322 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



Trinity and Bonavista bays, and of the Atlantic Ocean in 

 the distance northward, were splendid. There was an evi- 

 dent use in the laud — westward from Random Bar. 



'■These paps consist of pink and grey granite, very coarse 

 grained. They lie northward and southward of eacfi 

 other, and seem to belong to a primitive range that exhibits 

 itself at distant spots above the transition clay slate for- 

 mation. They stand like imperishable monuments of the 

 original construction of the earth, overlooking the less 

 perfectly chrystalized rocks around them mouldering into 

 soil. The granite often appears in the form of round 

 backed hills. On the crumbled surface of some of these 

 thai are nol yet. covered with vegetation, fragments of mica 

 Slate are sometimes mixed. On the surface" of the vegeta- 

 tion with which others are covered, huge masses or bould- 

 ers of very hard and sienitic granite often apparently lie; 

 but on examination arfe found to rest on their parent uncles 

 underneath, as it were deserted by the more perishable por- 

 tions of the original bed. Greenstone of a very perfect 

 double oblique seamed structure, which owes its green 

 color to an intimate association in various proportions with 

 cldorite, alternates in the clay slate formation, and appears 

 next in elevation to thegranite; it presents plain weathered 

 surfaces, resembling yellow gray sandstone, owing to the 

 decomposition of its chief component part— feldspar. The 

 clay slate rocks are distinctly seen at all the brooks and 

 lakes within eighteen or twenty miles of the sea. Beyond 

 that the primitive rocks prevail. 



"The forest, it may be useless to repeat, is composed al- 

 most entirely of trees of the pine tribe, firs, in general fit 

 for small spars, the black and red spruce, pinus nigra, and 

 pnihra predominating. In some favored spots a few 

 birches, larch, and pinus Syln-Hris, attain a considerable 

 Size. Birch is the only deciduous timber tret: met with in 

 Newfoundland; there being here neither becel), maple 

 (except the two diminutive species already noticed), oak, 

 nor ash, all common on the neighboring islands and con- 

 tinent. 



"Marshes and lakes lie hidden in the forest, Every 

 marsh is accompanied almost invariably by a lake, and 

 every hill also by a lake— of proportional extent at its fool, 

 and the three are frequently found together. We traveled 

 on the rising ground in order to avoid the lakes. 



"On the skirts of the forestand of the marshes are found 

 the following trce3 and shrubs — poplar, alder, birches, wil- 

 low, Indian pear, wild gooseberry, wild currant, raspber- 

 ries, yellow flowering honey suckle, Indian or Labrador 

 tea, Ledum latifolium ntyrica, etc. 



"The marshes consist, of what is termed marsh peat, 

 formed chiefly of the mosses, Sphagnum cttpil lifoiiuia, 

 and are for the most part covered with grasses, rushes, etc. 

 Some portions of the marshes retain more water than 

 Others, and here the prevalent plants are a variety of 

 rushes. Other spots of the marshes are raised above the 

 common surface, owing generally to the projection ot the 

 underlying rocks, and consequently retain less moisture. 

 Hero the Kalmia AwjintifiAin. sometimes occupies entire 

 acres, and in the flowering season displays (as may be seen 

 in the vicinity of St. Johns) a very brilliant appearance. 

 The Hh.niudrndrou punctatum, which puts forth its 

 delicate lilac blossoms before its leaves, is also common. 

 The pools and hikes shone brilliantly with white and yel- 

 low w titer lilies. 



"Under the shade of the forest the soil is light, dry, very 

 rocky, of a yellow brown color, and covered everywhere 

 with a beautiful thick carpet of green moss — formed prin- 

 cipally of Polytrichum commune. As there are few or no 

 eciduoua or leaf shedding trees, decay of foliage adds 

 little or nothing to ameliorate or enrich the soil, "and the 

 velvet-like covering remains unsullied by fallen leaves. 



"There being neither browse, grass, nor berries in any 

 quantity in the pine forest, even traces of tiny kind o"f 

 game are seldom seen. Hence the necessity of carrying a 

 stock Of provisions while traveling through such woods. 

 Yet a heavy load prevents expedition and observing much 

 of the natural .couditou of the country. The brooks are 

 only visited by otters; the pools and small hikes by hearers 

 and musltrats. The martin, MuMeli martin, is sometimes 

 seen on the trees. Of the feathered tribe. Hie .lay, Coram 

 V.niitdtiim,", and sometimes the titmouse followed Us, ehal- 



II, ■ iiiil fluttering, showing that their retreats were never 

 before invaded by man. A woodpecker, of which there 

 are two or three kinds, is now and then heard tapping, 

 and sometimes the distant croak of a raven catches the ear. 

 These are the only interruptions to the dead silence that 

 always and everywhere reigns during the day in such for- 

 ests/ Man alone forces his way fearlessly onward; scarce 

 a sound being beard except he is directly or indirectly the 

 cause. The loud notes of the loon, Vulyuilns Arctieun and 

 ColymbUi glacialis, discovered to us at night, as we lay in 

 our camp, in what direction the lakes lay that we were 

 near, and we thus avoided them if in our course next day. 

 The loon, like the other aquatic bints of passage, geese 

 and ducks, is most alert in the night lime, when the per- 

 manent inhabitants of the country are at rest. Almost 

 every lake is occupied during the breeding season by a pair 

 of these nocturnal clamorers. 



"It is impossible in an unknown country, and one iuto 

 which for centuries admission was in a manner denied, to 

 reconcile oneself with certainty as to who are fellow occu- 

 pants around— aborigines might have wandered from the 

 more central parts of the island to our neighltoi hood and 

 espy our lire Iron; a distance and steal upon us unawares. 

 No civilized being had been here before, nor was any now 

 expected. Apprehensions and thoughts ot no ordinary 

 kind occupy the mind unaccustomed to the uulroddeu, 

 boundless wilderness. Sleep is not looked to*. 



"We had as yet shot only a few braces of grouse, THrao 

 albus, while crossing tUeopen rooky spots in the woods, 

 and our stock of provisions was nearly consumed. 



'•The heat, in Ihe woods was very oppressive, and there 

 being no circulation of air under the trees, myriads of mos- 

 quitoes, with black and sand flies, annoyed us, 



"We lodged at night under the thickest of the woods, 

 encamping or bivouacking in the Indian manner. As the 

 weather was hue, (this was agreeable and cheerful. Famili- 

 arity with this transient system of sheltering, adopted 

 from expo lienor, is soon acquired. It may be shortly de- 

 Continuing our journey about an hour before 

 sunset, a dry, lirm spot of ground on which to make a lire 

 and 10 sleep" under the thickest of the trees for shelter is 

 pitched upon as near as possible to water, and an easy sup- 

 ply of wood lor fuel. Care nhoukl be taken that the spot, 

 sefeeted be not hollow underneath the moss that covers the 

 ground, for in that case the lire, which always consumes 

 ils own bed, may sin];: before the night so far below the 

 BUi'face as to be useless, and expose a cavity amongst 



blocks of granite into which the firebrands have fallen, 

 mid sulllcient to swallow up any slutnbercr that, might 

 chance to slide into it. Arms and knapsacks are then 

 piled; as much wood is cut and brought to (he soot as will 

 serve to keep up a good fire all night. Tinder is made by 

 pulverizing a small piece of dry, rotten wood and a little 

 gunpowder together between the hands, and ignited by a 

 spark from Ihe lock of a fowling piece, or by any other 

 means; the smoke of the firo affords instant relief from 

 the constant devouring enemy, the flies. Boughs are bro- 

 keu from the surrounding spruce trees, two or three arms' 

 ful each person, to serve to lie and sleep on; they are laid 

 on the ground at, the windward side of the fire to be free 

 from the smoke, tier upon tier as feathers upon the back of 

 a bird, the thick or broken ends placed in lines towards the 

 fire, and forminga kind of mat three or four inches in thick- 

 ness. A few light poles are are then stuck in the ground 

 along the windward side of the bed, inclined in an angle 

 of about, 4.V over it, towards the fire, on which to Stretch 

 a blanket to serve as a roof-screen in the event of rain dur- 

 ing the night; the upper ends of the poles rest on a hori- 

 zontal ridge pole which is suspended at, each end liy a 

 forked Stick, Or a post. The camp being now ready "for 

 the general accommodation, wet clothes are taken off, and 

 Supper is prepared accordingly. 



"The labor of exploring and hunting is such that the 

 clothes are always wet from perspiration. A forked stick 

 stuck in the ground is used for roasting by; and some 

 pieces of rind of a birch or spruce tree serves for table- 

 cloth, platter, and torches. To make a camp after a day's 

 hard fatigue requires about an hour, and the whole should 

 be done before it is dark. Then, ami not till then, is it 

 proper to sit down to rest, After supper, each, when dis- 

 pensed, rolls himself up in his blanket and reposes on his 

 fragrant bed id boughs, placing the soles of the feet near 

 Ihe lire. This precaution Ihe Indian strictly adheres to, as 

 a preservation of health, the feet being wet all day. 

 (To be continued.) 



THE MUSKOKA 



For I'oretl and Stream. 

 REGION. 



BY referring to the Fokest AKD Stueam of October 

 1st the reader will find a synopsis of the principal 

 lakes and rivers, together with minute directions regarding 

 the most, feasible route to the Muskoka region. 



Desirable localities, easy of access, where good fishing 

 and shooting may be enjoyed conjointly with comfortable 

 hotel accomodations, are rare. Tlte writer proposes briefly 

 to set forth the merits and demerits of this section, and the 

 reader can use his own discretion regarding a trip thither- 

 ward. 



Mv wife, a young lady and myself arrived at Toronto, 

 Ontario, about .Inly loth, 1874. We found the "Queen's 

 Hotel" very comfortable, and were much pleased with it in 

 every way; charges, $3 each per day in gold. The trip by 

 the .Northern railway is a delightful one; we left, by ibis 

 route at 4 P. M., anil arrived at Lake Couchicbing Hotel at 

 10 same evening. The hotel is delightfully located about a 

 mile from the pretty little Swiss station; and the drive to 

 it, through the grove, over the point, impresses one favor- 

 ably. Tlie building is a fine one anil commands an exten- 

 sive view of the lake from which it takes its mime. The 

 lawn is artistically laid out and kept with faultless care; 

 everything indicates a most charming resort. It. was the 

 writer's expectation to leave the ladies here for a few weeks 

 and to thoroughly explore as much of the sporting country 

 beyond as the time would permit; but the hotel, notwith- 

 standing its complete appointments and charming location, 

 was so badly managed that on Monday morning "the ladies 

 resolved lo brave the fourteen mile "carry," and to lis, 

 unknown country beyond, rather than submit to the dis- 

 comforts of the hotel. 



Telegraphing to the terminus of the railway for a pri- 

 vate conveyance, insured us a pleasant ride toGravenhurst. 

 The stage is usually crowded and has no protection from 

 rain or sun, and as the cost is but little for the private con- 

 vevancc, it is much preferable. The steamboat ride hence 

 to Pratt's, is superlatively charming. A pamphlet ac- 

 curately describing the trip, giving distances, &c, 

 may be obtained by addressing A. P. Ooekburn, M. P. P., 

 Toronto. 



Pratt's Hotel is delightfully situated at the head of Lake 

 Bosseau; it is well kept anil proved to be exactly the place 

 we were seeking. The hotel was crude and Unfinished, but 

 so clean and neatly served was everything, we did not feel 

 tlie want the unfinished condition otherwise would have 

 made apparent; indeed we were glad to put up with the 

 trilling Inconveniences, as they added the charm of novelty. 

 The charges were $ I per day, gold; it is the expectation, 

 however, of the landlord 10 charge somewhat higher rates 

 when all is completed— say ten to twelve dollars each pet- 

 week. The house is comfortably furnished, has a large 

 parlor, good piano and enough conveniences. It is roman- 

 tically located near and commands a tine view of the lake. 

 Good guides, or more properly, men to row, may be ob- 

 tained for J2 per day each, including boat. We heard in 

 Toronto many reports concerning the size and number of 

 maakiuongc, but found none in ibis seclion, nor do we be- 

 lieve there are any except in the Severn River. One who 

 understands landing black bass may take from ten to fifty 

 during the morning, averaging two and a half pounds each. 

 They will not rise to a tly in this seclion. Still fishing 

 with live minnows, and trailing the same along the water 



t May t 



near the shores, usually 

 eyed pike are no 

 nine pounds. It 

 are taken. We 

 irondacks I hey 

 August, but this 

 Lakes Muskok 

 streams, 



, Boss. 



ptn 



led satisfactory spoil. Wall- 

 the largest we caught weighed 

 I June quantities of salmon trout 

 me. In certain pans of the Ad- 

 hf trolling during July and 



and Joseph are connected by 

 in their physical and piscatorial 

 Characteristics; a description of ou e answers for all. The 

 country is undulating, almost hilly; Ihe borders of the 

 lakes rocky and picturesque, often rising fifty feet above the 

 surface of the waler. Beautiful mosses carpet the rocks 

 ,ii, ,1 gnarled roots and branches add quainlness and beauty 

 LO lilt) scenery. Blueberry bushes 'luxuriate on the islands 

 which everywhere dot the lakes; dainty little groves and 

 mossy banks often limes lure the weary sportsman from his 

 boat to their drowsy depths. A few r settlers are scattered 

 about, several miles apart, primeval forest covers I bo earth, 

 even to the water's edge, and nature reigns ill her primitive 

 wilduess. Occasional fires have marred the beauty or the 

 landscape. 



At Pratt's, or Rossettu, as it is called, are a few houses, a 



telegraphic office. and store. Everything indicates' frontier 

 life, and luxuries are rare indeed. We saw traces of deer 

 within three miles from the hotel; bears occasionally make 

 Iheir appearance, but are harmless if let alone. We have 

 read of wolves lurking near and stealing iu their shadows 

 towards their prey, but saw none. 



There is a good road running to Lake Nepissing, about 

 sixty miles distant, crossing the Maganelewan about half 

 that distance from Bosseau. We did not go far into ibis 

 section, but unhesitatingly recommend what we saw of it 

 to sportsmen. Deer and trout abound but are not to be 

 had for the asking; skill, patience and experience are neces- 

 sary adjuncts. Some half a dozen miles into tint woods 

 we found a pond possibly a quarter of a mile in length, 

 from which we look, during one morning, nine brook trout 

 weighing in the aggregate fourteen pounds; largest, two and 

 three quarters pounds. Mosquitoes numerous and are a pest ; 

 the mixture of tar and oil is a palliative. Excursion tickets 

 for the round trip from Toronto can be purchased for six 

 dollars, gold. We also recommend Frazer's, at head of 

 Joseph Lake; it is a very desirable place to put up at. 

 Fishing here is better for black bass than in either of the 

 other hikes noted. 



Comparing the relative merits of this section with the 

 Adirondaeks we first note the absence of mountains; this 

 .serves to give a less romantic effect to the scenery; other- 

 wise it is similar, possibly less beautiful. Camping out is 

 rarely practiced, therefore the hotel proprietors have no 

 outfits, And cannot be depended upon for a supply. Fishing, 

 except for brook trout, in this country is superior to the 

 Adirondaeks. The guides know the" country and are re- 

 liable. Pic-nicking here is very enjoyable. Bay after day 

 may be delightfully passed rowing ou the lake, wandering 

 Overtbe islands and catching bass to Ihe heart's content. 



Life here is peculiarly adapted for ladies desiring some- 

 thing a shade more romantic and several shades less fashion- 

 able than the favored places of resort, in Ihe States. Those 

 seeking wilder recreations have only to bring their own 

 "kit" and penetrate deeper into the forest; they will find a 

 country extending to the polar regions scarcely trodden by 

 the feet, of any but the aborigines and the hardy trapper. 

 Much that litis been told of this country is untrue conse- 

 quently we were disappointed, because misin formed. The 

 resources for pleasure are great, but depend upon Ihe in- 

 genuity of the tourist for development. C. M. Book. 



For For*tt and Shrum. 

 WINTER FISHING IN LAKE PEPIN. 



imuehnatiso and anadromotjs fishes, etc. 



THE lake was closed here about four weeks ago, and 

 siuee that time the weather has been almost like fin 

 Indian Summer, and no snow of consequence. The fish- 

 ing through Ihe ice commenced just as soon as it was Strong 

 enough to hold up a man. The pike perch and pickerel are 

 Ihe fish sought, As stated in a previous article Ihe pike- 

 perch select their spawning grounds just as soon as the lake 

 is frozen over, and one acquainted with this fact, and know- 

 ing the kind of bottom they seek, will be sure lo find the 

 fish. It is a fact lhar, they are never 'taken on the same 

 grounds in the Summer. 1 believe Ibat no other fish selects 

 its bed so lone before spawning, and remains so long watch- 

 ing it. The pickerel will sometimes make a foray among 

 and scatter them, but they are sine to return again* as soon 

 as the pickerel is caught out. The most successful bait 

 is the brook chub. To obtain this bait the various streams 

 in all Ibis part of the country have been nearly depopu- 

 lated and robbed of their beautiful little finny tribes. 

 Another method, (not very commendable,) of taking these 

 fish is to build over a hole cut through the ice a small 

 shanty made close and warm. Tneu Ihe fisherman seal* 

 hiinst'lf over the hole and tingles an artificial minnow, made 

 bright and attractive, until a lisli is allured in sight, when 

 the cruel spear quickly defends and brings the suffering 

 lish out of the wau-r. These slianlies are often provided 

 with a stove, and thus Ihe lisberinan is enabled lo eoniinue 

 his cruel sport in all weathers Spearing fish has no at- 

 tractions for me, and somehow I uiierly detest it. It is 

 cruel and barbarous, besides very unsportsmanlike, at least 

 it seems so to me. Taking them through Ihe ice With hook 

 and line is bad enough. There sei njS, however, some 

 shadow of excuse, for thus taking them in the Winter. In 

 the Summer but few are caught in any way. Somelimes 

 whole seasons will pass and not fifty takeii in the entire 

 lake; and being, as everybody knows", a very choice tisli, il; 

 is haul lo resist ihe temptation lo lake them when and tit. 

 whatever season they can be found. The reason for iheir 

 scarcity in the lake during the Summer is this; like the 

 ml/mo, they delight in running water in warm wealher, 

 consequently, they flee to the rivers unlil the lime to select 

 iheir spawning beds, when they will again seek still water. 

 There has been, however, seasons when myself and others 

 have caught a good many of these fish wiih rod and line, 

 but I believe the great mass of llieui seek running water. 

 They ire always very plenty in the Summer, just out of I in- 

 take above and below. 



The pike and pickerel are the only fish taken here in the 

 Winter. It is strange to many what becomes of the count- 

 less numbers of other game Ush that throng these waters 

 in the Summer season. Bass, which are so numerous then, 

 are never seen in the Winter. 1 am quite sure that nol a 

 single bass was ever caught here through the ice. 1 have 

 for years tried all depths of water lo raise one, or to dis- 

 cover one, nut have thus far failed. 1 must, believe, then, 

 that they hibernate. This habit of the black bass 1 believe 

 was some few years ago discovered in the Potomac, but I 

 believe the habit also belongs to the sniped bass, (Hetibru 

 tiiieatus,) for Ihe most diligent search for them iu the 

 Winter has also been without avail. Sometimes a cattish 

 is taken in the Winter, but very seldom. They are very 

 numerous in the Summer and bite readily at most any bait- 

 But they disappear in the Winter, into the mud 1 believe. 

 The sturgeons seek deep water, where they remain during 

 the Winter mouths. Tlie Catnxtomw or suckers,seek muddy 

 bottoms, half bury themselves and remain in a semi-dor- 

 mant state. But the most numerous of all the fishes in this 

 lake, and in the Upper Mississippi, is A. clupea, called here 

 the skip jack. It is one of the most beautiful fresh water 

 fishes known, averaging, perhaps, about two pounds in 

 weight. They are not regarded with much favor for the 

 table, although the flavor is fine, but they are bony and 

 soft in wat iu weather. They are great biters and game lo 

 Ihe last; just as gamey as a black bass, only they will not 

 hold out as long. They take the fly readily and afford fine 



