BLACK BASS. 361 



marvelously short space of time both inhabitants and visit- 

 ors adopted my method; but there was no use in being 

 jealous, for there was enough sport and to spare for all. 

 Another admirable bait for this gamest of fresh-water fish 

 is the craw-fish just after it has cast its shell; and as it is 

 clean and easily handled, it is much sought after, but unfor- 

 tunately is very difficult to procure, for at the period that 

 it is in its primest condition it is generally buried several 

 inches beneath the mud. Americans have reason to be 

 proud of the black bass, for its game qualities endear it to 

 the fisherman, and its nutty, sweet flavor to the gourmand. 

 The black bass is an extremely free feeder, and is caught 

 in all the various ways used to capture trout. He' rises 

 freely at the fly ; with minnow or worm, craw-fish, spoon- 

 bait, or almost any artificial device, he can be taken. On 

 being hooked, generally the first effort he makes for free- 

 dom is to spring from the water. Look out, Mr. Angler ; 

 dip your rod in courtesy to him; for if you neglect the 

 requisite salaam, your acquaintance will probably terminate. 

 When this device has failed, with a purpose and force alike 

 surprising, he makes a rush for parts unknown, and not un- 

 til every effort, every trick is put in practice that is known 

 to the fish family, can you get the slightest chance to use 

 your landing-net. I have frequently, after a long and fierce 

 struggle, been about to place the net under him, but the 

 movement was enough : though apparently exhausted, the 

 fish took a new lease of life, and a further trial of patience 

 was demanded before I could call the prize mine. In shape 

 the black bass much resembles a well-fed trout; but is 

 deeper, and thicker made, while the tail is remarkable for 

 its breadth. Their weight varies from one pound to five 

 pounds; yet, on the Niagara River, near the village of 

 Chippewa, I captured a splendid fellow quite eight pounds; 

 but I was then assured that I had reason to congratulate 



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