LOUIS D^RY. 27 



before attempting to overcome the last gi-and impediment, 

 whilst reposing at this resting place, dreaming of no evil 

 from human hand, and occupied only with their fluvial 

 difficulties, Louis Dery used quietly to approach the 

 roaring gulf, lower into its depths a ladder about five and 

 twenty feet long, which, being held in its perilous position 

 by his wife, he clung to with one hand, while with the 

 other armed with a long-handled-polenet, he mercilessly 

 scooped out four, five, or six fine salmon at a time, — 

 handing the pole of the net to his wife, who assisted him 

 in drawing them up the side of the precipice, and carrying 

 them alive and with care to a reservoir of water filled by 

 copious springs only a few paces distant ; where the 

 captives used to remain until a sufficient number was 

 collected to be sent to the Quebec market. 



When the water was low, Dery used sometimes to descend 

 this dangerous ladder without the assistance of his wife ; and 

 rumour says that she often took his place on the slippery 

 rounds, when any undue excitement rendered it probable 

 that his footing would not be so firm or his hand so steady 

 as usual. 



But this wholesale slaughter is now at an end ; the 

 fishing of the river has been leased by a gentleman of 

 Quebec, whose object is to protect and perpetuate the 

 salmon, while affording to the fair fisherman every reason- 

 able opportunity for the enjoyment of a day's sport. 



Strange names have been given by the Canadians to the 



