PICKEREL-FISHING IN WINTER. 185 



And so it came about, that a fortnight or so ago 

 he poured this weight of sport which had long bur- 

 dened his mind into the ears of a few delighted 

 listeners, who in early spring, with rod and reel, 

 are wont to tempt the wary trout from lake and 

 stream, rugged fellows they, willing to breast the 

 icy breezes and the drifted snow for a good day's 

 sport and the prospect of a generous spoil. 



First, there was Charley W., who delights to see 

 his fellow- men well clothed, and who, when sum- 

 mer breezes blow, dons the seaman's garb, and 

 from the deck of his swift-going yacht drinks in 

 the grandeur of old ocean's waves, as the beautiful 

 craft settles down to her work, and parts the water 

 like a thing of life. 



And Johnny L . Every one knows Johnny ; 



a perfect Apollo, both in form and voice ; good at 

 a story, better at a song ; and, if report be true 

 (and sure it must when from such a source it 

 comes), to his already shining stars he has lately 

 astonished the world, and a neighboring city, by 

 appearing as a "Burlesque Comet." 



Then a "Mammoth Cod," a half-amphibious 

 fellow, who likes the water most every way except 

 as a steady beverage, another Charley, fond of 

 fun and fishing, he must needs be stirred up at the 

 glowing tale, and consents most willingly to join 

 the merry crew. 



