TROLLING. 401 



by Mr. Lyman, who is very kind and attentive to his guests, 

 and furnishes baits, guides, &c. 



" In trolling for the Black Bass in Lake George, you will 

 frequently strike those of one-half to three-fourths of a pound 

 weight, even with the very large fly which I have described. 

 There is so great a difference, both in shape and colour, 

 between the fish of this size and those of two or more pounds' 

 weight, that a stranger would never take them to be of the 

 same species. These small fish are very similar in shape to the 

 Blue Fish of the salt water, while those of the larger size spread 

 in width as they increase in size, so that a fish of two and a 

 half to three pounds, is of a shape between a Black Fish, or 

 Tautog, and the famous Sheep's-head. In colour they differ 

 also greatly; the small Bass being of a light dull greenish 

 colour, while the larger grow darker as they increase in size, 

 the largest being nearly black on the back, and of a very dark 

 brownish green on the sides. The younger gentry, above 

 described, are not to be despised on account of their size, for 

 when taken with a light Trout-rod, they will be found to be a 

 fine vigorous fish ; and when in their temerity they seize the 

 large fly, on feeling the hook, they will, true to their nature, 

 make the leap, in imitation of their sires, thus showing them- 

 selves to be game fish. I have known them to leap three times 

 while reeling in the long trolling line, whereas the larger gentry 

 rarely leap more than once." 



In addition to this I will only add — for all that is said here 

 is correct and clear — that in the St. Lawrence, among the 

 Thousand Islands, this admirable fish is taken in unequalled 

 numbers, and of unrivalled excellence. That in the Black 



