EASY-CHAIR MEMORIES 115 



forests and lakes to be found from the Mississippi 

 River to Hudson's Bay. His business in life was 

 to act as a guide for sportsmen, particularly 

 fishermen, naturalists, and those enthusiasts 

 who think it a fine thing to get away from the 

 "madding crowd" of the cities and business 

 and_off for camping out in the woods. Fergy 

 was the very man to take them anywhere and 

 instruct them in all the mysteries of the woods, 

 and explain to them the habits and manners and 

 customs of the inhabitants thereof. In all these 

 things Fergy was a truthful adept ; but, beyond 

 and above all, Fergy was a marvellous spinner 

 of yarns. Not the least remarkable thing about 

 him was the cool, calm, matter-of-fact way in 

 which he would pour forth the most astounding 

 lies for the instruction of the "city fellers." The 

 book is mostly made up of Fergy's yarns. 

 Although, as I have said, anglers are naturally 

 the most truthful of the human race, I am sure 

 that if surprised they will not be shocked at the 

 droll exaggerations they will find in this volume. 

 The stories are all too long to quote any one of 

 them at full length, as I should like to do, but 

 I will give a few specimens to give an idea of 

 Fergy's humour, 



