32 SPORT IN NORTH AMERICA. 



execution, tie only merit and pretension of which 

 were to illustrate the campaigns of the heroes of Ame- 

 rican Independence. I must not forget to mention, 

 however, a trophy of fishing implements, consisting 

 of everything that an experienced fisherman could 

 require, and all arranged in the most perfect order. 

 The furniture of this room consisted of an oak table, 

 an arm-chair with a tall back, two rocking-chairs, 

 and four wooden stools. In the centre of the table 

 stood a stoneware vase filled with aquatic flowers ; on 

 one side, a Bible covered with blue paper to preserve 

 the shagreen binding, and on the other, a few news- 

 papers piled over each other. The other room was 

 the bed-room. 



Dan Tucker's family consisted of a dog, a vigilant 

 fellow who looked after the cottage when his master 

 was absent, and whose usual seat was on the threshold 

 of the front door. Tom always announced a visitor 

 by a bark, but he showed a formidable set of teeth 

 at the same time, unless Dan told him to be quiet, 

 in which case he obeyed instantly. This is what 

 happened when I paid my visit. Dan soon pacified 

 Tom, who had never seen me before, and invited me 

 to come in. 



I found the fisherman seated on a bench near liis 

 door, enjoying his pipe, Tom lying at his feet on a 

 straw mat placed for that purpose. Tucker had 

 been out fishing all day, and narrated to me all 

 his exploits with as much gusto as if he had returned 



