ETCHINGS ON A SALMON STREAM. 5 



I always become enthusiastic over the rugged gran- 

 deur of some Canadian rivers with which I am familiar. 



We have no such rivers in our own domain, except 

 on the Pacific slope ; and except in parts of Scotland 

 and Norway, the streams of Europe must be tame in 

 comparison. It is because so few of our own anglers 

 have the experience to enable them to draw contrasts, 

 that they do not more appreciate the charm of salmon 

 fishing. Even a vivid description fails to enforce the 

 reality upon their comprehension, and they remain list- 

 less and content with smaller game. Beyond the cir- 

 cumscribed horizon of grass-meadows and the mountain 

 trout streams of New England and the Blue Ridge their 

 vision does not reach. There is a higher plane both of 

 eminence and art. 



Opportunely for man's periodical proclivities, nature 

 has given to salmon and green peas a vernal flavor and 

 adaptation to each other, as well as to his desires, so 

 that, when the spring comes around they act directly 

 on his liver, expelling all the effete accumulations of 

 winter, stimulating the action of the nerves and brain, 

 and imparting an irresistible desire to go a-fishing. 

 They oil the hinges of the tongue and keep it wagging 

 until June. When that auspicious, leafy month arrives, 

 not all the cares of State will hold a President, Vice- 

 President, or even a Vice-Regent, from taking his an- 

 nual outing on the salmon streams. Representatives of 

 royalty and representatives of republicanism join sym- 

 pathies and hands. The Governor-General of Canada 



