NEW BRUNSWICK. 125 
• 
an expanse of clear water spread ont at our feet, into 
whicli, after each rush, the fish could be easily led, and 
where his mad leaps were the only risk. It was our 
first fish, and I exercised the utmost care ; not till he 
was almost dead did I force him to the surface, where 
Abraham, with one blow of his gafi*, brought our prize 
to land. 
What a beauty she was ! The small, delicate head 
pronounced her a female, the destined parent of myriads 
cut off in her prime. The brilliancy of her flashing 
scales gave token that not long since had she been roam- 
ing free from danger along the shores of the seacoast, 
and her broad back and deep chest announced her heavy 
weight. Glorious in her outward appearance, our keen 
appetites pictured to our imaginations the rich red flesh 
in layers, with flakes of pearly fat between, the delicate 
thin sides of the stomach, the depth of solidity in her 
broad back. Our thoughts dwelt for a moment on the 
fine juicy flavor her fifteen good pounds would furnish 
for many a meal. But above all did we recollect with 
pride how well both of us had done in killing the first 
salmon in the Miramichi. 
Mr. Dalton had been watching the contest from the 
bank opposite, and we returned together to the camp, 
where libations were duly poured forth in honor of our 
first capture, and preparations were made for a grand 
entertainment. 
That evening around the fire, after supper was finished, 
and the genial pipe was soothing as well as invigorating 
our minds, and after several personal adventures had 
been related, Duncan commenced the following history of 
