NEW BRUNSWICK. 133 



Ing half the dinner ourselves, hut with a glorious feeling 

 of entire independence, the heavens ahove, the earth 

 beneath^ and all nature round us,.we had a splendid time, 

 and many fish came to our net. 



Thus the pleasant days flew by; the sport ever 

 honest, manly, invigorating and exciting, varying in 

 luck, at times abundant in its yield, and then utterly 

 unproductive — the uncertainty added zest ; while the 

 evenings and hot middays were enlivened with the story, 

 joke or latest novel. Many an idle hour, when the sun 

 shone too resplendent for the hope of sport, did we 

 while away, the men seated or stretched at length in 

 various picturesque attitudes, and one of us reading 

 aloud. But the time came when this was to end, and on 

 the eleventh day the edict was promulgated to break up 

 camp and return. 



The tent fell and was packed, the pots and pans were 

 huddled together, our camp stores stowed, and we reem- 

 barked for the descent of the river. Keeping rods 

 ready for an occasional cast, we swept along ; the water 

 was high, our men were good boatmen, the canoes were 

 strong, and we rushed through the foaming torrent at a 

 gallant rate. 



At Rocky Bend my friend struck five fine grilse suc- 

 cessively, and lost all but one, much to his chagrin. He 

 laid it to the size of his hooks, alleging they were too 

 large ; but what genius will arise to explain how it is that 

 salmon break away without any severe strain on, or 

 damage to, the tackle. Is it a defect in the shape of the 

 hook ? If so, should it bend to one side, or curve in or out 

 at the point % Or is it in the force of striking, or place 



