288 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



[May 13, 1881. 



Notwithstanding that this subject has been so often com- 

 mented upon by the public press, and by sportsmen of the 

 true type by the same medium, nothing was done at the last 

 session of the Ontario Legislature to put a stop to the crimi- 

 nal practice of spring shooting. Year after year it has be 

 come apparent to those who observe and take an interest in 

 game protection how fast this species of game is diminishing, 

 and that mainly owing to the negligence or apathy of our 

 legislators. We claim that no argument can possibly he ad- 

 duced in justification of the practice at present tolerated by 

 law in this wanton and indiscriminate slaughter in the breed- 

 ing season. We are aware that individuals, some of whom 

 are simply interested in the matter, and who still advocate 

 spring shooting:, do so for the mere sport, while others ap- 

 prove from pecuniary and sordid motives. But then, to 

 view I he matter from a moral and humane standpoint, there 

 is but little or no distinction between the criminals. In this 

 section, for a month at least, thousands upon thousands of 

 dinks have been slaughtered, either to gratify the former's 

 morbid taste or the latter's greed for gain. "And how many 

 a birdling thus shot on the wing, while others are sent mate- 

 less on their journey." But it is not in this duck-shooting 

 alone that the evil exists. Ofher species of game protected 

 by law fall a prey to this class of so-called sportsmen ; and 

 so long as our law-makers aid and abet the crime, we may 

 reflect that in a few years more our commonwealth in the 

 matter of game will have become so depleted that an entire 

 prohibition for a series of years must ensue.—; Windsor Cor- 

 respondent Toronto Mail, 



As Antelope Shooting Stratagem.— We left Edgerton, 

 Colorado, on the Denver and Rio Grande Hailroad, with no 

 place in view, but intending to go east or southeast until we 

 struck game. We were pretty lucky in our quest, and on 

 the second day found enough to satisfy the most exacting; 

 and as it was the second day of the shooting season when we 

 arrivr d at our destination, we found the antelope very tame, 

 and in a week had shot as many as our two ponies could 

 draw home. Encouraged hy our first success, we started out 

 agam two months later, and although wo located our camp 

 in the same place, we found things very different from our 

 first visit. Previously we had no diflicultv in getting within 

 eighty or one hundred yards of a herd": but in the mean- 

 time they had been hunted so much that it required consider- 

 able skill to get within even three or four hundred yards ot 

 them. We had lain behind soapweeds and sage bushes for 

 two or three hours at a time, waiting for the game to feed up 

 to us, but in every instance something either startled them 

 before they got within ranee or they chanced their direction 

 On the morning of the ninth day we ate our remaining slic 

 of bacon, and concluded that wc would try onre more and 

 then "break camp." We hit upon the following plan. We 

 put a bridle on one of the ponies, and both mounting, we 

 hoisted a sheet of brown paper in front of us, leaving a 

 couple of holes as points of observation, and commenced our 

 advance, on a herd quietly grazing a mile away. Although 

 we were in plain sight, they did not seem to notice us until 

 we were within half a mi'e of them; then they raised their 

 heads and sniffed the air, and as we advanced they came for- 

 ward about fifteen or twenty yards, craning their necks, try- 

 ing to make out what it was coming. When we were within 

 eighty yards we stopped, and, slipping quickly off ihe horse, 

 I dropped on my knee, raised my piece, and at the word 

 " Now" both fired, both balls taking effect. At the sound of 

 the reports the herd started on a hard run, but instead of 

 turning tail they described a circle round us ; this enabled us 

 to put iu two more shots each, but only one took effect , We 

 collected the spoils after some trouble. We sat down to din- 

 ner with lighter hearts than we commenced the morning 

 with, and on no occasion has an antelope steak tasted richer 

 to me than it did that day. We found exercise and fresli air 

 a better accompaniment to venison thau red currant jelly. 

 We tried the same plan several times on a later trip we took 

 and found it work well each time.— G. B H. 



Dogs as Railroad Baggage. — Chelsea, Mass., April 6.— 

 Why is it that the railroads advertise in the columns of your 

 valuable paper to ship one dog for each sportsman free? In 

 your issueof March 17 isas'atement from " Kenwoc," which 

 is an outrage seemingly. Now, if these railroads advertise to 

 do thus and so, why would it not be a good idea to paste 

 one of their advertisements on each dog, and if it is the bag- 

 gage mau, enter a complaint ? 



My experience is different from Kenwoc's. On Nov. 9, 

 1880, I left Boston, via New York and New England, for 

 Gordonsville, Va, I inquired at the office what would be the 

 charge on my dog, and was informed not a cent. I asked if 

 the baggage men were allowed to charge anything, and was 

 informed that they were not. I then asked the baggage man 

 what he would charge to take care of my dog to Washington, 

 D. C, and was almost paralyzed when he told mc fifty cents. 

 I gave him one dollar, and did not see him again, but my 

 dog was O.K., and in Washington on the same train as my- 

 self, and iu as good condition as myself. 



Now, to Gordonsville is less than 100 miles. I asked the 

 baggage mau how much for my dog — fifty cents again, 1 

 paid it. My dog was passed to me by the "baggage man at 

 Gordonsville all right. If I had not had this experience, and 

 at so little expense, I should doubt Kenwoc's statement. But 

 south of Gordonsville they (baggage men) perhaps have no 

 conscience. By answering this through your valuable paper 

 you will confer a great favor on a constant reader. 



I wish to say 1 found at Gordonsville abundance of quail 

 and partridge, wild turkey and woodcock in fair numbers, 

 and hares in abundance. Also the best accommodation at, 

 the Magnolia House, kept by Mr. Mayhew, and Capt. Harry 

 Carter Clerk one of the best of fellows. Wishing the succes's 

 to your valuable paper which it deserves, — I remain, 



Cuas. H. Sinclair. 



The State Tournament.— A meeting of the Long Island 

 Sportsmen's Association was held Friday evening, May fi, 

 Vice-President Cook in the chair. The prize committee 

 reported that they had received eighty prizes of the aggregate 

 value of between |5,000 and $0,000. The bird committee 

 reported everything favorable for a large supply of birds. 

 The game law committee reported that the Long Island As- 

 sociation bill was practically killed, and that the bill known as 

 the Armstrong bill hud been reported favorably and ordered 

 for a third reading. On a motion by Mr. Altenbrand, the 

 secretary was instructed to write to the members represent- 

 ing Long Island, and have them try to insert, iu the Armstrong 

 bill, as amendments, the clauses of the Long Island Associa- 

 tion bill relating to woodcock, Coney Island creek, couuty 

 garne protectors and ruffed grouse, and if they could not do 

 this to try and defeat it. The committee on finance are to 



provide badges for the members of the association and for all 

 others that they may see fit, that will serve as a passport to 

 the freedom of the grounds. It was decided to call the con- 

 vention for June 20. A committee to be appointed hy the 

 chair are to arrange the order of shootins, the prizes and to 

 consider the propriety of having a shoot "open to all on the 

 two days following the tournament, and are to report to the 

 association. 



Currituck,— There have been, perhaps, more wild fowl, 

 ducks, geese and swan, shot at Currituck during the past 

 season than there has in any season tor ten years. It is won- 

 derful to think what avast quantity of game has been shipped 

 from our sound this fall and winter past. Eighteen years of 

 experience will enable me to estimate the numbers very 

 closely. From Oct. 11, 1880, to March 25, 1881, I have shot 

 1,700 ducks, 48 geese and 21 swan, makinc in all 1,709 birds. 

 There are about 400 gunners in the Sound, including sports- 

 men from the North. Some of the gunners have shot three 

 to four thousand each, but we will divido tbem equally, say 

 two thousand to each gunner, that will be 800,000 birds fliat 

 were killed in our little Sound in less than six months. Is 

 there a sound, river or lake in the United States that can 

 produce as many birds of the same kind and in the same 

 length of time?— J. B. White. 



Connkctiottt.— The only amendment of the Connecticut 

 game law, passed at the session of 1881, was as follows.! 

 " Section 8. Any per.-on found with a bird do- and gun upon 

 lauds where birds mentioned in Sec. 1 of this act. arc known 

 to exist, shall be deemed prima facie to be there for the pur- 

 pose of pursuing said birds with intent to kill, and the owner 

 of such lands, with such others as be may command to assist 

 him, may arrest such person while on said laud, if he re- 

 fuse to leave the same at once, forthwith carry him before a 

 justice of the peace, who, upon the written complaint of such 

 owner, shall proceed to try said person in all respects as if he 

 had been complained against by a grand juror or other proper 

 informing ofticer, and, in case of a conviction under any of 

 the sections of this act, one-half of the fine imposed by the 

 Court shall be paid to the informer." 



MiuHBSOXA Season — Minnesota game law as amended, Peb. 

 20. Open season, woodcock, July (after the.3rd\ Aucust, Sep- 

 tember and October. Pinnated and sharp tailed -tousp, 

 quail and stuffed grouse, September. October and November! 

 Aquatic pond, September 1st to May 15th. Fine of '.*.') to 

 $50, or forfeiture, of guns, sporting' implements, dogs and 

 game, together with costs of prosecution, or both at. discre- 

 tion of court. 



English Snipe on Toast.— These, birds should nai be 

 drawn. Pluck them, wipe tbem and truss the head under 

 the wing, which, like the neck, must be skinned. Press the 

 feet upon the. thighs and pass a skewer through then) and the 

 body. Put four on each skewer, tie thein to & S| it and roast 

 them at an open fire for a quarter of an hour. I 'ul, slices of 

 toast in the dripping pan under the birds to catch the trails, 

 and on these toasts serve the snipe, after (louring and brown 

 ing them. Add a little brown gravy. These birds must be 

 eaten very hot. — The Gastronomist. 



Small Calibres for Game —Philadelphia, April 34.— I 

 have been intending buying for some time a small bore rifle 

 for small game, shooting, principally squirrels, and. while I 

 should like for many reasons a .22cal., have been in much 

 doubt as to their force and accuracy up to 75 or It'll yards. 1. 

 should like very much to hear the experience of others who 

 have used these light bores on game. T. .1 s. 



Nebraska. Touenamrnt.— The seventh annual Nebraska 

 State Sportsmen's Tournament will be held at Lincoln, Neb., 

 May 17 to 20 inclusive. The prize list aggregates $2,265. 

 The Nebraska Stall- Sportsmen's Association '.will eonv.ne 

 Tuesday evening, May 17th. The secretary is Mr. E. Hallett, 

 Lincoln, Neb. 



George W. Flower.— George W. Flower, of Watcrtown, 

 New York, died in this city last Wednesday evening. Mr. 

 Flower was well known to the members of the New York 

 State Association, of which, iu 1874, he was the President. 

 He was a prominent citizen of Watertown, having been its 

 first mayor. 



The many triends of Mr. C. S. Shattuck, the manufac- 

 turer of single-barreled guns, will learn with pleasure that he 

 is getting into shape again after Ihe destruction of his factory 

 by fire some months ago. The new factory, we are informed, 

 will be ready for work June 1, 188 1. 



Nrw Jersry.— There were some snipe on the Big Piece at 

 Pine Brook, N. J., last week — the first lot this year. New- 

 ark Meadow also had a sprinkling last week. 



We have a limited number of our pamphlets on "Ditt- 

 mar Sporting Powder." Copies may be had on application 

 at this office. 



By the way, that minings mi>- 

 That "Uncle's" story in issue of April 28 reminds me of 

 a deer shooting incident here m Detroit. 3Iinn. One man 

 last Winter killed thirty, another twenty, and soon, while 

 one fellow had the extraordinary luck, cheek, or whatever 

 you may wish lo style it, to bring "dowu two at one shot, and. 

 with a rifle at that. While out in the woods he came upon 

 them standiug still, uucouscious of his presence, and just as 

 he pulled the trigger they moved alongside of each other 

 and both received the fatal bu.let. I have never beard of a 

 similar occurrence, and do not think its like was ever accom- 

 plished. — Hiawatha. 



The fox-hunting stories in the late numbers of your 

 paper.bring to my mind an anecdote narrated to me by a 

 friend of mine, a gentleman of unimpeachable veracity. In 

 the latter part of March or the first pare of April we often 

 have on moonlight nights very pretty fox huuts. About 

 four or five weeks ago my friend and two gem lemen rode 

 with a good pack of dogs to a den where a fox had young 

 ones. They stationed a man at the den to keep the fox out 

 until the second or third round. The dogs soon made the 

 woods echo, and made one round, running hard, and then all 

 was still as death, and the dogs one after another came in . 



The man at the den was sure that the -fox had not run in, 

 and so there was nothing to do but to blame Ihe dogs and to 

 start for another den ; there the performance was 

 but, mira/tile Static, they heard the old fox barking in the 

 woods not a hundred yards away. They at once barked on 

 the dogs, but they would not run. Now, as to whether the 

 dogs were more humane than the hunters, and would not run 

 an animal that had young to provide for, or whether it was 

 something supernatural, I leave for some of your fox-hunting 

 subscribers to explain.— D. 



Clergyman, lawyers, editors, bankers and ladles need Hop Bitters 

 dally tor nerve (orce. 



!u# and Biver Jfftek 



FISH IIV SEASON IIS MAY. 



FRESH WATER. 



Brook Treat, Xnlmo fontinali-i. 

 l'lr.kerol, Ksox reticulata. 

 Pike or Pickerel, Esox iucius. 

 Pike-perch (wall-eyed pike) 

 StizoMhium americamtm, fit. 

 , etc. 



WaMUQUHl, CJujenobrj/tlumrutoW '■ 



Crapple, Pomoxas nigrmuinilatiu. 

 Bachelor, P„:,!r:r.;;.i ru,,.:';, .-, 

 Chub, Seviotilte corpeeaH^. 



SALT WATER. 

 Sea Bass, Centrcprietii atrnrius. I PoUoc.tr 

 Striped Bass. Kn-ni". lineatua. ' Tailtoir 

 While Perch. Mtmme m«cn,:ana i.niiU 



SfiUpOrPOr^Il- Sr.'ur.tnwus «.,■ 



2%s 



Angle) 



■ thoroughly imhucd ,rith (he spirit 



I d .7/2/- 



nd a 

 i Ms 

 r/. as 

 \e his 

 day. 

 '* of 

 they 

 (ton. 

 Mi ; M 



He has no affeclatio 

 east is imt to ie had, can find a'n,>,..,, ■<,,.* '■ 

 fish or roach, and docs not despite tin- tport 

 brother of the angle. With him fishing h o r 

 " calmer of ungTdet thoughts." './'.' 

 luck. 'rnoieim, thai satiety dulls one's afflrrr.it> 

 much as a mntofsvecet*, butismr content ,■-'■ 

 tySt, and loojes hopefully fmaard to a mote , 

 Whether from loot or n,,'/ ,. 

 Ih, creek', he deems it an a hievenient to tet/u 

 are difficult, ta catch, and 

 His tnjoyment consist* not win >'>'■ ?/« id* 

 dealt-), marl, pleasure jidtn the .toothing influence and dtligbt- 

 fill accompaniment* of the ait. (,'od b't with you gentle 

 a-g'-r. if actuated .nth the feeling of our old motive, whfher 



(lit ephemera. May your thoughts Se nfwayi peaceful and 

 your h'etrri filled icith gratitude to llim who mad, the. country 

 and the rtrcru, and •' mat/ the east wind n- nr bltnn alttn, yov, 

 go a-fishing^'—TiiAD. Nonius. 



Wit are glad to be able to state that we have now a large 

 number of localities near New York where fishing i an bo 

 had. We shall be glad to supply to such of our reade$s,a« 

 may desire the information a list of such places from which 

 they can make a selection. A stamp: d and addressed en- 

 velope must accompany each application. 



DUCKS, BLACK BASS AND MASKINONGE. 



Erie, Pa., May 2, 1881. 



UNTIL within a few days Lake Erie has been covered 

 with an unbroken sheet of ice, but now it is Well o 



Up and has entirely disappeared from the. bay. As Bjjdn us 

 thff bay opened large flocks of duck arrived, and have re- 

 mained ever since, though they have had little inducement, 

 to do so, owing to the hundreds of guns that are constantly 

 banging at them. We arc endeavoring lo have a law passed 

 prohibiting spring ducking and limiting the shooting in the 

 fall to three days a week— Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. 

 if they are not disturbed a great, many remain here n;u.i 

 breed. Our Game Fish Association has planted wild rice for 

 several seasons, and the ducks are .yearly becoming more 

 numerous. 



Fishing through the ice has been good all winter, the catch 

 being perch, blue pike and herring, with occasionally a 

 pickerel. The black bass appeared April 2',:. neari j 

 earlier than usual. Two boys fishing tor birring from a boat 

 anchored near the ice lauded eighty-four bass. Since then 

 largo numbers have been caught, the best string so Par being 

 102 for one man. They run very large tor spring fish ; one 

 that I saw weighed going 5 lbs Voz. The terg» nerCh are 

 also running in, and are so numerous as to be almost a 

 nuisance ; they bite as fast as one can drop in his line. In a 

 week or two all the different varieties will have appeared, 

 and we will have great sport. At present, though there are 

 plenty of fish, the wind blowing over the ice is rather un- 

 comfortable. 



Our Game Fish Association is an energetic body. We 

 have a fish-warden or detective paid by the city, and in addi- 

 ion the association pays a reward of fifty dollars for informa- 

 tion leading to the conviction of any one for viola' ions of the 

 fish law, by seining, etc. We have already ei mvicted and 

 fined one man, and several ara awaiting trial. 



1 have noticed the articles in your late issues calling at- 

 tention to different points as pleasant places for sportsmen to 

 visit, and I will say this much for Erie, that one who enjoys 

 first-class fishing for bass, maskinongc, pickerel, etc., with- 

 out being compelled to suiter the discomforts of camp life 

 and the sportive attentions of the black fly and mosquito, can 

 not do better than come here at any time until the first of 

 August, or during the fall. Iu my next I will give an ac- 

 count of some of its advantages. ' Presquk 1st, ft. 



KINDRED SPIRITS. 



THE long wharf at Mandarin, Florida, stretches some six 

 hundred feet out into the peaceful St, Johns, and 

 hither repair the fishermen after their night's toil in their row- 

 boats with their nets to sell the quivering fish to the inhabi- 

 tants, and ship the surplus hy morning steamer to Jackson- 

 ville. 



I strolled down the wharf in quest of mess and met a tall, 

 bony fisherman on whoso face the habit of fishing all night 

 had left a very plain impression. Did ever any one lot >k si ■ 

 much in need of going to bed early for a few nights and 

 sleeping uncalled in the morning? Not from any apparent, 

 fatigue, how T ever. He had got used to fishing all night, and 

 yet nature, true to herself, permitted no such transposition 

 of day and night without painting red the eyelid and Bpread 



