TARPON FISHING IN THE GULF OF MEXICO 509 



best side downward (one side is sure to be injured by the gaff) 

 on some sacking, or other soft material. Make a cut in the 

 side of the fish, about three inches from the belly and in 

 the middle, removing the entrails. Put in four or five hand- 

 fuls of salt, and fill the opening with moss or grass. Now 

 turn the fish with its best side up, and forward to the taxider- 

 mist, carefully covering it with sacking or canvas, and mark 

 it ' This side up.' 



Mr. Steensgaard is a good sportsman, as well as a fish 

 mounter. He will fix your tarpon for you at what we should 

 consider a very moderate price (2/. to 5/.), and he forwards 

 it to England for about i/. 



As a rule tarpon are mounted on a board, and not usually 

 kept in a glass case. Do not hang your fish where the sun 

 shines on it, or the scales will become discoloured ; and be care- 

 ful not to hang it over a fireplace. If it should become dusty it 

 should be carefully rubbed with a duster; if stained or fly-specked 

 a very small quantity of spirits of wine should be applied. 



BRIEF SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FOR INTENDING 

 TARPON FISHERS 



WHERE TO Go. Book to Punta Gorda, in Florida, via 

 New York and Jacksonville. From Punta Gorda access to 

 Fort Myers, Punta Rassa, Naples, St. James City, or Marco is 

 easy. Fort Myers is the most popular resort, and records most 

 ' kills.' Access by steamer. 



BEST TIME TO ARRIVE. March, April, and May. It is 

 often too cold earlier, and much too hot to be pleasant later. 



COST OF THE TRIP. The cost of a trip to Florida, including 

 return ticket from Liverpool to New York by a White Star 

 steamer, train or steamboat from Jacksonville to New York 

 City, train from Jacksonville to Punta Gorda, and then by boat, 



