SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR. 177 



this dash he broke water splendidly, causing the spray 

 to fly for many feet around. Again and again his argen- 

 tine flanks reflected brilliant radii in the sunlight, 

 and at each glistening reflection of the solar rays I 

 feared that we should part company without the most 

 remote chance of further or more closely renewing our 

 acquaintance. Fortune and good tackle, however, 

 favoured me ; and I had the satisfaction of turning 

 his head for the source of the river, and probable 

 birthplace of himself and relations. With the greatest 

 satisfaction I took in yard after yard, my hopes rising 

 as the body of my reel expanded ; at length I saw the 

 loop which attached the line to the leader, and the sight 

 caused me more satisfaction than one can possibly 

 imagine who is daily engaged in the ordinary pursuits 

 of life. 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 the power of words to mete to you an 

 iota of the laudation and praise your fascinations so 

 eminently 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 



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