366 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



[Juke 7, 1883. 



who wishes to try his luck at deer, with an occasional shot 

 at a 'gator or a turkey, T can oonfiaienjlly recommend Uulf 

 Hammock, -where he will find a most comfortable house, 

 kepi by Mrs. 0. Wlngate, I found it more of a borne than 

 an hotel, and the charges most moderate. $12 per week. It 

 has none of the pretentiousness of Die lame hotels, but. I atn 



certain that no One, alter spending there some weeks, as I 

 did, will regret having done so, am! they will, 1 am sure, 

 say that they found every oomfert, though perhaps not all 

 the luxuries Y/'i of the large caravansaries. 



There is a keen hunter, Albert, whose services are always 

 at the disposal of the guests of the house, and a sportsman 



Bluat 1"- indeed unlucky who sura out without starting 

 some deer (one day we jumped tio less than eleven), and it 

 will he his own fault if he does not have venison every day 

 for dinner. There is excellent black bass and sheepshearl 

 fishing in the lovely stream the Wocriva, which runs close- 

 to the" house. 



Uulf Hammock is nine miles from Otter Creek station 

 (where there is a post-office), on the Fernaudina & Cedar 

 Keys Railway, or it can be reached by boal. being about 

 twenty miles' from Cedar Iseyes, should anyone prefer that 

 means of locomotion to the nine miles' ride in a wagon. 



VlATOR. 



Boston, Mass. 



Editor Wertst and Stream: 



Prom an experience of many years in sporting, I think 

 Indian River. Florida, one of the' besl and most interesting 

 places for hunting and fishing 1 ever visited. A few miles 

 hack of the western shore is the most extensive Cyprus 

 swamp in all Florida, in which can be found all the larger 

 Same of Florida, and one has only to build a tire and burn 

 some tlesh or fish some quiet, evening, that the scent may 

 waft out into the swamp, to call out panther, bear and wolf . 

 I found deer and turkey more abundant there than in any 

 other part of (he State, and on the strip of land between the 

 river and the Atlantic, quail were plenty. The river abounds 

 in fish of greal variety, and oysters and turtle, while ducks, 

 seafowl and wading birds are found in countless numbers. 

 As the winds are usually either east or west, the river is 

 seldom rough, and a good light boat is like a ready team re- 

 quiring but little care, and ready hitched at the door. It is 

 impossible to try to describe t lie beautiful semi-tropical 

 views, the ever new and wonderful varying points of interest, 

 the variety of birds thai seem to start up as one sails along 

 by the grassy points and woody inlets of the west coast. 

 The want of a hotel has so far been a barrier to spot -tstnens' 

 visits. Hut that want will lie in a measure supplied or 

 filled by the Florida Sportsman's Association, for as a mem- 

 ber one finds a home and is niecly eared for, and four orsix 

 members can at any time take one of the portable houses, 

 and Shift their coup to any point desired. 



In your issue of May 21, "Oidymus" says he supposed 

 when he went to Florida he could shoot all the wild turkeys, 

 deer and bear from the ears. Well, that is the opinion of 

 about One half the "city sportsmen" that start for distant 

 points South or West. But wild game is seldom found on 

 the beaten paths of well traveled routes, and the city sports- 

 man that expects to find gangs of wild turkeys looking into 

 the car windows, or droves of deer pic-nicing on railroad 

 tracks, will lie sadly disappointed 1 deny that there arc no 

 good hotels in Florida where game anil fish abound. I 

 would say visit Hotnosassa, sit at Jones's table, and in the 

 morning "or evening try the deer or wild turkey in the ad- 

 joining hamack on eitherside; or in a boat at his door, try 

 either rod or spear among the greal variety of excellent tisii 

 that abound there, and when tiring Of that, try the ducks 

 and seafowl to your heart's content; (hen go down twenty 

 miles below to Bay Port, and stopping at Mrs. Garrison's, try 

 the river for fish 'or ducks, and the hamack for deer, o'r 

 continue down to Tampa, stopping awhile at Clear Water 

 Harbor, and then honestly confess you were mistaken; and 

 that there are geiod hotels, obliging hosts, and excellent 

 tables, clean beds, and obliging hotel keepers in Florida. 

 Did "Didy m us" expect to have wild turkeys gobbling at 

 him from every bush at OealaV Oe.ala is the shire 

 town of .Marion county, in a pine land district, largely 

 agricultural, quite a "business place, with steam mills 

 and cotton gins, hardly a place to expect much game. 

 Having spent eight winters in Florida, I am rather 

 disposed to contradict these statements of "Didymi 

 as I have visited all the counties of the State and most 



every large town. I venture to assert that my shooting 



and 'fishing experience exceeds his by at least fifty per ceni. 

 Putnam, Conn.. May 38, W. 



ONCE MORE "THE SCREED." 



Editor FnnU 11 ml Stream: 



"Still must 1 hear" those other fellows bawl, and I not 

 sing'.' Why can't I li:nv a '■■shy" at the old •■Screed," as well 

 as the rest? 



It . ir„..i rather •■briery, " not a doubt of it; but the sports- 

 man, who ten years hence shall lake the trouble tore-read it, 

 will be likely to say the writer's head Was level. 



The value of a 'dog is more difficult to fix than that of al- 

 mOSl any other piece of properly. I have neverdeall in Ihein, 

 though I niiir accepted an offer of Sjdl), for one which cost, 

 me $17, three days before. 1 would not give fifty cent, for 

 bis counterpart "to-day. Nevertheless, 1 have owned and 

 broken a good many, and all hough dogs which are really 

 good, and thoroughly well-trained, are not over plenty. I 

 think the values ofsuoli animals are often fictitious. Many 

 will continue to pay the fancy prices, but fewer can afford 

 them. 



I did not; understand "Nessmuk" to class Prang's ebromn 

 among works of high art, but rather to take the position 

 field by the late Mr-,, I,. M, Child, who •■believed in" them, 

 as enabling persons of moderate means to adorn their homes 

 With pictures, , when expulsive paintings would be out of 

 the question. 



"Picket" hasn t it all on his side in the matter of Damas- 

 cus barrels, either. I have thought that such a firm as 

 Quentiu Malsys and Bcnvenuto Cellini (artists and aitisaus) 

 would have made, might, do something quite creditable? ii 

 that line, mould they ohoose to attempt if. 



I do nor know •>|e„-,smiik.'' but I will bet my best whim- 

 baiiiper against a common heydag. that if ho had plenty of 



money, aii.l found a dog, or anything else which suited him. 

 »uld buy it without much regard to the price. 



Some publisher ought to bring out a volume entitled, 

 "Nessmuk, his Screed (and accg. does, i," which should con- 

 tain the original production and the various comments which 

 it has elicited. Wouldn't it sell V X. 



P. S — "The game must go." 



The Kv.nocu Shki.i.s. — H we may trust the evidence 

 printed on the other side of the water in regard to the 

 Kvuocli shells, their invention marks an epoch in the use of 



the breech-loader, not less important than the adoption of 



choke-boring for long-distance shooting. The merits claimed 

 for these shells, or as they are called in England, "cases," 

 are that they give harder shooting and more even spread of 

 the shot than is obtainable from the ordinary paper shells. 

 Besides these important, matters, they do "not bulge, and 

 always slip in and out of the chamber without difficulty, 

 Water does not affect them, and they can be many times re- 

 loaded, while they are no heavier than the ordinary shells 

 now in use. In his recently published work, the "Modern 

 Sportsman's Sun and Rifle," Mr. Walsh devotes some space 

 to the consideration of the Kyuoch shells, and reaches the 

 conclusion that it brings twenty or thirty more pellets to the 

 target, and that all of those reaching it do so with equal 

 force. Now, as is well known to everyone who has practi- 

 cally tested the matter, there is a very serious loss in the or- 

 dinary turned down cartridge, from" the fact thai two or 

 three'hiyers of the shot usually become misshapen or upset 

 in the discharge, and so fly wi'ld and fail to reach Hie tar- 

 get, or even if they do so, strike it with f ueli slight force 

 that they fail to penetrate to any depth. This state of things 

 is said not to take place with these new shells, and as evi- 

 pence of this Mr. Walsh says; "I have myself lalely seen 

 298 pellets out of 806 (which number constitutes the above 

 charge 1J ounce) put on a 40-inch plate with a very full 

 choke." Notwithstanding the excellent results attained in 

 England, very little appears to have been done with Ihein 

 In this country, and -we regard it, as somewhat extraordi- 

 nary that so little apparent interesl has been manifested in 

 America on a BUbjeol which would appear tube of the 

 highest importance to all who use the shotgun. The some- 

 what greater cost of the Kyuoch shells may have something 

 to do w iih the apathy that has been shown in the matter, 

 but notwithstanding this, we hope ere long to hear the views 

 of our correspondents on this subject. 



The Tolleston Clcb Cask. — The Tolleston Gun Club 

 ise has finally been decided in these courts, and the chili 

 has scored a signal victory. The FoREBT and Stream con- 

 tained full particulars of this celebrated ease, but a brief re- 

 capitulation will be in order. Judge Tully decided the 

 case after relating the following history Of the controversy: 

 "The defcudent. E. S. Alexander, attempted to prevent the 

 members of the Tolleston Club from passing over his land in 

 going from the club house to the shooting' grounds on the 

 Little Calumet River. The club, which was organized in 

 187 1 as a voluntary organization, though steps were at that 

 time being taken to incorporate it, built a canal across the 

 defendant's land to the river from their club house 80 as to 

 have access to the shooting grounds, at big expense. To 

 this canal the defendant fully assented at that time, and was 

 also a member of the club. "He executed a lease to the club 

 for the ground used for the canal, providing, however, that 

 this lease, should terminate whenever the club should cease 

 to exist as then organized. Of course the defendant, claimed 

 that the incorporation of the club annnled the lease under 

 the terms stated." The court in rendering- a decision held 

 that the lease should be construed in the light of the cir- 



thc 



hieh 



ii purpose of th 

 •he evidence th 



ut i 



tftet 



strn 



of the club and intended t 

 to the club after incorpor 

 much as the club had been 

 the bank of the canal as; 

 and assented tO this, and 

 the location of a plank v 

 walk was covered by th 

 awarded to the club a di 



made and with reference to 

 parties at that time, and 



•t found that the 

 id in View of the incorporation 

 operate as a grant or easement, 

 it ion; and also held that inas- 

 EtCOUStDmed from the first to use 

 foot path, and Alexander knew 

 veil agreed with the club upon 

 alk laid for this purpose, such 

 ■ lease. The court therefore 

 ree perpetually enjoining the de- 

 fendant from obstructing the canal or foot path or inte 

 I'eringwilh the use thereof by the club members. Thus 

 endeththe great, Tolleston Club case. — (Chicago, June 2). 



Pntt.APEi.riitA Notes.— June 2.— A large flight of shore 

 birds reached the near New Jersey coasts during the past 

 week, and many of all tlie late migrating varieties can be 

 seen in our niarkets. The stay will he short, and even at 

 this writing have passed northward. They are a full week 

 late this year. I would advise all readers" of Fokkst Aim 

 Stream who will shoot 'between seasons" to try the Sine- 

 puxent shores the first week in August for curlew and willcl, 

 and slop at the Sinepuxeut House, a new hotel, kept by F. 

 J. Miller, at Ocean Citv, and engage baymau Powell "and 

 his outfit. I have heard this week, from the best authority, 

 that the shooting is good their in August. A large number 

 of night herons, or "quaks," have taken up their quarters in 



a Vi 1 near Bethlehem, Pa., this spring, as a nesting place. 



The unusual number of the birds has astonished the Bethle- 

 hemites. At, one time a clump of wood a mile from the 

 Delaware shore, between Chester and Leiperville, Pa., was 

 the breeding place of Hocks of both the blue heron and (he 

 night heron. This was within the writer's recollection; hut 

 the birds have long since deserted the place. Tracey. the 

 canine artist, is displaying a number of his dog portraits in 

 Earle & Sons' windows, in our city. They are attracting 

 much attention. It is the first time* many of our sportsmen 

 have had the Opportunity of admiring his ".Ncvei-sink Quail 

 Shooting" and portraits of Croxteth and Sensation. There 

 is now a furore among the poultry and pigeon dealers of our 

 city to have all varieties of dogs for sale in theirstock rooms. 

 I took a general run among them to-day, and found some 

 very fair dogs offered; but alas! at one "place I discovered 

 evident signs of distemper among the poor animals, and the 

 keeper, a mere lad. unaware that Ms whole stock of puppies 

 would soon suffer, and totally ignorant that the malady was 

 cropping out. — Homo. 



Indiana. — Fan-land, May 29. — The winter was unusually 

 favorable for the protection of our game. There was little 

 or no snow, the favorite time for the boy with the old mus- 

 ket to pot them in the snow. It gave them good protection 

 also from their natural enemies, owls, hawks and foxes. 

 Their cheery call may be heard about sunrise in all dirco 

 lions, now thai the birds are paired and are nesting. Wood- 

 cock have come in goodly numbers, and the absence of 

 heavy spiring Hoods and the favorable weather in early May 

 render it, probable that, the supply will be abundant. We 

 are expecting better quail shooting this fall than for five 

 years past, should the weather continue favorable. — C.W.W. 



Minnesota.— Pillsbury, May 28.— Ducks are nesting 

 here in unusual numbers; also pigeons. — J. F, Locke. 



Davy Crockltt.— Editor Forest awl Stream: 1 was much 

 interested in your article on Col. Crockett, and was glad to 

 see the cut of the rifle. I had not, the pleasure, when a boy. 

 of perusing his autobiography -have never seen it, in fact— 

 but, I remember well that during mv early years there was 

 annually issued in Massachusetts a volume entitled ■■Crock- 

 ett's Almanac." This was embellished with all sorts of 

 extravagant illustrations, representing the gallant Colonel in 

 tin- act of performing various extraordinary feats. There 

 ; also associated with him his particular friend, "Ben 

 Hardin," a sailor, if I remember rightly; and I have often 

 wondered if there was any orignal for this c< unl.erfeit. Per 

 haps Colonel Boh Crockett will oblige me by settling this 

 point in his next communication to the "Forest and 

 Stream. 1 am very glad that the rifle is still preserved in 

 the family, a fitting memorial of their distinguished an- 

 cestor. — x. 



Rail Breeding oh the I> 



bony-colored gatherer of swi 



!E River Shores. — An 

 •rer of sweet Hag root or calimus tells 

 y rail birds have settled down to breed 

 __ Oldnian's Creek, which empties into the 

 Delaware opposite Marcus Hook. In old times this would 

 have been nothing strange, (he marshes all along our river 

 were regular breeding grounds, but of late years their num- 

 bers have grown visibly less. — Homo. 



North Carolina.— Smithfield, N. O, June 22. — Wild 

 mulberries on Neuse River 'ripening aud squirrel shooting 

 fine; kill a dozen any afternoon. — 0. L. P. 



lea. mid Biver 



rmm an ivu lions should be ad- 

 Publishing Co., and not to 

 om the office matters of im- 



ANGLING RESORTS. — Wr shall be qlad to hace for publi- 

 cation Hates of good fishing localities''. Will not. our corre- 

 spondents favor us with notes of desirable points for angling 

 excursions? 



WACCAMAW LAKE. 



"And in the visions of romantic youth. 

 What endless hours ot bliss are yet to How." 



- G<rtrtule Of Wyoming. 



I INDICATED in one of my recent communications to 

 the Forest and Stream that I anticipated much pleas- 

 ure in a contemplated trip to Waceamaw Lake, where 1 ex- 

 pected to meet my friends, Hon.'s A. S. M. and J. J. D., 

 ' ay the hospitality of Col. H. B. S., who lives upon its 

 banks, aud indulge in the delights of fishing and all others 

 eieunto belonging or in anywise appertaining." Soon 

 after the gentlemen, whom I have named, and myself had 

 made the arrangement referred to. I wrote to another friend, 

 Hon. A. M. S., the genial Chairman of the Committee on 

 tndian Affairs during the Forty-sixth Congress, urging him 

 to join us. and thus afford a reunion of four persons who 

 had sat, at the same table day after day in the dining hall of 

 the Metropolitan Hotel, three of whom discussed "affairs of 

 State," while the other sat and listened with respectful at- 

 tention to their utterances. He answered with commenda- 

 ble promptness, announcing his purpose to be one of the 

 party. Matters being thus arranged, 1 confidently expected 

 Chat we all would meet, until a few days before the time ap- 

 pointed, when 1 had a letter from J, J. D. expressing his 

 regret that business avocations would prevent his participa- 

 tion in the pleasures anticipated, and his wishes that the 

 others should have full fruition of whatever could be had. 

 So, at midnight on Tuesday, the loth of May, Teceel and I 

 took the cars for Wilmington, where we were to remain for 

 the day, and then board the train at 0:30 P. M. for Fli 



ton, the station at the lake. \V 



who told us that he would take a freight 

 an earlier hour, meet us on our arrh 

 what we must regard as our home dUrinj 

 not invite, but commanded, a comp 

 Reaching the depot at WilmingtoD in 

 and cheek our baggau 

 of the train from V 

 promptly for our dest 



id H. B. S. 



inmodatiou at 



at escort us to 



stay. He did 



th his wishes. 



•. to get tickets 



fly for the arrival 



which" we. would start 



aible hour, 



full 



and i'so'on saw the poitiy form of my friend A. M. S., but 

 failed to seethe otheis who were expected. Making the 

 needed arrangements we entered Hie ears, and at eleven 

 o'clock received the welcome news from the conductor of 

 our arrival at Fleming-ton. 



So soon as we left the cars, we were greeted by om- friends 

 H. Ii, S. and It. B\ 8., Jr., and welcomed to a"ll the hospi 

 talities of their elegant, residence. After chatting a short 

 while with our hosts and Judge M., of Wilmington, we were 

 assigned to our quarters, and soon were enjoying the pleasures 

 of an excellent bed, which invited us to sleep. At least 

 Teceel and I were in bed sleeping, but, from information 

 Which came to us the next morning, we had grave rloubts 



hether the same good fortune betel our congressional com- 



ic. He and J 

 well Institute, at 

 for twentj ii 

 learned that ihc\ 

 creation down tt 

 state of I e i 

 laud of dre 

 discui 



idge M. were schoolfellows at the old Cald 

 t Greensboro, and had not seen each other 

 rs. After they retired to their room, I 

 v discussed all things, from the dawn of 

 i the Peloponnesian War, when being in a 

 exhaustion, they swooned away into the 

 When we met them the nex't. day, tbey 

 _ „ the character of Charles the Bold, Duke o"f 

 Burgundy, and the Earl of Oxford, and on their separation, 

 ai'iei ii 'I i.sh was over, they had gotten down to the battle 

 of New Orleans, concluding to leave the subsequent history 

 of the country as a subject "for conversation at their next 

 encounter. 



After partaking of an excellent breakfast, we walked 

 down to the lake, where we met om- old friend, K. K. O, 

 of Bladen, who had come over to join us in our piscatorial 

 sport , and enliven us with the scintillations of his quiet 

 humor. Pretty soon, Lewis, the colored commissary of our 

 host, made his'anpearaner, bearing a large basket, in which 

 was stowed away a lot of prepared provisions, in case of an 

 emergency. These "emergencies" often occur in fishing and 

 hunting frolics, and it is .safe always to make the needed pre- 

 parations, and not rely exclusively upon what you expect to 

 get as the result of angling or veuatorial skill. Rods and tackle 

 and bait had been provided, and after a short while 

 i I iii announced that the yacht was ready to lake us 

 across the lake to the point where its waters aie discharged 

 into the river. [Y-a-c-ht— yot. I hale that word, especially 

 the discrepancy between the spelling and pronunciation.] 



