DAYS ON THE NEPIGON. 



He looks the fighter, having the neck and 

 shoulders of the pugilist, but is rather too 

 beautiful, which, however, does not always 

 follow, and there is lacking a little of the 

 Irish in his composition, though when put to 

 the crowning test, he hangs on with bulldog 

 tenacity, lacking only the resourcefulness of 

 the small-mouth black bass, the generally 

 recognized champion of finny warriors, and 

 of whom I can well believe that, inch for inch 

 and pound for pound, he is the gamest fish 

 that swims. He takes the fly readily; and 

 then watch out, for he performs aplenty, has 

 a genius for battle fairly dazzling, and will 

 test your skill and tackle to the uttermost; 

 for every moment he is fighting with a cour- 

 age that is unshakable. 



The bass has no elaborately planned pro- 

 gram, and does not fight in accordance with 

 recognized rules. He makes his own rules 

 and regulations, applying them as conditions 

 arise ; and not even momentarily can you relax 

 vigilance, else woe betide you ; for he is master 

 of every curve, drop and up-shoot, and needs 

 69 



