745 [AsSEIvIBLT 



large, and among the most delicate and luscious of all fish. At 

 that period they were abundant, and so powerful and bold, as to 

 be taken with great ease and in immense quantities. A record 

 exists of 500 having been killed in the Boquet in one afternoon, 

 and as late as 1823, about 1500 lbs. of salmon were taken by a 

 single haul of a seine, near Port Kendall.* They have been 

 occasionally found within the last twenty years, in some of the 

 most rapid streams, but have now" totally disappeared. The 

 secluded haunts they loved, have been invaded ; dams have im- 

 peded their wonted routes ; the filth of occupied streams, has dis- 

 turbed their cleanly habits, or the clangor of steam boats and 

 machinery has alarmed their fears. Each of these causes, is as- 

 signed as a circumstance that has deprived the country of an 

 important article of food and a choice luxury. The subject is 

 not unworthy the inquiry and investigation of the philosopher of 

 nature. 



As the Salmon have disappeared, other fish of excellent qualities, 

 have become more abundant. The lake shad, identical it is be- 

 lieved with the white-fish of Michigan, are yearly becoming more 

 common in Lake Champlain and in some parts of it, are already 

 taken by seines in large quantities. When the habits and haunts 

 of this fish are better understood, their pursuit wall probably be- 

 come an important branch of industry. 



' In early spring, wdien the rising water has formed an open space 

 between the shore and the ice, the shad and indeed all the larger fish 

 of the lake are pursued with keen avidity, with the spear and by 

 torchlight. This very exciting and pleasant sport occurs in the sea- 

 son, in which the fish seek the estuaries and the shallow water along 

 the shores. In a calm night (and if dark more certain the success,) 

 and in silence, the boat impelled by a single i3addle glides quietly 

 through the water, bearing an iron jack at the bow, which contains 

 a bright flame, shedding an illumination far inaavance. The spears- 

 man stands behind the light, with full opportunity of seeing the 

 fish, wirich sleeping quietly or attracted by the gleamings of the fire, 

 lies unconscious of danger and is easily approached and speared. 

 The whole course of the lake at this season, presents a most bril- 

 liant and animated aspect, illuminated and glowing with hundreds 



•Levi Higby, Esq. 



