GENERAL INFORMATION AND ADVICE. 229 



to do this there is nothing better that I know of than the 

 long dark moss growing on the bottom of swift mountain 

 streams, washed free of sand, wrung as dry as possible and 

 put in the basket in such a way that it forms a thick lining. 

 Lay the fish in this nice and straight, all on their backs, 

 and put a layer of the moss over them. You can carry them 

 all day and when you get home and open up the basket you 

 will find the fish firm, cool and moist, with their pretty 

 colors unmarred. I have been thinking of trout fishing when 

 writing this and I realize that the greatest number of fisher- 

 men fish where this moss cannot be found. As a substitute, 

 equally good, use large green dock leaves, a good thick lining 

 and they will answer the same purpose. Don't use grass or 

 fern if you can get either of these others, as these spoil 

 the appearance of the fish. If you are on a trip of several 

 days' duration you should dress your catch as soon as 

 possible after catching and pack them in cool, damp moss, 

 back down. 



