NEW BRUNSWICK. 125 



an expanse of clear water spread out at our feet, into 

 which, after each rush, the fish could be easily led, and 

 where his mad leaps were the only risk. It was our 

 first fish, and I exercised ■ the utmost care ; not till he 

 was almost dead did I force him to the surface, where 

 Abraham, with one blow of his gaff, brought our prize 

 to land. 



What a beauty she was ! The small, delicate head 

 pronounced her a female, the destined parent of myriads 

 cut off in her prime. The brilliancy of her flashing 

 scales gave token that not long since had she been roam- 

 ing free from danger along the shores of the seacoast, 

 and her broad back and deep chest announced her heavy 

 weight. Glorious in her outward appearance, our keen 

 appetites pictured to our imaginations the rich red flesh 

 in layers, with flakes of pearly fat between, the delicate 

 thin sides of the stomach, the depth of solidity in her 

 broad back. Our thoughts dwelt for a moment on the 

 fine juicy flavor her fifteen good pounds would furnish 

 for many a meal. But above all did we recollect with 

 pride how well both of us had done in killing the first 

 salmon in the Miramichi. 



Mr. Dalton had been watching the contest from the 

 bank opposite, and we returned together to the camp, 

 where libations were duly poured forth in honor of our 

 first capture, and preparations were made for a grand 

 entertainment. 



That evening around the fire, after supper was finished, 

 and the genial pipe was soothing as well as invigorating 

 our minds, and after several personal adventures had 

 -been related, Duncan commenced the following history of 



