INLAND TROUT FISHING. 665 



the distant hills, smoking a light havana in the interim, to keep our nose 

 from frosting. 



At the first break of day the fish began to show signs of life, and so con- 

 tinued to jump notwithstanding a spit of fine snow which covered the 

 waters and obscured from our vision the mountain-tops. In a couple of 

 hours we had killed all the fish we wanted, and reeled up for breakfast. 

 When we returned to the camp Mr. Rich, who had been fishing at the 

 dam below the Narrows, exhibited his catch. Among the victims were 

 two fish of four and a half and four pounds respectively. The largest one 

 he very generously gave to me, and I carried it in triumph to Boston to 

 grace the table of one of my epicurean friends. We had thought of 

 visiting the fishing-grounds of the upper lakes further to the north and 

 east, where, we had been told, the spoi't was even better than that which 

 we had enjoyed at the Retreat. The weather being rather unpromising 

 for an open boat excursion, and the guide to whom we applied being in a 

 surly humor, we concluded to break camp and retrace our steps over the 

 carry and Lake Umbagog to Upton. Soon after breakfast we bid adieu to 

 the " Anglers' home in the wilderness," taking with us, safely lashed to 

 the buck-board arrangement, a large box of fish, which we had preserved 

 alive in a floating trap till the moment of our departure, when we laid 

 them in dry moss and stowed them safely in the box. The trip across the 

 carry, with the exception of bagging a couple of rufied grouse, was 

 attended with no incident. We landed safely at Upton long before sun- 

 down, and hiring a small wagon we started over the mountains to Bethel, 

 where we arrived at a late hour of the night. 



I might tell you some things about Rich's Camp which would not be 

 very agreeable to the proprietor of the " Angler's Retreat." I might say 

 some unamiable but truthful things about sulky guides ; in fact, I might 

 write much that would be of service to future tourists or explorers of these 

 regions ; but I forbear further mention of these details, in consequence of 

 the good sport I enjoyed. 



I trust, however, that the " Retreat" next season may be in better trim, 

 and that the host will at least strive to live up more faithfully to the letter 

 of the law as proclaimed to the world in his flaming and attractive circu- 

 lar — otherwise he should recant and recall this delusion from circulation. 



Mr. Rich, if he really wishes to make his camp a resort for sportsmen 

 and tourists, should engage the services of a couple of middle-aged steady 

 women, one as cook, the other as housemaid and waiter ; and not be de- 

 pendent on low, foul-mouthed ship scullions, and saucy, dirty boys for 



