FOREWORD 



studiously avoided slang and vulgarity. I have tried 

 to be dignified, yet companionable. I hope I have 

 produced a book that readers will pick up long after 

 the streams and lakes of the Middle West shall know 

 me not, and say not "He was an ichthyologist of parts," 

 nor, "He was a great angler," but, "He loved the 

 woods and waters." 



In conclusion, let me thank all the correspondents 

 everywhere who have helped me build this book. 

 Especially would I thank the picture-takers, partic- 

 ularly the men of the New York Fish Commission for 

 the use of the pictures of Chautauqua muskellunge. 

 Whenever possible full credit is given. 



So I hand the volume over to you, reader. May the 

 fire leap high and the Red Gods smile upon you. 



The Author. 



Evansville, Wisconsin. 



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