276 FISHING IN AMERICAN WATERS. 



nearly midway of the islands, on the south side of the river, 

 is said to be the most convenient point to select for trolling ; 

 for, in addition to the best grounds being near there, its cen- 

 tral location enables anglers to make a trip up or down the 

 river to the extremity of the islands and to return the same 

 day. The hotels along the Thousand Islands are generally 

 comfortable, and the landlords reliable. Make known your 

 wants to the proprietor, and he will engage a man and boat 

 for you. All the trolling-boats are superior in model for 

 speed and comfort. The boatman furnishes rods, lines, baits, 

 and rows his own boat. I prefer to use my own tackle, even 

 to spoons and feathered squids. Each row-boat is furnished 

 with two cushioned arm-chairs, in which yourself and lady 

 are seated near the stern and facing it. The bottom of the 

 boat is carpeted, and crimson is the favorite color. The fish- 

 ing-rods are so set, by appliances in the boat and on the taff- 

 rail, that the troll follows outside of the track, as the rods are 

 held at right angles with the boat, like outriggers. The line 

 is from fifteen to twenty yards long, and the troller lets it 

 run from the reel as the gaffer rows along. The trollers soon 

 become so enraptured with the varied beauties of the shifting 

 scenes that they lose the consciousness of being on a fishing 

 excursion until the oarsman calls loudly, "Bite on the lady!" 

 which sufficiently disenchants them for the lady to reel in a 

 pickerel or black bass, or perchance a maskinonge ; when 

 " Bite on the gentleman !" is heard, and he reels in a fish to 

 the gaff or landing-net. 



Parties leave the hotels in couples, agreeing upon a rendez- 

 vous for lunching on some island. The boatmen take bread, 

 ice, vegetables, and condiments, and couples sally forth upon 

 the waters, and adjourn at the appointed time in the midst 

 of groves of more than Oriental beauty. . The fish are cooked 

 by an artist on an extemporized fireplace, while other gaffers 

 are spreading the cloth on the greensward, where the repast 

 is served, and all goes on enchantingly. After luncheon they 

 repair to their boats, when they continue trolling, or cast an- 



