AND OTHER HUNTING ADVENTURES. 267 



three-quarter pounds and measured seventeen inches 

 in length. 



I took two others, nearly as large, out of the same 

 hole, and then proceeding down fifty yards, I saw 

 a large cottonwood tree lying in the middle of the 

 stream where it had lodged and been securely 

 anchored, probably a year or two before. The cur- 

 rent had scooped out a great cavity about its roots 

 and I felt sure there must be a giant old trout lying 

 amongst them, but I could not reach it with a cast 

 from the shore. To attempt to wade to it I saw 

 would be hazardous, for the channel between me and 

 it was waist deep and ran with all the velocity of a 

 mill tail. But what danger will not an enthusiastic 

 angler brave when in pursuit of a trout? I started 

 in, and when half way to the trunk, would gladly 

 have retreated, but was actually afraid to attempt 

 to turn in the midst of this current, so I pressed for- 

 ward, finally reached the trunk of the tree and 

 climbed upon it. I made a cast up near the root 

 and hooked a handsome fellow, but after playing 

 him until I had him completely under control and 

 almost ready to land, the hook, which had been but 

 slightly caught, tore out and he drifted down the 

 river on his side. 



Another effort secured a two-pounder, and failing 

 to get any further encouragement, I climbed into the 

 icy torrent and with great difficulty again reached 

 the shore. 



A little further down I saw another very deep pool, 

 into which a small, green cottonwood tree had lately 

 fallen and hung by its roots to the bank. I felt sure 

 of making a good catch here, for the hole was ten 



