SALMON RIVERS. 631 



about 8 lbs. each ; while the year previous, the same amount of hard work 

 would have secured a hundred or more. 



The gentlemen who went up the stream killed a greater number offish, 

 but they are not so fresh and strong as those at the lower pools. 



There are several excellent pools near the lower falls, where most exciting 

 sport can be had, in consequence of the difficulties of saving the fish after 

 hooking them, requiring the best and most perfect tackle. 



At the second fall there are several good pools which the eye of the ex- 

 perienced angler will discover at once, yet it would be very desirable to 

 have for a companion a friend who had previously visited the stream. Be- 

 tween the first and second falls there are also pools which afibrd good 

 sport at certain stages of the water. The third fall, two miles further on, 

 does not give much sport, so far as I could learn, but Salmon have been 

 caught there at times at the top of the pitch and in the remarkable steps 

 near the top. Probably the greatest number of fish can be taken with fly 

 and rod at the fourth fall (a mile or two above), which is divided into four 

 several pitches by islands, a most remarkable feature in the beauties of 

 this fine Salmon river. 



I did not fish at all at this locality, but on several visits to my compa- 

 nions learned that the best pools are at the upper end of the first island, 

 if my memory serves me right. 



To go back to the second fall, I may here add that this is also divided 

 into three pitches by islands. The steps in the small pitch are most 

 remarkable ; dry at low water, and good pools when the water is at 

 medium height ; as the water falls, the fish remaining in the steps can be 

 taken in large quantities with the spear or gafi" ; but no sportsman will do 

 this on any account. While my back was turned, one of my men gafi'ed 

 a fish, but I put an end to such poaching at once. I fear that from this 

 one act, discredit was brought upon our party, as Mr. Whitcher has 

 reprimanded us severely for something no more criminal. 



The temptation to use the gafi" was very great on these occasions, but I 

 would advise all persons who purchase the right to angle on this river, not to 

 allow their men to take a fish with gaff or spear. I could have taken a 

 hundred in two days out of these little steps or pools, but I did not go to 

 the coast of Labrador for such poaching. The fishermen who pay for net- 

 ting privileges at the mouth of the river have been dealt very strictly with, 

 and last year had their nets taken from them ; and in consequence of this 

 the anglers at the pools above are closely watched, and any act of poach- 

 ing is promptly reported to Mr. Whitcher ; and manv hard stories have 



