50 SEA TROUT. 



Neither does tlie size of hook differ from that ordi- 

 narily in use ; it should average about a number nine, 

 with a few somewhat larger for rough water. It is 

 rarely desirable, on account of the enormous size of the 

 fish, to use more than one fly at a time, and generally 

 the trout will soon remove the difficulty by reducing 

 them to that number ; but at times, when fish are shy, 

 they seem to be attracted by seeing several. In order to 

 kill the largest possible quantity, without any regard to 

 humanity or sportsmanship, a heavy fly-rod is desirable, 

 as much time is lost in landing them with a delicate 

 rod. 



For many hundred miles below Quebec, the majestic 

 St. Lawrence rolls its transparent waters in a steady 

 surge toward the ocean. Forward and backward heaves 

 the mighty tide, piling up the waters eighteen and 

 twenty feet ; but the steady current keeps on its course 

 toward the gulf. Into this wonderfal stream, that can 

 only be likened to an arm of the sea, at every few miles 

 debouches from the granite hills a river, more or less 

 extensive and more or less rocky and turbulent. These 

 rivers rise on the mountain tops, cold and clear, and 

 thunder down over falls and rapids, through chasms and 

 gorges split in the eternal rock, till they leap, tumble or 

 crawl into that outlet of a thousand lakes, the highway 

 of the Canadas. 



These streams the salmon and trout ascend, there to 

 disport themselves, there to make love, prepare their 

 nests, and perpetuate their species. The water is cool, 

 running from the frigid regions of the north or supplied 

 by icy springs, and the bottom offers every variety of 



