108 THE SCHOODICS. 



frail canoe might shoot for an instant like a meteor in its 

 flight, and then vanish forever. A bubble would break as 

 easily. But with sturdy arms to guide, and eyes keen and 

 true to foresee danger, the peril becomes a joy ; and the little 

 craft leaps and dances over the feathery waves, until at last 

 the precipitous banks melt into grassy strands, and the dash- 

 ing stream spreads into broad shallows that laugh and ripple 

 over pebbly bottoms. 



This is the famous Grand Lake Stream, among whose rocks 

 and eddies the land-locked salmon delight to dwell, and 

 whose alternate reaches of rapid water and quiet pools, 

 wooded banks and sandy shores, delight the angler. It is 

 three miles long and connects Grand Lake with Big Lake 

 below. Here, at the height of the fishing season, selected 

 spots are occupied by dozens of cosy tents of anglers in full- 

 blown costumes of latest cut and fabric — for there are fash- 

 ions among sportsmen as well as beaux. Here are bifurca- • 

 tions of velveteen and corduroy set in capacious leather boots 

 and thatched above with hats of enormous brims, from . 

 whose crowns dangle flies of every hue and size. There are 

 some with coats slashed with multitudinous pockets, and 

 others with plain woolen overshirts ; some with veils of gauze 

 protecting face and shoulders, and others with blue goggles 

 gleaming like saucers beneath their shaggy brows. The 

 shores are dotted with knots of fishermen adjusting tackle, 

 and the stream is hvely with boats and waders, and the play 

 of assiduous rods and whizzing reels. Here are parties re- 

 turning laden with trophies, and others sauntering ofl" to re- 

 sorts less desirable but more retired. Far up the chain of 

 lakes occasional boats are trolling for twelve-pound toag, and 

 here and there at isolated spots on Ox Brook or Sisladobsis 

 are camps of old-fashioned anglers who scorn the luxuries of 

 tent life. 



As has been stated, this chain of lakes is very extensive. 

 The piscatory tourist can pass through Grand Lake to Com- 

 pass Lake, and thence to Sisladobsis, where there is a " carry " 



