806 PRAIRIE AND FOREST. 



pain. The assassin was the scarce and indigenous 

 fisher, only known in northern latitudes, and much 

 valued for its fur. The little episode was in keeping 

 with what all who are observant of nature may daily 

 witness the stronger insect devouring the weaker, the 

 more powerful animal the lesser ; or man, the greatest 

 tyrant of all, whatever falls within his reach, if worthy 

 of the exertion, or suited to his fastidious palate. 



On recommencing work in the afternoon, much to 

 my satisfaction the fish were on the move, and during 

 the few minutes that were necessary to arrange my 

 tackle, over a dozen succeeded in ascending the 

 shoot. It is seldom that the lover of nature can 

 witness a more satisfactory and pleasing exhibition 

 than that of salmon passing up a leap. Their efforts 

 and perseverance are truly astonishing, and frequently 

 dozens of essays will he made before one is success- 

 ful. The manner of performing their ascent is a 

 proof of the immense velocity, strength of body, 

 and enormous power with which they are gifted ; 

 from six to eight feet can be accomplished by them, 

 and I have heard many persons assert more. When 

 once the fish gain the summit over the edge of the 

 upper bend, a few spasmodic, rapid motions of the 

 tail carry them forward, and they disappear from view 

 so suddenly as to leave the beholder in doubt whether 

 they have succeeded, or been carried down in the 

 surging fall. 



The flies continued exceedingly troublesome, parti- 

 cularly a small species of sand-fly. So minute are 

 they, that when on your hand it is almost impossible 

 to detect their exact situation ; but however insignifi- 

 cant, their powers of torture are intense, for imme- 



