246 FOREST LIFE IN ACADIE. 



bank. Here, and at the little chain just above, 

 my favourite resort at this part of the river ; there is 

 excellent camping-ground in the tall fir-woods on the 

 north shore, and bold jutting rocks command the pools 

 admirably. 



Between this spot and the Basin, two miles above, 

 there are but few spots where the fly may be cast pro- 

 fitably ; and, taking the bush-path which skirts the river, 

 we may now shoulder our rods, and trudge up to the 

 Grand Falls, our canoes following, spurting through the 

 rapid water in long strides as they are impelled by the 

 vigorous thrusts of the long iron-shod fir-poles. The 

 Basin is a broad and deep expansion of the river, and a 

 reservoir where the salmon congregate in multitudes, 

 ultimately spawning at the entrance of numerous gravelly 

 brooks which flow into it from the surrounding forest, 

 and daily making sorties to the Falls, a mile above, to 

 enjoy the cool water which flows thence to the lake 

 between tall, overhanging cliff's, sometimes completely 

 shaded from the sunlight save during a very limited 

 portion of the day. 



In this mile of deep swift water, which winds in a 

 dark thread from the Basin to the foot of the falls 

 between lofty walls of slate rock, salmon lie during the 

 day in thousands ; there are certain spots which they 

 prefer, found by experience to be the best pools, where 

 the splash of the fish and the voice of the angler awaken 

 echoes from the cliffs throughout the season. Fine 

 fishing, and fine tackle for these — aye, and a good 

 temper, too — for it is the most favoured resort for rods, 

 and we may often be compelled to cease awhile from our 

 sport, whilst a canoe (here the only mode of conveyance 



