THE OLD ADIRONDACKS 



changing outline of shore. In a dreamland of listless 

 and " sweet do-nothing " the hours lapse away. Cigar 

 after cigar melts into smoke. Lunch is leisurely eaten 

 meanwhile. Through the outlet of one lake into the 

 next, winding through many a tortuous stream, glid- 

 ing past many an islet, with one boat ahead and an- 

 other astern, and the mechanical oars dripping dia- 

 monds of spray that flash in the sun — what can be 

 more deliciously pleasant — what freedom from anxiety 

 and business cares so complete ! 



" Halloo, guide, what's that ? Struck something ? 

 Good gracious, you ain't going to stop here in this 

 sedge-grass ! Why, the pesky mosquitoes are thicker 

 than lightning. Whew ! I can't stand this ! They'll 

 eat us alive." 



" Got to carry over here, mister. It's only a mile 

 and a half." 



A mile and a half to tramp through woods, mud, 

 and mosquitoes. 



Ah I the lake once more I This is bliss ! What a 

 relief to get on the water again, and away from the 

 mosquitoes ! How clear it is ! What beautiful 

 shores I Anon into the noble Raquette, with trees 

 overarching, current sluggishly flowing, still waters 

 running deep. Just here the current is swifter. Toss 

 your fly in, where it breaks over that rock. A trout ! 

 Play him well — a large fellow, too ! Well landed — 

 no time to stop long — we'll pick them out as we pro- 

 ceed. The trout always lie among the rocks, in the 



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