July 20, 1895.] 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



81 



it rather slow work, when the boy gave a yank and 

 speedily boasted a pound trout. "Ah," says Newt, "I have 

 one." His rod was bending, the trout tugging at a great 

 rate. "Be very careful," I said, "you can't afford tolose 

 a nice one like that. Don't try to pull him over the boat. 

 Work him up to my end and I will take him in for you." 

 This he did, but just as he got it within reaching distance 

 |t made a spurt and broke away. At this moment I had 

 one on that required all my attention, which with Newt's 

 ielp I successfully landed. We fished there till about 8 

 o'clock, the result being nine trout of nearly a pound each 

 and one about seven inches long. 



We had some more bread and milk ; shortly afterward re- 

 tiring to a fair bed, without springs, where we slept fairly 

 well, anticipating the morrow. We were out bright and 

 early in the morning, when we secured 14 nice fish in the 

 dooryard, so to speak, and then made a tour of the lake, 

 working the flies, at which I am a very poor hand, with 

 lots to learn. I had the satisfaction of seeing about a 

 pound ti-out jutup clear over the fly, and that's all the 

 satisfaction I did get, although I worked faithfully and 

 long. We anchored up the lake in several places, but the 

 wind was too strong and we got only a few, mostly small. 



In the afternoon Newt and I went out alone, working 

 the ground all over again, getting about a dozen. At one 

 place Newt caught five, fishing right beside me, where I 

 did not get a bite. In the evening we again fished in the 

 dooryard, where I got even with Newt by catching seven 

 nice ones, while he got only one. We were up at 3 o'clock 

 the next morning fishing the dooryard, but had to quit 

 early so as to have breakfast and drive three miles to the 

 1 A. M. train. 



We had our trout cleaned and packed in grass in a 

 box, which we subsequently got iced at Sauve's hotel. 



Mr, Belisle, although having quite a farm, gives a good 

 deal of attention to fishing parties, claiming that all last 

 summer he had not been able to go to mass once, while 

 this summer he expected it would be the same. 



He has boats on seven different la kes, his being the 

 only ones. The lakes, as I remember them, besides the 

 one at his dooryard, are Lac Dugas, Lac Legros, Lac La 

 Croix, Lake Dunham, Lac a la Cabin; the last he intended 

 to put a boat on the next week; it was about ten miles 

 distant and practically had never been fished. The whole 

 country is full of lakes with nothing but trout in any of 

 them. I found his charges very reasonable. Hotel rates 

 would have charged us practically two days, while our 

 bill (including board, boat, boy for guide and drive back 

 St. Agathe) was only $i for both of us. His usual charges 

 are $1 per day for board, $3 a day to furnish boats on the 

 different lakes and drive you thereto, and act as guide in 

 every respect. The $3 includes two sportsmen. 



As to fishing, he claims that on many of the back lakes 

 where he has boats fishermen have quit fishing at 4 P.M., 

 claiming they had all the fish they could dispose of. In 

 the smaller lakes they run from to 21bs. , while a couple 

 of 3-pounders have been caught in his dooryard. I am 

 told there are other lakes up nearer Labelle, where they get 

 lakers as large as 221bs., while one Montreal party in three 

 days' fishing brought down ISOlbs. of trout, 



I have seen it stated in the papers very often that the 

 black flies and mosquitoes were fearful; in fact, in one 

 case it stated that the party had to have a surgical opera- 

 tion performed in order to get back his eyesight. I took 

 a supply of Talcott's lotion, but did not use it at all. We 

 had got tired carrying it and left it at the house, but could 

 have tried it the labt evening, as there was no wind at all, 

 the mosquitoes then getting in their work, and I must 

 confess their bites were very painful. 



The country has been settled the past fifty years, but it 

 is only the last three years that they have had railroad 

 facilities: so that the lakes have been very little fished, 

 while plenty of them back a way have never had a line in 

 ■them. Mr. Belisle says that the mosquitoes are a myth on 

 most of the lakes, as the country is pretty well cleared up, 

 which insures a breeze most of the time, thus preventing 

 the mosquitoes getting their work in. He advised fisher- 

 men bringing worms with them. The soil being light, 

 sand worms are hard to get, and by August have practi- 

 cally disappeared. A telegram addressed Jos. Belisle, 

 fils, care Sauve's Hotel, St. Agathe, Que., will always 

 catch him in a day. With a little notice he could accom- 

 modate a party of five or six, or more if they were willing 

 to occupy the same rooms. 



I asked the conductor if he would take my box of fish 

 down in the baggage car. "Certainly," he said. "No 

 name on it? Well, when you get to Montreal just call up 

 for it." On arrival at Montreal the box was placed on the 

 truck and run inside the station. The young man wanted 

 to know if we did not want a cord around it, so as to be 

 able to carry it, and immediately procured a cord, fixing 

 handles so we could carry. We were not going home 

 till the afternoon train, and asked if we could leave the 

 box there till we called for it. "Certainly, sir; put it 

 right in the icebox," which he did forthwith. He was 

 very active about it, and as soon as finished went on with 

 his other work, not even giving me time to tip him. I 

 took charge of the valises and rods, Newt agreeing to get 

 the box in the afternoon and transfer over to Bonaventure 

 Station, where I duly found him. 



"Did you get along all right with the box?" I asked. 



"Yes, I had to see two or three parties first, but they 

 looked up the old man, who recognized me at once; when 

 I asked him for the fish, he said, 'Yis, sor, and doant you 

 want some more ice poot on them?' I told him I thought 

 they would keep till we got home, so a young man took 

 up the box and carried it up the street for me as nice as 

 you please." 



"Well, they treated us very decently," I said; "I hope 

 you tipped him." 



"Tipped him? Why no, I didn't tip him. He ran up 

 the stairs with the box, and by the time I arrived up he 

 had disappeared about his business. Didn't give me a 

 chance." 



We arrived home that evening with about 201bs. of 

 trout in fine condition. We hope to make another trip 

 up there some time this summer, when we will take in 

 some of the other lakes, 



The lake at St. Agathe village, Lac au Sable, I under- 

 stand is pretty well fished out, but there are lots of them 

 up there; so that one could go most any time, stop at the 

 hotels in the village, of which I believe there are some 

 good ones, and have guide call for him in the morning, 

 when they can drive to some of the lakes, which Mr. 

 Belisle assured me they very often do, returning before 

 supper with all the fish they want. 



I think any man could get all the fishing he wanted in 



a few days' time from the different lakes at not very great 

 expense, if he is willing to put up with farmers' fare, 

 which means plenty of milk, eggs and trout— if you catch 

 them — bread of fair quality, ham and salt pork, lots of 

 children around, ducks and hens meandering around 

 the table picking up crumbs while you are eating, beds 

 without springs, but withal clean. 



French is almost essential, although Mr. Belisle says he 

 he has handled English speaking parties. 



I cannot speak too highly of the C. P. R, employees' 

 courtesy, which I know will always pay in the end, and 

 no doubt the C. P. R. officials know it too. Quite a con- 

 trast with some of your roads across the line, pretending 

 to cater to sportsmen. J. Bruoe Payne. 



BOYER'S TROUT. 



It was a glorious day 



When we, with tackle Btout, 

 Three gallant fishermen 



Saw Boyer catch his trout. 



For the sky was lowering dark, 

 And the rain came down the spout, 



And the wind was blowing right 

 When Boyer caught his trout. 



And the worms they wriggled in, 

 And the worms they wriggled out, 



And the fly they wouldn't take, 

 But Boyer took his trout. 



And away In yonder bush 



The birds they raised a shout, 

 They whistled and they sang 



When Boyer caught his trout. 



But a btte he first must have— 



He couldn't catch without— 

 Three hours passed before 



That Boyer struck his trout. 



His fellow fishermen 

 They called, "Look out! look out! 



Give him more line, my boy — 

 Oh, Boyer, hold your trout!" 



An alder bush hung near ; 



He'll make for it, no doubt. 

 He'll get away, he'll break away ! 



Boyer, don't lose that trout ! 



"I see him now," cries one, 



"I see his awful snout ! 

 See what a swirl he cuts, 



That dandy Boyer's trout!" 



Ah, now he's coming in— 



And now he whirls about— 

 Hold hard ! More line, my boy, 



Oh, Boyer, take that trout ! 



He's making for tie brush, 



That ugly alder spout; 

 Give him the butt, or else 



Good bye to Boyer's trout. 



"I'll give you fifty cents 

 For chances on this bout," 



A business comrade cries- 

 Would Boyer sell his trout? 



"Hand me that landing net; 



Now, steady, boys— look outl" 

 Swish I a racket in the boat— 



And Boyer's got his trout I 



Sixteen inches and a half 



From tip of tail to snout— 

 A beauty and a dandy he 



Is Boyer's noble trout. 



Hurrah! hurrah! what fun 



We had in getting out 

 From these dark waters deep 



Proud Boyer's noble trout. 



And the birds they merry sing 



And the frogs in chorus shout — 

 "Oh, Boyer, Boyer ho ! 

 Oh, Boyer's got his trout!" 

 Eastok, Penn., J uly 3. Henry M, Kieffer. 



NEW ENGLAND AND CANADA. 



Boston, July 13.— Forge Pond, down near Plymouth, is 

 one of the ancient trout ponds of Eastern Massachusetts. 

 It has been fished for a hundred years, and many dis- 

 tinguished public gentlemen have dropped a line into its 

 waters in times gone by. Daniel Webster used to fish 

 there. All of which goes to show that our modern states- 

 men in devoting themselves to the pleasures of angling 

 are only following in the footsteps of the great men of 

 long ago. The old pond has had a severe strain on its re- 

 sources in the past, and I have been told that forty-five 

 rods (representing just so many fishermen) have been seen 

 on it in one day. It draws its main supply of water from 

 three brooks, which in turn take their source from springs 

 back in the woods. Its area is about twenty acres, and 

 it seems to be a natural trout preserve, resembling in this 

 respect the celebrated Tim Pond in Maine. 



But a few years ago Forge Pond, with considerable ter- 

 ritory in its immediate vicinity, was purchased by Mr. E. 

 D. Jordan, Jr., one of Boston's most prominent mer- 

 chants. He has built a fine home there, and taken many 

 steps toward beaittifying the estate. Delighting in the 

 pleasure associated with rod and gun he has paid particu- 

 lar attention to restocking the pond with fish, and the 

 woods with game. Eight hundred young salmon were 

 put in the pond last spring. Since then one has been 

 taken out 13in. in length and another 8in. long. Native 

 brook trout are at present the principal fish there, and 

 they have been taken out up to 21bs. in weight. In Eel 

 Eiver, a tide-water stream, the outlet of the pond, 2,000 

 English brown trout were placed some time ago. These 

 fish run into salt water and spawn above on the river like 

 salmon. They have been caught up to 2flbs. in weight 

 this year, and nine have been taken by one party. 



Mr. Jordan has imported a number of Belgian hares. 

 After keeping them for some time, sixty of them were 

 turned loose to roam over the country. They are great 

 speeders and jumpers, and ought to furnish good sport in 

 a year or two more. Many quail have been turned out, 

 and partridges are said to be very plentiful. There are 



now 110 Mongolian pheasants from one to three weeks 

 old. As they become strong of wing they will leave for 

 the surrounding country, but still with instinct strong 

 enough to make their headquarters at the old home, 



Mr. Jordan has 500 acres in the estate, and in addition 

 to the resources of his own property is very fortunate in 

 its location, as the entire surrounding country provides 

 good sport. Great South Pond is only a short distance 

 away, and excellent bass fishing can be had there. It is 

 only two or three miles to the ocean, and the Manomet 

 shore is noted for tautog fishing. It is along this shore 

 that the great flights of coot, brant and loon occur in the 

 fall, bringing out scores of shooters to participate in the 

 sport. Wild geese are also abundant in the ponds in the 

 neighborhood, and a system of blinds used there by the 

 sportsmen is about perfect in effect. Several other Boston 

 men have private estates near Mr. Jordan's place, among 

 them Messrs. Howe and Blodgett. These gentlemen have 

 also put out quite a number of quail. With good game 

 protection, which is the urgent need of the locality, the 

 woods of Plymouth will soon surpass their old time repu- 

 tation as a resort for sportsmen. 



Mr. Herbert Dumareeq, of Boston, a partner of Mr. 

 Jordan in the firm of Jordan, Marsh & Co., has a fine 

 assortment of tackle and delights to use it on every 

 possible occasion. He is fond of salmon fishing, and be- 

 longs to a club with elaborate headquarters at Sebago 

 Lake. A party consisting of Mr. Dumaresq, J. Murray 

 Brown and C. B. Gookin, all members of the club, made 

 a recent record of 24 salmon, with s n average of 51bs. 

 each, in a few days' fishing some weeks ago. Mr. 

 Dumaresq was high line, taking the largest fish, which 

 weighed lllbs. 



J. W. Bailey, author of the new book with maps on the 

 St. John's Eiver and its tributaries, and Geo. Clark, both 

 well-known Boston men, have gone on a fishing and ex- 

 ploring trip to the Upper St. Maurice River, in Canada. 

 They go first to Kiskisink station, then to the Bostonnais 

 River, and by canoe to the St. Maurice. They will be 

 away about three weeks. 



Gaston T. Hubbard and his son, F. Perry Hubbard, 

 passed through Boston on Tuesday last bound for a two 

 weeks' trip to Moosehead Lake. Fishing is the favorite 

 pastime of Mr. Hubbard, senior, andhe will make a strong 

 effort to instil love of the sport into his son, who is now 

 making his first trip. Last year he took his other son 

 with him to Tim Pond, and says his success with him was 

 of the best. I hope he may do as well this time. 



N. N. Mason and S. S. Stone, of Providence, have gone 

 to Cape Breton to spend a few weeks fishing the waters 

 near Baddeck. Mr. Mason has fished in that country for 

 sixteen successive years, and is one of those anglers who 

 can tie a fly, mend a rod and do anything that may be 

 necessary to repair his outfit or increase his chances of 

 success when away on a trip of this kind. He has re- 

 duced the sport to a science and thereby insures success. 



Henry W. Clarke, of Boston, has just returned from a 

 six weeks' trip to Maine. Mr. Clarke, with David Haines 

 as guide, has made an annual trip for twenty odd years 

 into the Rangeley and Dead River country. After spend- 

 ing some time at Rangeley, he went to King and Bart- 

 lett, and was very much impressed with the beauties of 

 the country aroitnd Big Spencer Lake on that preserve. 

 The trip was closed with a stay of some days at Flagstaff 

 Pond, where Mr. Clarke delights to take the pickerel on 

 a fly. He had great success at this fishing, capturing 

 most of them on a scarlet-ibis, and says they are surpris- 

 ingly gamy taken in this manner. Generally speaking, 

 pickerel fishing with a fly is not a pronounced success, 

 but close proximity to trout in the Maine ponds as an 

 example may make a difference at Flagstaff. 



Mr. Louis Curtis, of Boston, has just returned to the 

 city from a trip to the Restigouehe River. He is a mem- 

 ber of the Restigouehe Salmon Club, and killed twenty- 

 nine salmon in sixteen days' fishing. This is an excellent 

 score, considering the poor luck this season of many older 

 salmon fishermen on New Brunswick rivers. 



Mr. E. A. Hitchcock, of St. Louis, and James L. High, 

 of Chicago, have gone to fish the upper waters of the 

 Nepissiguit for salmon. Mr. Hitchcock, together with hi 

 brother the Hon. Henry Hitchcock, of St. Louis, control 

 valuable pools on this river, but have not been fishing 

 them for the last two seasons. They have good camps 

 nicely fitted up for comfort and convenience. The 

 gentlemen will be on the river two weeks, and ought to 

 do well, as the June fishing was very poor and the run of 

 salmon long overdue will probably occur in July. 



Hackle. 



More about the Leaping Bass. 



Bedford, Ind., July 10. — Your excellent correspondent 

 "Kingfisher" seems to be abundantly able to maintain 

 his end of the controversy with Dr. Ellzey over "The 

 Leaping of Black Bass," and perhaps it is for this reason 

 he has been left almost alone on his side of it. I am sur- 

 prised that Dr. Ellzey should claim an extensive experience 

 in bass fishing and yet deny that "Kingfisher's" state- 

 ments are entirely within the bounds of probability, in 

 fact that "Even his failings lean to virtue's side." 



Black bass, both large and small-mouth, will leap and 

 shake themselves "When the spirit moves them" to make 

 such efforts for freedom, regardless of whether the angler 

 plays them high, low, or Jack. Some years ago, while 

 fishing at Grass Lake, 111. , I hooked a very large bass on 

 a 4£ Skinner spoon. The rod and line were very light, 

 the water shallow and very weedy, the line was quickly 

 fouled, and parted a few inches above the spoon. I had 

 scarcely time to realize that the fish had gone before it 

 leaped from the water, its dorsal fin was extended, its 

 mouth was wide open, I thought I saw that bass shake 

 itself, I know I heard the spoon rattle, and that it was in 

 some way disengaged and thrown to one side about 15ft. 

 I know that I saw the spoon strike the water and that I 

 afterwards recovered it. At the time it did not occur to 

 me that there was anything remarkable about that spoon's 

 flying through space; I was accustomed to seeing bass 

 jump and shake themselves, and I then thought, and up 

 to the time I saw Dr. Ellzey's letter had continued to 

 believe, that the bass had shaken itself with sufficient 

 violence to throw the spoon to the spot where I saw it 

 strike the water; but since the doctor says that bass don't 

 "shake" I am anxious to know how the one I write of 

 sent my spoon so far from it? 



I have frequently seen bass leap two or three feet above 

 the surface of the water, and on rare occasions have seen 

 them go perhaps as much as 5ft., but always in lake 

 fishing. I have never seen a bass make a high leap 

 from a swift stream. Hoodoo, 



