimson-spotted specimen of simon pure Salmo funtinalis. +They are small, four to six inches in length, hard, sweet; the _beau +ideal_ of mountain trout. Follow this subterranean brook for eighty +rods, and you find it gushing over the mountain's brink in a cascade +that no fish could or would attempt to ascend. Follow the roaring brook +down to its confluence with Second Fork, and you will not find one trout +in the course of a mile. The stream is simply a succession of falls, +cascades, and rapids, up which no fish can beat its way for one hundred +yards. And yet at the head of this stream is a subterranean brook +stocked with the finest specimens of _Salmo fontinalis_. They did not +breed on the mountain top. They _cannot_ ascend the stream. Where did +they originate? When, and how did they manage to get there? I leave +the questions to _savans_ and _naturalists_. As for myself, I state the +fact--still demonstrable--for the trout are yet there. But I take it to +be one of the conundrums "no fellah can ever find out." + +P. S.--A word as to bugs, lures, flies, etc. Now I have no criticism to +offer as regards flies or lures. I saw a Gotham banker in 1880, making a +cast on Third lake, with a leader that carried _twelve_ flies. Why not? +He enjoyed it; and he caught some trout. Even the guides laughed at him. +I did not: he rode his hobby, and he rode it well. Fishing beside him, +with a five-dollar rod, I caught two trout to his one. What did he care? +He came out to enjoy himself after his own fashion, and he did it. Like +myself, he only cared for the sport--the recreation and enough trout for +supper. (I cannot cast twelve flies.) + +Now my favorite lures--with forty years' experience--stand about thus. +Tail fly, red hackle; second, brown hen; third, Romeyn. Or, tail fly, +red ibis; second, brown hackle; third, queen of the waters. Or, red +hackle, queen, royal coachman. Sometimes trout will not rise to the fly. +I respect their tastes. I use then--tail fly, an angle worm, with a bit +of clear pork for the head, and a white miller for second. If this fails +I go to camp and sleep. I am not above worms and grubs, but prefer the +fly. _And I take but what I need for present use_. Can all brother +anglers say the same? + +"It has so happened that all the public services that I have rendered +'in the world, in my day and generation, have been connected with the +general government. I think I ought to make an exception. I was ten days +a member of the Massachusetts Legislature, and I turned my thoughts +to the search of some good object in which I could be useful in that +position; and after much reflection I introduced a bill which, with the +consent of both houses of the Legislature, passed into a law, and is now +a law of the State, which enacts that no man in the State shall catch +trout in any manner than in the old way, with an ordinary hook and +line."--_Daniel 'Webster_. + +"If you do not know a river it is always most desirable to have someone +with you who does."--_Francis Francis_. + +[Illustration: 0194] + +49. The Teal. + +50. Reuben Wood. + +51. Red Spinner. + +52. No. 68. + +53. Hawthorne. + +54. Dorset. + +55. Widow. + +56. Grasshopper. + +57. Stebbins. + +58. March Brown. + +59. Shoemaker. + +60. Orange Black. + +61. King of the Water. + +62. Gen: Hooker. + +63. Gray Drake. + +"The angler atte the leest, hath his holsom walke, and mery at his ease, +a swete ayre of the swete savoure of the mede floures, that makyth him +hungry; he hereth the melodyous armony of fowles; he seeth the yonge +swannes, heerons, duck's, cotes, and many other fowles, wyth theyr +brodes; whyche me semyth better than alle the noyse of houndys, the +blastes of hornys, and the scrye of foulis, that hunters, fawkeners, +and fowlers can make. And if the angler take fysshe; surely, thenne, +is there noo man merier than he is in his spyryte."--_Dame Juliana +Berners._ + +"Skill, and trained skill at that, does the good work, and the angler's +score is just in proportion to his knowledge of 'how to do it.'"--_Wm. +C. Harris._ + +"A gray-haired bait-fisher is very rare, while the passion for +fly-easting, whether for trout or salmon, grows by what it feeds +upon, and continues a source of the highest pleasure even after the +grasshopper becomes a burden."--_George Dawson._ + +"It is not the number of fish he captures that makes the angler +contented, for the true angler can enjoy the mere casting of the fly +if he has only an occasional fish to reward his efforts."--"_Random +Casts._" + +"The great charm of fly-fishing for trout is derived from the fact that +you then see the movements of your fish, and if you are not an expert +hand, the chances are that you will capture but one out of the hundred +that may rise to your hook. You can seldom save a trout unless you +strike the very instant that he leaps. The swiftness with which a trout +can dart from his hiding-place after a fly is truly astonishing; and we +never see one perform this operation without feeling an indescribable +thrill quivering through our frame."--_Charles Lanman_. + +"There is nothing grovelling in fly-fishing--nothing gross or +demoralizing."--_Charles Hallock_. + +"Angling is a maist innocent, poetical, moral and religious amusement. +Gin I saw a fisher gruppin creelfu' after creelfu' o' trouts, and then +flingin' them a' awa among the heather and the brackens on his way hame, +I micht begin to suspee that the idiot was by nature rather a savage. +But as for me, I send presents to my freens, and devour dizzens on +dizzens every week in the family--maistly dune in the pan, wi' plenty +o' fresh butter and roun' meal--sae that prevents the possibility +o' cruelty in my fishin', and in the fishin' o' a' reasonable +creatures."--_James Hogg_. + + + + +WHY PETER WENT A-FISHING. + +By W. C. Prime. + +Never was night more pure, never was sea more winning; never were the +hearts of men moved by deeper emotions than on that night and by that +sea when Peter and John, and other of the disciples, were waiting for +the Master. + +Peter said, "I go a-fishing." John and Thomas, and James and Nathanael, +and the others, said, "We will go with you," and they went. + +Some commentators have supposed and taught that, when Peter said, "I go +a-fishing," he announced the intention of returning to the ways in which +he had earned his daily bread from childhood; that his Master was gone, +and he thought that nothing remained for him but the old, hard life of +toil, and the sad labor of living. + +But this seems scarcely credible, or consistent with the circumstances. +The sorrow which had weighed down the disciples when gathered in +Jerusalem on that darkest Sabbath day of all the Hebrew story, had given +way to joy and exultation in the morning when the empty tomb revealed +the hitherto hidden glory of the resurrection, joy which was ten-fold +increased by are interview with the risen Lord, and confirmed by his +direction, sending them into Galilee to await Him there. And thus it +seems incredible that Peter and John--John, the beloved--could have +been in any such gloom and despondency as to think of resuming their old +employment at this time, when they were actually waiting for His coming, +who had promised to meet them. + +Probably they were on this particular evening weary with earnest +expectancy, yet not satisfied; tired of waiting and longing, and looking +up the hillside on the Jerusalem road for His appearance; and I have no +doubt that, when this weariness became exhausting, Peter sought on the +water something of the old excitement that he had known from boyhood, +and that to all the group it seemed a fitting way in which to pass the +long night before them, otherwise to be weary as well as sleepless. + +If one could have the story of that night of fishing, of the surrounding +scenes, the conversation in the boat, the unspoken thoughts of the +fishermen, it would make the grandest story of fishing that the world +has ever known. Its end was grand when in the morning the voice of +the Master came over the sea, asking them the familiar question, in +substance the same which they, like all fishermen, had heard a thousand +times, "Have you any fish?" + +* * * * * + +The memory of this scene is not unfitting to the modern angler. Was it +possible to forget it when I first wet a line in the water of the Sea of +Galilee? Is it any less likely to come hack to me on any lake among the +hills when the twilight hides the mountains, and overhead the same stars +look on our waters that looked on Gennesaret, so that the soft night air +feels on one's forehead like the dews of Hermon? + +I do not think that this was the last, though it be the last recorded +fishing done by Peter or by John. I don't believe these Galilee +fishermen ever lost the love for their old employment. It was a +memorable fact for them that the Master had gone a-fishing with them on +the day that He called them to be His disciples; and this latest meeting +with Him in Galilee, the commission to Peter, "Feed my sheep," and +the words so startling to John, "If I will that he tarry till I +come,"--words which He must have recalled when He uttered that last +longing cry, "Even so come, Lord"--all these were associated with that +last recorded fishing scene on the waters of Gennesaret. + +Fishermen never lose their love for the employment, and it is notably +true that the men who fish for a living love their work quite as much as +those who fish for pleasure love their sport. Find an old fisherman, if +you can, in any sea-shore town, who does not enjoy his fishing. There +are days, without doubt, when he does not care to go out, when he would +rather that need did not drive him to the sea; but keep him at home a +few days, or set him at other labor, and you shall see that he longs for +the toss of the swell on the reef, and the sudden joy of a strong pull +on his line. Drift up along side of him in your boat when he is quietly +at his work, without his knowing that you are near. You can do it +easily. He is pondering solemnly a question, of deep importance to him, +and he has not stirred eye, or hand, or head for ten minutes. But see +that start and sharp jerk of his elbow, and now hear him talk, not +to you--to the fish. He exults as he brings him in, yet mingles his +exultation with something of pity as he baits his hook for another. +Could you gather the words that he has in many years flung on the sea +winds, you would haye a history of his life and adventures, mingled with +very much of his inmost thinking, for he tells much to the sea and the +fish that he would never whisper in human ears. Thus the habit of going +a-fishing always modifies the character. The angler, I think, dreams of +his favorite sport oftener than other men of theirs. + +There is a peculiar excitement in it, which perhaps arises from somewhat +of the same causes which make the interest in searching for ancient +treasures, opening Egyptian tombs and digging into old ruins. One does +not know what is under the surface. There may be something or there may +be nothing. He tries, and the rush of something startles every nerve. +Let no man laugh at a comparison of trout-fishing with antiquarian +researches. I know a man who has done a great deal of both, and who +scarcely knows which is the most absorbing or most remunerating; for +each enriches mind and body, each gratifies the most refined taste, each +becomes a passion unless the pursuer guard his enthusiasm and moderate +his desire. + +***** + +To you, my friend, who know nothing of the gentle and purifying +association of the angler's life, these may seem strange notions--to +some, indeed, they may even sound profane. But the angler for whom +I write will not so think them, nor may I, who, thinking these same +thoughts, have cast my line on the sea of Galilee, and taken the +descendants of old fish in the swift waters of the Jordan. + +Trout fishing is employment for all men, of all minds. It tends to +dreamy life, and it leads to much thought and reflection. I do not know +in any book or story of modern times a more touching and exquisite scene +than that which Mrs. Gordon gives in her admirable biography of her +father, the leonine Christopher North, when the feeble old man waved his +rod for the last time over the Dochart, where he had taken trout from +his boyhood. Shall we ever look upon his like again? He was a giant +among men of intellectual greatness. Of all anglers since apostolic +days, he was the greatest; and there is no angler who does not look to +him with veneration and love, while the English language will forever +possess higher value that he has lived and written. It would be thought +very strange were one to say that Wilson would never have been half the +man he was were he not an angler. But he would have said so himself, and +I am not sure but he did say so, and, whether he did or not, I have no +doubt of the truth of the saying. + +It has happened to me to fish the Dochart, from the old inn at Luib down +to the bridge, and the form of the great Christopher was forever before +me along the bank, and in the rapids, making his last casts as Mrs. +Gordon here so tenderly describes him: + +"Had my father been able to endure the fatigue, we too would have had +something to boast of, but he was unable to do more than loiter by the +river-side, close in the neighborhood of the inn--never without his rod." + +"How now do his feet touch the heather? Not, as of old, with a bound, +but with slow and unsteady step, supported on the one hand by his stick, +while the other carries his rod. The breeze gently moves his locks, no +longer glittering with the light of life, but dimmed by its decay. Yet +are his shoulders broad and unbent. The lion-like presence is somewhat +softened down, but not gone. He surely will not venture into the deeps +of the water, for only one hand is free for a 'cast.' and those large +stones, now slippery with moss, are dangerous stumbling-blocks in the +way. Besides, he promised his daughters he would not wade, but, on the +contrary, walk quietly with them by the river's edge, there gliding +'at its own sweet will,' Silvery band of pebbled shore leading to loamy +colored pools, dark as the glow of a southern eye, how could he resist +the temptation of near approach? In he goes, up to the ankles, then to +the knees, tottering every other step, but never falling. Trout after +trout he catches, small ones certainly, but plenty of them. Into his +pocket with them all this time, manouvering in the most skilful manner +both stick and rod; until weary, he is obliged to rest on the bank, +sitting with his feet in the water, laughing at his daughters' horror, +and obstinately continuing the sport in spite of all remonstrance. +At last he gives in and retires. Wonderful to say, he did not seem to +suffer from these imprudent liberties." + +And Mrs. Gordon gives us another exquisite picture in the very last day +of the grand old Christopher: + +* * * "And then he gathered around him, when the spring mornings brought +gay jets of sunshine into the little room where he lay, the relics of a +youthful passion, one that with him never grew old. It was an affecting +sight to see him busy, nay, quite absorbed with the fishing tackle +scattered about his bed, propped up with pillows--his noble head, yet +glorious with its flowing locks, carefully combed by attentive hands, +and falling on each side of his unfaded face. How neatly he picked out +each elegantly dressed fly from its little bunch, drawing it out with +trembling hand along the white coverlet, and then replacing it in his +pocket-book, he would tell ever and anon of the streams he used to +fish in of old, and of the deeds he had performed in his childhood and +youth." + +There is no angler who will not appreciate the beauty of these pictures, +and I do not believe any one of us, retaining his mental faculties, will +fail, in extremest age, to recall with the keenest enjoyment, of which +memory is capable, the scenes of our happiest sport. + +Was Peter less or more than man? Was John not of like passions with +ourselves? Believe me, the old dweller on Patmos, the old Bishop of +Ephesus, lingering between the memories of his Lord in Galilee and the +longing for Him to come quickly yet again, saw often before his dim eyes +the ripple on Gennesaret and the flashing scales of the silver fish that +had gladdened him many a time before he knew the Master. + +It is one of the most pleasant and absorbing thoughts which possess the +traveller in those regions, that the child Christ was a child among the +hills of Galilee, and loved them with all the gentle fervor of his human +soul. Doubtless many times before He had challenged the fisher on the +sea with that same question which we anglers so frequently hear, "Have +you taken any fish?" He may have often seen Peter and the others at +their work. Perhaps sometimes He had talked with them, and, it may well +be, gone with them on the sea, and helped them. Por they were kindly +men, as fishermen are always in all countries, and they loved to talk +of their work, and of a thousand other things, of which, in their +contemplative lives, they had thought without talking. + +In an age when few men were learned, and, in fact, few in any grade or +walk of life could even read or write, I am inclined to think there was +no class from whom better trained intellects could be selected than +from among these thoughtful fishermen. They had doubtless the Oriental +characteristics of calmness and reserve, and these had been somewhat +modified by their employment. Given to sober reflection, patient to +investigate, quick to trust when their faith was demanded by one whom +they respected, slow to act when haste was not necessary, prompt and +swift on any emergency, filled full of love for nature, all harsh +elements of character softened into a deep benevolence and pity and +love--such are the fishermen of our day, and such, I doubt not, were the +fishermen of old. They were men with whom a mother would willingly trust +her young boy, to whom he would become attached, with whom he would +enjoy talking, and, above all, who would pour out their very souls in +talking with him, when among their fellow-men they would be reserved, +diffident, and silent. They were men, too, who would recognize in the +boy the greatness of his lineage, the divine shining out from his eyes. +Who shall prevail to imagine the pleasantness of those days on the sea +when Peter and John talked with the holy boy, as they waited for the +fish, and their boat rocked to the winds that came down from Lebanon. +Who can say that there were not some memories of those days, as well as +of the others when we know Christ was with him, which, when he was tired +of the waiting, led Peter to say, "I go a-fishing!" + +I believe that he went a-fishing because he felt exactly as I have felt, +exactly as scores of men have felt who knew the charm of the gentle art, +as we now call it. The other has such attraction. Men love hunting, love +boating, love games of varied sorts, love many amusements of many kinds, +but I do not know of any like fishing to which men go for relief in +weariness, for rest after labor, for solace in sorrow. I can well +understand how those sad men, not yet fully appreciating the grand truth +that their Master had risen from the dead, believing; yet doubting, how +even Thomas, who had so lately seen the wounds and heard the voice; how +even John, loving and loved, who had rejoiced a week ago in Jerusalem +at the presence of the triumphant Lord; how Peter, always fearful; how +Nathanael, full of impulsive faith, how each and all of them, wearied +with their long waiting for Him on the shore of the sea, sought comfort +and solace, opportunity and incitement to thought in going a-fishing. + +I can understand it, for, though far be it from me to compare any +weariness or sorrow of mine with theirs, I have known that there was no +better way in which I could find rest. + +I have written for lovers of the gentle art, and if this which I have +written fall into other hands, let him who reads understand that it is +not for him. We who go a-fishing are a peculiar people. Like other men +and women in many respects, we are like one another, and like no others, +in other respects. We understand each other's thoughts by an intuition +of which you know nothing. So closely are we alike in some regards, so +different from the rest of the world in these respects, and so important +are these characteristics of mind and of thought, that I sometimes +think no man but one of us can properly understand the mind of Peter, or +appreciate the glorious visions of the son of Zebedee. + + + + +FROM "GAME FISH OF THE NORTH." + +By R. B. Roosevelt. + +There are innumerable rules applicable to trout fishing, and innumerable +exceptions to each; neither man nor fish is infallible. A change of +weather is always desirable; if it has been-clear, a rainy day is +favorable; if cold, a warm one; if the wind has been north, a southerly +one is advantageous; a zephyr if it has been blowing a tornado. +Generally, in early spring, amid the fading snows and blasts of winter, +a warm day is very desirable; later, in the heats of summer, a cold, +windy day will insure success. Dead calm is dangerous, although many +trout are taken in water as still, clear and transparent as the heavens +above. The first rule is never to give up; there is hardly a day but +at some hour, if there be trout, they will rise, and steady, patient +industry disciplines the mind and invigorates the muscles. A southerly, +especially a south-easterly wind, has a singular tendency to darken +the surface, and in clear, fine waters is particularly advantageous; a +south-wester comes next in order; a north-easter, in which, by-the-by, +occasionally there is great success, is the next; and a north-wester +is the worst and dearest of all. Give me wind on any terms, a southerly +wind, if I can have it; but give me wind. It is not known what quality +of wind darkens the water; it may be a haziness produced in the +atmosphere, although with a cloudy sky the water is often too +transparent; it may be the peculiar character of the waves, short and +broken, as contra-distinguished from long and rolling; but the fact is +entitled to reliance. + +Slight changes will often affect the fish. On one day in June, in the +writer's experience, after having no luck until eleven o'clock, the +trout suddenly commenced rising, and kept on without cessation, scarcely +giving time to cast, till two, when they as suddenly stopped. There +was no observable change in the weather, except the advent of a slight +haze, the wind remaining precisely the same. I was much disappointed, +not having half fished the ground, and being prevented, by the numbers +that were taken, from casting over some of the largest fish that broke. +As it was I caught seventy trout in what are ordinarily considered the +worst hours of the day. But in this particular, also, the same rules +apply as to the warmth of the weather. In early spring it is useless +to be up with the lark, even supposing such a bird exists; no fish will +break water till the sun has warmed the air; but in summer, the dawn +should blush to find the sportsman napping. In fact, trout will not rise +well unless the air is warmer than the water. They do not like to risk +taking cold by exposing themselves to a sudden draught. + +There is a very absurd impression that trout will not take the fly early +in the season; this is entirely unfounded. As soon as the ice disappears +they will be found gambolling in the salt-water streams, and leaping +readily at the fly. At such times, on lucky days, immense numbers are +taken. In March they have run up the sluice-ways and are in the lower +ponds, lying sullenly in the deepest water; then is the Cowdung, +politely called the Dark Cinnamon, the most attractive fly. In +April, May and June they are scattered, and entrapped by the Hackles, +Professor, Ibis, and all the medium-sized flies. In July and August they +have sought the head-waters of navigation, the cool spring brooks, and +hide around the weeds and water-cresses, whence the midges alone can +tempt them. + +Any flies will catch fish, cast in any manner, if the fish are plenty +and in humor to be caught. A few feathers torn from the nearest and +least suspicious chicken, and tied on an ordinary hook with a piece of +thread, will constitute a fly in the imagination of a trout, provided he +follows, as he sometimes appears to do, the advice of young folks--shuts +his eyes and opens his mouth. I cannot recommend such tackle, being +convinced the most skilfully made is the best; but I do advise +simplicity of color. + +***** + +Good luck, that synonym for all the virtues, does not depend so much +upon the kind of flies as the skill in casting, and a poor fly lightly +cast into the right spot will do better execution than the best fly +roughly cast into the wrong place. The lure must be put where the fish +habit, often before their very noses, or they will not take it; and when +they lie, as they generally do in running streams, in the deep holes +under the banks, where the bushes are closest and cause the densest +shade, it requires some skill to cast properly into the exact spot. +Sacrifice everything to lightness in casting; let the line go straight +without a kink if you can, drop the fly into the right ripple if +possible, but it must drop gently on the surface of the water. An ugly +splash of a clear day in pure water, and the prey will dart in every +direction, and the angler's hopes scatter with them. + +A beginner may practice a certain formula, such as lifting the line with +a wave and smart spring, swinging it backward in a half circle, and when +it is directly behind him, casting straight forward; but as soon as he +has overcome the rudimentary principles, he should cast in every manner, +making the tip of his rod cut full circles, figure eights, and all other +figures, behind him, according to the wind; bearing in mind, however, +ever to make his fly drop as lightly as a feather. He should use his +wrist mainly, and practice with each hand, and should never be otherwise +than ashamed of a bungling cast, though he be alone, and none but the +fish there to despise him. If the line falls the first time with a +heartrending splash, all in a tangle, it is useless to make the next +cast properly. The fish have found out the trick, and know too much to +risk their necks in any such noose. + +A skilful fisherman can cast almost any length of line, but practically, +fifty feet, counting from the reel, is all that can be used to +advantage. Some English books say only the leader [gut links] should +alight in the water; but this is nonsense, for at least one-half the +line must fall into the water, unless the fisherman stand on a high +bank. With a long line, the difficulties of striking and landing the +fish are greatly increased. In striking, there is much slack line to +be taken up. In landing, it requires some time to get the fish under +control, and he is apt to reach the weeds or a stump. + +That most excellent fisherman and learned scholar, Dr. Bethune, in his +edition of Walton, Part II., page 73, says that candid anglers must +confess that nine out of ten trout hook themselves. This may be so in +streams teeming with fish, where a dozen start at once, frantically +striving to be the first; but in clear, well-fished streams, not one +fish in a thousand will hook himself; and on Long Island, an angler +would grow gray ere he filled his basket if he did not strike, and that +quickly. Striking, to my mind, is by far the most important point, and +hundreds of fish have I seen escape for want of quickness. It must be +done quickly but steadily, and not with a jerk, as the latter is apt, +by the double action of the rod, to bend the tip forward, and loosen +instead of tightening the line. There are days when fish cannot be +struck, although they are rising freely. Whether they are playing or +oyer-cautious, I never could determine; whether they are not hungry, or +the water is too clear, they put a man's capacities at defiance. Their +appearance must be signalled to the eye, by that reported to the brain, +which then directs the nerves to command the muscles to move the wrist; +and ere this complicated performance is completed, the fish has blown +from his mouth the feathery deception, and has darted back to his haunts +of safety. A fish will occasionally leap up, seize the fly, discover the +cheat, and shaking his head, jump several feet along the surface of the +water to rid his mouth of it, and do this so quickly as not to give a +quick angler time to strike. How often fish are caught when they rise +the second time, as then the angler is more on the alert; whereas, +on the first rise, he was off his guard! How often fish rise when +the angler's head is turned away from his line, or when he is busy at +something else, and how rarely are they caught! In my experience, it +is so great a rarity, that it might almost be said they never hook +themselves. In the language of youth, the only hooking they do, is to +hook off. + +Dr. Bethune, page 97, says the rod should not exceed one pound in +weight. Indeed, it should not; and if it does, it exemplifies the old +maxim, so far as to have a fool at one end. If we could fish by steam, +a rod exceeding a pound and measuring over fourteen feet might answer +well; but in these benighted days, while wrists are of bone, muscles, +cartilages, and the like, the lighter the better. A rod--and if +perfection is absolutely indispensable, a cedar rod--of eleven or twelve +feet, weighing nine or ten ounces, will catch trout. Cedar rods can only +be obtained in America, and then only on compulsion; but this wood +makes the most elastic rods in the world. They spring instantly to every +motion of the hand, and never warp. They are delicate. The wood is like +woman--cross-grained, but invaluable, if carefully treated. The reel +should be a simple click, never a multiplier, but large-barrelled, and +fastened to the butt with a leather strap. The line silk, covered, with +a preparation of oil, tapered, if possible, at each end, and thirty +to forty yards long. The basket--positive--a fish basket; the +angler--comparative--a fisherman. + +Thus equipped, go forth mildly, approving where the writer's opinions +coincide with yours, simply incredulous where they do not. + +***** + +There are several ways of landing a trout, but not all equally +sportsmanlike. Large trout may be gaffed; small ones landed in a net; +and where neither of these means is at hand, they must be dragged out of +the water, or floated up among the bushes, according to the taste of the +angler and the strength of his tackle. + +A tyro was once fishing in the same boat with me, using bait, when he +struck his first trout. One can imagine how entirely misspent had been +his previous existence, when it is said he had never taken a trout, no, +nor any other fish, before. It was not a large fish; such luck rarely +falls to the share of the beginner; and in spite of what elderly +gentlemen may say to the contrary, an ignorant countryman, with his +sapling rod and coarse tackle, never takes the largest fish nor the +greatest in quantity. Were it otherwise, sportsmen had better turn +louts, and tackle makers take to cutting straight saplings in the woods. +My companion, nevertheless, was not a little surprised at the vigorous +rushes the trout made to escape, but his line being strong and rod +stiff, he steadily reeled him in. Great was the excitement; his whole +mind was devoted to shortening the line, regardless of what was to be +done next. We had a darkey named Joe with us, to row the boat and +land the fish, and our luck having been bad during the morning he was +delighted with this turn of affairs, and ready, net in hand, to do +his duty. The fish was being reeled up till but a few feet of the line +remained below the top, when with a shout of "land, Joe, land him!" my +companion suddenly lifted up his rod, carrying the trout far above our +heads. There it dangled, swaying to and fro, bouncing and jumping, while +the agonized fisherman besought the darky to land him, and the latter, +reaching up as far as he could with the net, his eyes starting out of +his head with wonder at this novel mode of proceeding, came far short +of his object. Never was seen such a sight; the hopeless despair of my +friend, the eagerness of the darky, who fairly strove to climb the rod +as the fish danced about far out of reach. What was to be clone? The +line would not render, the rod was so long we could not reach the tip in +the boat; and the only horrible alternative appeared to be my friend's +losing his first fish. The latter, however, by this remarkable course +of treatment, had grown peaceable and when he was dropped back into the +water, made but feeble efforts, while my companion, as quietly as he +could, worked out his line till he could land him like a Christian. +Great were the rejoicings when the prize earned with so much anxiety was +secured. That is the way not to land a trout. + +One afternoon of a very boisterous day, I struck a large fish at the +deep hole in the centre of Phillipse's Pond, on Long Island. He came +out fiercely, and taking my fly as he went down, darted at once for the +bottom, which is absolutely covered with long, thick weeds. The moment +he found he was struck he took refuge among them, and tangled himself so +effectually that I could not feel him, and supposed he had escaped. By +carefully exerting sufficient force, however, the weeds were loosened +from the bottom, and the electric thrill of his renewed motion was again +perceptible. He was allowed to draw the line through the weeds and play +below them, as by so doing they would give a little, while if confined +in them he would have a leverage against them, and could, with one +vigorous twist, tear out the hook. When he was somewhat exhausted, +the question as to the better mode of landing him arose. The wind was +blowing so hard as to raise quite a sea, which washed the weeds before +it in spite of any strain that could be exerted by the rod, and drifted +the boat as well, rendering the latter almost unmanageable, while the +fish was still so vigorous as to threaten every moment to escape. I +besought the boatman, who was an old hand, and thoroughly up to his +business, to drop the boat down to the weeds and let me try and land +my fish with one hand while holding the rod with the other. He knew the +dangers of such a course, and insisted upon rowing slowly and carefully +for shore at a shallow place sheltered from the wind, although I greatly +feared the hook would tear out or the rod snap under the strain of +towing both weeds and fish; once near shore, he deliberately forced an +oar into the mud and made the boat fast to it, and then taking up the +net watched for a favorable chance. He waited for some time, carefully +putting the weeds aside until a gleaming line of silver glanced for +a moment beneath the water, when darting the net down he as suddenly +brought it up, revealing within its folds the glorious colors of a +splendid trout. That was the way to land a trout under difficulties, +although I still think I could have done it successfully by myself. + +Generally the utmost delicacy should be shown in killing a fish, but +there are times when force must be exerted. If the fish is making for a +stump, or even weeds, he must be stopped at any reasonable risk of the +rod's breaking or the fly's tearing out. A stump is the most dangerous; +one turn around that and he is off, leaving your flies probably in a +most inconvenient place and many feet below the surface of the water. +But remember the oft-repeated maxim of a friend of the writer, who had +been with him many a joyous fishing day, "That one trout hooked is worth +a dozen not hooked." Small trout are more apt to escape than large ones, +because the skin around the mouth of the latter is tougher. With either, +however, there is risk enough. The hook is small, and often takes but +a slight hold; the gut is delicate, and frequently half worn through by +continual casting. Fish are, in a majority of instances, hooked in the +corner of the upper jaw, where there is but a thin skin to hold them; +by long continued struggling the hole wears larger, and finally, to the +agony of the fisherman, the hook slips out. + +There are occasions when force must be exerted, and then good tackle and +a well-made rod will repay the cost. At dusk, one night, I cautiously +approached the edge of a newly made pond, that was as full of stumps as +of fish, both being about the extreme limit, and casting into the clear +water struck a fine fish of three-quarters of a pound. Not a minute's +grace did he receive, but I lugged and he fought, and after a general +turmoil I succeeded in bringing him to land, in spite of weeds and +stumps and twigs, which he did his best to reach. The same was done with +Severn fish after a loss of only three flies and with a rod that weighed +only eight ounces. + +In landing a fish wait till he is pretty well exhausted, bring his mouth +above water, and keep it there till he is drawn into the net, and warn +your assistant to remove the net at once if he gets his head down. By +diving after him with the net the assistant would certainly not catch +the fish and might tangle one of your other flies. The fish should be +led into the net, and the latter kept as still as possible; he knows as +well as you do what it is for, and if his attention is drawn to it will +dart off as madly as ever. + +* * * * * + +The trout is admitted to be the most beautiful of all our fish; not so +large or powerful as the salmon, he is much more numerous, abounding in +all the brooks and rivulets of our Northern States. He lives at our +very doors; in the stream that meanders across yon meadow, where the +haymakers are now busy with their scythes, we have taken him in our +early days; down yonder in that wood is a brook filled with bright, +lively little fellows; and away over there we know of pools where there +are splendid ones. Who has not said or thought such words as he stood in +the bright summer's day under the grateful shade of the piazza running +round the old country house where he played--a boy? + +He does not make the nerves thrill and tingle like the salmon, he does +not leap so madly into the air nor make such fierce, resolute rushes; he +has not the silver sides, nor the great strength; but he is beautiful +as the sunset sky, brave as bravery itself, and is our own home darling. +How he flashes upon the sight as he grasps the spurious insect, and +turns down with a quick little slap of the tail! How he darts hither and +thither when he finds he is hooked! How persistently he struggles till +enveloped in the net! And then with what heart-rending sighs he breathes +away his life! Who does not love the lovely trout? With eye as deep and +melting, skin as rich and soft, and ways as wildly wilful as angelic +woman--who loves not one loves not the other. Who would not win the one +cares not to win the other. Strange that man should kill the thing he +loves but if to possess them kills them, he must kill. If women, like +the _Ephemerae_, died, as they often do, in their love, we should still +love them. Such is man; do not think I praise him. No one kills fish for +the pleasure of killing; but they cannot live out of water, nor we in +it, therefore one of us must die. + +The man who kills to kill, who is not satisfied with reasonable sport, +who slays unfairly or out of season, who adds one wanton pang, that man +receives the contempt of all good sportsmen and deserves the felon's +doom. Of such there are but few. + +We seek this, our favorite fish, in early spring, when the ice has just +melted, and the cold winds remind one forcibly of bleak December, and +when we find him in the salt streams, especially of Long Island and Cape +Cod; but we love most to follow him in the early summer, along the merry +streams of old Orange, or the mountain brooks of Sullivan county; where +the air is full of gladness, and the trees are heavy with foliage--where +the birds are singing on every bough, and the grass redolent of violets +and early flowers. There we wade the cold brooks, leafy branches bowing +us a welcome as we pass, the water rippling over the hidden rocks, +and telling us, in its wayward way, of the fine fish it carries in its +bosom. With creel upon our shoulder and rod in hand, we reck not of the +hours, and only when the sinking sun warns of the approaching darkness +do we seek, with sharpened appetite, the hospitable country inn, and the +comfortable supper that our prey will furnish forth. + +***** + +There is no fish more difficult to catch, nor that gives the true angler +more genuine sport, than the trout. His capture requires the nicest +tackle, the greatest skill, the most complete self-command, the highest +qualities of mind and body. The arm must be strong that wields the rod, +the eye true that sees the rise; the wrist quick that strikes at the +instant; the judgment good that selects the best spot, the most suitable +fly, and knows just how to kill the fish. A fine temper is required to +bear up against the loss of a noble fish, and patient perseverance to +conquer ill luck. + +Hence it is that the fisherman is so proud of his basket of a dozen +half-pound trout. He feels that any one more awkward or less resolute +could not have done so well. He feels conscious that he does not owe his +success to mere luck, but has deserved the glory. He feels that he has +elevated himself by the very effort. Do not suppose I mean that there is +no skill in other fishing; there is in all, even in catching minnows for +bait, but most of all in trout-fishing. + + +TROUT FLIES. + +"That _we are_ wise men, I shall not stoop to maintain, but that we +do love angling we are assured of, and therein we know that we are in +unison with very many greatly wise and wisely good men."--_Thaddeus +Norris._ + +"The true angler is not confined to fly-fishing, as many imagine. When +the fly can be used it always should be used, but where the fly is +impracticable, or your fish will not rise to it, he is a very foolish +angler who declines to use bait."--_W. C. Prime_. + +"The creative power of genius can make a feather-fly live, and move, +and have being; and a wisely stricken fish gives up the ghost in +transports."--"_J. Cypress, Jr._" + +[Illustration: 0224] + +64. Jungle Cock. + +65. Lake Green. + +66. Jenny Lind. + +67. Poor Man's Fly. + +68. Pheasant. + +69. Romeyn. + +70. Morrison. + +71. Katy-did. + +72. Claret. + +73. Hoskins. + +74. Caldwell. + +75. Iron Dun. + +76. Queen of the Water. + +77. Olive Gnat. + +78. Brown Coffin. + + +"The deftly-tossed fly, taking wing on the nerve of a masterly cast, +will drop gracefully far out in the stream where the heavier gear of the +bait rod would never aspire to reach."--_Charles Bullock._ + +"Fly-fishing may well be considered the most beautiful of all rural +sports."--"_Frank Forester_." + +"To be a perfect trout fisher, to my mind, a man should follow no other +branch of fishing. It spoils his hand if he does. I myself, from the +practice of striking so hard in both salmon, pike and other fishing, +lose numbers of fish and flies in the course of the season; and what +makes it the more vexing is that they are nearly always the best and +heaviest fish."--_Francis Francis_. + +"If a pricked trout is chased into another pool, he will, I believe, +soon again take the artificial fly."--_Sir Humphry Davy._ + +"It is only the inexperienced and thoughtless who find pleasure in +killing fish for the mere sake of killing them. No sportsman does +this."--_W. C. Prime._ + +"We persevered, notwithstanding the storm, and got our hundred trout, +all alive and active, into Lake Salubria. They did not, however, +multiply as we hoped they would. For years one would hear occasionally +of a great trout being caught in the lake, till at last they were all +gone. They lacked the ripples and the running water. They lived to be +old, and then died without progeny, 'making no sign.'"--_S. H. Hammond._ + +"The trout is such a light food, that eight of them, some ten inches +long, will not make a supper for a hearty man, leading this wilderness +life."--"_Porte Crayon_." + +"I believe I am sincere in saying that I enjoy seeing another man throw +a fly, if he is a good and graceful sportsman, quite as much as doing it +myself."--_W. C. Prime_. + +"I was content with my one glimpse, by twilight, at the forest's great +and solemn heart; and having once, alone, and in such an hour, touched +it with my own hand and listened to its throb, I have felt the awe of +that experience evermore."--_A. Judd Northrup._ + + + + +THE POETRY OF FLY FISHING + +By F. E. Pond. + +It has been said that the angler, like the poet, is born, not made. This +is a self-evident fact. Few men have risen to the dignity of anglers who +did not in early youth feel the unbearable impulse to go a-fishing. +There are, of course, noteworthy exceptions, but the rule holds good. +It might be added, too, that the genuine angler is almost invariably +a poet, although he may not be a jingler of rhymes--a ballad-monger. +Though, perhaps, lacking the art of versification, his whole life is in +itself a well-rounded poem, and he never misses the opportunity to "cast +his lines in pleasant places." + +This is particularly true of the artistic fly-fisher, for with him +each line is cast with the poetry of motion. Ned Locus, the inimitable +character of J. Cypress' "Fire Island Ana," is made to aver that he +"once threw his fly so far, so delicately, and suspendedly, that it took +life and wings, and would have flown away, but that a four-pound trout, +seeing it start, jumped a foot from the water and seized it, thus +changing the course of the insect's travel from the upper atmosphere to +the bottom of his throat." Being quoted from memory, these may not be +the words exactly, as Toodles would say, but the sentiment is the same. +There is the true poetical spirit pervading the very air, whispering +from the leaves, murmuring in the brook, and thus the surroundings of +the angler complete that which nature began, and make him a poet. In +common with other sports of the field, though in greater degree: + + "It is a mingled rapture, and we find + + The bodily spirit mounting to the mind." + +Bards have sung its praises, traditions have hallowed it, and +philosophers have revelled in the gentle pastime, from the days of +Oppian and Homer down to Walton, Christopher North and Tennyson. + +Although the art of fly-fishing was not known to the ancients, the +poetry of angling has been enriched by the bards of ye-olden-time to +a remarkable degree. In Pope's translation of the Iliad, the following +passage occurs: + + "As from some rock that overhangs the flood, + + The silent fisher casts the insidious food; + + With fraudful care he waits the finny prize, + + Then sudden lifts it quivering to the skies." + +One of the most familiar of AEsop's fables, in rhyme, is that of the +Fisherman and the Little Fish, while Theocritus, who flourished about +the year 270 B. c., gives us a spirited idyl representing the life of a +Greek fisherman. Oppian and Aristotle each prepared a classical volume +on fish and fishing. Pliny in his "Historia Naturalis" treats at length +of the finny tribes, and Ansonius in his poem, "Mostella," describes the +tench, salmon and other varieties of fish. + +Among the early contributions to English literature on angling, the +"Poeticae," generally attributed to a Scottish balladist known as Blind +Harry, is conspicuous. Then the "Boke of St. Albans," by Dame Juliana +Berners, and quaint old Izaak Walton's "Compleat Angler"--a brace of +classic volumes dear to the heart of all who love the rod and reel. + +In modern times the literature of angling has had scores of staunch +and able supporters among the writers of Britain and our own land. Sir +Humphry Davy's "Salmonia"; Christopher North's essays on angling, in +"Noctes Ambrosianae"; Stoddart's Angling Songs; all these and a score +of others are familiar to rodsters on both sides of the Atlantic. The +clever poet and satirist, Tom Hood, discourses thus in praise of the +gentle art: + +"Of all sports ever sported, commend me to angling. It is the wisest, +virtuousest, discreetest, best; the safest, cheapest, and in all +likelihood the oldest of pastimes. It is a one-handed game that would +have suited Adam himself; and it was the only one by which Noah could +have amused himself in the ark. Hunting and shooting come in second and +third. The common phrase, 'fish, flesh and fowl,' clearly hints at this +order of precedence. * * * To refer to my own experience, I certainly +became acquainted with the angling rod soon after the birchen one, and +long before I had any practical knowledge of 'Nimrod' or 'Ramroch' The +truth is, angling comes by nature. It is _in the system_, as the doctors +say." + +It is no exaggeration to state that the real poetry of fly-fishing, as +given in the grand old book of Nature, is appreciated to the fullest by +American anglers. The breezy air of the forest leaves is found in the +charming works of Bethune, of Herbert, Hawes, Norris, Dawson, Hallock +and many other worthies, past and present. The modern Horace--he of the +traditional white hat--never wrote a better essay than that descriptive +of his early fishing days. The same is true of Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, +and Charles Dudley Warner's most graphic pen picture is his inimitable +sketch, "A Fight with a Trout." The number of really good books on +American field sports is principally made up of angling works, a fact +which goes far to establish the truth of Wm. T. Porter's assertion, +namely: "No man ever truly polished a book unless he were something +of an angler, or at least loved the occupation. He who steals from +the haunts of men into the green solitudes of Nature, by the banks of +gliding, silvery streams, under the checkering lights of sun, leaf and +cloud, may always hope to cast his lines, whether of the rod or the +'record book,' in pleasant places." + +This may be appropriately supplemented by the opinion, poetically +expressed by the same author, with reference to the art of fishing with +the artificial fly, thus: "Fly-fishing has been designated the royal and +aristocratic branch of the angler's craft, and unquestionably it is the +most difficult, the most elegant, and to men of taste, by myriads of +degrees the most pleasant and exciting mode of angling. To land a trout +of three, four or five pounds weight, and sometimes heavier, with a hook +almost invisible, with a gut line almost as delicate and beautiful as a +single hair from the raven tresses of a mountain sylph, and with a rod +not heavier than a tandem whip, is an achievement requiring no little +presence of mind, united to consummate skill. If it be not so, and if +it do not give you some very pretty palpitations of the heart in the +performance, may we never, wet a line in Lake George, or raise a trout +in the Susquehanna." + +Thomson, the much admired author of "The Seasons," was in his youth a +zealous angler, frequently casting his fly in the rippling waters of the +Tweed, a trout-stream justly famous along the Scottish border. The +poet has eulogized his favorite pastime of fly-fishing in the following +elegant lines: + + "Now, when the first foul torrent of the brooks, + + Swell'd with the vernal rains, is ebb'd away; + + And, whitening, down their mossy tinctur'd stream + + Descends the billowy foam, now is the time, + + While yet the dark brown water aids the guile + + To tempt the trout. The well-dissembled fly-- + + The rod, fine tapering with elastic spring, + + Snatch'd from the hoary stud the floating line. + + And all thy slender wat'ry stores prepare; + + But let not on thy hook the tortur'd worm + + Convulsive twist in agonizing folds, + + Which, by rapacious hunger swallow'd deep, + + Gives, as you tear it from the bleeding breast + + Of the weak, helpless, uncomplaining wretch, + + Harsh pain and horror to the tender hand." + + + When, with his lively ray, the potent sun + + Has pierc'd the streams, and rous'd the finny race, + + Then, issuing cheerful to thy sport repair; + + Chief should the western breezes curling play, + + And light o'er ether bear the shadowy clouds, + + High to their fount, this day, amid the hills + + And woodlands warbling round, trace up the brooks; + + The next pursue their rocky-c-hannel'd maze + + Down to the river, in whose ample wave + + Their little Naiads love to sport at large. + + Just in the dubious point, where with the pool + + Is mix'd the trembling stream, or where it boils + + Around the stone, or from the hollow'd bank + + Reverted plays in undulating flow, + + There throw, nice judging, the delusive fly; + + And, as you lead it round the artful curve, + + With eye attentive mark the springing game. + + Straight as above the surface of the flood + + They wanton rise, or, urged by hunger, leap, + + Then fix, with gentle twitch, the barbed hook; + + Some lightly tossing to the grassy bank, + + And to the shelving shore slow dragging some + + With various hand proportion'd to their force. + + If yet too young, and easily deceiv'd, + + A worthless prey scarce bends your pliant rod.' + + + Him, piteous of his youth, and the short space + + He has enjoy'd the vital light of heaven, + + Soft disengage, and back into the stream + + The speckl'd captive throw; but, should you lure + + From his dark haunt, beneath the tangled roots + + Of pendent trees, the monarch of the brook, + + Behooves you then to ply your finest art. + + Long time he, following cautious, scans the fly, + + And oft attempts to seize it, but as oft + + The dimpled water speaks his jealous fear. + + At last, while haply o'er the shaded sun + + Passes a cloud, he desperate takes the death + + With sullen plunge: at once he darts along, + + Deep struck, and runs out all the lengthen'd line, + + Then seeks the farthest ooze, the sheltering weed, + + The cavern'd bank, his old secure above, + + And flies aloft, and flounces round the pool, + + Indignant of the guile. With yielding hand, + + That feels him still, yet to his furious course + + Gives way, you, now retiring, following now, + + Across the stream, exhaust his idle rage, + + Till floating broad upon his breathless side, + + And to his fate abandon'd, to the shore + + You gayly drag your unresisting prize." + +Angling, like every other manly pastime, has had numerous +assailants--some of them "men of mark," as in the case of Lord Byron, +whose "fine plirensy" in denouncing Walton and the gentle art failed not +to draw down upon himself the laughter of a world. The plaint of Lord +Byron runs thus: + + "Then there were billiards; cards, too; but no dice, + + Save in the clubs no man of honor plays-- + + Boats when'twas water, skating when'twas ice, + + And the hard frost destroy'd the scenting days; + + And angling, too, that solitary vice, + + Whatever Izaac Walton sings or says; + + The quaint old cruel coxcomb in his gullet, + + Should have a hook, and a small trout to pull it." + +Another famous satirist of the old school defines angling as "a stick +and a string, with a fish at one end and a fool at the other," while a +third, the well-known Peter Pindar, in closing a "Ballad to a Pish in +the Brook," takes occasion to say: + + "Enjoy thy stream, oh, harmless fish, + + "And when an angler for his dish, + + Through gluttony's vile sin, + + Attempts--a wretch--to pull thee out, + + God give thee strength, oh, gentle trout, + + To pull the rascal in." + +All who love to go a-fishing can well afford to smile at the malicious +flings of morbid critics, and while recreating both mind and body in +casting the mimic fly along the dashing mountain stream, think of the +deluded satirists in pity rather than condemnation. + +Let us, then, in unison with the quaint and charming poet, Gay: + + "Mark well the various seasons of the year, + + How the succeeding insect race appear, + + In their revolving moon one color reigns, + + Which in the next the fickle trout disdains; + + Oft have I seen a skilful angler try + + The various colors of the treach'rous fly; + + When he "with fruitless pain hath skim'd the brook, + + And the coy fish rejects the skipping hook. + + He shakes the boughs that on the margin grow, + + Which o'er the stream a weaving forest throw; + + When if an insect fall (his certain guide) + + He gently takes him from the whirling tide; + + Examines well his form with curious eyes, + + His gaudy vest, his wings, his horns, his size. + + Then round his hook the chosen fur he winds, + + And on the back a speckled feather binds; + + So just the colors shine through every part, + + That nature seems to live again in art." + + + + +A PERFECT DAY + +By Geo. W. Van Siclen. + +I take my rod this fair June morning, and go forth to be alone with +nature. No business cares, no roar of the city, no recitals of others' +troubles and woes which make the lawyer a human hygrometer, no doubts +nor fears to disturb me as, drinking in the clear, sweet air with +blissful anticipation, I saunter through the wood-path toward the +mountain lake. As I brush the dew from the bushes around me, I spy in a +glade golden flowers glowing on a carpet of pure green, mingled with the +snowy stars of white blossoms; with their fragrance comes the liquid, +bell-like voice of the swamp-robin, hidden from curious eyes. Soon +seated in my boat, I paddle to the shade of a tall, dark hemlock and +rest there, lulled by the intense quiet. Ever and anon as I dreamily +cast my ethereal fly, a thrill of pleasure electrifies me, as it is +seized by a vigorous trout. + +I have long classed trout with flowers and birds, and bright sunsets, +and charming scenery, and beautiful women, as given for the rational +enjoyment and delight of thoughtful men of aesthetic tastes. And if + + "By deeds our lives shall measured be, + + And not by length of days," + +then a perfect life has been lived by many a noble trout whose years +have been few, but who, caught by the fisher's lure (to which he was +predestined, as aforesaid), has leaped into the air and shaken the +sparkling drops from his purple, golden, crimson, graceful form and +struggled to be free, to the intense delight of the artist who brought +him to the basket, where he belonged. + +Thus resting, and floating apparently between the translucent crystal +and the blue ether, silent, I have felt the presence of a spirit who +inspires one with pure thoughts of matters far above the affairs of +daily life and toil, of the universe and what lies beyond the blue sky, +and of the mind and soul of man, and his future after death. * + + * I _love_ the mountains, and the meadows, and the woods. + +Later satisfied, but not satiated, with fair provision of corn, and +wine, and oil, and my creel well filled, the shadows lengthen and the +day begins to die. + +Some day I shall hear no more forever the birds sing in the sylvan +shade. My eyes will no more behold the woods I love so well. For the +last time my feet will slowly tread this woodland road, and I shall +watch for the last time the changing shadows made by the clouds upon the +hillsides. + +There will come a time when the setting sun will paint the west as the +bridegroom colors the cheek of the bride; but I shall not know it, and I +shall never again share such hours of peace with the leafy trees. Then, +with folded hands upon my quiet breast, my friends will briefly gaze +upon my face and I shall be gone. In that last day, so full of deepest +interest to me, may my soul be pure. + +Filled with such thoughts, I regret that I cannot express them like the +poet, whose name I know not, but whose words I will recall: + + "Good-bye, sweet day, good-bye! + + I have so loved thee, but I cannot hold thee; + + Departing like a dream the shadows fold thee. + + Slowly thy perfect beauty fades away; + + Good-bye, sweet day. + + "Good-bye, sweet day, good-bye! + + Dear were the golden hours of tranquil splendor. + + Sadly thou yieldest to the evening tender, + + Who wert so fair from thy first morning ray. + + Good-bye, sweet day. + + "Good-bye, sweet day, good-bye! + + Thy glow and charm, thy smiles and tones and glances + + Vanish at last and solemn night advances. + + Ah! couldst thou yet a little longer stay. + + Good-bye, sweet day. + + "Good-bye, sweet day, good-bye! + + All thy rich gifts my grateful heart remembers, + + The while I watched thy sunset's smouldering embers + + Die in the west beneath the twilight gray. + + Good-bye, sweet day." + + +As the balsam-breathing night wind begins to blow, I turn my back upon +the silver glancing of the moonlight on the rippling waves of the fairy +lake, and step bravely into the darkness of the woods, where I cannot +see the places where my foot shall fall, but I know that others have +safely passed it before, and that I shall find comfort and home at the +end. + +Note.--"Description of a day on Balsam Lake (headwaters of the +Beaverkill) where no house was ever built. From the lake it is two +miles through the woods (about ten miles in the dark) to the nearest +house,"--Extract from letter accompanying article. + +"I handle this 'brown hackle' as gently as a relic, not alone because +it is the memento of an unusual achievement, but because the sight of it +brings up vividly before me the beautiful lake where the trout lay; its +crystal waters; the glinting of its ruffled surface as the bright sun +fell upon it; the densely wooded hills which encircled it; the soughing +of the tall pines as the summer's breeze swept through their branches; +and the thrill which coursed through every nerve as trout after trout +leaped to the cast, and, after such manipulation and 'play' as only +those who have had personal experience can comprehend, were duly +captured."--_George Dawson._ + +"Don't be in too great a hurry to change your flies."--_Francis +Francis._ + +[Illustration: 0242] + +1. Brown Hackle. + +2. Scarlet Hackle. + +3. White Hackle. + +4. Yellow Hackle. + +5. Ginger Hackle. + +6. Gray Hackle. + +7. Black Hackle. + +8. Coch-y-Bouddr. + +9. Gray Hackle. + + +1. Emerald Gnat. + +2. Black C. + +3. Soldier Gnat. + + +1. Brown Pennell. Pennell Hackles. + +2. Yellow Pennell. + +3. Green Pennell. + + +"And now we have got through the poetry of the art. Hitherto things +have gone happy as a marriage bell. I unhesitatingly declare, and I +confidently appeal to my brother Angler, whether he, a fly fisherman, +does not feel similarly. To me fly-fishing is a labor of love; the +other is labor--alone. But notwithstanding such are my feelings, it +by no means follows that every one else so fancies it. Every one to his +taste."--_Capt. Peel ("Dinks")_ + +When Spring comes round, look to your tackle with careful inspection, +and see that all are in perfect order. Above all, look well to your +flies; reject all specimens that have been injured by use, and all +frayed gut lengths. It is better to throw away a handful now, than +to lose flies and heavy fish together the first time you fasten to a +rise."--_Charles Hallock_. + +"That hook is for a very little fly, and you must make your wings +accordingly; for as the case stands it must be a little fly, and a very +little one too, that must do your business."--_Charles Cotton._ + +"For some reason which I have not succeeded in fathoming, the yellow fly +always seems to kill best in the position of dropper, or bob-fly, and +the green when employed as the stretcher, or tail-fly. The brown can be +used in either position."--_H. Gholmon-deley-Pennell._ + +"Note that usually, the smallest flies are best; and note also, that the +light flie does usually make most sport in a dark day; and the darkest +and least flie in a bright or clear day."--_Izaak Walton_. + +"No description with pen or tongue can teach you how to cast a fly. +Accompany an expert and watch him."--_T. S. Up de Graff, M. D._ + +"There is no more graceful and healthful accomplishment for a lady +than fly-fishing, and there is no reason why a lady should not in every +respect rival a gentleman in the gentle art."--_W. C. Prime._ + +"Everything which makes deception more alluring should be resorted to by +an Angler; for, let his experience be ever so great, he will always find +opportunities to regret his deficiencies."--_Parker Gilmore._ + + + + +SUGGESTIONS + +By Charles F. Orvis. + +During my long intercourse with the angling fraternity, I have always +found its members very ready to receive and impart suggestions, in the +most friendly manner. It appears to me that those who are devoted to +"the gentle art," are especially good-natured; and while very many have +their own peculiar ideas as to this or that, yet they are always +willing and anxious to hear the opinions of others. Believing this, I am +prompted to make a few suggestions, in regard to fly-fishing for trout, +and the tackle used for that purpose; and if I differ from any, which +will be very likely, I trust that what appears erroneous will be +regarded charitably; and if I shall be so fortunate as to make any +suggestions that will add to the enjoyment of any "brother of the +Angle," I shall be content. + +The rod, of course, is of the first importance in an outfit, as very +much depends on its perfection. + +For ordinary fly-fishing for trout, a rod from ten to twelve feet in +length will be found most convenient. + +I use a ten-foot rod, and find it meets all my requirements. + +It is well to let your rod have weight enough to have some "back-bone" +in it; _very_ light and _very_ limber rods are objectionable, because +with them one cannot cast well against, or across the wind; and it is +impossible to hook your fish with any certainty--especially with a long +line out--or to handle one properly when hooked. + +A _very_ limber rod will not re-act quickly enough, nor strongly enough +to lift the line and fix the hook firmly; because, when the upward +motion is made, in the act of striking, the point of the rod first goes +down; and, unless it is as stiff as it will do to have it and cast well, +it will not re-act until the fish has found out his mistake and rejected +the fraud. + +Rods ten to twelve feet long should weigh from seven and one-half to ten +and one-half ounces, depending on the material and weight of mountings, +size of handpiece, etc. Many, perhaps, would say, that eight to ten +ounces, for a single-handed fly-rod, is too heavy; that such rods +would prove tiresome to handle. Much depends on how the rod hangs. If a +ten-ounce rod is properly balanced, it will be no harder work to use it +than a poorly balanced seven-ounce rod--in fact, not as fatiguing. Some +men can handle an eleven-foot rod with the same ease that another could +one that was a foot shorter. Hence, the rod should be adapted to the +person who is to use it. + +The stiffness of a split bamboo rod is one of its great merits. When +I say stiffness, I mean the steel-like elasticity which causes it to +re-act with such quickness. + +For material for fly-rods, bamboo ranks first, lance-wood next; +after mentioning these, there is not much to say. Green-heart is too +uncertain. Paddlewood is very fine, but as yet, extremely difficult to +obtain in any quantity. + +The balance, or "hang," of a rod is of the greatest importance. Let it +be never so well made otherwise, if not properly balanced it will be +worthless. + +The elasticity should be uniform, from tip to near the hand; a true +taper will not give this, because the ferules interfere with the uniform +spring of the rod. For this reason a little enlargement between the +ferules should be made, to compensate for the non-elasticity of the +metal. These enlargements cannot be located by measurements, as much +depends on the material and the length of the joint. + +Spliced rods can be made nearer a true taper, for obvious reasons; +although there is no doubt that a spliced rod is stronger and much more +perfect in casting qualities, yet they require such care to preserve the +delicate ends of the splice, and are so troublesome in many ways, that +few will use them. + +The details of rod-making having been so often told, I do not purpose +making any suggestions on that subject, but will say that, in order +to make a good fly-rod, the maker ought to know how to handle it, when +finished. + +I believe in a very narrow reel, and use one that is only one-half inch +between outside plates. As both outside and spool plates are perforated, +my line never mildews or gets tender. Hence, it is unnecessary to take +the line off to dry it, as should be done when solid reel plates are +used. + +With such a reel my line never tangles. If your reel be narrow between +plates, and large in circumference, it will take up line rapidly, and +obviate the use of a multiplier, which is objectionable for fly-fishing. +A light click is desirable, just strong enough to hold the handle and +keep the line from over-running. More friction is of no use, and may +cause you the loss of many fish. + +Experience satisfies me that you should use your reel on the under side +of your rod, with handle towards the right--because the weight of the +reel so placed holds the rod in proper position without your giving it +a thought, and your right hand finds the reel handle without trouble; +because your reel is thus entirely out of the way of your arm; because +with the rod always in proper position, your left hand finds the line +every time, to draw it from the reel when wanted for a longer cast; +because with the reel on the under side the rod is always exactly +balanced, and you will not have to grasp it with anywhere near the force +required with the reel on the upper side. And you can make your casts +with ease and lay out your flies gently and more accurately than you +could with the firmer grip needful to be kept on the rod with the reel +in the latter position, and because, without constant attention, +your reel is never on the upper side of the rod to any certainty, but +anywhere and everywhere. Keep your reels well oiled. + +Enamelled, or water-proof, braided silk, tapered, American fly-lines, +are the best made for fly-fishing. It is important that the size of +the line should be adapted to the rod. A heavy line on a very light rod +would be bad. A very light line on a heavy rod would be worse. No. 3 or +E, and Ko. 4 or E, are the two best sizes. I find many are inclined to +use too light lines, supposing the lighter the line the less trouble +there will be in casting it. This, I think, is an error.' + +It is impossible to cast well against or across the wind, with a +very light line; and very light lines do not "lay out" as easily or +accurately as heavier ones. + +Leaders, or casting lines, I like rather heavy, proportionate to the +line. To use a very light leader on a Ko. 4 line is not well; for +what is the leader but a continuation of the line? Therefore it should +approximate the size of the line, that there may be no sudden change in +size where the leader begins, in order that the flies shall keep ahead, +where they belong. + +Leaders should be made with loops at proper intervals, to which the +flies are to be attached. Leaders with such loops will last at least +twice as long as those without them. + +Three flies are generally used; perhaps two are just as good. But I use +three and often find the increased number to work well, as presenting a +greater variety to the fickle notions of the many trout, and it is best +to take all the chances. + +The first dropper loop should be about thirty inches from the +stretcher, or tail-fly. Second dropper, twenty-four inches above first +dropper--depending somewhat on the length of the leader. Let the +flies be as far apart as I have indicated. A greater distance is not +objectionable--a lesser is. + +Leaders should be tapered and made of the best quality of round gut. +"Mist colored" or stained leaders are, by many, thought to be better +than the clear white gut; but I must say I never have been able to see +that they are, or that there is any difference, practically. There is no +great objection to the colored leaders, and I use them myself usually. +I will not undertake to settle the much-discussed question. Either plain +or colored are good enough, if properly made and from good gut. + +Always let your leader lie in the water awhile before commencing to +cast, that the gut may soften--or you may lose your leader, fish and +temper, and blame some one because you think you have been cheated, when +no one was in fault but yourself in your haste. When you have finished +fishing, wind your leader around your hat, and the next time you use +it it will not look like a cork-screw, and bother you half an hour in +casting. + +To one who has not acquired the art of fishing with the fly, let +me suggest that a day or two with an expert will save much time and +trouble. There are many little things that cannot well be described, and +would take a long time to find out by experience, that can be learned +very quickly when seen. It is not easy to tell one exactly how to fish +with the fly. + +I remember well my first trout; I remember as well, the first fine rod +and tackle I ever saw, and the genial old gentleman who handled them. +I had thought I knew how to fish with the fly; but when I saw my old +friend step into the stream and make a cast, I just wound that line of +mine around the "pole" I had supposed was about right, and I followed +an artist. (I never used that "pole" again.) I devoted my time that +afternoon to what to me was a revelation, and the quiet, cordial way +in which the old gentleman accepted my admiration, and the pleasure he +evidently took in lending to me a rod until I could get one, is one of +the pleasant things I shall always retain in memory. + +To really enjoy fly-fishing one must be able to cast at least fairly +well; to cast a very long line is not at all important--to cast +easily and gently is. Fifty to sixty feet is all that is necessary for +practical purposes, the great majority of trout are taken within forty +feet. + +It is not easy to tell one how to cast. The art must be acquired by +practice. As I have said, much can be learned by observing an expert. +There is one great mistake made by most beginners; i.e., far too much +strength is used. Let me suggest to the novice to begin with the line +about the length of the rod; learn to lay that out gently, and as you +take your flies off the water, do it with a quick movement, decreasing +the motion until your rod is at an angle of not quite forty-five degrees +behind you, this angle to be varied according to circumstances which +cannot be foreseen. Then the rod must come to a short pause, just long +enough to allow the line and leader time to straighten out fairly, no +more. Then the forward motion must be made with a degree of force and +quickness in proportion to the length of line you have _out_, decreasing +the force until the rod is about horizontal; do not bring your rod to +a sudden stop, or your line and your flies will come down with a splash +and all in a heap; but lay your line out gently, my friend, and your +flies will fall like snowflakes. It is not muscle but "gentle art" that +is required. "Take it easy" and keep trying. + +In an open space, from a boat for instance, take your flies very nearly +straight off the water; never dropping the point of your rod much to the +right, as this leaves your line on the water and makes it hard to lift. +Take your flies up with a quick movement, nearly vertical, and wait for +them to straighten and cast again directly towards the point to which +you wish them to go. + +After you have acquired the skill to cast straight 'before you will be +time enough for you to practise side casts, under casts, etc., that you +will have to use where there are obstacles before and behind you. The +same movements to cast and retrieve your lines, will apply under all +circumstances, whether in open water or on streams overhung with trees, +or fringed with bushes. Much vexatious catching of flies may be avoided +by not being too eager, and by not using too long a line. Let me +add--just before your flies touch the water, draw back your rod slightly +and gently; this will straighten the line, and your flies will fall +exactly where you want them. + +Cast your flies so that they fall as lightly as possible, with your +leader extended to its full length; then draw your flies in the +direction you wish, being careful not to draw them too far, or you will +have trouble in retrieving your line for another cast. With your rod too +perpendicular you cannot lift your line quickly enough to carry it back +with sufficient force to straighten it out, and your next cast will be +a failure. There is also much danger of breaking your rod. Usually you +will get your rise just an instant after your flies touch the water, or +before you have drawn them more than a little distance. It is better +to cast often and draw your flies back just far enough so that you can +easily lift your line for another cast. Moreover, with your rod too +perpendicular it is not easy to hook your fish; so cast often and cover +all parts of the pool. + +I think most skilful fly-fishers draw their flies with a slightly +tremulous motion, to make the flies imitate the struggles of an insect, +and I believe it to be a good method. It certainly is not objectionable, +and you will find it can be done without thought; the habit once formed +and it will be difficult for you to draw your flies otherwise. + +The instant you see a rise at one of your flies, strike quickly, but not +too strongly, nor with a long pull, but with a short, sharp motion, not +too strong or long enough to raise even a small fish from the water, but +just enough to drive the hook firmly in. This may be done by an upward +and inward motion, or a side motion, as circumstances may dictate. A +slight turn of the wrist is often all that is required; but if you have +a long line out, you will have to use your arm and more force. Your +fish hooked, keep him well in hand; don't give him any more line than +is necessary. When he is determined to run, let him do so; but keep +your fingers on the line and put all the strain on him you safely can, +increasing the strain the further he goes. Turn him as soon as possible, +and the instant you have done so, begin to reel him in. When he runs +again, repeat the dose and get his head out of the water a little as +soon as you dare. This exhausts him quickly. Don't raise him too far out +of the water, or in his struggles he will break loose. + +Should a fish try to run under the boat, reel up until your line is no +longer than your rod, or nearly so, then firmly guide him around the +end--remembering always "it is skill against brute force." + +In stream-fishing, always wade if you can. When fishing from a boat +never stand up if you can help it, but learn to cast sitting down. It +is just as easy if you once learn how. On streams it is better to wade, +because your feet produce no jar for you cannot well raise them out of +the water, and dare not often. And for various reasons a person alarms +the fish less in wading than in fishing from the bank. + +Fish down stream always if possible. You can, in so doing, look over the +pools and approach them to the best advantage. It is easier to wade with +the current, and as you cast your flies you can let them float naturally +for just an instant, without their being drawn under the surface. This +instant is the time that, in a great majority of cases, you get your +rise. Every one who has fished much with a fly knows how often he has +whipped every inch of a pool and failed to get a rise where he was sure +his flies could be seen from any part of it, and at last, when he placed +his flies in one particular spot, his hopes were realized in an instant. + +Why did not the trout rise before? Because he waited until his food came +to him. + +In streams, especially, trout usually rise an instant after the flies +touch the water, and I believe that trout in streams commonly wait for +their food to come to them, and do not often dart out from where they +are lying to any great distance, but wait until the fly comes nearly or +quite over them, and then rise to the surface and take the fly with a +snap and instantly turn head down to regain the position they had left. +In doing this they often turn a somersault and throw themselves out of +the water; as they go over, their tails come down on the water with a +splash, which some persons think is intentionally done to strike the fly +or insect in order to kill or injure it and then afterwards capture +it. Such persons fail to see the trout's head at all, for very often it +barely comes to the surface, but the quick motion to go down throws the +tail up and over--hence the error, as I consider it. Any one who will +take the trouble to throw house flies to trout in an aquarium, will +never again think trout strike their prey with their tails. + +The kinds of flies to be used vary with the locality, stream, state and +stage of the water, weather, etc. The fly that pleased the fancy of the +trout to-day--to-morrow perhaps in the same stream and under the same +conditions, as far as any one could see, would fail. The only way is to +keep trying until the one is found that _does_ please. Don't change too +often, but give each "cast" a fair trial. + +I do not believe in certain flies for certain months in the year. I have +stood up to my knees in snow and taken trout, in mid-winter, with the +same flies I had used in mid-summer. + +In low, clear water, especially in streams, small flies should be used. +In higher water, larger flies are better, as a rule. When the water is +high--as early in the season--larger and brighter-colored flies may be +used to more advantage. Later, when the water is low and clear, smaller +flies and more sober colors are best. I believe, however, that rules for +the choice of flies have a great many exceptions, and the best rule I +know of, is to keep trying different kinds and sizes until successful. + +It is often said, "there is no need of so great a variety of flies." I +do not think this is true. Doubtless there are many styles that might +well be dispensed with, but one never knows which to discard, and no +man can tell him, for the very flies one man would say were worthless, +another would consider the best--and prove it, plainly, by the success +he had had with that very fly. So it is well to be provided with many +kinds and sizes. I have learned of the merits of so many different kinds +of flies that I sometimes think nearly all are good--at some time or +under some circumstances. There is much doubt in my mind as to the +necessity of having the artificial flies like the insects that are near +or on the water. One of the best flies that has ever been known--the +Coachman--does not in the least resemble any known insect, I +believe--and but few of the many patterns made imitate anything in +nature. The Cowdung fly, another one of the most "taking" flies--_does_ +very much resemble the natural fly of that name--but I never saw or +heard of their being on or near the water. + +Early in the season, while the weather is yet cold, the middle of the +day is usually quite as good, and I think the best time for fly-fishing. +Later, in warm weather, the evening is the best, and often the last two +hours of a pleasant day are worth all the rest of it. + +Generally speaking, a gentle southerly breeze is the most favorable +wind; yet I have had splendid sport during a strong north-easterly wind, +but not often. + +In conclusion, be patient and persevering, move quietly, step lightly, +keep as much out of sight of the fish as possible, and remember, trout +are not feeding all the time. Perhaps during the last hour before dark +you may fill your basket, that has been nearly empty since noon. Don't +give up, as long as you can see--or even after--and you may when about +to despair take some fine large fish. + +Unless one can enjoy himself fishing with the fly, even when his efforts +are unrewarded, he loses much real pleasure. More than half the intense +enjoyment of fly fishing is derived from the beautiful surroundings, +the satisfaction felt from being in the open air, the new lease of life +secured thereby, and the many, many pleasant recollections of all one +has seen, heard and done. + + + + +BASS FLIES. + +"Doubt not, therefore, sir, but that angling is an art, and an art +worth your learning; the question is, rather, whether you be capable of +learning it, for angling is somewhat like poetry, men are to be born +so: I mean with inclinations to it, though both may be heightened by +discourse and practice; but he that hopes to be a good angler must not +only bring an inquiring, searching, observing wit, but he must bring a +large measure of hope and patience, and a love and propensity to the art +itself; but having once got and practised it, then doubt not but angling +will prove to be so pleasant that it will prove to be like virtue, a +reward to itself."--_Izaak Walton_. + +"The black bass are unquestionably as fine a fish for angling +purposes as any we possess, and as an article of food are equal to our +best."--_Parker Gilmore._ + +[Illustration: 0260] + +1. Cheney. + +2. White Miller. + +3. La Belle. + +4. Scarlet Ibis. + +5. Shad-Fly. + +6. Green and Gold. + + +"Never use too much power in casting; it is not only not necessary, +but it is injurious. You cast the line with the top and half the second +joint, and very little force suffices to bring this into play. If you +use more, all the effect is to bring the lower part of the rod into +action, which has very little spring compared with the top of it."-- +_Francis Francis._ + +"Although trout are taken with numerous angle worms, still frequently +all these will fail, and a colored imitation fly will lure them, and +herein lastly consists the science of the fisherman, in judging what +style of fly is appropriate to a peculiar state of the atmosphere or +reality." _A. Robinson Warren._ + +"Black bass when struck and played will always head down stream."--_W. +C. Harris._ + +"Fish always lose by being 'got in and dressed.' It is best to weigh +them while they are in the water. The only really large one I ever +caught got away with my leader when I first struck him. He weighed ten +pounds."--_Charles Dudley Warner._ + +"The aim of the angler ought to be, to have his artificial fly +calculated, by its form and colors, to attract the notice of the fish; +in which case he has a much greater chance of success, than by making +the greatest efforts to imitate any particular species of fly." +--_Professor Rennie._ + +"I fear it will be almost deemed heresy to place the black bass on a par +with the trout; at least, some such idea I had when I first heard the +two compared; but I am bold, and will go further. I consider he is the +superior of the two, for he is equally good as an article of food, +and much stronger and untiring in his efforts to escape when +hooked."--_Parker Gilmore_. + +"The one great ingredient in successful fly-fishing is patience. The man +whose fly is always on the water has the best chance. There is always a +chance of a fish or two, no matter how hopeless it looks. You never know +what may happen in fly-fishing."--_Francis Francis._ + +"In bass fishing we have thought the moon to be an advantage. If it does +not guide the prey to the lure, it at least lends beauty to the scene +and bathes in its pale light the surroundings of the fisherman, which +are often so exceedingly beautiful. In addition, it assists him in his +work and enables him to handle his tackle more easily and play his fish +more comfortably."--_Seth Green._ + + + + +THE RESOURCES OF FLY-FISHING. + +By Dr. James A. Henshall. + +The charms of fly-fishing have been sung in song and story from time +immemorial by the poetically gifted devotees of the gentle art, who have +embalmed the memory of its aesthetic features in the living green of +graceful ferns, in the sweet-scented flowers of dell and dingle, and in +the liquid music of purling streams. + +The fly-fisher is a lover of Nature, pure and simple, and has a +true and just appreciation of her poetic side, though he may lack the +artist's skill to limn her beauties, or the poet's genius to describe +them. + + "To him who in the love of Nature holds + + Communion with her visible forms, she speaks + + A various language." + +And what delightful converse she holds with the fly-fisher, as with rod +and creel he follows the banks of the meandering stream, or wades +its pellucid waters, easting, ever and anon, the gossamer leader and +feathery lure into shadowy nooks, below sunny rapids, over foam-flecked +eddies, and on silent pools. She speaks to him through the rustling +leaves, murmurs to him from the flowing stream, and sighs to him in +the summer breeze. She is vocal in a myriad of voices, and manifest in +innumerable ways. + +The still fisher, reclining on the mossy bank, is disposed to dreamy +reveries, to pleasant fancies; but the fly-fisher, with quickened +senses, has an ear for every sound, an eye for every object, and is +alive to every motion. He hears the hum of the bee, the chirp of the +cricket, the twitter of the sparrow, the dip of the swallow; he sees the +gay butterfly in its uncertain flight, the shadow of the drifting cloud, +the mossy rock, the modest violet, the open-eyed daisy; he is conscious +of the passing breeze, of the mellow sunlight, of the odors of the +flowers, of the fragrance of the fields. Nothing escapes his keen notice +as he easts his flies, hither and yon, in the eager expectation of a +rise. + +Fly-fishing is, indeed, the poetry of angling. The capture of the salmon +is an epic poem, the taking of the trout an idyl. But it is not my +presumptuous purpose to ring the changes on the delights of salmon or +trout fishing, for they have been immortalized by the pens of gifted +anglers for ages. My feeble effort would be but a sorry imitation of +those glorious spirits who have made their last cast, who have crossed +to the other side of the river, and + + "Gone before + + To that unknown and silent shore." + +So, leaving the salmon, the trout, and the grayling to their well-earned +laurels, I wish to say a word for several less pretentious, because less +known, game-fishes, whose merits are perhaps as great for the fly-fisher +as those familiar game-beauties of the waters. + +It is among the possibilities, in this world of transitory things, that +fly-fishing for the salmonids in the United States will, in the near +future, be known only by tradition. It should, therefore, be a source +of great consolation to the fly-fisher to know that there are now, +and perhaps will ever be, in the streams and lakes of this broad land, +percoid game-fishes equally worthy of his skill, which require only to +be known to be properly appreciated. + +First among these is the black bass, which already ranks the brook trout +in the estimation of those anglers who know him best: and when I say +black bass, I include both species. The black bass is, at least, the +peer of the trout in game qualities, and in rising to the artificial +fly, under proper conditions. An allusion to a few of these conditions +may not seem out of place. + +As a rule, the best time of day for fly-fishing for the black bass is +from an hour before sunset until dark, though there are times when he +will rise to the fly at almost any hour of the day. + +It is important that the angler keep out of sight, and that the shadow +of his rod be not disclosed to the wary and suspicious bass; for if +he sees either, he will not notice the flies, however skillfully and +coaxingly they may be cast. Thus it is that the earlier and later hours +of the day are best; the angler, facing the sun, the shadows are cast +far behind him; or, before sunrise or after sunset, or on cloudy days, +the shadows are not so apparent, and the bass are more apt to rise. If +the fly-fisher for black bass will faithfully follow these precautions, +he will not be disappointed at the result. + +There is another condition, equally important, that must ever be borne +in mind: The black bass will rise to the fly only in comparatively +shallow water, say from one to six feet in depth. This is a feature +often overlooked by many fly-fishers in their first experiences in black +bass fishing. They seem to think that he should rise to the fly in any +situation where he can be taken with bait; but a moment's consideration +will show this to be fallacious. A brook trout will take a bait twenty +feet below the surface, but will not rise to a fly from the same depth. +Trout streams are generally shallow, while the salmon swims very near +the surface; thus it is that the angler is seldom disappointed in their +rising to the fly. On the other hand, the black bass, while inhabiting +larger and deeper streams, is, unlike the trout, a great rover, or +forager, frequenting both deep and shallow waters. As a rule, he is in +shallow water early in the season, retiring to the depths in the hottest +weather; again appearing on the shallows in the fall, and in winter +seeking the deepest water to be found. Trout inhabiting deep ponds and +lakes rise to the fly only when in comparatively shallow water, or +when near the surface. The fly-fisher, therefore, must expect to be +successful only when the proper conditions exist. I would like to pursue +this subject further, but in so brief an article as this, only the most +general and important features can be noticed. + +Any good trout fly-rod, from ten to eleven feet long, and from eight to +nine ounces in weight, will answer for black bass fishing; the heavier +rod to be used only where the bass run quite large, averaging three +pounds or more. The best line is one of braided silk, tapered, +waterproof, and polished. The leader should be six feet of strong single +gut, and but two flies should be used in the cast. As to flies, the +angler must take his choice. My experience has led me to confine myself +to a dozen varieties for black bass fishing, and they are usually, +though not always, best in the order named: Polka, King of the Waters, +Professor, Oriole, Grizzly King, Coachman, Henshall, Oconomowoe, Ped +Ibis, Lord Baltimore, White and Ibis, and the various hackles +(palmers), the best being the brown. The Abbey, or Soldier, may often be +substituted for the King of the Waters, being similar in appearance, and +others may be substituted in like manner for several in the above list. + +The Polka, Oriole, Oconomowoc and Henshall, are flies of my own +designing, and are usually very killing, especially the Polka, Their +construction is as follows: + +Polka.--Body, scarlet, gold twist; hackle, red; wings black with white +spots (guinea fowl); tail, brown and white, mixed. + +Oriole.--Body, black, gold tinsel; hackle, black; wings, yellow or +orange; tail, black and yellow, mixed. + +Oconomowoc.--Body, creamy yellow; liackle, white and dun (deer's tail); +tail, ginger; wings, cinnamon (woodcock). + +Henshall.--Body, peacock herl; hackle, white hairs from deer's tail; +wings, light drab (dove); tail, two or three fibres of peacock's +tail-feather. + +The Lord Baltimore fly originated with Prof. Alfred M. Mayer, of the +Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey, its formula being +as follows: + +Lord Baltimore.--Body, orange; hackle, tail, and wings black, with small +upper wings of jungle-cock. + +Professor Mayer and myself, being natives of Baltimore, designed, +unknown to each other, a fly to embody the heraldic colors of Lord +Baltimore and the coat of arms of Maryland--black and orange. He named +his fly, "Lord Baltimore," while mine I designated the "Oriole," from +the Baltimore oriole, or hanging bird, which beautiful songster was +named in honor of Lord Baltimore, its colors being black and orange. + +Black bass flies should not be too large, nor yet too small, the largest +brook trout flies being about the right size. They should be tied on +Sproat or O'Shaughnessy hooks, the first-named being the best, from Nos. +2 to 5. In the above list of flies, most of them are "general" flies, +one of which, at least, can be used in the cast under almost any +circumstances. The darkest ones are best for bright days and clear +water, the brighter ones for dark days or high water, and the lightest +ones, e. g.; Coachman and White and Ibis, after sundown. + +There are several other inland fishes belonging to the same family +(_Centrarchidoe_) as the black bass, which, though generally lightly +esteemed, are good pan-fishes, are quite gamy, will rise eagerly to the +fly, and in the absence of more desirable fishes, afford good sport to +the fly-fisher with light and suitable tackle. + +The Rock Bass (_Ambloplites rupestris_), sometimes called "Red-eye," is +well-known west of the Allegha-nies. Its color is olive-green, with dark +mottled markings and brassy and coppery reflections. The iris of the eye +is scarlet. The dorsal fin has eleven spines and eleven soft rays; anal +fin, six spines and ten soft rays. It has a large mouth, rises well +to the fly, and when it attains its maximum weight of a pound or two, +fights vigorously on a six-ounce fly-rod and light tackle. Any of the +"general" trout flies, tied on Sproat hooks, Nos. 5 to 7, will answer +for rock bass. + +The Calico Bass (_Pomoxys sparoides_), variously known as "Northern +Croppie," "Strawberry Bass," "Grass Bass," "Silver Bass," +"Chincapin Perch," etc., is a very handsome fish, bright green and +silvery, with purplish reflections, and numerous dark spots or blotches. +The fins are also much mottled, especially the anal fin. It has a +smaller mouth, and is not quite so gamy as the rock bass, but is, +withal, a great favorite with many anglers. The radial formula of its +fins are: Dorsal, seven spines, fifteen soft rays; anal, six spines, +eighteen soft rays. + +The Southern Croppie (_Pomoxys annularis_) is also called "Bachelor," + +"Tin-month," + +"Speckled-perch," + +"New-light," + +"Campbellite," etc. It is closely allied to the last-named species, +but is not quite so deep in body, and has a larger, thinner, and more +delicate mouth. It is also much lighter in color, olivaceous, and +silvery, sometimes quite pale, with much smaller spots, and the anal +fin is pale and scarcely marked. Its dorsal fin has but six spines, +and fifteen soft rays; anal fin, six spines, eighteen rays. Both the +"Croppies" have large anal fins, fully as large as the dorsals. They +grow to two or three pounds in weight, usually swim in schools, and +lurk about logs, brush, or fallen trees, under dams, etc. They give fair +sport on a five-ounce rod. Trout flies of subdued tints should be used +for croppies, as the gray, brown and red hackles, gray drake, brown +drake, stone fly, black gnat, blue dun, etc. + +The Black Sunfish (_Chaenobryttus gulosus_), known in the South as the +"War-mouth Perch," is more nearly related to the black bass than any +other member of the family in its large mouth, the radial formula of its +fins, and to some extent in its coloration; it also partakes of the gamy +nature of the black bass to no inconsiderable degree. Its color is dark +olive-green on the back, the sides lighter, with blotches of blue and +coppery red, the belly brassy or yellowish; iris red; ear-flap black, +bordered with pale red. It has teeth on the tongue. Dorsal fin, ten +spines, nine soft rays; anal, three spines, eight rays. With a six-ounce +fly-rod, and any of the flies named for black bass, the fly-fisher will +find this fish worthy of his steel, as it grows to two pounds in weight. + +The Blue Sunfish (_Lepomis pallidus_) is a very common and +widely-diffused species. In the South, it is known as the "Blue Bream," +and "Copper-nosed Bream." Its mouth is quite small. In color it is +olivaceous or bluish-green, with a distinct dusky spot on the last rays +of dorsal and anal fins. The dorsal has ten spines, eleven rays; anal, +three spines and ten soft rays. It is closely allied to the following +species. + +The Long-eared Sunfish (_Lepomis megalotis_), or "Red-bellied Bream," +or "Red-bellied Perch," of the Southwest, is one of the handsomest +sunfishes. Its color is bluish on the back, with the belly red or +orange; cheeks with blue and red stripes; colors very brilliant; iris +bright red; ear-flap very large, black, with pale border. Dorsal fin +with ten spines, ten soft rays; anal, three spines, ten rays. Both this +and the last-named species are quite wary, very gamy, and are greatly +esteemed by Southern anglers, and not without reason. When they reach a +pound or two in weight they furnish excellent sport on a five-ounce rod. +Any of the trout-flies of gay patterns, as Red Ibis, White and Ibis, +Professor, Grizzly King, etc., on Sproat hooks, Nos. 8 to 10, will +answer, if the day be not too bright, in which event less showy flies +should be used. As a rule, any of the hackles (palmers), are good flies +for these or any fishes of this family. + +The striped-bass group, or sub-family (_Labracinoe_), is composed of +some of our best game-fishes. They will all rise to the fly, but more +especially the fresh water species. Those of the coast, the striped-bass +or rock-fish (_Roccus lineatus_), and the white perch (_Roccus +americanus_), when they enter brackish and fresh-water streams, are +frequently taken with a gaudy fly. + +The White Bass (_Roccus chrysops_), also called "Striped Lake Bass," and +"Fresh-water Striped Bass," is a well-known game-fish of the great +lakes and Upper Mississippi Valley, and is rightly held in much favor +by western anglers. Its color is silvery, darker above, with a number of +dark stripes along the sides, four or five being above the lateral line. +The mouth is large. There are two distinct dorsal fins, being entirely +separated. The first dorsal has nine spines; the second dorsal, one +spine and fourteen soft rays; anal fin has three spines and twelve soft +rays. A patch of teeth on base of tongue. Its usual weight is one to +three pounds, though it is occasionally taken up to four or five pounds. +It is good game, rises well to the fly, and on a six or seven-ounce rod +is capable of giving fine sport. + +The Yellow Bass (_Roccus interruptus_), or "Brassy Bass," or "Short +Striped Bass" takes the place of the white bass in the Lower Mississippi +Valley, and is closely allied to it, though it usually does not grow so +large by a pound or two. It has a smaller mouth, and has no teeth on the +base of its tongue. Its color is brassy, olivaceous above, with seven +very black stripes along its sides. The dorsal fins are somewhat +connected at the base. First dorsal has nine spines; second dorsal has +one spine and twelve soft rays; anal fin, three spines, nine soft rays. +Any of the flies recommended for the black bass, though made smaller and +tied on Sproat hooks, Nos. 4 to 6, will be found excellent for the white +and yellow bass. + +In the perch family (_Percidoe_) are several species that are excellent +for the table, and not to be despised as game-fishes. The most commonly +known is The Yellow Perch (_Perca americana_), which inhabits most of +the waters of the Northwest and East, being found in both fresh and +brackish waters. In color it is dark olive with yellow sides, and some +halfdozen dark vertical bars; upper fins, dusky yellowish; lower fins, +reddish. Mouth moderate in size. First dorsal fin has thirteen spines; +second dorsal, one spine and thirteen soft rays; anal, two spines, eight +soft rays. It grows usually to a pound, though sometimes to double that +weight. It rises pretty well at times, to a small gaudy fly, and on a +five-ounce rod will give considerable sport to the angler. + +The Pike-Perch (_Stizostedium vitreum_), likewise known as "Mall-eyed +Pike," "Glass Eye," and in some waters called "Salmon," and in Canada +known as "Pickerel," is a fine table fish, growing occasionally to +fifteen or twenty, and even to forty pounds, though its usual weight is +from four to six pounds. Its color is a greenish-olive, mottled with +brassy yellow; it has a large black spot on the first dorsal fin. Eye +large. First dorsal fin has thirteen spines; second dorsal, two spines +and twenty soft rays; anal, two spines, twelve rays. + +There is a much smaller variety of this species (var. _salmoneum_), +which grows to but two or three pounds. It has a larger eye. Its color +is bluer, or greener than the above, and not so brassy. First dorsal has +fourteen spines; second dorsal, one spine, twenty soft rays; anal fin, +two spines, thirteen soft rays. + +Both of these fishes, together with the next-named, are hard-pulling, +vigorous fishes on the rod, though they do not exhibit much dash or take +much line. They swim away rather slowly, but are constantly jerking, +tugging and pulling on the line in such a way as to compel the angler to +handle them carefully to preserve his tackle intact. They are regarded +with much favor by anglers in the West and Northwest. The same tackle is +used as for black bass. + +The Saugek (_Stizostedium canadense_) is also called "Jack," + +"Sand-pike," + +"Gray-pike," and "Battle-snake-pike." It is closely related to the +foregoing species, though smaller, growing to a length of twelve to +fifteen inches. It is longer and rounder in proportion than any of the +pike-perches, with a more pointed head and smaller eye. Its color is +paler, grayish above, with brassy sides, which are marked by several +blackish blotches or patches. First dorsal fin has two or three rows of' +round black spots. First dorsal has twelve spines; second dorsal, one +spine, seventeen soft rays; anal, two spines, twelve soft rays. + +Both species of pike-perch are nocturnal (the last not so much so), and +are very similar in their habits. Usually they rise best to the fly at +sundown, continuing until late in the evening, especially on moonlight +nights; therefore at least one fly in the cast should be some +light-colored fly, as the Coachman, White and Ibis, or Miller. +Sometimes, however, darker flies are just as good after nightfall as +during daylight. The flies for pike-perch should be as large or larger +than bass flies, and should be tied on Sproat hooks, Nos. 1 to 3. + +The angler who is so unfortunately situated as to be debarred from +salmon, trout, or black bass fly-fishing, can always find in the small +streams or ponds near him, one or more of the fishes described in the +foregoing account, when, by the use of very light and suitable +tackle, he can enjoy to a great degree the delights and pleasures of +fly-fishing. + +Even the despised pike or pickerel species (_Esocidoe_) and some of the +catfishes will rise to a large and gaudy fly. In Florida I have taken +catfish with the artificial fly until my arms ached and I was fain +to cry quits. I have also taken many marine species with the fly, +as red-fish, blue-fish, sea-trout, snappers, groupers, crevalle, +bone-fish, snooks, etc., etc., and once, as a matter of experiment, +a five-foot alligator. The 'gator was taken with a "fly" tied on a +shark-hook, the hackled body being a squirrel's tail, with wings of a +small seagull. The rod, used on that occasion only, was a light pine +sprit (belonging to the sail of a small boat), fifteen feet in length, +an inch and a half in diameter at the centre and tapering to an inch at +each end. + +Thus it will be seen that the opportunities and resources for +fly-fishing are nearly as great as for baitfishing, and that it only +remains for the angler to take advantage of them, study the habits of +the fishes, attain the necessary skill in casting, and practice due +caution in fishing. + +"All the charm of the angler's life would be lost but for these hours of +thought and memory. All along a brook, all day on lake or river, +while he takes his sport, he thinks. All the long evenings in camp, or +cottage, or inn, he tells stories of his own life, hears stories of +his friends' lives, and if alone calls up the magic of memory."--_W. C. +Prime._ + +"It is a mooted question among the very best 'fly-fishers,' whether an +exact representation of the living insect is necessary to insure success +in angling with the fly. The Scotch flies are not imitations of living +insects; and the best anglers in that country maintain the opinion that +it is absolutely useless and unnecessary to imitate any insect either +winged or otherwise."--"_Frank Forester._" + +[Illustration: 0278] + +7. Henshall. + +8. "Oconomowoc." + +9. Oriole. + +10. Polka. + +11. Ondawa. + +12. "W. T." + + +"Sometimes, of course, the loss of fish, or even fish and tackle, +cannot be avoided: but good, careful work and the best materials will +frequently obviate so annoying an ordeal. However, having struck your +fish, the tackle and your own coolness are generally responsible for the +issue, and woe betide you if careless knot or indifferent tying should +have been made in constructing your leader or fry,"--_Parker Gilmore_. + +"It is well known that no person who regards his reputation will ever +kill a trout with anything but a fly. It requires some training on +the part of the trout to take to this method. The uncultivated, +unsophisticated trout in unfrequented waters prefers the bait and the +rural people, whose sole object in going a-fishing appears to be to +catch fish, indulge them in their primitive taste for the worm. No +sportsman, however, will use anything but a fly, except he happens to be +alone."--_Charles Dudley Warner._ + +"The true fly-fisher, who practises his art _con amore_, does not +delight in big catches, nor revel in undue and cruel slaughter. He is +ever satisfied with a moderate creel, and is content with the scientific +and skilful capture of a few good fish. The beauties of nature, as +revealed in his surroundings--the sparkling water, the shadow and +sunshine, the rustling leaves, the song of birds and hum of insects, the +health-giving breeze--make up to him a measure of true enjoyment, and +peace, and thankfulness, that is totally unknown to the slaughterer of +the innocents, whose sole ambition is to fill his creel and record his +captures by the score."--_James A. Henshall, M.D._ + +"In the fly book the sportsman collects his treasures--the fairy +imitations of the tiny nymphs of the water side--and it is the source of +much delight in inspecting, replenishing and arranging during the season +that the trout are safe from honorable pursuit."--_R. B. Roosevelt_. + +"There have been caught in Walden, pickerel, one weighing seven pounds, +to say nothing of another which carried off a reel with great velocity, +which the fisherman safely set down at eight pounds, because he did not +see him. I am thus particular, because the weight of a fish is commonly +its only title to fame."--_Henry D. Thoreau_. + +"Wet days in camp try 'grit.' 'Clear grit' brightens more crystalline +the more it is rained upon; sham grit dissolves into mud and +water."--_Theodore Winthrop_. + + + + +WINTER ANGLING + +By Frank S. Pinckney. + +The best winter angling is to be Had in that charming interval between +the hallowed old holidays and that sloppy period which, of late years, +heralds the slow approach of spring in these our latitudes. + +The practice of angling at this season of the year for large trout, +immense black bass and preternatural mascalonge, has grown of late to +proportions which seem to warrant some special mention of so delightful, +if unseasonable, a sport, as well as some brief description of the +tackle and paraphernalia required for its fullest enjoyment. + +To the winter angler a first-class outfit is of prime importance. The +poles should be of well-seasoned hickory or hard maple, from eight to +ten inches in diameter, in sections about three feet in length. These +need not to be divested of their rich covering of bark, curved, bronzed +and lichened, but should be fitted, fresh from the sheltered pile, with +careful skill into an old-fashioned open fire-place, about which, +in years agone, the angling forefathers of the angler of to-day told +marvellous tales of deeds of "derring do" with "dipscys," bobs and +poles; and about which now _his_ children list with wonder, not +unmingled with some tinge of incredulity, to His yet more wondrous +recitals of brave contests and curious captures with dainty rods and +delicate reels. + +The winter anglers wading shoes may be made of any soft material that +will protect his feet should they chance to slip from the old brass +fender down upon the sombre painted brick hearth below, during some +delicious drowse. Most anglers have lady friends--fair cousins and +others, who make them nicely with substantially embroidered lily-pads +and firm strong rosebuds and vigorous elastic daffadowndillys. These are +a good protection--but the soles? + +Two dollars and a half, without hob nails, and no deduction for small +feet! Even winter angling has its drawbacks. + +The winter angler's fishing coat should be warmly quilted to protect him +from the cold, and may be of a color to suit his complexion if he has +one. It should be given him by his wife or "ladye faire" as a sample of +her skill in manipulating the needle and--the dressmaker. + +As to the kind of lure required, much must depend upon the taste of the +individual angler, but it certainly ought to be hot and not have _too_ +much water in it. + +For protection against black flies, midgets and mosquitoes, he may, if +he likes, smear his face and hands with oils either of tar or of +pennyroyal, or he may build a "smudge" on the library table, but the +most successful winter anglers I know use for this purpose a hollow tube +of convenient length with a bowl at one end and a set of teeth, either +real or artificial, at the other. The bowl may be filled with any +harmless weed capable of burning slowly as, for example, tobacco. As +a rule, one of these will answer the purpose, but if the flies are +especially troublesome, or the angler should chance to be bald-headed, +he may be forced to ask a brother angler to come to his assistance with +a contrivance of a similar nature. Together they will probably be able +to defy all attacks of the black flies or even the blues. + +As to creels (or baskets) the merest mention will suffice. At the +nearest newspaper office will be found one of suitable size and fair +proportions. It is called a "waste basket" and is specially constructed +to hold the abnormal catches made by winter anglers. + +Possibly the highest charm of winter angling (or as some call it +"Fireside fishing") is the grand wide ranging freedom of it. Three +vast realms are at one's command. The realm of Memory, with its myriad +streams of recollection filled with the fish and fancies of the Past. +The realm of Anticipation bright with golden dreams of the coming open +season, and lastly the realm of Pure Lying, wherein from the deep, +dark pools of his own inner turpitude the angler at each cast hooks a +speckled-sided Hallucination (_Salmo Hullucionidus_), a large-moutlied +Prevarication (_Micropterus Prevaricatrix_), or a silver-gleaming +Falsehood (_Salmoides Falsus_), each more huge than the other, and all +"beating the record" quite out of the field. * + + * Note--The writer respectfully submits this nomenclature to + revision by Dr. Henshall, an unquestioned authority. + +What wonderful vistas, what remotely narrowing perspectives, stretch +away into the vague distances of the first two of these grand realms! +How far reachingly the life-lines of anglers uncoil in both directions +from the reel of time--"playing" the hoarded treasures of memory at one +end, and making tournament easts into the future with the other! Are not +the time-worn rod-case and the well-thumbed fly-book and note-book on +his table, side by side with the last daintily tapered product of +his plane, rasp and scraper--his rod, just finished for the coming +summer--which, perchance for him may never come? + +Is he not at once revelling in the past and dreaming of the future? + +There is no sport, when known in all its branches, that is so fully an +all-the-year-round delight as is angling. + +Many an idle hour of the long winter evenings may be pleasantly passed +by the angler in "going over" his tackle, oiling his reels, airing his +lines, and re-arranging his flies, freeing them from the moth and rust +that do corrupt. He is but a slovenly worshipper at the shrine of the +good Saint Izaak, who casts aside his panoply after the last bout of +autumn and gives no thought to it again till spring makes her annual +jail-delivery of imprisoned life. Constant care of the belongings of his +art, be he fly or bait fisher, is characteristic of the faithful angler, +and only simple justice to the tackle maker. There is nothing sadder or +more dejected-looking than a crippled rod and a neglected "kit" full of +snarled lines, rusty hooks, and moth-eaten flies. + +In the matter of winter angling, the fly-fisherman has a decided +advantage over him who uses bait alone. The art for him has more side +issues. He may, if he can, learn to tie flies or contrive and construct +newfangled fly-books. The effort to learn will probably ruin his temper +and break up his domestic relations if he has any, but it is not for +me to say that "_le jeu ne vaut pas la chandelle_." If no domestic ties +trend him toward caution as yet, and he dreads none in the future, he +may even venture the attempt to make his own rods. + +Let me say a word here of amateur tackle-making from the standpoint of +personal experience. It is agreeable--it is even fascinating, but it +does not _pay_; very few have the mechanical deftness, the patience, +taste, and judgment combined to really excel in any of its branches. No +young man with a career to make for himself by dint of constant toil or +close application to a business or profession has any right to devote to +these arts the time and attention they demand if even a fair degree of +skill is to be attained. For the angler of "elegant leisure" this has no +weight perhaps, but he too will, as a rule, find better tackle than he +can make, readily at his command at a cost so inconsiderable as to quite +justify me in saying that his amateur work will not _pay_--for, if he be +young, out-of-door sports will far better serve to lay up in his still +developing frame the treasures of health and vitality for future use. +There are those, indeed, for whom it is a proper employment of time and +who are endowed with the peculiar faculties required. To such it is a +charming occupation, a delightful distraction, and a choice factor in +the enjoyment of the winter angler by the fireside. + +Every angler ought to keep a record or diary of his angling bouts. Most +anglers do so, I think. Therein should be recorded not only the weight +and size of daily catch, the number saved, and the number _thrown back_, +(I look back with especial pride upon my record in this direction), +but also some jottings of scenes, impressions, and incidents. Reading +therefrom years after at the fireside he will detect a faint perfume +of old forests in the winter air, and hear again in fancy the swirl of +swift waters sweeping among mossy rocks. + +I take up my own, quoting from it almost at random note, if you please, +how, in untamed words, have expressed themselves the exhilaration of the +stream--the tingling of healthy blood through ample veins--the joy in +nature's aspects, and the delightful sense of unrestraint that comes +only of fresh air, of wholesome exercise, of angling. + +"May 20th.-- * * * The streams hereabout lack two important elements +which are the charm of my favorite-----kill, to wit, picturesqueness +and the possibility of large trout--large, I mean, for our mountain +brooks where still found _au naturel_. I went over the other day to +Bright's Run. I don't know exactly where it is, and I consider it (next +to Bright's disease of the kidneys) the very worst thing Bright has +developed. It is a stream such as might properly empty into the Dismal +Swamp, and find itself quite at home there. It is totally devoid, of +romantic beauty--and nearly so of trout. I never worked so hard in my +life for twenty-two little ones, that put me to the blush as I put them +in the basket. I was perpetually in a row with the overhanging thickets +and the underlying logs, and my thoughts were a monologue of exclamation +points. I would not angle in Bright's turgid waters again for all the +trout the most minute analysis might discover in them. + +"Yesterday I had a much more agreeable day without a seven-mile ride on +a pesky buck-board. I went quite alone, up the Buckhill as far as the +Fall. This is a pleasant stream full of nature--and sawdust--with here +and there a speckled trout and here and there a black snake. (By special +permission of mr. Tennyson.) There really are now and then cool little +nooks which make one envy the trout; and an occasional spring dripping +with a fresh _rat-tat-tat_ over rocks and moss and into one's whiskey in +spite of all one can do. This sort of thing is what makes a trout-stream +after all. You may catch a whale in a goose-pond but it isn't angling. +To me much depends upon surroundings. I like to form a picturesque part +of a picturesque whole. Even when there is no audience in the gallery. + +"Given, a dark glen fringed with pines that sigh and pine high up +aloft--a pool whose sweep is deep, around which rocks in tiers, mossy +as tombstones centuries old, bow their heads in mourning--heads crowned +with weeds, and grave-mounds of mother earth, and pallid flowers, pale +plants and sapless vines that struggle through shadows of a day in coma, +laid in the hearse of night, without a proper permit, and I am happy. I +don't know just why, but if I meet an undertaker I mean to ask him. All +these deep, dark hiding spots of nature seem but so many foils to the +keen sense of life and thrills of vitality that fill me. My nervous +system sparkles against such sombre backgrounds. + +"Then, too, the Fall was lovely. Next to Niagara, the Kauterskill and +Adams', this Buckhill Fall is one of the most successful, in a small +way, that I know of. It might be bigger and higher and have twenty-five +cents worth more water coming over it out of a dam; but for a mere +casual Fall gotten up inadvertently by nature, it is very good, in an +amateurish sort of away, you know! + +"There is, I believe (hang it, there _always_ is!) a romantic legend +connected with--but stay!--you already guess it. Big Buck Indian--years +ago--in love with mother-in-law--commits suicide--jumps over the +ledge--ever since on moonlight nights, water the color of blood +(probably tannery just above the Fall), Buck Kill, now corrupted into +Buckhill. In the march of civilization the last _impedimenta_ to be left +by the wayside are the beautiful superstitions of ignorance. + +"I am now quite alone here. A young music composer, hitherto my +companion, left yesterday, so I am handcuffed to nature in solitary +confinement. + +"By the way, my composer was a voluntary exile from the domestic arena. +He had but recently married--to formulate it by proportions--say about +a ton of mother-in-law to about an ounce of wife, and when the contest +waxed fiercer than became the endurance of a sensitive nature, he +packed his bag and came a-fishing. He was a capital angler--a phenomenal +musician and had an appetite and digestion like one or more of the +valiant trencher men of England's merrie days, so he solaced his +grief with Sonatas and buckwheat cakes in the mornings and tears and +ginger-bread in the evenings. He was a born genius and as beautiful as a +dream, so I advised him to go home, choke his m-in-l, kiss his wife and +live happily all the days of his life. I think he has gone to try the +plan. + +"Speaking of buckwheat cakes, you can go out here most any time and +catch a nice mess running about a half a pound and _game_ all the way +through. No! No! + +"I'm thinking of the trout! I mean they are light as a feather, and taste +to me just as did those I never had half enough of when I was a lad with +my good old Presbyterian grandmother, who would not 'set' the batter on +Saturday night lest it should 'work' on the Sabbath. + +"Just here I wish to record an event which has happened to me while yet +each detail is fresh in my memory. + +"The day had been showery, yet the fishing had been very poor, so I went +at sunset to try my luck in the stream near the house, where are some +fair pools and a semi-occasional trout. + +"The darkness had begun to gather, indeed it was so dark that I knew +only by the instinct of habit where my flies fell upon the water, for I +could not fairly see them. I had just made a cast across a little rock +which protruded somewhat above the surface into a small pool behind, +and was slowly drawing my line toward me, when I perceived a frog seated +upon the rock, watching the proceedings with some apparent anxiety. +Hardly had I made out his frogship in the gloaming, when pop! he went +into the water. 'Kerchung!' At this instant I felt a _strike_ and +returned the compliment sharply, so as to set my hook well in and make +sure of my trout. He was very _game_, and I was obliged to play him with +a five and a half ounce rod for some time, but finally landed him in +good form, only to discover that instead of a trout I had taken froggy +on a black hackle fly, setting the hook firmly into the thin membrane +which connects the two hind legs and just where the tail _ought_ to +be. This left him the fullest freedom of action and gave him so good +a chance to fight me that I never suspected him of being anything less +than a half-pounder. He must have jumped from the rock directly on to +the fly trailing behind it and been thus hooked by my 'strike.' Mem. +--This story is true as gospel, but better not tell it where you enjoy +an exceptional reputation for veracity. + +"_July 19th._ * * * Nothing has happened! Nothing ever does happen here. +Delightful existence, free from events! I remember hearing Homer Martin +once say that it was the height of his artistic ambition to paint a +picture without objects. The confounded objects, he said, always would +get wrong and destroy his best effects. How far this was intended to be +a humorous paradox and how far the suggestion of an artistic ideal, I +know not, but I surely somewhere have seen a painting--from whose brush +I cannot say--which quite nearly fulfilled this strange condition. It +represented an horizon, where met a cloudless, moonless, starless summer +sky and a waveless, almost motionless sea--these and an atmosphere. The +effect was that one could hardly perceive where the sea ceased and the +sky began. I wonder if it would not be thus with a life quite devoid of +events--would one be able to distinguish such from Heaven? + +"The charm of it is that it leaves both the physical and intellectual in +one to develop freely. When a cow, grazing in a woodland pasture, comes +at noonday to the brook to drink and then calmly and not without a +certain ungainly majesty of movement, crosses the deep pool and climbs +the steep hank on the other side, by no apparent motive urged save of +her own sweet will, she always looks refreshed and filled in some +sort with the stolid bovine expression of great contentment. Mark how +different it all is when the same cow crosses the same brook driven by +the barefooted urchin with a gad and shrill cries and a possible small +dog in the background. How wearily and breathlessly she wades, and with +what distressful pan tings she climbs, and how unhappy and enduring +and long-suffering she appears, as you watch her shuffle away down the +cow-path homeward! It's the Must that hurts. It's the barefooted urchin +Necessity with his infernal gad Ambition and his ugly little cur dog +Want, always chasing and shouting after one, that makes it so tiresome +to cross the stream. + +"Then, too, as to the mind. Shall not one gain better intellectual +growth when beyond the reach of the imperial ukase of daily custom which +fixes the mind upon and chains the tongue to some leading event of the +passing hour? + +"In swift and endless succession come foul murders, robberies, +revolutions, sickening disasters, nameless crimes, and all the long list +of events, and are as so many manacles upon the mind. + +"I hate Events. They bore me. _All except taking a pound trout_. + +"Alas! what a rent these last words make in the balloon I have been +inflating! Logic (another troublesome nuisance, evolved, probably, at +Hunter's Point) forces me from the clouds to earth and insists that I +shall accept a trite aphorism: 'Little events fill little minds; great +events for big ones.' + +"Then if I take refuge in the cowardly device of saying I don't want a +big mind, what becomes of my theory of intellectual development as the +outgrowth of an eventless life! + +"I decline to follow out more in detail this or any other line +of argument. One can't argue in the face of such an event as the +thermometer in the nineties away up here in the mountains. + +"This chance allusion to logic reminds me that I have recently heard +from a dear old angling friend. He writes incidentally that since his +return to his active professional duties he has made money enough to pay +many times over the expenses of his recent two weeks' fishing bout with +me. I have written him that he might find it well to start at once upon +another trip. I have no doubt there exists a certain correlation +of forces whereby a week's fishing, with its resultant increase of +oxygenation, and rebuilding of gray tissue, accurately represents a +certain amount of possible mental labor and thus, indirectly, a fixed +sum of money. + +"It is then alarming to think how abnormally rich a man might become if +he fished all the time." + +If I have thus quoted somewhat at length vaporings of other days from +my note book it has been only to suggest to others, whose angling +experiences are and have been wider and more varied than my own, how +readily they can organize a "preserve" for winter angling. Believe me, +no event, no feeling, no passing observation of your surroundings can +be too trivial to record, and each written line will, in years to come, +suggest a page of pleasant memories when as "Nessmuk" says-- + + "The Winter streams are frozen + + And the Nor'west winds are out." + + +"Mr. Webster's sport of angling has given him many opportunities for +composition, his famous address on Bunker Hill having been mostly +planned out on Marshpee Brook; and it is said that the following +exclamation was first heard by a couple of huge trout immediately on +their being transferred to his fishing-basket, as it subsequently +was heard at Bunker Hill by many thousands of his fellow-citizens: +'Venerable men! you have come down to us from a former generation. +Heaven has bounteously lengthened out your lives that you might behold +this joyous day.'"--_Lan-man's Life of Webster._ + +"How, I love fishing dearly. There is no sport like it for me, but there +is a vast deal in fishing besides catching fish."--_H. H. Thompson._ + +[Illustration: 0296] + +13. The Triumph. + +14. Alexandra. + +15. Seth Green. + +16. Jungle Cock. + +17. Fitz-Maurice. + +18. Caddis. + +19. Davis. + + +"When fish are basking during the mid-day hours in the hot summer +months, they are not always to be drawn to the surface. But the +combination more suitable for this method is the dressing known as the +'Alexandra Fly.'"--_David Foster._ + +"The exertion of crossing the Atlantic for fly-fishing will be amply +repaid the sportsman by the quantity and weight of the fish he will +capture; for there the fish are not troubled with the fastidiousness of +appetite which in Great Britain causes it always to be a source of doubt +whether the water is in proper order, the wind in the east, or thunder +overhead, either of which, or all combined, too frequently cause the +most industrious to return, after a long and laborious day, with an +empty basket."--_Parser Gilmore._ + +"Of all places, commend me, in the still of the evening, to the long +placid pool, shallow on one side, with deeper water and an abrupt +overhanging bank opposite. Where the sun has shone all day, and legions +of ephemera sported in its declining rays; the bloom of the rye or +clover scenting the air from the adjoining field! Now light a fresh +pipe, and put on a pale Ginger Hackle for your tail-fly, and a little +white-winged Coachman for your dropper. Then wade in cautiously--move +like a shadow--don't make a ripple. Cast, slowly, long, light; let your +stretcher sink a little. There, he has taken the Ginger--lead him around +gently to the shallow side as you reel him in, but don't move from your +position--let him tug awhile, put your net under him, break his neck, +and slip him into your creel. Draw your line through the rings--cast +again; another and another--keep on until you can see only the ripple +made by your fly; or know when it falls, by the slight tremor it imparts +through the whole line down to your hand--until the whip-poor-will +begins his evening song, and the little water-frog tweets in the grass +close by not till then is it time to go home."--_Thaddeus Norris_. + +"You may always know a large trout when feeding in the evening. He rises +continuously, or at small intervals--in a still water almost always in +the same place, and makes little noise--barely elevating his mouth to +suck in the fly, and sometimes showing his back-fin and tail. A large +circle spreads around him, but there are seldom any bubbles when he +breaks the water, which usually indicates the coarser fish."--_Sir +Humphry Davy_. + +"It is not difficult to learn how to cast; but it is difficult to learn +not to snap the fins off at every throw."--_Charles Dudley Warner._ + + + + +NOT ALL OF FISHING TO FISH + +By A. Nelson Cheney. + +"We cast our flies on many waters, where memories and fancies and facts +rise, and we take them and show them to each other, and, small or large, +we are content with our catch."--_W. G. Prime_. + +The commonly accepted definition of fly-fishing is the casting--with +a light, strong, elastic, pliant rod--of two, three or four artificial +flies, on a delicate leader attached to a fine tapered silk line over +the surface of waters inhabited by the lordly, silver-coated salmon; +that aristocratic beauty, the speckled trout, or the more sombre-colored +but gamy black bass. + +This, in truth, is called the acme of fishing, the highest degree +attainable in the school of the angler. But of what a small portion, +comparatively, of the pleasure of angling does the mere casting of the +fly, however artistic, and the creeling of the fish, however large, +consist. + +If it were all of fishing to fish; if fish were only to be obtained +in pools, in a desert waste that never reflected leaf or twig; from +walled-in reservoirs, where fish are fattened like a bullock for the +shambles; from sluggish, muddy streams within the hearing of great +towns, redolent of odors that are bred and disseminated where humanity +is massed between walls of brick and mortar, or even from a perfect fish +preserve, where everything is artificial except the water; or if the +beginning of fishing was making the first cast and the end the creeling +of the last fish, would the gentle art under such conditions have been +a theme for the poet's pen, a subject for the artist's brush, or a topic +for the interesting story during the centuries that have passed since +the first line was written, or the first words sung? I think not. + +Fishing for the fish alone would not have inspired Dame Juliana Berners, +Izaak Walton, Charles Cotton, Sir Humphry Davy, John Bunyan, Sir Walter +Scott, "Christopher North," and other and more modern writers to tell +of the peace, the quiet, the health and the pleasure to be gained in the +pursuit of this pastime. + +The skill exercised and the delicate tackle used by a past master of +the art would have been unnecessary to cultivate or fashion, solely to +supply the brain with food through the alimentary canal. + +An angler's brain is fed by absorption as well as by assimilation. + +There might be reason in calling a fisherman with an eye simply to the +catching of fish, a "lover of cruel sport," but the cruelty would be of +the same kind, but in a less degree, as that displayed by the butcher +who supplies our tables with beef and mutton. + +To an angler the pleasures of the rod and reel are far-reaching and have +no boundary save when the mind ceases to anticipate and the brain to +remember. I have had the grandest sport on a midwinter's night with the +snow piled high outside and the north wind roaring down the chimney, +while I sat with my feet to the blaze on the hearth, holding in my hand +an old fly-book. The smoke from my lighted pipe, aided by imagination, +contained rod, fish, creel, odorous balsam, drooping hemlock and purling +brook or ruffled lake. I seemed to hear the twittering birds, leaves +rustled by the wind and the music of running water, while the incense of +wild flowers saluted my nostrils. The heat of the fire was but the warm +rays of the sun and the crackle of the burning wood the noise of the +forest. Thus streams that I have fished once or twice have been fished a +score of times. + +I had nothing to show for the later fishings, but I could feel that God +was good and my memory unimpaired. The fish in the pipe-smoke has been +as active as was the fish in the water, and afforded as fine play. My +reel has clicked as merrily in the half-dream as on the rod in the long +ago, and my rod has bent to the play of the fish as though it were in my +hand instead of lying flat on a shelf in a cool room up-stairs. I have +had in my musings all the pleasure of actual fishing, everything but the +fish in the flesh. + +When Winter comes and the ravages in tackle have been repaired and all +is in perfect order for another season, I put my rods where they will +not be injured by the modern furnace heat, each joint of each rod placed +flat on a shelf. But the tackle trunk, securely locked that no vandal +hand may get to its treasures, is where my eye rests upon it daily, and +my fly books are in one of the drawers of my writing desk where I can +easily reach them. 'When I take one of the books out of an evening, or +at any time during my walking hours in early winter, I generally seek +out some tattered fly that is wrapped carefully in a paper and placed in +one of its pockets. The book may be full of flies, sombre or gorgeous in +all the freshness of untried silk, mohair, feathers and tinsel; but take +for instance this one with the legend written on its wrapper: + +"Puffer Pond, June, 1867.--Thirty-five pounds of trout in two hours. The +last of the gentlemen that did the deed." + +This, to me, tells the story of a very pleasant week spent in the +Adirondacks. I remember, as I hold the ragged, faded fly in my hand and +see that it still retains something of the dark blue of its mohair body +and the sheen of its cock-feather wings, that it was one of six flies +that I had in my fly-book that June day that stands out from other June +days, in my memory, like a Titan amongst pygmies. The fly had no name, +but the trout liked it for all that, and rose to it with as much avidity +as though they had been properly introduced to some real bug of which +this was an excellent counterfeit. + +That glorious two hours' time--with its excitement of catching and +landing without a net some of the most beautiful and gamy fish that ever +moved fin--comes back to me as vividly as though at this moment the four +walls of my room were the forest-circled shores of that far-away pond, +and I stand in that leaky boat, almost ankle deep in the water that +Frank, the guide, has no time to bail, occupied as he is in watching +my casts and admiring my whip-like rod during the play of a fish, or +fishes, and in turning the boat's gunwale to the water's edge to let +my trout in when they are exhausted. It is sharp, quick work, and the +blue-bodied fly is always first of all the flies composing the cast to +get a rise, until I take off all but the one kind, and then one after +another I see them torn, mutilated and destroyed. Later they will be +put away as warriors gone to rest and the epitaph written on their +wrappings: + +"Thy work was well done; thy rest well earned." + +Now there is no time to mantle the fallen or sing paeans to the victors; +the action is at its height. I put my last blue fly on my leader and +cast it again and again with success, before those dark open jaws, that +come out of the water every time it falls on the surface, have destroyed +its beauty forever. Frank says the time is up and we must go. + +The boat, propelled with broken oars, is headed for the landing-place, +and I sit back in the stern admiring those sleek beauties that lie +in the bottom, and that have fought so well and so vainly. My rod is +inclined over my shoulder and the blue fly is trailing on the water +astern. Suddenly I feel a twitch and hear a splash, and turning around +find I am fast to a fish, the noblest Roman of that, day's struggle. +Once, twice, thrice he shows himself in all his fair proportions. + +"Two pounds and a half, if an ounce," says Frank. + +I get down on my knees in the water of the cranky boat, as the reel +sings the merriest tune that ever delighted the ear of an angler. Two or +three mad dashes, and I think the trout is tiring. I reel him slowly in, +but the sight of the boat gives him new life and he darts under it in +spite of my efforts to swing him around the stern. The rod tip is passed +clear of the boat and the fight continues. + +Exhausted? The fight is only begun. + +The unwieldy boat is far too slow to follow the fish, and I see my line +growing rapidly less on my reel with no sign of weakness on the part +of the fish. I am compelled to advance the butt of the rod and the tip +droops nearer and, hesitatingly, still nearer to it, as though the tip +would whisperingly confess that the strain is greater than it can +bear, while the stout nature of the wood rebels at the confession. +Involuntarily I raise myself by a muscular action as though the cords +and sinews of my body could relieve the pressure on the lancewood and +save the rod. + +"You'll smash your pole!" is the warning Frank utters. + +I care not now, for the fight has been a glorious one, but the "pole" +survives to fight many another fight; the trout is turned and, at last, +comes side up, to the boat, vanquished but not subdued. + +Here, in another paper, are three flies fastened together. A Chicken Red +Palmer Hackle, a Grizzly King and a fly with black body, brown +wings, red tail and tip. They are large trout flies and won honorable +retirement by catching three small-mouthed black bass at one and the +same time. Fishing from a boat in the Hudson River, above a long rough +rapid, I cast inshore and saw the stretcher fly taken by a small bass; +immediately after the two droppers were taken by other bass that did not +show themselves when taking the lures. My rod was the same that I +have already mentioned, an ash and lancewood of eight ounces--scale +weight--and my entire attention was directed to it and the fish, that +were bending it like a willow wand; when, suddenly, I discovered that +the boatman had also been interested in the play of the fish and allowed +the boat to drift into the swift water at the head of the rapids. +The boatman made an effort to row up stream at the same time the fish +decided to go down, and I found I must either smash my tackle and +lose the fish--at this time I had seen but the one bass that took the +stretcher fly--or run the rapids at the risk of an upset. I was very +anxious to see the size of the fish that were struggling on my leader in +that swift running water, and every angler will know the decision that +was instantly made, to "shoot the rapids." + +The sight of these old tinseled lures brings back to me the wild +excitement of that driving, whirling ride through the racing, seething +waters. Hatless I crouch down in the boat, one hand clutching the +gunwale of the broad river craft, and the other holding aloft my rod. +I give no thought to the possible fate of the occupants of the boat. My +anxiety is for the fish. When the curved line is straight again, will I +feel the bass at the end or only the bare flies? These very flies! + +Very soon the boat is rocking in the lumpy water at the foot of the +chute, and I stand up, fill my lungs, and find my fish are still fast. +Here in the broad water I bring to net three small-mouthed bass that +together weigh four and one-quarter pounds, only one of which, at any +time, showed himself above water. As I put the faded flies back into +their paper coverings I find that my pulse has quickened and my pipe no +longer burns. + +I must not exhibit all my treasures here, to the public. These old +souvenirs are only for the eyes of sympathizing angling friends when me +meet to blow a cloud and talk of other days. + +A little brown-eyed maiden once, looking into my fly-book, asked why I +had the old frayed flies tied up in separate papers and marked, while +the nice new flies did not show this care. Had she been of maturer years +I might have quoted Alonzo of Aragon's commendation of old friends, but +instead, I merely said: + +"The nice new flies I can easily buy, but no one sells such old flies, +therefore I take the greater care of them because of their rarity." + +The new flies will not be slighted, for they, also, have their season of +admiration and caressing touch. When their day has come the old veterans +of many a fight will not be forgotten either, but while maturing plans +for augmenting their numbers, the recruits in their new, bright dress +will be inspected to see what claims they may have for future honors. + +The lengthening days and diminishing snowbanks naturally turn the +angler's thoughts forward, and he sniffs the south wind as though he +would discover some slight remaining odor of fragrant apple blossoms +borne to him from the far southland as the forerunner of warm air, blue +sky, bursting buds, open streams, green grass, "gentle spring," and time +to go a-fishing. Then the untried flies are examined and speculation is +rife as to their excellence, each for its own particular kind of fish. + +Day dreams and evening musings give place to an activity of mind and +body when fishing is under consideration. The lessons of the last season +and other seasons are brought to bear to perfect all arrangements for +a fresh campaign. Consultations with brother anglers are frequent, and +plans many and various are weighed and discussed. The tackle box is +overhauled again and again, notwithstanding the attention paid to it at +the close of the last season, to be sure that nothing is wanting or left +undone. Lines are tested; leaders are subjected to the closest scrutiny +to see that no flaws or chafed places exist to give way at a critical +moment during some future contest, when a trifle will turn the scales; +reels are taken apart and carefully oiled; rods sent to the maker for +a new coat of varnish, and, perhaps, a few new whippings for the guide +rings; fishing shoes, although they have a row of holes just above the +soles, get an extra dressing of oil to keep the leather soft; and an +inventory of the wardrobe is taken and old garments are selected that +appear for the time, considering the use they are to serve, far more +faultless than when first sent home by the tailor. "About these days +your business letters, if written to people into whose souls the love of +angling has entered, may terminate as follows: + +"P. S.--What are the prospects for the spring fishing in your +neighborhood? Did the late freshets of last fall destroy the trout eggs +deposited in the streams about you?" or, "Did the unusual severity of +the winter cause destruction to the trout spawn in the headwaters of +your brooks?" + +Some evening when the "fever is on" you will write to a guide up in the +North Woods, some honest, faithful fellow that you have known in all +weathers for many seasons: + +"Be sure and take a boat over to Mahogany Pond, (that is not the name +of it, for its title is taken from a domestic wood that grows on +its shores), before the snow goes off and keep me informed as to the +condition of things, for I wish to start and be with you as soon as the +water is free from ice. I shall bring a friend with me, the gentleman I +told you about last summer, who knows the name of every plant that grows +in the woods, as well as the name of every fish that swims in the water. +The old camp, with a few repairs, will answer, as Mr. ------ is an old +woodsman and angler of the first order, and requires no more than the +few simples that you usually take to camp. He, like myself, goes into +the woods to fish and fill his lungs with the pure mountain air that you +live in." + +When Dick reads the letter he smiles, for it contains nothing unknown to +him before. It is his own idea to carry a boat to the pond on the snow, +for there is no road, path or trail, but he only says to himself: + +"He's got it just as bad this spring as ever. The medicine will be ready +for him." + +The angler does all this and more; mind, I say the _angler,_ for the +other fellow that goes a-fishing because it is the thing to do, or +because he has heard some one dilate upon the pleasure to be found in +practising the art, will do nothing of the sort. It is too much trouble, +or, more likely, these things never occur to him. + +How the man of severe aspect who, if he smiles, looks as though he +wore a petrified smile that he had bought at a bargain, and whose sole +ambition and pleasure is to make money, live as long as he can in +doing so, and die as rich as possible; this man, if he could know, and +comprehend, what is passing through the angler's mind at this season, +would say such vagabonds are the cumberers of the earth; but he could +not find a "cumberer" in all the land who would change places with him, +take his joyless life, sapless heart, frozen visage, narrow views +and great wealth, and give in return the angler's light heart, happy +disposition, love of God, his fellow-man and Nature; his resources +within himself, engendered by his fondness for the wild woods, to enjoy +the past and anticipate the future, whatever betide; his desire to see +good in every thing, his clear conscience and his fishing tackle. + +Bear in mind that the pleasure of angling is not alone the consummation +of your hopes for a large score. Hear what Sir Humphrey Davy says on +this subject: + +"From the savage in his rudest and most primitive state, who destroys +a piece of game, or a fish, with a club or spear, to man in the most +cultivated state of society, who employs artifice, machinery, and the +resources of various other animals, to secure his object, the origin of +the pleasure is similar, and its object the same: but that kind of it +requiring most art may be said to characterize man in his highest or +intellectual state; and the fisher for salmon and trout with the fly +employs not only machinery to assist his physical powers, but applies +sagacity to conquer difficulties; and the pleasure derived from +ingenious resources and devices, as well as from active pursuits, +belongs to this amusement. Then, as to its philosophical tendency, it +is a pursuit of moral discipline, requiring patience, forbearance, and +command of temper. + +"As connected with natural science, it may be vaunted as demanding +a knowledge of the habits of a considerable tribe of created +beings--fishes, and the animals that they prey upon, and an acquaintance +with the signs and tokens of the weather, and its changes, the nature of +waters, and of the atmosphere. As to its poetical relations, it carries +us into the most wild and beautiful scenery of nature, amongst the +mountain lakes, and the clear and lovely streams that gush from the +higher ranges of elevated hills, or that make their way through the +cavities of calcareous strata. How delightful in the early spring, after +the dull and tedious time of winter, when the frosts disappear and +the sunshine warms the earth and waters, to wander forth by some clear +stream, to see the leaf bursting from the purple bud, to scent the odors +of the bank perfumed by the violet, and enamelled as it were with the +primrose and the daisy; to wander upon the fresh turf below the shade of +trees, whose bright blossoms are filled with the music of the bee; and +on the surface of the waters to view the gaudy flies sparkling like +animated gems in the sunbeams, whilst the bright and beautiful trout +is watching them from below; to hear the twittering of the water-birds, +who, alarmed at your approach, rapidly hide themselves beneath the +flowers and leaves of the water-lily; and, as the season advances, to +find all these objects changed for others of the same kind, but better +and brighter, till the swallow and the trout contend as it were for the +gaudy Mayfly, and till in pursuing your amusement in the calm and balmy +evening, you are serenaded by the songs of the cheerful thrush and +melodious nightingale, performing the office of paternal love, in +thickets ornamented with the rose and woodbine." + +While it is not all of fishing to fish, it does not consist entirely of +preparation, and it must have something substantial as a basis for +the day dream or fireside musing. You must catch some fish, as capital +stock, to talk about. I never knew an angler that was satisfied to do +all the listening. + +In my native State the law makes it legally possible to wet a hook for +speckled trout, for the first time each year on April first, and this +day has come to be called "Opening Day," and is spoken of in such +glowing language that one might think it the opening of some vast +commercial enterprise instead of the opening of the fishing season. +As the result of an angler's hopes and preparations, as I have tried, +imperfectly, to sketch them, I will quote from my fishing diary what is +there set down as one consummation: + +"_April 1st_, 1878.--Opening day. Fished Halfway brook from Morgan brook +to, and through the woods; then fished Ogden brook from Van Husen's +road to Gleason's. Banks more than full of roily snow water; weather +decidedly cold; strong wind from the Northwest; cloudy sky. Caught one +small trout that I returned to his native element to grow; discovered +from my single specimen of the _Salvelinus fontinalis_ that they have +the same bright spots that they have always had; look the same, smell +the same, _feel_ the same; other peculiarities lacking. Warm sun and +rain required to develop the characteristics we so much admire in our +leaping friend. Managed to fall into the Ogden brook--in fact, went in +without the slightest difficulty, amid applause from the bank; +discovered from my involuntary plunge that the water is just as wet as +last year, and if memory serves, a trifle colder. Reached home in the +evening, cold, wet, tired and hungry. Nevertheless, had a most _glorious +time_." + +"These flies, I am sure, would kill fish."--_Charles Cotton_. + +"I would advise all experts to keep a well-filled fly-book. It is a +pleasure to experiment, and the educated eye takes delight in looking at +the varieties of colors, shapes and forms which the skilled workman +in fly-art has provided as lures for the speckled beauties."--_George +Dawson_. + +"Fly-fishing and bait-fishing are co-ordinate branches of the same +study, and each must be thoroughly learned to qualify the aspirant +to honors for the sublime degree of Master of the Art."--_Charles +Hallock._ + +"Americans have reason to be proud of the black bass, for its game +qualities endear it to the fisherman, and its nutty, sweet flavor to the +_gourmand_."--_Parker Gilmore._ + +[Illustration: 0316] + +20. Black Maria. + +21. Tipperlinn. + +22. Premier. + +23. Grizzly King. + +24. Ferguson. + +25. Californian. + + +"'What flies do you most affect here?' 'Any, at times, and almost all. +In some weather I have killed well with middlesized gaudy lake-flies; +but my favorites, on the whole, are all the red, brown, orange and +yellow hackles, and the blue and yellow duns.'"--_Henry Wm. Herbert._ + +"Fish will frequently, although breaking freely, refuse the fly, +but generally a few will be misled, and occasionally one will be +caught."--_P. B. Roosevelt._ + +"The _natural_ and acquired skill actually necessary before any man can +throw a 'neat fly' is only known to those who have made this method of +angling their study and amusement."--"_Frank Forester_." + +"Luck has little to do with the size of an angling score; for skill in +handling, a knowledge of the haunts of the fish, of the conditions of +wind, weather and water, character of baits to be used, of the changes +and drift of tideways, sun-rays and shadows, and a familiar acquaintance +with the natural history of the family pisces, their habits, habitat, +and idiosyncrasies (for no other animal is so erratic as these scaly +fins), all go to make up the complete angler, known as such from the +days and writings of Izaak Walton, in the seventeenth, up to this great +nineteenth century."--_Wm. C. Harris_. + +"What is the use of my telling you what manoeuvres that trout will +perform before he comes to the landing-net, gently as a lamb? I don't +know what he will do; never saw two of them act alike."--_Oliver Gills, +Jr._ + +"Probably the secret of the infatuation of this amusement to most or +many of the brothers of the angle, is to be found in the close and quiet +communion and sympathy with nature essential to the pursuit of the spoil +of the water."--_John Lyle King_. + +"The principle of the rod is in reality only this, that it is the home +end of the line, stiffened and made springy, so that you can guide and +manage it--cast and draw it, keep a gentle pressure with it on the hook, +so that the fish shall not rid himself of it, and finally lift him to +the landing net."--_W. C. Prime._ + + + + +FLY-FISHING IN FLORIDA + +By Dr. J. C. Kenworthy. + +The votaries of the rod and reel have overlooked an important field for +sport, for, in my opinion, no portion of the United States offers such +advantages for fly-fishing as portions of Florida during the winter +months. The health of the State is beyond cavil or dispute; the climate +is all the most fastidious can ask; there is an almost total absence of +insect pests, and last though not least, a greater variety of fish +that will take the fly than in any other section of the Union. My own +experience is mainly based on opportunities for observation on the +south-west coast, and it is possible that points on the eastern coast, +as the Indian River inlet and the outlet of Lake Worth, may offer +advantages over the section referred to. + +As far as my knowledge extends, fly-fishers are indebted to my +friend, Geo. C. Johnson, of Bridgeport, Conn., for the development +of fly-fishing in Florida. Some years since I met Mr. Johnson on his +arrival in this city _en route_ to Homosassa. He remarked that he had +brought his fly-rod with him, and I suggested that a heavy bass rod +would prove more serviceable. + +On the evening of his arrival at Homosassa he visited the dock in front +of Jones' house, and noticed fish breaking water near the shore. He +proceeded to the house, rigged his rod, and was followed to the dock +by a number of laughing sceptics, who ridiculed the "spindly rod and +feather baits." In compliance with Mr. Johnson's request, Dr. Ferber +rowed him a short distance from the dock, and the fun commenced with +large-mouthed bass and red trout; and from that evening fly-fishing +became an established institution on the south-west coast of Florida. +For a number of years Dr. Ferber has devoted his winters to fly-fishing +on the south-west coast, and it is to be regretted that he was not +requested to give his ripe and ample experience, instead of one who is +far beneath him in experience and ability to wield the split bamboo or +pen. + +The next season after Mr. Johnson's visit to Homosassa Mr. Francis +Endicott, of New York, visited the locality and indulged in fly-fishing. +He informed me that he had captured with the fly eight distinct species +of fish on the Homosassa River; and I will ask where else in the United +States can the devotee of the gentle art capture eight distinct species +of fish with the fly on a river but ten miles in length? + +My friend, Dr. Ferber, on his return from the southwest coast in April +last, visited me, and stated that he had caught on that coast, with +artificial flies, eleven distinct species of fish. Among the number +I may mention large-mouthed bass (trout of the South), channel bass, +cavalli, ravallia, skip jacks, sea trout, brown snappers, roach, and +three species of bream. + +Instead of wading icy-cold and over-fished brooks, tearing clothes and +flesh in creeping through briers and brush, and being subjected to the +sanguinary attention of mosquitoes and black flies in bringing to creel +a few fingerlings, in Florida the angler can cast his fly from a sandy +beach or boat, inhale an invigorating atmosphere, bask in the sunshine, +and capture specimens of the finny tribe, the weight of which can be +determined by pounds instead of ounces. + +Sea trout of the South are closely allied to the weak fish of the North, +and frequent rapid waters, oyster beds and weedy flats. They range from +one to five pounds, are good biters and make a noble resistance to avoid +the landing net. + +Large-mouthed black bass (trout of the South) exist in great numbers in +the lakes and streams of the State. In very clear lakes and streams they +are not disposed to indulge in artificial baits. As fighters they are +unworthy of the notice of experts. It has been my lot to capture them +in many localities, and I have found that after the first few struggles +they open their mouths and come to gaff like a grain bag. + +Brown snappers exist in countless numbers in some of the streams of the +State--as in the Homosassa. They range from six ounces to one pound, and +cannot resist the temptation to capture a hook decorated with feathers. +They are good biters and full of game. Owing to the presence of a number +of rat-like teeth, they play sad havoc with flies; and we would advise +those who propose engaging in the capture of this fish to provide an +ample supply of feathery lures. + +Skip-jacks (or bone-fish) visit the streams in schools. They range from +two to six pounds. They readily take a fly and die game. Owing to +their build, size of fins, and muscular development, they are worthy of +notice. On one occasion I was camped at Little Gasparilla pass, and at +the bay side of the inlet there existed an eddy in which I could see +hundreds of skip-jacks. Tor some time I amused myself by casting, and +the moment the bait would touch the water the surface would be in a +boil. I would strike and the next instant a bone-fish would be two or +three feet in the air. As a rule they enter the streams with the flood +tide, and as they are constantly breaking the water they can be followed +in a boat. By following the fish on the flood and ebb the rodster may +enjoy a number of hours of exciting sport. Between Esteno and Marco +passes I have seen them for hours at a time feeding on minnows near the +beach. + +The Ravallia is a fish with which I am unacquainted, although I have +reason to believe that it exists in quantity at certain points on the +south-west coast. My friend Dr. Ferber, informed me that in one of his +cruises he entered Billy Bow Legs Creek and noticed a deep pool. He made +a cast and landed a ravallia. Nearly every cast he would land one or two +ranging from one to three pounds, unless a ravenous cavalli interfered. + +The cavalli of large size would seem to tire of the flouncing and +floundering of their neighbors, and would join in the fray, when the +doctor would part with a fly or leader. The doctor assured me that +the sport was kept up until he was surfeited. He describes the fish as +resembling a pike perch of the North, and is loud in its praise as a +game fish. Friends have informed me that they have captured specimens of +this fish, with cut bait, weighing thirty pounds. My impression is, that +if pools and inlets south of Punta Passa were thoroughly tried with the +fly that the piscator would be rewarded with large-sized specimens. + +Bream of several species exist in great numbers in many of the streams +and lakes of the State. They range from four ounces to one pound, and +afford considerable sport on a light rod. Roach are not plentiful, but +there they exist they will not refuse a brown hackle. + +In many of the streams of the State war-mouthed perch exist in numbers, +ranging from one to three pounds. When the streams are low, they readily +take a fly, and give the angler all lie can attend to. + +In some of the creeks tributary to the St. Johns' and in some of the +interior lakes, pickerel exercise their snapping propensities, and do +not object to appropriate a gaudy fly in the early mom or at the close +of the day. + +On the Eastern Coast, more especially at Indian River inlet, small blue +fish congregate in numbers during the winter months, and at times will +not refuse a fly. They are fair fighters, and as the piscator can fish +from a sandy beach, much enjoyment can be secured. + +In Florida cat fish will take a fly, and I may also add a spinner. +In this State we have a number of species of this fish, and one is a +surface feeder. In the evening, when they are feeding on the surface, +they will not reject a large and gaudy fly. To those who have been +accustomed to capture with a stout rod diminutive specimens of catties, +I will say, hook on to a catty weighing from six to twelve pounds and +there will be "music in the air," and unless skill is exercised on +the part of the fisherman the leader will go to where the "woodbine +twineth." + +In Florida, as everywhere else, the best fishing is near where A., B. +or C. run a hotel or keep a boarding house, or where certain steamboats +make a terminal landing. But in my experience the best places to fish, +as a rule, are where there are no hotels or specimens of the colored +persuasion with their cast nets. When "I go a-fishing" I leave +civilization, hotels, and boarding-houses in the rear. + +The best points for fly-fishing for large-mouthed bass are on the +upper St. Johns, the tributaries of Indian river, the Kessimmee and the +streams and lagoons on the south-west coast. For pickerel and bream the +best points are the tributaries of the St. Johns between Mandarin and +Lake Monroe. For war-mouthed perch, the best streams will be found in +Alachua County. + +From all that I can glean from gentlemen who have fished the locality, +the lower Indian River and its tributaries will furnish a fine field for +the fly-caster. West of Cedar Keys to St. Marks is a shoal coast covered +with marine algae; and the coast line is cut up with a number of small +streams stocked--nay, swarming--with fish. This section is uninhabited, +the streams have not been fished, and a fine field for sport awaits the +fisherman. In addition, hand line or bass rod fishing can be enjoyed for +sheepshead and channel bass. The woods abound with deer, the hummocks +contain plenty of turkeys, and the bays and grassy flats during the +winter are alive with ducks, and in certain localities geese and brant +will be found. Beech birds, as snipe and curlews, can be bagged in +quantity. + +The first stream worthy of notice on the southwest coast is the +Homosassa River, forty miles south of Cedar Keys. But this beautiful +river has lost its greatest attraction, "Mother Jones." I have been +informed that she left Homosassa, and, as a sequence, there will be +wanting the clean rooms and beds, the stewed and scalloped oysters, +the aromatic coffee, the delicious breakfast bacon, and the luscious +sheepshead done to a turn. With "Mother Jones" will depart many of +the attractions of the place, more particularly the cuisine. I write +feelingly, for I was the first to make known the attractions of my +favorite Homosassa. + +According to my friend, Dr. Ferber, Billy Bow Legs Creek, a tributary +of Sarasota Bay, presents many attractions to the fly-fisher, more +especially in the capture of cavalli and ravallia. Long Boat Inlet, an +entrance to this bay, must not be overlooked. + +Many points in Charlotte Harbor offer inducements to the fly-fisher. If +he tires of using the split bamboo, he can troll with a spinner and land +large channel bass and cavalli; for diversement he can seat himself in +an arm chair on the dock at Punta Passa and imitate my friend Matthew +Quay (late Secretary of State of Pennsylvania), who landed fifty-six +large sheepshead in one hour. If dissatisfied with this description of +sport the piscator can indulge in the capture of Jew-fish, weighing from +one to three hundred pounds. On the Calloosahatchee, above the islands, +the fly caster can be satiated with sport in landing large-sized +eavalli. From Charlotte Harbor southward every entrance, bay, pass and +lagoon will afford royal sport. + +Delicate mist-colored leaders are not a necessity, for Florida fish have +not been educated or posted with regard to the tricks of the craft. They +seem to recognize but little difference between a single strand of gut +and a clothes-line. The main things requisite are strong leaders and +large-sized hooks, for when fish are so plentiful and valueless the +fisherman is apt to try and see how many he can land within a given +period. With regard to flies, almost any of the more common ones will +answer a good purpose. My choice for channel bass, eavalli, sea trout +and bone fish is a large-sized gaudy fly with a large-sized hook. + +To reach the south-west coast persons can go direct from Savannah or +Fernandina, or visit Jacksonville _en route_. At Cedar Keys, Tampa, or +Manatee they can charter a sloop or schooner of from four to six tons +for five or six dollars per day. This amount will cover captain, boy, +small boat, bedding, stove and cooking utensils. Fish, beach birds, +oysters and clams are plentiful, and the expense of the culinary +department will be from fifty cents to five dollars per capita per diem, +according to the Dutch proclivities of the persons comprising the party. + +The coast is shallow, the ten-fathom line ranging from thirty to forty +miles from shore, and as a consequence there is no undertow, rollers or +heavy seas. The passage from Cedar Keys to Bay Biscayne can be made in a +small boat at almost any time. On one occasion the writer made the trip +from Key West to Cedar Keys in a boat sixteen feet in length. + +Fly-fishing in Florida is a recent development, and it offers a large +field for experiment and investigation; and I trust that the period is +not far distant when the sport will be indulged in by the many. By +the first of January, 1884, Tampa will be reached from this city in +twenty-four hours via Sanford and Kissimmee. From what we know of +railroads in this State we feel assured that one will be completed to +Punta Passa within two years; when Charlotte Harbor and Estero Bay, the +greatest of fishing points, will be rendered accessible to all. + +In preparing this article we have used the common names of fish, and +the reason for so doing will be obvious to all. In passing through this +city, if fly-fishers will call upon me between 12 m. and 2 p.m., I will +endeavor to smooth the road for them. + +Jacksonville, Fla. + + + + +FLY-FISHING. + +By Col. E. Z. C. Judson.--"Ned Buntline." + +Fishermen are _born_ such--not made! That is my private opinion, +publicly expressed. It is founded upon the experience of full half a +century on ocean, lake, river, and brook. I have taken a mature man with +me on a fishing trip, who had never cast "a line in pleasant places," +lent him rod and tackle, made a few casts in his presence, caught +perhaps a half a dozen trout, and then watched his imitative power +combined with the tact _born_ in him. If he was one of the right sort he +would go right on improving every hour, and in a little while begin to +fill his creel with the best of us. + +My personal knowledge of fish and fishing began early. My father had few +superiors as an angler, and trouting was his specialty. He made his own +rods, lines and flies. The first was a tapering ashen pole--generally +about ten feet long--scraped, oiled and varnished till it was as smooth +and bright as glass. The line was made from horse-hair and braided with +a care and patience that used to be a wonder to me. + +The blue-jay, the red-headed woodpecker, the pheasant and wood-duck were +shot for fly-feathers. When I was a wee toddler in skirts I used to hold +hooks and snells and play at "helping papa." + +All this was done here at the head of the Delaware, where both my father +and myself were born. But a change came. When I was about six years old +my father bought a large tract of wild land in the wildest part of Wayne +County, Pennsylvania, and settled on it. The Lackawaxen Creek ran +right through it, and that then lovely stream was literally alive with +speckled trout. From the day we entered our log house there I was a +_fisher_-boy. I caught trout every day in the summer, for a big spring +rose within a rod of the house and from it ran a lively brook to the +main stream, ten rods away, and even a pin-hook and linen thread would +draw them out. + +As I grew older I would go with my father to the big eddies and deep +holes, where he would lure the largest to his fly and I was only +too--too utterly happy when allowed to wade waist deep in the water to +carry or float his string of trout toward home. + +Since then never a summer has passed, except when actively engaged in +naval or military service for my country, that has not found me fishing +somewhere. I have covered the best waters in Maine, New Hampshire and +Vermont; Canada and the British Provinces know me of old; California, +Oregon and British Columbia--all along the Big Rockies--have seen me +testing flies and bait, the former often tied rudely on the spur of +necessity, but generally very effectively. For where trout are _very_ +plenty, food is scarce, and they will bite at anything. I speak of trout +mostly, for that is my _favorite_ fish. Salmon next, although the work +comes in when you strike anything oyer eight or ten pounds, and sport +degenerates when it becomes _labor_. I have heard of "labors of love," +but I never took stock in anything of the kind. + +In all this active piscatorial life, I have studied _Fishermen_ as +well as fish. And I have come to the conclusion which opens this +article--that fishermen are _born_ for it and can't he manufactured out +of _raw_ material! + +I have felt thankful to our Father above that nine out of ten of the +_tourists_ who take to the streams in easy reach, are indifferent +fishermen. For thereby the streams still contain fish. Were all who +fish in them skillful and hoggish, in a little while there would be no +fishing except in "far-away" places, difficult to reach. + +I do not claim to hold a Master's Degree as a fly-fisherman. + +I do delight in the art, for one of the arts and sciences it surely is. +I have bowed my head in reverence before the skilled hand of my dear +friend, George Dawson--now beside the bright waters of the Happy Land +above. I have stood silent and pleased while Seth Green deftly made +casts which I could only feebly imitate. + +Yet those who know me best say that I _can_ use a fly-rod and catch +trout and salmon therewith, so I essay a few words on the subject, +speaking only from my own experience. I have never been observant enough +to see a trout strout strike a fly with his tail, drown it and then eat +it. I always take a trout in the mouth on my fly--generally hooked in +the upper lip, showing that he does _his_ part of the business in a +straightforward way and does not come tail first to the lure. + +I own to be a little particular about my rod, the middle joint not too +limber, but with back-bone as well as spring; it suits me if it tapers +so as to describe a perfect arc when the tip is brought near to the +butt. I specify no makers--though I own to favorites in that line. I +wish to make no petty jealousies here. + +A rod as near ten feet long as may be, for trout fishing, weight from +seven to eight ounces, never over ten, with the reel close to and +_under_ the butt; an easy running click-reel; a line of braided hair and +silk, strong and weighty enough for a cast against the wind as well as +with it; a clear, strong, looped leader for a quick change of flies; +a book well supplied with the latter to give the speckled beauties a +choice, and I am ready for work. + +The idea of special flies for special seasons of the year I have found +to be a humbug. Trout are exceedingly whimsical about flies. Watch those +that are on the stream, see which the trout leap for and get as near the +like of them as your book will allow. + +Always, if possible, fish down stream. It is easier. You can detect +swirls, eddies, shaded pools, coverts of rock, mossy-banks and +overhanging branches, from above, better than below. Trout do not scare +so easily that a cast of fifteen or twenty feet will not find them ready +to rise if they are hungry. You have also the aid of the current in +guiding your fly to each coveted spot after it touches the water. + +Enter a stream, say its average width is seventy-five or one hundred +feet, few of our mountain streams are so much, and a skilled rodster +can cover it with ease--for wading down lie chooses his water, makes his +casts, seldom over twenty or twenty-five feet of line to a cast, much of +oftener less, and in "good waters" fills his creel. + +For a forward cast, with your line as far out as may be necessary +for the distance, throw your rod sharply back to an angle of not over +fifteen degrees, and then bring it forward quickly till, as your line +and flies are extended, the tip is on a level with your breast, never +lower so as to dip water. With a line "taut," so to speak, if a trout +rises as your fly or flies touch the stream, a sharp, quick turn of the +wrist will strike the hook home and secure him. Your strike must be firm +and decisive; give the trout one second to understand and he _spits_ the +fly out. Laugh if you will, but that is what he does. + +When hooked, if not too large for your tackle, _draw_ the trout swiftly +to you, _lift_ him out, and break his neck, by bending back the head +where it joins the back-bone. Thus he is out of pain, and does not +bruise and flop himself soft, while dying, in your creel. "Playing" a +trout for the mere fun of the thing, is unnecessary torture; besides, +you frighten more than you secure, in the process. A very large trout, +of course, must be weakened in the water, but many fishermen think there +is no sport without they "play" a fish, no matter how small he is. + +Never cast a foot more line than you need. You cannot gather slack half +as easy as you can pay it out. + +In regard to flies--I have found the brighter the day, as a general +thing, the darker fly do trout want. At early dawn, or in the soft +twilight of evening, a very light fly--a Coachman, is best. Next, Gray +Miller, and especially the Stone fly. I use more Coachmen, Black Gnats +and Stone flies in _one_ season, than I do of all other flies put +together in three summers. + +Be sure, of all things, that your line runs easy through the standing +guides, or guide-rings. I like the former best. + +In casting right or left, to reach under bushy or over-hanging limbs, +the same sharp, or quick action which makes an over-cast successful, is +required, and great care not to draw any slack line when your fly drops +where you want it. + +Many fly-fishermen are considered adepts according to the _length_ +rather than the grace and certainty of their casts. I do not think in +actual stream fishing an average of a day's casting, would reach over +fifteen feet to a cast. I never made but one _very_ long cast in actual +angling in my life. + +Once, on the bank of a mill-pond in the upper part of Alder Brook, in +Ulster County, N. Y., I saw a trout in shoal water, the largest I ever +caught in that vicinity. To reach him without alarm, I cast seventy-two +feet, _measured_ afterward from a knot on my line near my reel, and got +my fish. + +He weighed two and a quarter pounds, and I had to play him some to save +him. + +And now, with a word to young fishermen and old _beginners_, I will +close. + +Learn first to cast a line and take a trout with bait before you try a +fly. You will thereby gain confidence, learn to hook your fish at the +instant he strikes, and gain the supple use of arm and wrist which makes +the fly-fisherman skillful. + +My dear wife, by whose sick bed I pen these words, for one long joyous +summer in camp, fished by my side, using bait while she saw me casting +no lure but flies. + +The next time we went on the stream she had a six-ounce fly-rod, and +fifty beautiful trout in two hours to her basket proved how apt a pupil +she had been. + +With many words of cheer to all who love the glorious pastime, I remain, +as of yore--Uncle Ned--_a born fisherman_. + +"Eagle's Nest," Delaware Co., N. Y. + + +"There are two peculiarities of all sorts of fish, which are frequently +unnoticed; that they are largely attracted to their food by scent, and +that they feed at night."--_Seth Green_. + +"The first and last object of the fly-fisher is to show as much of the +fly to the fish as possible, and as little of anything else."--_Francis +Francis_. + +"The notion of the main mass of anglers would appear to be, that if an +unusually cunning fish takes up an impregnable-looking position he is to +be religiously left unassailed. 'Breakers ahead!' seem to be scented by +the over-cautious pliers of the rod, when the chances of conquest are +really 'as even' as in less dangerous localities; and even supposing +this were not so, the greater the difficulties the more exciting the +sport, and the keener the pleasure."--_David Foster._ + +(Illustration Missing) + +26. Manchester. + +27. Blue Jay. + +28. Imperial. + +29. McLeod. + +30. Black and Gold. + +31. White and Jungle Cock. + +"Many men of fame, even equal to Dr. Johnson's, have been eminent as +anglers, and have redeemed and disculpated angling from his surly and +foolish sneer."--_John Lyle King._ + +"I invariably endeavor, when dressing a fly, to imitate the living +insect; still I have seen nondescript flies beat all the palmer hackles +and the most life-like flies that ever graced a casting-line."--"_Frank +Forester_." + +"If we are content with an ungainly fly, we will be satisfied with +inferiority of rod and tackle; and although the fish may not see the +difference, the angler may become, from neglecting one point, slovenly +in all. A well-made fly is a beautiful object, an ill-made one an +eye-sore and annoyance; and it is a great satisfaction both to exhibit +and examine a well-filled book of handsomely tied flies."--_R. B. +Roosevelt_. + +"What is life, after all, but just going a-fishing all the time, casting +flies on many rivers and lakes, and going quietly home as the day is +ending?"--_W. C. Prime._ + +"This fishing story is at an end; not for want of material, for there +are other scenes and other times of equal pleasure that crowd my memory +as I write these lines. And so it will ever be to you, my friend, should +you, even in your later years, take up the angler's art: it grows with +its growth, and strengthens with its strength, and, if uncurbed, may +perchance, with many of us, become a passion. + +"But, for all that, it will fill the storehouse of our memories with +many a scene of unalloyed pleasure, which in the sunset of life we may +look back upon with fondest satisfaction. + +"If in the minds of any one of you who as yet are ignorant of the charm +of fishing, as it has here been revealed. I have induced the desire +for a test, 'Stand not upon the order of your going, but go at once,' +provided it be the season, and, the word of an old fisherman for it, you +will thank me for these random pages."--_Charles W. Stevens._ + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Fishing With The Fly, by +Charles F. Orvis and Others + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FISHING WITH THE FLY *** + +***** This file should be named 46680.txt or 46680.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/4/6/6/8/46680/ + +Produced by David Widger from page images generously +provided by the Internet Archive + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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