LAKE SUPERIOR. 45 



Looking back it seemed as though we gazed upon 

 a hill covered with water instead of up a river, and 

 nothing but practical experience would convince a 

 tyro that it could be navigated in safety with a birch 

 canoe. Exhilarated with the pleasurable sensations 

 we had enjoyed, and satisfied that the trout were 

 not in a rising mood that day at least, we returned 

 to the hotel. 



The few fish we had killed were transferred by 

 our host to the cook, and reappeared on table in fine 

 style. After discussing an excellent dinner and 

 comparing notes with the other fishermen present, 

 we accepted the invitation of the canal superinten- 

 dent to examine the locks and visit his pond of tame 

 trout. We found the canal an admirable structure, 

 expensively built, and of a size to accommodate the 

 largest steamers that navigate Lake Superior ; not, 

 however, being skilful in works of that character, 

 we felt more interest in the trout pond. 



The latter was quite small, fed by a pipe from the 

 canal that cast up a jet in the centre, and was filled 

 with over a hundred of fine, large, active trout, 

 weighing from one to four pounds. They were 

 wonderfully gentle, would feed from the hand, allow 

 any one to scratch their sides and lift them from the 

 water, and if one end of the food was held fast, they 

 would tug like good fellows at the other. When 

 we held a piece of bait between the first finger and 

 thumb, and at the same time presented the little 

 finger, they would frequently seize the latter by 

 mistake ; and although on that occasion they let go 



