FOREST AND STREAM 
55 
Needle Points. —Belli Green writes to Tliad. Norris, 
from Rochester, under date of February 23d: "You make 
as good a trout rod as any man in this or any other 
country, and have more cunning than most fishermen, hut 
I do not think you used your usual cunning as you would 
if you hud been fishing j'n a wild stream, If you had, you 
would not have made more than one cast in our friend 
Comfort’s pond, where the trout were as thick as your 
fingers, before you would have taken off two of the Hies 
and had been satisfied with taking one at a time. You 
would have landed every trout you hooked, and would have 
had heller sport than you would if you had landed three 
at a lime. Thud., it will not take one long to couverl you 
when we meet.” 
—Fishermen this winter in (he Delaware Bay are said to 
he doing a small business. The constant disturbance of 
the fish in coves and other places where they usually pass 
the cold weather, being constantly disturbed by seiners ou 
account of the absence of ice, have disappeared from their 
customary resorts, and the catches are small and unprofit¬ 
able. 
—A letter from Cape May to the Weening Star says that a 
large shoal of porpoises, followed by great tlock3 of *‘cod¬ 
fish gulls,” both very umisual whiter sights, passed that 
place the other day close ashore, giving assurance that 
codfish were coming along ou which these were preying— 
the former on the fish, and the gulls on the fragments and 
blood left by the devourers. As codfish are unlooked for 
less than six miles oil shore, no one wet a line for ihem. 
A line specimen, washed ashore, chased in by a porpoise, it 
is supposed. A steamer put out from the breakwater re¬ 
cently and caught 900 pounds in a few hours. They are 
caught while at anchor or hove to, and clams are used for 
bait. 
NOTES FROM THE RESTIGOUCHE. 
^ Dbe Side, Metapedia, February 15th, 1876. 
Editor Focest and Stream 
So you’ic off to Florida, Charlie. Well J do wish you a good ttrac, 
and hope we will hear from you* 1 think you want it, for your sanctum 
ie? rather confined for my taste. No doubt you’ll wet a line while there, 
hut won’t hook a forty pound saunou, I am not aware of anything 
bigger than thirty-six being killed (with fly)* here last year, although I 
knew a lady, who I am sure never hooked a salmon before, to hook, kill, 
and land (without gaffing) two twenty two pound fish in less than forty 
minutes. This was done early in July at the Devil’s Half-acre Pool 
(Which you should remember) on the Main Restigonche. 
The total angling seore in my division, last season* was something 
like 600 fish, averaging about 17 pounds; largest days’ take, to rod, 17 
liali; best ever done on Restigoucbc, 81. This may herearter be ex 
*ceuued—water, atmosphere, a prime unlisbed pool, an experienced 
aiieler, and something stronger than a Blngie cast combined, speaking 
of time in killing, I knew Samuel Wilmot to bring a 36-pound fish to gaff 
in seven minutes, fair play, single cast. He had a quick gaff man, as the 
fish was not exhausted. In my little experience, if yon handle your fish 
properly, und he is fairly hooked, you stand a good chance of bringing 
him into reach in from five to seven minutes, supposing your gaffer 
knows his business. Mostly every fish will come into quite shoal waier 
before he is played out. Probably he wants to see what is at the 
other end of the Rue. The exceeding clearness of our water, together 
With the Tael, that the principal pools where the salmon congregate in 
large numbers are some fifty miles above tide water, for which reason I 
don’t think ever any very large numbers of fish in a day, such aB you 
E tely told us of, will ever be caught here. All rivers are not so where 
the fish run out of salt water and school at once, particularly if fresh 
fish are miming in constantly, no doubt big scores can be made. Still I 
would prefer clear wat er, and missing a fish now and then just to keep 
up tne excitement. Suppose jou hooked a fish every cast, how soon 
Would it pale? It would not be sport. But v>ben you see the fish rising 
just out of reach, as the case may be, you knowing there are hundreds 
in the pool. At last a fellow makes a dash and misses, you giving him 
time to get back to his lay spot. Changing your fly, which 1 think yon 
should do; again, when you reach him, making another charge at you 
booking slightly, and breaking uway on his first leap. At last you are 
rewarded by getting a good hold, and then comes the tug of wur. 1 
Hemenider Waiter McFarlane, of Montreal, (who afterwards got drowned 
on Labrador coast), taking his first salmon at Crosspoint on the Rasti- 
gouche. This fish made sixteen clear handsome leaps, fairly booked 
and he took fonr and one-quarter hours to land, weighing 38 pounds. Had 
he got “butt” enough he could have been landed in twenty-five minutes. 
Again, his next fish nevei showed; only sulked and hung to bottom, and 
when he did start took him down river for a mile without a stop. Mr. 
McFarlane, at that time, did not know' anything about salmon fishing. 
I don’t believe salmon are sensible to pain, such as a wound. I was 
fishing a bit of rough water, two ycaTS ago, late in the season; fish rose 
freely fora while, but always slightly hooked. After getting two fish, 
concluding to quit, and on leaving the pool, (I had been fishing at the 
head), made a few casts at lower end, when I hooked and landed a male 
fish 17 pounds. On disengaging the hook, which, was well dmvn, I saw 
fre?h scars, or tears, in his mouth, and, on close examination, found I 
had hooked him five times, each time the hold giving way. As for 
rising fish, my experience here is, uot one fish in twenty will rise to fly. 
Some days they will not rise at all, whateverlnay be the reason; other 
Ufiys you can fish all day, and they will sometimes rise best when the aim 
is hottest, IF not trespassing on your space, I will send you my ex¬ 
perience and ideas on kelts, as I see a good deal of disagreement on the 
subject in the Mela, as well as In your paper. My breeding establish¬ 
ment is now successful, although owing to heavy freshets last fall disap 
pointing me in not getting sufficient parent fish. There are only some 
1450,000 ova this season. Wishing you safe home, I am, sir, yours very 
truly, John Moavat, 
Fishery Officer, Restigonche Division. 
• -- - 
SMELTS. 
Glens Falls, February 88d, 1876. 
Editor Forest and Stream:— 
In your last issue you mention the range of smelt, and I do not think 
It is generally known th%t they are caught in Lake Champlain. About 
a year ago, while at Port Henry, I was told by the landlord of the hotel 
where 1 was staying that it was about time for “ice-flBh” to make their ap¬ 
pearance. As the name was new to me, I asked for a description of the 
fish, judging that ice fish was a local name. Being informed that they 
were only taken through the ice during February and March, and that 
i.hey were unknown until witbiu a few years previous. I sent the de¬ 
scription, as given to me to Seth Green, butfrom my meagre statement he 
was unable to give Lhe fish its proper name. I pushed my inquiries, and 
found that they were veritable smelts. And here again comes in the 
question of range. They are caught little, if any, south of Port Henry; 
are more numerous about WestPort; are taken at or near Burlington, 
Vt., and are unknown in Plattsburg, or thereabouts, at least by the fish¬ 
ermen I questioned while there this whiter, and I could not learn that 
they were caught at other than the places I have named. Of course, 
these come In from the St. Lawrence, but are they canuht to any extent 
In that river? A. N, Chenkx. 
—Dr. TLiughton lifts proved that the strength of lho lion 
is only two-thirds that of the tiger. 
JlnuwcrtS gf>orrcHgondmt$, 
No Notice Taken of Aiionyinnuji Communications. 
J, A. S-. Sraithtown, L. I., Crumes, Terre Haute, and T. W. C., 
BosLon, — See answer to Ibex. 
G. M., Halifax, N. S.-ilow can cotton canvas be made waterproof, 
and still be soft? Ana. See answer to N. t Columbus, Ohio, also Issue 
of Forest and Stream Feb. 17th, 1870. 
G. D. L., Harrisburgh, Vt.—Can you inform mu through your paper 
where lean procure a pair of fine English greyhounds? Ans. We can 
purchase for you a pair of lino thoroughbred grcyliouuds about one year 
old; price, $65. 
H. L., N. Y.—Where can T procuro a copy of the translation of 
Pliny into English. Is there Buck a worky Ana. Bohn, of London, 
has published, a translation, and wc fear you will have to import it 
through some one hero. 
Health, Philadelphia.—Cun you give a description of the health 
lift; also where they can be obtained, and the price? Ans. By address¬ 
ing the Health Lift Go., No. 46 East Fourteenth street, this city, you can 
obtain descriptive pamphlets. 
B. F. R., Pittsburg.—Please infom me where the liculth HR, referred 
to recently in yonr valuable and regularly-read paper, can be bad, and 
also price. Ans. From the Heulth Life Co., No. jfl East Fourteenth 
street, this city; price complete, $100. 
D., Harrisville, Mich.—1. Can you supply back numbers of Forest 
and Stream for about two years back? 8. Whose make of rifles did the 
Scottish team use in the Wimbledon matches of 1875? Ana. 1. Yea. 8. 
Some used the Milford, and some Lhe Rigby. 
Ropeed Gkopbe, N. Y.—I have five volumes or Forest and Stream, 
and I would like to exchange them for a double barrel shot gun of any 
bore. Ana. We know of no one desiring to make such an exchange. 
The cost of five uew volumes bound wonld be only $30. 
H. T. St. Louis.—What tcason is best for fishing, and what baits are 
best for catfish and buffalo. When is lho best time for hunting ducks? 
Ans, In the spring; Tor bait, minnows, or a piece of meat. Dudes are 
shot both in spring and Tall, but principally in the latter. 
F. B. R., Newark.—Please answor iu next week*’]>uper the best way 
to transport young trout, say about three or four Inches Jong. They 
have to be taken about 50 miles? Ans. Iu milk cans, thoroughly clean; 
allowiug plenty of water, keeping it cold with ice, and not changing it. 
H. A. F , Dclavan, 111.—I have a single barrel shot gun, splendid bar¬ 
rel, lock, &c 8 bore, drop of slock abou I inches. Where can I have 
it altered to a breech louder, and what will be Lhe cost? Ans. The ex¬ 
pense for altering your single barreled gun would be equal to the cost 
of a new one. 
Teal, Salem,.—A Boston gun dealer says that Hart's shells are no 
good. What do you think? He says the cover a are Loo soft and will 
batter down easily. Ans. It Is certainly a mistake in the Boston gun 
dealer. Dart’s shells arc used very extensively, uiul are highly approved 
of by skillful sportsmen. 
W. H. L., Decatur, III.—Why are blue Belton setters so called, and 
what .are their peculiar characteristics? Ans. The name “Blue BulLon,” 
we think, originated in a locality in England; and we presume they are 
a cross of the black and tan Gordon's with dogs of other colors. They 
have 110 peculiarity except in color. 
Ciur-a-Wav, Burlington,—Please hirorm ine, in your paper, or some 
one who manufactures composition poker checks, or chips. 1 wish to 
get some of the material of which they are composed, nr a formula for 
making it. Ans. Wm. 5s. Welling & Co., No. 8U7 Centre street, this 
city. The mulerial is.a patent composition. 
Talbot, N. Y.—r would like to know the proper load for tv twelve- 
bore Webley. L And it. will kick wiLh over three drachniB of powder; 
wQnld like to know Mr. Weblcy’s directions. Ans. You are probably 
using too much shot; reduce the charge 1.0 one ounce, und try coarser 
powder. Wo do not know Mr. Weblcy’s address. 
W. B , Oxford.—Being an amateur in mounting birds I can improve 
them much by copying from pictures of a book of that kind. Please 
advise me. Ans. If you want an illustrated work on taxidermy we can 
send you the Taxidermist's Manual; price, 50 Cents; but if you wanL il¬ 
lustrations of birds only, any work on natural history wonld answer. 
J. L. C., Brooklyn.—Is there any game law respecting the fish o f 
New York bay. 1 am accustomed to li.sh in the Narrows, and every year 
notice the decrease of fish, especially the weak liah, one of the best 
game fish in the bay? Ans. Only as regards the size of mesh to be 
used In nets. Pound and dra* nets are fast ruining our best fishing 
grounds. 
Shot Cartridges, Newark.—You will please decide Ihis bet. A is 
trying Ins gurr at a twenty-inch circle, und bets B a box of cigars that he 
he will put in 250 pellets. He puts in 108, and bet ugaln, and pntHinSiO; 
then he bets again, and puts iu 175. In a few days he semis 100 cigars 
in two boxes of 50 ouch; dooe rhis satisfy the terms of the bet? Ans. 
A lost three boxes of cigars, 1(10 each, 
N., Columbus, Ohio.-ri. Please 61,ate where J can get water-proof 
canvas. 2. If it can be bought, bow can I mulce it, mid how often must 
the process be renewed to keep it Water-proof? 3. Also the kind of can¬ 
vas used for boat covors. Ans. 1 . Wo do nbt know where it can be pro¬ 
cured. 2. Pass the canvas Ihrounh a solution of parraflne; no necessity 
to Tenuw. 3. Duck is the best and strongest, 
J. B. P., Gainesville, Tcxua—I n what month, and in what part of the 
Wes torn or Atlantic Suites, or Canada, can 1 gcL the best duck and snipe 
shooting In the spring for a few week, with or without decoys, and 
a guide or boat is not needed? Ans* Go to the shooting quarters of Ira 
Bingham on Lake Kouhkommg, Wie., or to Minnesota Junction, Dodge 
Co., Wia.i und enquire for Mr. Mfskcy, a sbootist. 
G. F. ()., Bennington.— 1. Where can I obtain the Carl Dlttmor 
powder, ami in whal; size canisters, and what will it cost me per pound? 
2. Where can I obtain a thoroughbred spaniel pup about-fonr months 
old? 3. What is the price of the TT.irt shell per dozen? Ans. 1. Of 
CarL Diitmar, Neponset, Mass., in any qiianti'iy. 8. Cocker spaniels 
from J. S. Bestor, Hartford, Conn. 3. $2.50 Or $3. 
W.B. S r , Harrisburg.— L havea light muzzle-loader, 13 bote, (j pounds, 
which recoils too much at my charge. Llow large u charge would you 
advise me to use to prevent too much recoil? Ana. Aguu of that size 
shoots 21 drachms powder to a scant ounce of shot. In case you find 
too much recoil from that charge, 2 drachms powder to | oz. shot, and 
be sure to hold in the right direction when you shoot. 
Ijbkx, Indianapolis.—WilL not Mr. Bishop have his Barnegat “sneak- 
boat” photographed, and, altowyou to illnstrate it for the benefit of in* 
land boa!men, with some Instructions about building the same? There 
are probably hundreds of your readers who would be very much inter¬ 
ested in knowing something ubout it. Ans. Wo reproduce in this issue 
from No. 11, vol. 2, a description of the Barnegat “saoakrboat.’' 
L. B. B., Hubbardstown.—In a match, conditions “no magnifying 
sights allowed,” should a competitor shooting a gnu with telescope 
sights, globe and peep attached, be allowed to use the telescope in sight¬ 
ing shots, or should the gun he debarred ? Ans. Sighting shots may be 
taken in any position, or from a rest, if the telescope was not used iu 
the scoring shoes we see no reason why the gun should he debarred. 
C. T Norfolk, Va.—Please inform mo if the State of Kansas has made 
a law whereby the killing of every kind of bird ufc any season of the 
year is a misdemeanor. I understand such a la v has already passed the 
house* Ans. Wo have heard of no such law boingboforeiheLegi&la- 
turo, nor is there Jlkly to he one. Nor. that the ICnnsas gumo laws do 
hohIhbci'vo amending, for at prosent the killing of quail awU grouse is 
permitted up to March 1st. 
U. \Y. P., Gloucester.—1. Can shot concentrators be used in a 
muzzle-loader? How should a muzzle-loader be charged with them? 8. 
Are beagle honnds good for running foxes? Ans, 1. Tho only concen¬ 
trators that can well be need in a muzzle-loader are Kay’s, which come 
prepared with shot. Load as you would with Ely’s wlro cartridges, 
using no wad on shot. 2. BeagleB are used principally for hares and 
rabbits, and hounds and harriers for foxes. 
W. F. I., Biugbamptou.—Kindly inform me at what time of the year 
la It best to go to Florida in order to experience the least inconvenience 
iu becoming acclimated? Do you consider that (here is dunger attend¬ 
ing health by arriving in Florida iu March or April? Ans. Of coorse.it 
is better to go to Florida in the fall, but there is no danger of sickness 
whatever in arriving there iu March or April, or indeed at. any BeaBon, 
if unhealthy sections, such an swamps, are avoided, and there is not too 
much exposure to night air. 
F. S. r Westfield.—J, Will you please inform me thB year in which a 
book entitled “A Complete Manuel for the Young Bportsmcn,” by 
Frank Forester, was published ? 2, rs there uny better book on the dog 
than the one by Frank Forester? 3, T have a muzzle-loading gnn mark¬ 
ed K, Hugcs. What reputation has he as a gun-maker? Ans. 1. We do 
not know. 2. Yus—“Dinks, Hutcblusou, and May hew, and “The Am¬ 
erican Kennel and Sporting Field, by Arnold Burges. 3. We know 
nolhjug of R. Jluges as a gnu-maker. 
T. W. G., N. J.—Can yon inform me whether the long promised map 
of the Adirondack Region, compiled by Verphmck Colvin, has ever been 
published, and if not. when will it. be. Also if there is any other map 
better than Dr. Eloy’e? What is the beat book as yet published, giving 
routes, taverns, aud geueral information regarding (he Northeast Wilder¬ 
ness? Aus.—Wallace’s “Guido to the Adiroudacka” is the latest book. 
It is very thorough and contains a large map. You can get it. from Lhe 
Waverly Publishing Co., Syracuse, or from this office. Price $2. 
X. , New York.—In the New York Time* Is a statement of rifle shoot¬ 
ing, at a Court street, Brooklyn, rifle gallery, in which some one makes 
an unprecedented score with an Allen breech-loading rifle, the near 
bight being described as a “circular sight.” Will you kindly inform me 
through the Forest and Stream if Lhe Allen rifle is a new gun, and 
has claims to more accuracy in shooting than other well-known makeis, 
(Sharps or Remington’s), and whut is meaut by rear “circular sight?” 
■Ails. The Allen Is not a new rifle. The sights were the ordinary peep 
and globe rights. 
Constant Reader, New Brighton, Pa.—A aud B make a bet on the 
gauge of A’k g uu, it being a breach-loader, 1 and shoots a No. 12 shell, 
but stamped on the under part of the barrel 13. B claims it is 13-gauge 
on account of it being stamped. A claims It la a No. 12 gauge because 
No. 12 shell fits II, exactly and is the only size that can be used. Please 
decide through the columns of your paper? Ans. A wins; the stamp 
“13” on the barrels Is the inspection proof stamp. The subsequent, 
finishing of the barrels brings them out to 12 gauge. You will find this 
on all English guns from an accredited maker. 
G. L. D., New York.—1. In your last paper 1 saw anaccountof a place 
called Hoy’s Wilderness. Will you be land enough to tell me where I 
can get reliable, information about the place; how to get there; where 
good guides can be obtained, etc. 2. Is a Winchester repeating rifle 
better than a Ballard for sporting purpose? Ana. 1. You. will find all the 
information you want regarding Hoy's Wilderness in our present issue. 
2. Probably there is no difference as far as shooting qualities are con¬ 
cerned. It is only a question as whether a magazine rifle would be 
better adapted for Lhe kind of shooting you wished it for, 
E. L. S., Troy, N. Y.—1, Does ice sink—that is to say, in lakes and 
ponds? What becomes of ice* apparently solid, when it suddenly disap¬ 
pears? 2. Will yon please give me the address of the party who ad¬ 
vertised some Lime since ill yonr paper “Lamps for nse in spearing fish;” 
ulso, are they as good as bundles of rags saturated with kerosene? Ans. 
1. ice is lighter than water, us It contains more or less air. Common 
sense teaches us that it does not sink. The lower part of a cake of ice 
molting away, the upper part, becomes heavier,, turns over, and disap¬ 
pears for a few minutes. 2. Eaton & Co., No. 17 Ann street, oan sup¬ 
ply the camp. 
J. W. R., Hannibal. — 1.1 have a rifle 50 calibre rimlire and have been 
saving the exploded shell. Is there any way that I can reload them, my¬ 
self y 2 What is the proper charge for a mnzzle loadlngBhot gnn, 12-bore, 
8 pounds, 83-inch barrel, for upland shooting, also for dneks and geese? 
3. Am talking of getting a Remington breech-loading shot gun, 30-inch 
barrel. Which would be the host for this section 10 or 12 bore? 4. Also 
ts the $15 Remington guu a good one for this region? Ans. 1. It would not 
not pay yon to reload them, 2. For upland. 31 drs. powder 11 oz. shoL; 
for ducks, 4 drs. powder, 8$ oz. shot. 3. For your district 10-bore. 4. 
Yes, excellent for the price. 
SunseniBBtt, Webster.— 1. Do you think ray gnn shoots too close for 
quail and woodcock shooting? I shot, it 80 yards ut targBt 18 inches in 
diameter, i oz. No. B shot, and put 255 pellets in a circle. If that.Is too 
close, what would you think would be a good pattern? 2. Would yon 
think my gnn was choke-bored? 3. Which makes the best penetration, 
choke bored, or straight? Ans, l. A gun which shoots as close as you 
say yonr’sdoes, shoots too close for upland shooting. 175 pellets Of No., 
8 shot at. 30 yards, 18-inch target, is quite close enough. 2. Yonr gun 
no doubt is choke bored. 9, It is a mooted question which makes beat 
penetration; tne adherents of each claim superiority. 
L. N. P., Boston .—Will you please answer the following ques¬ 
tion: Is it possible to cultivate trout artificially in a small stream that 
freezes in winter, and If so, what is necessary to so do, the water 1 freez¬ 
ing solid? Ans. Trout can net. be raised in a ytreum that freezes. Mr. 
Seth Green says on the subject: “If the creek froze solid tho fish would 
freeze solid, and 1 do uot believe when a fish is frozen solid he will ever 
Colne Lo life again. If they ore pnrLly frozen they will come too so that 
they will swim about, but will (lie. soon after. But there is another 
reason: any body of water that freezes very hard in winter will get very 
warm Iu summer, and they would die when the temperature of the water 
went higher than 70°. To put a (rout in water at 80° Fahrenheit he 
would not live one-half as long as he would out of the water on a 
rainy or lowry day.” 
A Constant Reader, Baltimore.—1. I have a very fine pointer bitoll 
who has a very bad habit of sucking egg?, and, as 1 live in the country 
near here, I often have an anticipated breakfast spoiled by her. I there¬ 
fore write to ask H you can suggest uny means to cure her of the habit 
other than the old recipe of cutting her tail off close up to the ears. 8. 
I have a dog that, while he eats very heuriily, from some unknown cause 
cannot retain anything (he eats) on his Btomach. Can you suggest * 
cause and remedy. Ans. 1, There are three remedies to break your dog 
of her bad habit. One is a muzzle so contracted that she cannot eat, 
the next best is lo provide yourself with a four-foot raw-hide, watch her 
and catch her in tho act, and give her a baker’s dozen w r ell laid on. But 
if she is uot a valuable one for field or breeding purposes, you had 
better try the romedy you alluded to, as it has never been known to fail. 
3. Have mailed to you some medicine, with directions for its use. 
B. L., Long Branch, N. J.—Please decide the following dispute:— 1. 
B Claims that the only shots lhat can be called line shots me those 
which are either above or below the buH’s-eye, while C claims that lho 
shot6 or the right or left of lhe buiPs-eye are equally to be considered 
line shots, and that inrifle sbootiiigthe side shots are considered as good 
as those that are abuye or below the bull’s-eye, All aiming supposed to 
be Ihn uuuie distance from the cuutrc of the target? 8. Was not Creedinoor 
orrigiLjilly intended for the practice uf lire National Guard of New York 
State, and long range shooting considered only of a secondary consider¬ 
ation? Aus. 1, In old times in gallery shooting where the target was 
supposed to represent a man, line shoots were considered better on ac¬ 
count of being more likely to have taken effect. B therefore i.s right, 
but wc ihitik with <J that the merit of Lbo shot Hhould be decided bv lb* 
distance fi'vin the bull’s-eye. £. Yob, 
