CAMP AMONG THE BIRCHES. — CAMP VIEWS. 197 



fishermen. We saw, caught hj others, several bass of 

 about two pounds' weight each. I know that it is disputed 

 that these fish will drive out the trout, but I greatly fear 

 the result of the experiment will be that Raquette Lake 

 will cease to be the home of the gamiest and prettiest fish 

 that swims the water. 



From our tent on the beach we could see, across a beau- 

 tiful stretch of water, the smoke by day and fire by night 

 of a camp opposite. We one day visited this camp, charm- 

 ingly located among the birches, and found a party of 

 ladies and gentlemen and fine lads, ten in number. Some 

 were swinging in hammocks, reading or scAving; one gen- 

 tleman was perched, with a book in his hand, on a boulder 

 out in the water; while others, with whom we fraternized, 

 were about the camp-fire, with the guides, talking deer 

 and trout, and watching the preparation of supper. The 

 entire part}^ with gtiides, at one time numbered twenty- 

 six, they told me, and their friends were coming and going 

 when they chose, as the encampment was to continue sev- 

 eral weeks. Thej^ had seen our white tent and camp-fire 

 across the water, and the swingle boat putting out from 

 shore, and with a glass spied the l3oy; and they gave us a 

 generous welcome. 



Murray's Island is but a few minutes' distance from our 

 camping-gi-ound, and a little to the left of our view in front. 

 Its rocky, bluff shores and heavy forest growth make a 

 pretty picture any day, but as the sun declined, the strong 

 shadows on the water, contrasting with hoary ro(;k and 

 green forest, were something bewildering in their fascina- 



