SALMONIDJE. 49 



are higher, and the cost of a "shallop" varies according to 

 the conscience of the owner. It is cheaper to buy a horse 

 and sell him again than to hire one, that is, if you wish to 

 use him several weeks. In Nova Scotia and New Bruns- 

 wick wagons can be hired at $1.50 per day. Adirondack 

 guides demand $2.50 per day and upwards. 



The best preventive against black flies and other noxious 

 insects is a mixture of sweet oil and tar in proportions of four 

 to one. It is perfectly effectual and not unpleasant or nasty, 

 as many persons imagine. Ammonia alleviates pain, and 

 removes the poison of insect bites. 



Camp-sites should be selected for their access to wood and 

 water, and immunity from insects. Sandy beaches or grav- 

 elly points are liable to swarm with midges or punkies, and 

 the thicker woods with musquitoes. Points where a breeze 

 draws up or down the river are the most desirable. Black 

 flies do not molest between sunset and sunrise. The camp- 

 ground being chosen, duties should be as equally divided as 

 possible, and assigned. The first duties are to fix the shel- 

 ter, cut wood, and " get the kettle boiling." The person 

 who cooks should never be required to cut the wood. 



Tents are a great comfort when they can be conveniently 

 carried, or when the camp is to be frequently changed with- 

 out making long stages ; as, for instance, when fishing the 

 successive pools of a salmon stream. However, a good artist, 

 with hatchet and knife, will put up in one day a permanent 

 camp that will be storm-proof. As for temporary make- 

 shifts they can be made of birch or hemlock bark (when it 

 will peel) or brush, laid on crotch poles ; or, for the matter 

 of a night, a screen of spruce boughs to windward, or the 

 canoe turned over to protect the chest and shoulders from 

 dew and morning fogs. The lee of a projecting ledge, with 

 a brush screen, is a dry and comfortable camp, even in cold 

 weather. I prefer it when I can get it ; otherwise, the canoe, 

 or a half-tent made of my rubber blanket. I have slept out 

 three months at a time, and have never used a canvas tent 

 4 



