The Channel Fishes 341 



part of the soft dorsal fin. The lane snapper 

 feeds on small fishes and crustaceans about the 

 keys and reefs, in rather shallow water. It grows 

 to a foot in length, though usually about eight 

 or nine inches, and is a free biter at the same baits 

 as the yellowtail. 



While it is freely conceded that the highest 

 branch of angling is casting the artificial fly on 

 inland waters, and that the fullest measure of 

 enjoyment is found only in the pursuit of the 

 salmon, black-bass, trout, or grayling, it must be 

 admitted that salt-water angling likewise has joys 

 and pleasures that are, as Walton says, " Worthy 

 the knowledge and practice of a wise man." And 

 nowhere does salt-water angling offer more 

 charms to the appreciative angler, or appeal to 

 his sense of the curious and beautiful in nature, 

 than along the keys off the southern extremity 

 of the peninsula of Florida. The palm-crowned 

 islets are laved by the waters of the Gulf Stream, 

 as clear and bright and green as an emerald of 

 the purest ray serene. Through their limpid 

 depths are seen the lovely and varied tints of 

 coral polyps, the graceful fronds of sea-feathers 

 and sea-fans in gorgeous hues, and the curious 

 and fantastic coralline caves, amid whose cran- 



