302 PRAIRIE AND FOREST. 



length I saw the loop which attached the line to the 

 leader, and the sight caused me more satisfaction than 

 one can imagine who is engaged in the ordinary pur- 

 suits of life. O salmon fishing ! what pleasure have I 

 enjoyed following thy peaceful pursuit ! What ecstasy, 

 what delight ! Would that I had the pen of the most 

 fluent writer, or tongue of the most eloquent spokes- 

 man ! I could do you far more justice ; but still I 

 doubt if it is in power of words to mete to you an iota 

 of the laudation and praise your fascinations so emi- 

 nently deserve. 



Why wander from facts ? Simply because I cannot 

 help it. But if I must be recalled from the enchant- 

 ment of scenes which may never be re-acted, bear with 

 me for a moment; it is but the allotted time for a 

 breather between the heats the welcome respite 

 before the final burst that is to terminate the race. 

 So it was in this instance ; the strength, if not the 

 courage of the regal foe, was weaker, and each suc- 

 ceeding effort became less powerful. Many a yard of 

 line was again run out and safely restored to its 

 resting-place. Up and down both immolator and 

 victim traced and retraced their course ; the one fear- 

 ing to pursue, the other momentarily becoming more 

 unfit. Time did its work, and, as in all things, 

 brought the last scene to a close. . A shoal bank of 

 gravel lay at my feet, and, giving my fish the butt, I 

 drew him in towards Crosby, who, ankle deep, stood 

 beneath me in the cool, clear water, and struck the 

 gaff into the spotless silver side, and landed him with 

 the adroitness of one who had served a long appren- 

 ticeship to the trade. Don't imagine that there is no 

 science in handling a gaff; for one expert many muffs 



