CHAPTER IX. 



AMUSEMENT FOR THE LADIES. 



BALLOON OR FLOAT FISHING. 



REAT sport is had by the ladies at the summer 

 resort lakes and ponds, and many other waters 

 of a similar description, by a species of amuse- 

 ment called float-fishing. This is performed as 

 follows : A number of bladders, rubber balloons, or floats of 

 wood, or cork, are procured, to which is attached to a stick 

 passing through the float, or to the bladder or balloon, a line 

 from six to eight feet long, on which is whipped a suitable 

 hook baited with a minnow, as described in former pages, so 

 that the bait will not be injured, but can swim near the sur- 

 face of the water ; a few split-shot or a small sinker, to keep it 

 a little below the surface, being necessary. 



These implements of the art, say from six to twelve, are 

 then placed on the lake or pond where the fish are usually 

 found. The ladies take their position on the veranda of the 

 hotel, if near the fishing-ground, or otherwise in their boats 

 in readiness to push oft from shore. When the fish begin to 

 bite, away go the floats, and away go the ladies with their 

 boats after them. The resistance of the float generally 

 hooks the fish, and a large one will sometimes cause the in- 

 strument of his capture to disappear for a time beneath the 



