204 FISHING IN AMERICAN WATERS. 



every cast in a pool, what must the sport be. on the large, 

 wild, and rapid rivers of Canada, with no adequate help ? 



Since we have no other choice, if we would go a salmon- 

 fishing, but to repair either to Scotland, Ireland, or to the Do- 

 minion of Canada, and as several rivers in Canada are leased 

 by American anglers, and all sportsmen from the States are 

 liberally and even courteously treated there, I should give a 

 preference to Canadian salmon-waters over those across the 

 Atlantic, even were the fishings oifered at the same price ; 

 but in the matter of expense, Canada is much the most eco- 

 nomical for our anglers. The fish are also much larger on this 

 side on an average, the scenery is more majestic, and the riv- 

 ers more grand. To spend a summer month on one of the riv- 

 ers which empty on the north shore of the Gulf of the St. Law- 

 rence is to rest the mind by the most absolute exclusion from 

 the world. When I essayed the ascent of one of the great 

 rivers which empty into the Gulf of St. Lawrence north of the 

 island of Anticosti, the world was tranquil. I rested there 

 free from the news of civilization. For a month I admired 

 the grandeur of the mountains, the majesty of the broad and 

 rapid river, the elegant play of salmon, and the dexterity of 

 the seals ; and at night the brilliancy of the northern horizon 

 and gorgeousness of the lunar bow enraptured me. On my 

 return down the river, I wns astonished to hear that a great 

 war was in progress between Prussia and Austria, and that 

 the cholera was raging in many places ; but I was delight- 

 fully surprised to learn that the Atlantic telegraph was in 

 successful operation, though shocked at hearing of the dead- 

 lock in Washington and the intention to impeach the Presi- 

 dent. Neither of these important topics were spoken of when 

 I left New York to visit the wilderness on the north side of 

 the Gulf of St. Lawrence. I therefore advise those who de- 

 sire to unbend the mind and become perfectly Rip Van Win- 

 klefied, to try the rejuvenating effect of salmon-fishing in 

 Canada. 



Anglers of the United States who desire to fish a salmon- 



