IX 

 ON BOTH COASTS 



S an old proverb goes, "It is the 

 unexpected that happens." This 

 ancient saw, seemed to find illus- 

 tration when some one called out, 

 as we were sitting at breakfast, 

 " Come out and see this big 

 trout ! " We were on the St. Johns River and the 

 steamer had tied up at a landing to take on wood. 

 A trout in Florida ! Somehow that experience had 

 not been among our anticipations when we planned 

 the trip ; but why should not the unexpected happen 

 in Florida as well as elsewhere ? Knowing that it 

 is never safe to be too skeptical concerning any 

 statement which concerns fishing or fish, we joined 

 the company of investigators. On the pier was a 

 lad of fourteen or fifteen, holding up for inspection 

 a fish that was, indeed, big, but to northern eyes 

 gave no indications of being a trout. It was a 



ill 



