APPENDIX. 141 



Thus, in proportion to the fall and volume of these streams, they form 

 a series of ponds, more or less in number; the last of which iilmost 

 invariably lies close to the upper side of the excellent road which runs 

 along the south side of the island, dividing more or less accurately the 

 uplands from the salt meadows. 



Thence, changing its character altogether, the stream flows gently, in 

 a deeper channel, ebbing and flowing with the tide, which, for the most 

 part, runs quite up to the flood-gates of the last pond, through the level 

 oozy salt marshes ; and here it is, in my opinion, that the finest and most 

 highly-flavored fish are to be taken. 



This brief description thus concluded, I shall proceed, after a few 

 words on what I consider the peculiarities of the Long Island trout, and 

 the distinctions between it and the fish of British waters, to review the 

 diflferent streams and ponds, as we travel eastward ; and shall conclude 

 with a brief summary of the times, the seasons, the bait, and the tackle, 

 which, from my own experience and the information of others, I deem 

 the most likely to insure sport. 



The principal distinctions that strike the careful observer between the 

 trout of Long Island, or, indeed, I might say North America in general, 

 and those of the British isles, is, first, the great uniformity of size on the 

 part of the former, which rarely exceed two or three pounds in weight, 

 and neve)', so far as I have been able to ascertain, five or six — and, 

 secondly, the fact that in the United States trout are never taken in the 

 large rivers, or, if ever, so rarely as to prove the rule by the wonder 

 arising from the exception. 



On Long Island, there are some half dozen instances on record, within 

 three times as many years, of fish, varying in weight from four to six 

 pounds, taken with the rod and line. Two of these instances occur to 

 me, as connected with circumstances which mav render the relation 

 acceptable, as of anecdotes very unusual, and almost, but that they are 

 proved beyond the possibility of doubt, incredible. 



Both these instances occurred at Stump-pond, on the north side ; one 

 in the pond itself, the other in the mill-pool, at the outlet. 



A gentleman from New York, thus runs the first story, who had never 

 thrown a line, or taken a trout in his life, and who had come out lately 

 equipped with a complete outfit of Conroy's best and strongest tackle, 

 all spick-and-span new, and point device, on throwing his hook, baited 

 with a common lob-worm, into the water, was greeted with an immediate 

 bite, and bob of the float, which incontinently disappeared beneath the 

 surface, carried away by the hard pull of a heavy fish. The novice, 

 ignorant of all the soft and shrewd seductions of the angler's art. hauled 

 in his prize, main force, and actually, without the aid of galY or landing- 

 net, brought to basket a five-pounder I 



The fact is remarkable ; the example decidedly unworthy of imita- 

 tion ! 



The other instance to which I have referred, is, in all respects, except 

 the size of the fish, the very opposite of the former ; as, in it, the suc- 

 cess of the fortunate fisherman is due as much to superior science in his 

 craft, as his, in the former, is attributable to blind and unmerited good 

 luck. 



