46 LETTERS FROM THE BACKWOODS. 



LETTER VII. 



TROUT FISHING — MITCHELL. 



Long Lake, July 10. 



I SPOKE in my last of the farming capabilities 

 around Long Lake, and of the colony there, which 

 seem to be about on a par — neither being very great 

 or very enticing. My remarks, however, did not 

 refer to the land beyond Long Lake on the farther 

 slopes as they stretch to the Black River country. 

 This region I have but slightly visited, and am told 

 it is more level and fertile than that portion I have 

 been describing. ProTessor F. Benedict, of Yermoilt 

 University, has gone over this entire section of the 

 State, and he tells me the land is very different 

 around Raquet Lake, and so on West. His know- 

 ledge of the country is extensive, and he has made 

 the most correct surveys of its great chain of lakes 

 ever executed — better even than that contained in 

 the geological report of the State. 



But my mind was soon off the land and on the 

 scenery. I did not come here to speculate in town 

 lots, to found a colony, or subserve the interests of 

 landowners. Being after health, I sought the fa- 

 tiguing tramp and coarse fare of the woods. It was 



