SEVERE STRAITS 



NORMAN JEFFRIES 



"/ have seen black bass caught without bait, and even with the humble 'wum,' but 

 the angler who is reduced to such severe straits is more to be pitied than envied."— 

 Dr. James A. Henshall in "The Book of the Black Bass." 



'Neath the sunken rock by the waterside 

 The old black bass and his children hide. 

 Just as the day fades into night 



An angler throws a tinsel fly. 

 The cast is true, the drop is light, 



A young bass lifts a hungry eye. 

 But the hook-scarred veteran bars the way 

 With a wave of his tail: "Back quick, I say: 



You see if you look 



There's quite a sharp hook, — 

 Swim free of the fly that is hatched in a book." 



" 'Tis a knowing hand at the rod up there ; 

 Lie low and mock at his gaudy snare." 



A "Seth Green" next the angler tried; 



A "Henshall" with a peacock tail; 

 Lure after lure he deftly tied 

 And cast and cast without avail. 

 These bubbles that break betoken no rise ; 

 A bass laughs below with tears in his eyes : 

 "My friend out of sight, 

 You throw them all right, 

 But we're not dining out, we thank you, to-night.''' 



'Neath the sunken rock, bass little and big, 

 On their tails are joyously dancing a jig. 



"And now we'll eat," this old bass cries. 



"See what draws near with tempting squirms. 

 This is, indeed, a glad surprise." 

 He bolts a bunch of juicy worms. 



While orphaned bass are mourning for their sire 

 An angler takes a drink and builds a fire. 



"Though Henshall may claim 



It's not in the game, 

 There's no flies on the taste of this bass, just the same." 



