216 FOREST LIFE IN ACADIE. 



to drop at the end of January, and all in firm condition. 

 This would seem a curious delay of the spawning season 

 my Indian stated that trout spawn in early spring as 

 well as in the fall. They congregate at the head of a 

 lake in large numbers in winter, and readily take bait, a 

 piece of pork, or a part of their own white throats, let 

 down on a hook through the ice. In such localities they 

 get a good livelihood by feeding on the caddis-worms 

 which crawl plentifully over the rocks under water. 



TEOUT FISHING. 



Before the ice is fairly off the lakes — and then a 

 few days must be allowed for the ice-water to run off — 

 there is no use in attempting to use the fly for trout 

 fishing in rivers or runs, though eager disciples of Walton 

 may succeed in hauhng out a few ill-fed, sickly looking 

 fish from spots of open water by diligently tempting with 

 the worm at an earlier date. Indeed trout may be taken 

 with bait through the ice throughout the winter, but they 

 prove worthless in the eating. But after the warm rain 

 storms of April have performed their mission, and the 

 soft west wind has coursed over the surface of the water, 

 then may the fisher proceed to the head of the forest 

 lake and cast his flies over the eddying pool where the 

 brook enters, and where the hungry trout, aroused to 

 appetite, are congregated to seek for food. 



*' Now, when the first foul torrent of the brooks, 

 Swell'd with the vernal rains, is ebbed away, 

 And, whitening down their mossy-tinctnr'd stream 

 Descends the billowy foam : now is the time, 

 While yet the dark-brown water aids the guile, 

 To tempt the trout." 



