256 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. 



river better suited for the increase of trout, and doubt- 

 less at the present time it would swarm with thousands 

 all along its course, but that some selfish being projected 

 and erected a dam about twenty feet high, to collect 

 water to drive a mill ; and worse, had the inhumanity 

 not even to leave a fish- way ; consequently, Izaak 

 Walton's disciples have to walk many a wearisome 

 mile up this brook before fish can again be found 

 abundant, and then they are so poor and badly fed that 

 they are almost unfit for the table. Now, the difference 

 between those beneath the dam and those above, is 

 doubtlessly caused by the unfortunate denizens of the 

 upper water being prevented from making their annual 

 visits to Lake Umbagog to recruit, or enjoy the cool 

 retreats afforded in its deep waters, at that portion of 

 the season when the summer sun pours down its 

 refulgent, heated rays upon the unprotected water. 

 Persons who resided in this locality years ago, informed 

 me that before this impediment on the Cambridge was 

 made, trout swarmed all the way up to the source in 

 ten times the quantity they do now. But why grumble 

 or find fault in this particular instance? Are such 

 shameful structures not to be found in every section 

 of this and my own land, a glaring example of want of 

 forethought, or selfishness, or worse ? But, thank good- 

 ness, such abuses in America are about to be stopped ; 



