BLACK BASS. 361 
marvelously short space of time both inhabitants and visit- 
ers adopted my method; but there was no use in being 
jealous, for there was enough sport and to spare for all. 
Another admirable bait for this gamest of fresh-water fish 
is the craw-fish just after it has cast its shell; and as it is 
clean and easily handled, it is much sought after, but unfor- 
tunately is very difficult to procure, for at the period that 
it is in its primest condition it is generally buried several 
inches beneath the mud. Americans have reason to be 
proud of the black bass, for its game qualities endear it to 
the fisherman, and its nutty, sweet flavor to the gourmand. 
The black bass is an extremely free feeder, and is caught 
in all the various ways used to capture trout. He rises 
freely at the fly; with minnow or worm, craw-fish, spoon- 
bait, or almost any artificial device, he can be taken. On 
being hooked, generally the first effort he makes for free- 
dom is to spring from the water. Look out, Mr. Angler ; 
dip your rod in courtesy to him; for if you neglect the 
requisite salaam, your acquaintance will probably terminate. 
When this device has failed, with a purpose and force alike 
surprising, he makes a rush for parts unknown, and not un- 
til every effort, every trick is put in practice that is known 
to the fish family, can you get the slightest chance to use 
your landing-net. JI have frequently, after a long and fierce 
struggle, been about to place the net under him, but the 
movement was enough: though apparently exhausted, the 
fish took a new lease of life, and a further trial of patience 
was demanded before I could call the prize mine. In shape 
-the black bass much resembles a well-fed trout; but is 
deeper, and thicker made, while the tail is remarkable for 
its breadth. Their weight varies from one pound to five 
pounds; yet, on the Niagara River, near the village of 
Chippewa, I captured a splendid fellow quite eight pounds; 
but I was then assured that I had reason to congratulate 
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