92 THE SALMON. 



break near it or strike at it with his tail, without, how- 

 ever, showing the slightest desire to take it in his mouth. 



A fish hooked foul, though he gives a great deal of 

 trouble, and often breaks the tackle, does not afford half 

 the legitimate sport of one that has the hook in the 

 mouth. 



When fish are playing thus, and it is fully determined 

 that they will not take the allurement presented them, 

 no matter how attractive, it becomes necessary to substi- 

 tute another, and continue so doing till their dainty pal- 

 ates are satisfied. 



When they finally take hold, have a care for their first 

 rush ; the pain, if pain they feel, or astonishment, drives 

 them wild, and they dash and fling themselves about, 

 leap out of water, and carry on generally in a manner to 

 surprise weak nerves. Finding their efforts to escape 

 vain, they will dart down the nearest rapids, and here 

 they must be followed if the water is too shallow for the 

 canoe, by the angler, with the agility of the antelope. 

 He must have feet, hands, and eyes for everything. The 

 fish must be guided through the safest current, the line 

 kept clear of rocks, while the angler must pursue his 

 course through pools and over ledges and bowlders, slip- 

 pery with the water, and requiring the sureness of foot 

 of the chamois. On, on he must go, regardless of falls 

 or bruises, his reel making sweet music to the uncoiling 

 line, keeping within sight of his prey till the latter 

 reaches the next pool or resting-place. After an hour's 

 struggle in this, he may take down another rapid in the 

 same vigorous style. In these descents the angler will 

 find his gaff, if shod with iron, a great convenience in 



