PREFACE 



This book is not strictly a record of scientific investiga- 

 tion; being based upon a collection of observations made 

 by myself, during the past ten summers, on the habits of 

 the small-mouthed bass. 



These observations have been condensed into their 

 present form, not only for my own pleasure, but also for 

 the benefit of all those who, while they may prefer to 

 dwell in cities and to live under slated roofs, still long 

 occasionally for a glimpse of forest trees, tumbling water, 

 bare rock, and the open sky. 



Although I am indebted to various scientific treatises 

 on trees, plants and fishes, for valuable suggestions, yet 

 the illustrations are, with few exceptions, original, and 

 have been sketched either from photographs, or from 

 natural objects. 



W. J. LOUDON 

 September 22, 1910 



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