FOREST AND STREAM. 



387 



c 



ten miles in length, by from one to three in breadth, joined 

 by a strait to anutller lake nearly as large, lying; southeast, 

 called Burnt Bay Lake, and is one of the chain of lakes 

 connected by the East Bay River of the Bay of Despair, 

 already noticed, as running through Serpentine Luke, 

 which forms a part of the great route of the Indians. 



October Uth.—Wc left the veteran Mountaineer (James 

 John by name) much pleased with our having fallen in 

 ■with him. lie landed us from his canoe on the south shore 

 of the lake, and we took our departure for the westward, 

 alone; the south side. 



There in a considerable quantity of fir wood on the bor- 

 ders ot Jameson's Lake. We fell In with a Summer as well 

 as a Winter's beavers' house, both of them inhabited, evi- 

 dently by the same family, this being the time when they 

 are changing their abodes. We found none of them, how- 

 ever, at home; the houses were about half a mile apart, ihe 

 Summer one on the edge of hii artificial dam, and the Win- 

 ter one in the middle of a small pond, surrounded with 

 birch trees on the acclivity of a hill. The first snow fell 

 this afternoon with a gentle wind from the north-northeast, 

 aud so thick as to compel us to shelter and encamp in a 

 wood that happened fortunately to be so near. It con- 

 tinued to snow aio heavily, that at midnight our tire was ex- 

 tinguished, and firewood buried, But the sileiu uniform 

 fall and pressure of the snow over our screen, and the 

 blankets in which we were wrapped kept us warm; 



October 10t7c — In the morning three feet of snow covered 

 the ground in the woods, ami on the open ground it Was 

 deeper. Our provisions were exhausted, nor could we get 

 through the snow to look for game. Weakened and miser- 

 able we looked anxiously for a change of wind and a thaw, 

 The trees were loaded with snow. At night a thaw came, 

 hut with it a southerly wind that brought both the snow 

 aud many of the largest trees to the ground together. 

 There being no frost l'u the ground, the roots of the trees 

 were not suuioienlly bound in the earth to stand under the 

 extraordinary pressure of snow and wind. Our lire was 

 buried again" and again by the snow from the trees, and as 

 we were as likely to be killed while standing up as lying 

 down, by the trees that crashed aud shook the ground 

 around us all night, we lay still, wrapped in our blankets 

 amid the danger, aud providentially escaped unhurt. The 

 birch had attained a pretty large size iu this sheltered spot, 

 under the lee of a hill, which 1 called Mount Misery. Iu 

 the forest, while the storm ranges above, it is calm at 

 the foot of the trees. 



October \"th. — We were still storm-stayed, and could 

 only view the wreck of the forest close to us. Our situa- 

 tion was truly miserable; but the suow was fast melting 

 away. I felt, alarmed at the "Winter setting in thus early, 

 for the consequence ere we could reach the sea coast. 



October Villi.— The suow having shrunk a foot at least, 

 we left our wretched encampment, aud after a most labori- 

 ous walk of six or eight miles through, suow, thickets, and 

 swollen creeks, aud passing many deer, scraping holes in 

 the suow with their hoofs to reach the lichens underneath, 

 without, however, being able to get within shot Of them, 

 ■we uot only reached the Jake to the westward, but to our 

 great joy, also discovered iu consequence of meeting with 

 some of their martin traps, the encampment of the Indians, 

 of whom we had been told by the Mountaineer. My dress, 

 once-gray, nowbleeched white, was seen by some of the 

 Indians as we emerged from a spruce thicket, a great dis- 

 tance off . The party were encamped in one large wig- 

 warm, or kind of hut. We entered with littlo ceremony, 

 my Indian kissing them all — male and female. None of 

 them could speak FiUglish, and only one a little French. 

 A deer skin was spread for me to sit on, at the innermost 

 part of the dwelling. My Indian interpreted, aud intro- 

 duced me in the same particular terms as before. They 

 were Mickmacks and natives of -Newfoundland, and ex- 

 pressed themselves glad to see me in the middle of their 

 country, as the first white man that hail ever been here. 

 The. Indian amongst his fellows is a, purely self-dependent 

 being — an iuate power of self-denial raises him above de- 

 pendence upon others, and keeps him beyond their inter- 

 iereuee, even in distressing wants, which yields mental 

 triumph aud glory. Want implies inability iu the hunter. 

 I observed these people bestow, and my Indian receive at- 

 tention, with seeming indifference. He smoked the pipe 

 given to him with the same composure as after a feast, al- 

 though starvation and uuconcealable hunger were depicted 

 in his countenance. Supper was soon ready, which con- 

 sisted entirely of boiled venison. All seated around the 

 lire, in the centre of the wigwarm, partook at once, al- 

 though enfeebled by waut of sustenance, 1 could eat only a 

 few mouthfulls. The jaws would uot perform their office 

 without great pain from want of practice. Fortunately the 

 stomach .sympathised, for it could bear but little. They 

 told us that we might reach St. George's Bay in about leu 

 days; that they had left that place in the middle of Sum- 

 mer, and had since then been hunting in the western in- 

 terior—several weeks latterly haviug been spent at this 

 lake, where deer were plenty, and that they intended iu a 

 few weeks hence, before the lakes and rivers were frozen 

 over to repair to White Bear Bay, at the southward, to 

 spend the Winter; that place having been always celebra- 

 ted for immense herds ot deer passing by the Winter sea- 

 son. The Indian idea of a road is to Europeans little else 

 than a probability of reaching a distant place alive — and 

 1 foresaw from their report," much suffering before we 

 could reach St. George's Bay. Here were three families 

 amounting to thirteen persons iu number. The men aud 

 boys wore, surtouts made of deer skins, the hair outside, 

 bu't toned and belted round them, which looked neat and 

 comfortable. Their caps were of mixed fur; they had not 

 procured much fur for sale, only a few dozen martin, some 

 otter, muskrat skins; of beaver skins they had very few, as 

 heavers are scarce iu the western interior, it. being too 

 mountainous for woods, except on the sheltered borders of 

 some of the lakes. In the woods around the margin of this 

 lake the Indians had lines of path equal to eight or ten 

 miles iu extent, set with wooden traps, or dead falls, about 

 one hundred yards apart, bailed for martins, which they 

 visited every second day. They had two skin canoes in 

 which they paddled around the lake to visit their traps and 

 bring home i heir game. The lied Indian country we were 

 told" was about ten or fifteen miles northward of us, but 

 that ai this lime, as the .Mountaineer had likewise informed 

 us, these, people were all farther to the, northward, at the 

 Great Lake, where they were accustomed to lay up their 

 Winter stock of venison. Those people corroborated pre- 

 vious as well as subsequent inquiries, respecting the nuin- 

 her of their own, and of the other communicating tribes in 

 the Island. 



(To be covUmtetl.) 



Jf For Fore-it and Srri-am. 



THE NORTH WOODS WALTON CLUB. 



THE writer had the good fortune and great pleasure of 

 being one of thirty or more, who, in the leafy month 

 of June, 1S59, were camped with their guides on the 

 Fourth Lake of the Fulton Chain. If this article meets 

 the eye of any one of the number who were present on the 

 memorable occasion, the writer desires to extend to him his 

 cordial salutations. 



I believe that the Walton Club culminated at this time, 



i. e., that it never before or since included so many in one 



camp, whatever may have been the number, who since, in 



i separate companies, and in the name of the father of 



; Anglers, have sought the North Woods waters. 1 have met 



i such from time time roving iu different portions of the 



'• wilderness on their delightful excursions, but never have I 



j seen collected as one party iu the wootl so many as were 



I united in more senses than one on the occasion to which I 



i refer. There were present a judge, several editors, several 



j lawyers and a clergyman; a citizen of New York, who has 



since been Mayor of the metropolis; Ned Buutliue in his 



J peculiarity; men of business and jovial fellows generally. 



i As was natural, I went iu early with the first instalment 



Hav 



tht 



been en- 

 nil reeep- 

 i body of 

 hieh, yet, 

 hen they 



of six or eight, who 

 camped about a week, I wel 

 lion, so unique iu character, extended to the 

 Waltonians as they joined us in our solitud 

 I have never seen chronicled. It was knov 

 would arrive, and every arrangement was made (o welcom 

 them. All the guns in camp were loaded and brought to 

 the strand . All eyes were strained in the direction of the 

 approaching flotilla of seven or eight boats. AVheu within 

 hearing distance a salute was tired, which was answered by 

 the comers. As they neared the shore every barrel was dis- 

 charged. Judge B., iu his enthusiasm, climbed a tree, and 

 from its top waved welcome. The President, Gen. S., be- 

 ing in one of the boats, the Vice-President, G. IX, (bless 

 his soul,) gave the word: "Three cheers for our guests I" 

 which were given with a will. Then from the boats came 

 response: "Three cheers for the men in camp!" aud they 

 followed: "Three cheers for the man up the tree I" A 

 very large trout — some claimed four pounds for it — fastened 

 to a branch and wagged to aud fro, joined significantly in 

 the hilarity. Then came the stepping ashore, the shaking 

 of hands, "mutual recognition, and on the part of some, 

 quenching of thirst. 



Speaking of that trout introduces a very agreeable sub- 

 ject. Your readers will not be surprised to learn that vast 

 numbers of singularly beautiful fisb, with bright spots, 

 graceful in form, of a springing nature, and very savory ou 

 table, were captured. Numerous other lish far larger, but. 

 uot half so gamey or pleasing to the eye.were brought from 

 deeper depths. In capturing these varieties, I am happy 

 truly to report that your humble servant did at least his full 

 share. By the way— yes, eminently by the way— I caught a 

 Gi pound laker where "there were none." I have of ten 

 found best luck where I have been told it was useless to 

 fish. I was crossing the third lake at the time, my guide 

 informing me that there were no fish in it, or, at all events, 

 caught out of it; but 1 preferred to let my line be out, as 

 was very easy and practicable, and verily 1 had my reward. 

 The same, or similar was true on the eighth lake afterward, 

 aud ou other lakes. 



I recollect one day passing up from first lake with my 

 prizes, 1 met in the same boat two of the best fellows of 

 the club coming down. Alas ! as in the same boat, they 

 have since crossed the waters of Jordan. My boat was 

 well supplied with spoils, so that they remarked respecting 

 their number. I told them I was trying to prove my claim 

 to be a good AValtonian. They replied: "You needn't 

 catch any more." But the best basket of trout, i. e., of the 

 largest that I saw brought into camp, were so brought by 

 my friend Judge B., aud 1 know Where he took them. He 

 had just returned from a trip to the Raquette, and he 

 caught them at the bridge between the Raquette and 

 Forked Lake. "As fast as 1 threw in," saidhe, "off would 

 go my line." Yet, as every rose has its thorn, and every 

 joy its sorrow, he would not be comforted, because he 

 could not produce his prizes at home before his wile aud 

 friends. Have not all anglers felt this, so that they know 

 how it is themselves? Where splendid trout are caught, 

 they cannot well he shown or served to friends. The 

 Judge was sorrowful in the midst of his joy, because his 

 really fine trout were far from home. 



Sunday came, and we had service. The President con- 

 ducted the Chaplain to his "pulpit," It was on risiug 

 ground overlooking the lake, where in front there was a 

 clearing, aud around it trees. Full forty, including guides, 

 comprised the congregation. Prayer was offered; a hymn 

 sung; the forest was made vocal with the praise of the 

 glorious Creator, and the Chaplain preached, lie directed 

 the thoughts of all upward through nature to nature's 

 God, and summoned to thaukfulness for the pleasures and 

 blessings they were enjoying by his Providence. He 

 claimed that Isaac Walton was a pious mau, a Christian, 

 a keeper of the Sabbath, aud that his name should not be 

 taken in vain; that those who professed themselves Walto- 

 nians should emulate the virtues of the grand old fisher- 

 man. He spoke of the moral black flies that pestered so 

 many in the woods, and said he would rather meet the 

 natural oues, &c, &e. After service, all with one accord 

 came and kiudly look him by the hand, thanking him for 

 his counsels. This was said to be the first tune that a 

 clergyman ever olhciated in Brown's Tract on Sunday; blU 

 it is hoped that there have been many similar instances 

 since. 



Major S. was the life of the party, with his sparkling 

 wit, exhaustless jokes, and ready eloquence. He cared 

 nothing for fishing, insomuch that he would contrive to 

 pass his line into other hands, if he found it jerking, 

 ".lust hold my line for a few minutes." "Certainly. Why 

 there's a fish on it." "Pull him iu, then." "To think," 

 he said, "of a man being excited about a fish." "Why, 

 Major," I replied, "I saw you excited about a mosquito 

 this morning." But around the crackling blaze, at night, 

 his speech burned brightly, and crackled as decidedly. 

 And then bis songs. I hope ever to remember the melody 

 of his voice, as it sounded across the waters, in the Can- 

 adian boat song. Ho would mount a stump, unexpectedly 

 at any time, and off would go some speech or recitation, 

 amusing or eloquent as the case might be. I recollect one 

 day he arranged that dinner should be served at the. Island 

 Elba at a given hour. AVheu the hour came, most of the 

 expected guests were wanting. They had found luck far 

 away, and were too inuch "excited about a fisb" to leave 



for form's sake. The Major took it rather hard, being ex- 

 cited about the dinner, which he had carefully prepared; 

 but standing on the barren rock with uncovered bead, 

 cooled by the fanning winds, he- delivered himself of 8 

 characteristic speech, which alone would have rewarded 

 those who kept his appointments. 



Arter this, with 0. E., I took guide and boat for the dis- 

 tant inlet. At this time the water was calm, and the breeze 

 in our favor; but. returning at evening, we had a Tight to 

 be anxious, as others were" 'for us. The wind had risen in 

 high degree, and with it. the waves, which were capned and 

 raging. Some other fishermen, whom wo found at the In- 

 let, watched our progress a long time to see how we stood 

 the opposing bicakers. But the boat was true, and the 

 guide strong; tiud though he was wet from, head to foot 

 with the dashing spray, and we shipped much water, we 

 came safely to land. "I enjoyed, after all, that somewhat 

 perilous row, in the spirit of Street when he wrote— 

 "Bound onward, bold baric, leave the tame enrth behind; 



- 1 ", t...tl \t tb< .-. ait- wave, rliy ercatli is the wind; 



Hull i.lii'e-tln.n whim wave, wijid Heighten thy jjk-o; 



Ito! a .Mi> o'ti* (he wild rolling waters lor met 



After this we planned and carried into effect a trip to the 

 North Branch Lakes. In the Club's Blue Book for '58. It 

 is said: "They are to be reached only by severe effort by 

 land and water, ami none should undertake to visit them, 

 except those inured to the hardships of the wilderness" I 

 have been somewhat inured it must be confessed; but was 

 entirely unconscious of severe effort; on the contrary, the 

 excursion was to me a luxury from beginning to end, un- 

 less I except, a rainy day. L was sorry that tin; company 

 was in such a hurry to reach the camp on Big Moose or 

 Sherman's Lake, for it was a pity and trial lo have the 

 waters of those tempting outlets with deep pools disturbed 

 by wading guides before fishing them. Slid, by keep- 

 ing ahead a little, I caught some fine specimens ou the 

 way. Men. We slmnticd over night en route, and who 

 that was present can forget the wonderful string of fresh 

 trout that was brought into camp tiiat night by M— s aud 

 son. of Brooklyn, which were caught in what is called, 

 I believe, the Indian Hole? 



Reaching camp it began to rain; hut after dinner T took 

 my guide, reerossed to the outlet, and had rare sport in it, 

 tilling my basket before I returned. The lake 1 remember 

 as a gem" of beauty, with Kcho Island iu the midst, and a 

 double frame-work of hills surrounding it. The laurel 

 flower was at the time in bloom in great profusion, and 

 lined the shores with pink. Iu the midst of these flowers, 

 as I glided alonsr Ihe shore, I saw a spotted fawn looking 

 intently ai us. "Of course I didn't shoot, for 1 would not 

 if I could, and could not, if I would. 1 had no gun. 

 But the scene "was a picture for painters to study." 



On our return I remember that with several others, I de- 

 tained the party at the crossing about an hour. Cau.-u 

 why: I was catching trout. AV ho cares what time of day 

 it is in such circumstances! But a storm was corning ou. 

 Night approached, aud natural darkness was made doubly 

 dark by overhanging clouds. We accomplished a large 

 part, of the way in crossing by the light of forked light- 

 ning, and the shouting of the guides. There was con- 

 siderable growling and muttering of thunder over our 

 heads, but there was none in the party. AVe all reached 

 Fourth Lake in safety, where the boats were upturned for 

 shelter till the shower passed away; when launching them 

 we were "once more upou the waters," advancing happily 

 by the light of its hospitable fires towards the camp, which 

 seemed like home. There was the largest and best, built 

 shantv I have ever seen in the woods. It was water proof, 

 and capable of accommodating thirty men side by side in 

 tneir snoozes; aud there as many reposed, save as their 

 slumbers were interrupted by occasional snores. 1 recollect 

 where a sleeper was thus enjoying himself at the expense 

 of some consequent wideawakes, he was approached by 

 one of them ou behalf of the rest, aud well shaken with 

 the remark accompanying: "You waut to turn over on the 

 other side." All the fellow wanted, obviously, was' to be . 

 let alone. There was the long drawn table, with its tree 

 seats, its bark cloth aud canopy. 1 re-visited the spot two 

 years afterward, and even then, all was obliterated; not a 

 vestige remained of what constituted the camp of '6y. One 

 after another many who were then and there present in the 

 buoyancy of health aud strength have become dust; ,.ome, 

 especially of the guides, as Bill Wood aud Morse, were cut 

 down during the war, and others have fallen by accident or 

 disease. Can you wonder that there recur lo me the 

 familiar but immortal lines of Shakespeare, beginning— 

 "Oar revels now are ended." 



You know the rest. 



_P. S3. _ it occurs to me to add, as showing the po si- 

 MUties of early June in the wilderness, that the wean er 

 was at first severely cold. Of this 1 retain three distUct 

 recollections. 



1. 1 was in a snow storm on the lake. 



3. One morning a cup of coffee was borne to mo on a 

 plate of ice. 



3, It may have been the same morning, when some deter- 

 mined not to leave the camp. "As for those persistent fel- 

 lows," said the Major, "wdro will fish, they will have to 

 take a club with them to break the ice." 



1 replied: "The Walton Club can do it, and after the 



jce is once broken all will be well." I saw no deer on 



Fourth Lake that season, nor heard of any; but saw 



several ou the North Branch, aud one was brought into camp. 



mica, A". Y„ Jan. 5, 1875. Amateur. 



— A French gentleman, M. de Lauuay, has succeed, d in 

 banishing from his farm at Courcellea a form of sp.euic 

 disease which is fatal to cattle and BUeep, by giving the 

 animals free access to carbonate of lime. He had observed 

 that the cattle stabled next to the walls of the sheds were 

 in the habit of liekinsr the whitewash, and that they did uot 

 suffer; lie placed clialk in a position accessible to the rest 

 and they, too, were not attacked. Certain sheep, which 

 were then isolated from the rest, aud deprived Of chalk, 

 were, attacked by the splenic disease as formerly. 



—While a party of gentlemen were hunting at North 

 Haven last Thursday their dog went, into a rabbit's hole so 

 far that, it was impossible for him lo find his way out. The 

 do" was dtlg out Sunday alive. AVheu found he was a rod 

 from the mouth of the hole. A tier the dog was our, 

 curiosity excited the gentlemen to know what was there, 

 and they dug two feet further, when the dog suddenly 

 sprang to the hole aud captured a fine rabbit and nearly 

 devoured it, before he could be made lo let it alone, 



