gS4 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



[Maech 16, 1898. 



ANGLING NOTES. 



Suckers. 



According to one of the daily papers, a boy retirrning 

 from school informed his father that the teacher said that 

 sharks were the first of the fishes to be created. The 

 father replied if that was so suckers must have been a 

 close second. It is not likely that he referred to the suck- 

 ers of ichthyological works, which many anglers think it 

 was time lost to create at all, if they think anything about 

 them. But suckers are not to be despised and derided as 

 useless except to cumber the water. Suckers of various 

 kinds furnish a not unimportant part of the fish food sup- 

 ]3ly ; they are an excellent bait for other fish, for they are 

 tough and live long on the hook, and they associate with 

 the brook trout and indicate to the old bait-fishermen 

 when to go fishing — for "when suckers run troiit bite." 



I made my first close acquaintance with the common 

 brook sucker by means of a wire snare when I was a boy, 

 and not long after I ctiltivated him with a spear, and my 

 chief interest in the fish is that it is the first and last that 

 I ever snared. I was "taught on suckers" and I finished 

 witli suckers. I recounted my success one day at 

 the table, and my father asked, "How did you 

 say you caught them?" "With a snare." "With a 

 snare!! my son. I am ashamed of you!" It does not 

 read now at all as it sounded then, for, although that 

 ended the conversation, the way in which my father pro- 

 noimced "snare" and "ashamed" made me feel that I had 

 committed the unpardonable sin, and that a pony that 

 had been promised me would be late in finding its way to 

 our stable. I regret that I have never eaten a sucker, but 

 there are plenty of people who have and who consider 

 them excellent eatuag in the spring when the w^ater is 

 cold, and it is in the spring that they are taken, sjDeared 

 or netted, when they rim up the brooks to spawm. I was 

 led to make a note about suckers because of the com- 

 plaints that in many streams where they were once 

 abundant the suckers are becoming extinct, and the people 

 w-ho complain and deplore the scarcity of suckers wonder 

 why it is so. The reason is not far to seek, for in these 

 very streams where they are now scarce they have been 

 speared— slaughtered— for years on their way to spawn. 

 As the fish is not cultivated artificially and the natural 

 spawning has been checked, the s])earers axe now reaping 

 the just reward of their own folly. 



Trout and Suckers Running-- 



People who Live in the coimtry where there are trout 

 streams may heax of large trout being taken early in the 

 season before they will rise to a fly, and these trout are 

 quite apt to be larger than any that may be taken subse- 

 quently the same season. These big trout are taken 

 when "the suckei-s are running." It is only a coincidence 

 that trout and suckers "run" at the sanie time, as the 

 former run up stream from the deep pools where they 

 have spent the vpinter to find swift water, which quickens 

 their actions and causes them to throw off the skiggishness 

 induced by Jack Frost, and the latter rim up the brooks 

 to spawn. This is the bait-fisherman's haiwest time, and 

 this is the mode of fishing — if so it can be called. Find- 

 ing a pool with sluggish cm-rent between rajaids the fish- 

 erman baits his hook with a ' 'gob" of wriggling earth 

 worms, and weighting it with a sinker that will keep it 

 at the bottom he casts it into the pool and sits himself 

 down to wait. There is sufficient current in the pool to 

 straighten out the line below^ the sinker and the worms 

 move gently from side to side, as the heavy sinker pre- 

 vents them from being carried out of the pool. Both 

 trout and suckers must make some effort to get up 

 the rapid below, and finding the pool they na- 

 turally rest in it, and the worms may be gathered 

 in with little exertion, and when the fisherman 

 feels a bite he gives the fish plenty of time, for 

 bait fish are very deliberate at this season.- FinaUy he 

 yanks, and he may have a trout or he may have a sucker, 

 and to those who fish in this manner, I think it makes 

 little difference which it proves to be. A sucker is not' 

 the stupid fish that he looks to be, and they will do one 

 thing I never knew another fish to do. When the brooks 

 are low and the suckers are congregated in the pools, if 

 tliey are hurried by the boys, and men too have done it, 

 they will attempt to escape down stream. A pool above 

 a rapid is always selected for this, and wdien the sucker 

 driven from his retreat in deep water, comes to the rapid 

 with not enough water for him to swim in, he turns 

 broad-side to the current wdiich rolls him over and over 

 until he finds deep water below, provided he escapes the 

 boot of the man or boy standing in the shallow water for 

 the purpose of kicking him out on to the shore; for be it 

 understood the suckers are driven on to the rapids with 

 malice aforethought. Caught only, or chiefly, at spawn- 

 ing time, and caught with every possible device in shal- 

 low water, where they fall an easy prey to their captors, 

 it is small w^onder that suckers are becoming scarce in 

 some sections of the country. 



Trout Frozen in the Ice. 



Some weeks ago I mentioned in these notes that dur- 

 ing the cold weather which prevailed in December and 

 January many of the smaller brooks in northei-n New 

 York had frozen solid to the bottom, and this state of 

 affairs did not promise well for the spawning beds of 

 trout in those brooks. I certainly did not anticipate 

 that the trout themselves would suffer from the cold, for 

 as a rule they take themselves down stream into deep 

 water, but a man in Warren county had occasion to 

 cut a block of ice from a stream near his house, and to 

 his surprise he found several trout frozen in the ice. 

 The ice was cut from a pool where it was frozen to the 

 bottom. It is clear that the ice first formed above and 

 below the pool, cutting off" the retreat of the fish and 

 imprisoning them in the pool, w^here finally they were 

 frozen in the ice. Since I have been waiting, ice has 

 passed the house, drawn from the Hudson River, which 

 is more than 30in. thick, but even vith this evidence of 

 the severity of the frost I do not think that trout being 

 frozen in a stream 50 miles further north is so remark- 

 able, all things considered, as that a 41b. small-mouth 

 black bass should have been frozen in under the ice on 

 the shore of Lake Champlain early in the whiter. The 

 fish was found by a young friend of mine, and had it 

 not been found it would have frozen solidly in the ice, 

 as it was imprisoned between the sliore and a sand 

 ridge thrown up by the wind and waves a few feet out 

 from the shore, and half an inch of ice had formed 



over it. As it was, the fish had been obliged to turn 

 partly on its side to escape being nipped. 



An Enthusiast. 

 An old gentleman once asked me to advise him about 

 buying a fish rod and he called upon me to see some that 

 I had. I showed him one after another until I brought 

 out a total number that I have never dared mention 

 since, for he lectured me in my own house upon the ex- 

 travagance of owning so many rods. I do not know what 

 he would have thought had he been at the dinner of the Fly 

 Fishers' Club in London, where Dr. GowUand, a member, 

 said that he owned 267 rods, with reels, lines, flies and 

 everything to match. In all probability he Avould have 

 said nothing, for he would have been stricken dumb. 



A. N. Cheney. 



LAKE CHAMPLAIN BASS. 



It may be of interest to the readers of the Forest and 

 Stream; to hear of a few changes which have been made 

 in the fish laws of Vermont, especially those relating to 

 black bass, waJl-eyed pike, etc. 



The last Legislature enacted a lay making it legitimate 

 to fish in the waters of Lake Champlain with hook and 

 line any time through the year (close season for bass to 

 Jime 15). Perhaps some of you may question the policy 

 of this law. Such we would refer to Sec. 27 of the fish 

 and game laws of Vermont, which is as foUows: 



The use of pound-nets, trap-nets, seines, gill-nets, set-nets, fykes, 

 set-lines, fishing otters or trawls in the waters of this State is hereby- 

 prohibited; and any person who shall so use for fishing any such 

 pound-net, trap-net, seine, gill-net, set-net, fyke, set line, fishing otter 

 or trawl shall be punished by a fine of one himdred dollars. 



Does this not, in a measure, recompense for whatever 

 harm might come from the privilege given us? 



Furthermore, another reason for justifying such a law 

 is the great increase of bass, wall-eyed pike, etc., during 

 the past few years. Last year the fishing in the Great 

 Back Bay was far ahead of that of several j)receding 

 years. Gentlemen w^ho have annually visited our beau- 

 tiful lake will testify as to the truth of this statement. 



Lake Champlain is the natural home of the small- 

 mouth black bass; thej'^ have been here from time im- 

 memorial, and moreover they are here to stay. If they 

 could withstand the strain made upon them in former 

 seasons by pound-nets, set nets, etc., can they not grow 

 and increase when such practices are abolished, and only 

 hook and line fishing allowed ? 



Too little is known of Lake Champlain, Brother ang- 

 lers (I call you brother anglers, for there surely is a bond, 

 indescribable but nevertheless a bond, which binds one 

 angler to another), do you like to catch black bass ? Do 

 you love to look upon beautiful scenery, a lake dotted 

 with many picturesque islands, its shores indented with 

 charming little bays, its waters clear and hcaltliy ? Do 

 you seek pleasure and rest ? Then go to Vermont; go to 

 Lake Champlain. You will, perhaps be disappointed, but 

 in this way only, by finding it better than you expected. 



A gentleman once said: "I have traveled all over 

 Europe; I saw a great many beautiful places, but Lake 

 Cliampiain in its unblemished, natural beauty, equals, if 

 not surpasses, each one of them." H. L. Sajmson. 



SEA FISHING AT CADIZ. 



Cadiz, Spain, Feb. 17. — ^Along the tremendous sea wall 

 that surrounds beautiful Cadiz there were many fishermen 

 yesterday, and it was very interesting to examine the equip- 

 ment of these patient men, who were constantly busy 

 baiting and throwing the line, with, as far as one could 

 see, very poor success. 



The rods used were from 18 to 25ft. long, generally 

 spliced , very flexible and w-ith a long tip. The lines were 

 from 50 to toft, long, strung with cork beads at short in- 

 tervals, heavier toward the pole, running finer and termi- 

 nating in a gut leader bearing the float and two hooks. 

 The rod was held under the left arm, and in making the 

 cast the hook was held in the right hand, the' flexible I'od 

 given a dextrous wave, communicating the motion to the 

 slack line, which started seaward. When the tension 

 reached the hook it was let go and gracefully dropped a 

 good distance out upon the water. In recovermg the hook 

 the rod was swung under the line vigorously and the lat- 

 ter rattled over the rod until the float was stopped by the 

 man's hand, and the hooks were caught with a great deal 

 of skill. Most of these men wore a guaxd on the right 

 hand, and witli apparent good reason. The hooks were 

 small — about No. 7 sijroat. 



The bait was dough, or, when the water was clear, 

 shrimp or fish on one hook and dough on the other. After 

 the cast, a ball of dough mixed Avitli sand was thrown 

 out with unerring aim near the float. In the rough surf 

 on the Atlantic side tough fish bait w^ as usually employed. 



The fish, if small, were drawn up hand over hand; if 

 large a pm-se net bound to a wooden rim with thongs of 

 calfskin, was let down by a friend and the fish played 

 into it. 



Two kinds of larger fish were taken, a white fish wdth 

 large mouth and black blotches along the back, called 

 the "bafle," and a fish somewhat the shape of a .salmon, of 

 reddish color, called the "lisa." In clear water they could 

 be seen to rise to the ground bait and to take the hook. 



When a good bite was missed the circle of sympathetic 

 friends leaning against the parapet enjoying the warm 

 sun would characterize it in the expressive language of 

 the south as "an atrocitj^" or "a barbarity," and the fish- 

 erman whould patiently ti'y agam. W. H. 



Some Strange Captuz'es. 



A CORRESPONDENT writes about catching mussels on a 

 line. On one occasion, while worm-fishing for trout, I 

 caught two clams in the same brook. They took the bait, 

 but I don't think they Avent out of their way to seize it. 



I also caught a lizard in a New- Hampshire pond while 

 fishing for trout, and I believe one of my companions did 

 the same, but am not siu-e, as it was long ago. Is not this 

 unusual? KeIlPie. 



With Rod and Creel.— The days approach when the sportsman 

 will go forth with rod and creel. W'here will he go 'i If wise, to the 

 great trout aud bass country along or tributary to the Grand Trunk 

 Railway of Canada. Write for paiticulars to N. J, Power, General 

 Passenger Agent, Montreal, Canada.— 



TJ. S. Fish Commission. 



The report of U. S. Fish Commissioner, Hon. M. McDonald 

 for the year, July 1, 18S8, to .June 30, 1S89, is just published. 

 Its contents ai-e: (1) Report of the Commissioner, in which 

 is included a record of the fishcnltural operations of the- 

 Commission. 



(2) Report on the Inquiry respecting Food Fishes and the 

 Fishing Grounds. Bv Richard Rathbun. 



(3) Report on the Division of Fisheries. By J. W. Collins. 

 The appendices to the report contain an interesting account 



of the Fisheries of the Pacific Coast, including Alaska; Dis- 

 tribution of Fish and Eggs; Investigations of the Steamer 

 Albatross; Operations at Wood's Holl, Mass.; Notices of 

 Certain Parasites of Fishes, by Edwin Linton; A Review of 

 the Fresh Water Sunfishes, by C. H. Bollman; A Review of 

 the Eels of North America and Europe, by Drs. Jordan and 

 Davis; The Chemical Composition and JSTntritive Values of 

 Food Fishes and Aquatic Invertebrates, by W. O. Atwater, 

 and Report upon the Participation of the U. S. Fish Com- 

 mission in the exposition held at Cincinnati, O., in 1888. 



This report covers 903 pages. Eleven thousand copies were 

 printed, 3,000 for the use of the Senate, 6,000 for the House 

 and 2,000 for the Commissioner. The papers for the most 

 part have appeared in pamphlet form., as separates extracted 

 from the Commissioner's report, and have been noticed in 

 Forest and Stream. 



FIXTURES. 



DOG SHOWS. 



March 14 to 17.— Washington, D. C. F. S. Webster, Sec'y 



March 21 to 24.— City of the Straits Kennel Club, at Detroit. Mich. 

 Guy D. Welton, Sec'y. 



March 22 to 25.— Elmira, N. Y. C. A. Bowman, Sec'y. 



March28to 31.— lUindio Kennel Club, first show, at Indianapolis, 

 Ind. Chas. K. Farmer, Sec'y. 



AprU 4 to 7.— New England Kennel Club, at Boston, Mass. J. W. 

 Kewman, Sec"y. 



April 11 to 14.— Continental Kennel Club, at Denvej-, Col. 



April 19 to 22.— Fifth Annual Dog Show, at Los Angeles, Cal. C A 

 Siunner, Sec'y- 



May 5 to 6.— Pacific Kennel Club, at Sau Francisco, Cal. Horace W 

 Orear, Sec'y. 



June 13 to 17.— W^orld's Fab-, Chicago. W. I. Buchanan, Chief Dept. 

 of Agriculture. 

 Sept. 5 to 8.— Hamilton Kennel Club. A. D. Stewart, Sec'y. 

 Sept. 11 to 15.— Toronto, Canada. C. A. Stone. Sec'y. 



FIELI) TRIALS. 



Nov. 7.~International Fiedd Trials. W. B. Wells, SecV, Chatham, 

 Out. 



Nov. 20.— Eastern Field Trial Club's Trials, at High Point, N. O. 

 Members' Stake Nov. 16. W. A. Coster, Sec'y. 



Don't forget that Boston entries close March 18 

 with the Bench Shew Committee* 125 Tremont 

 sti'eet, Boston. 



Indianapolis entries close March 21, with Chas. 

 K. Farmer, 25 Ruckle street, Indianapolis, Ind. 



BALTIMORE DOG SHOW. 



TuE third show held by the Maryland Kennel Club must 

 be considered quite as snccessful as the first held in 1890, 

 which will always be I'emembered in a "miDcy" way. The 

 show held last week in the Cyclorama building was re- 

 markable for quality in most of the important breeds, and 

 the people of Baltimore showed a just appreciation of this 

 fact by crowding into the building afternoons and evenings. 

 Especially on ^'ednesday evening was the crowd a good one, 

 taxing theround building to its fullest extent ingalferiesand 

 main floor. The tickets gave out at the door and those in the 

 ticket collector's box had to do double duty. 'There is little 

 doubt that the club came out even, if not ahead. This means 

 a good deal in the Monumental City, for a serious loss this 

 year meant no more shows under the present management, 

 as they experienced the "gaff" unpleasantly in 1891. The 

 show committee, consisting of Llessrs. W. S. and C. D. Dif- 

 fenderflier, W. C. Farber, J. E. TIioxiipKuu, W. F. Riggs and 

 T. J. Sheubrooks, worked hard every day and were continu- 

 ally on hand to lend every assistance aiid courtesy in their 

 power. In this they were ably seconded by Mr. John Reed, 

 the superintendent, who kept the building' in good order and 

 the dogs well attended to. Two ring.s were furnished, and 

 judging was an completed the first day, the record this year. 

 The judges were Messrs. James Mortimer, G. Muss-Arnolt, 

 C. D. Cugle, James AVatson and H. W. Imcj. Among those 

 not mentioned last week as present and who came after the 

 first day were Mr. J. H. Winslow and Col. Piircell, P. R. C. 

 Clarke, W. Montgomery, Donald Munro, Frank Gillard, 

 German Hopkins, etc. 



The class of people who attended the show was excellent 

 and it is very evident that the society people of Baltimore 

 are following the lead of the other cities in going to the dogs. 

 The dailies did well by the .show and that is one secret of 

 success. The catalogue had a good many typographical 

 errors, but on the whole was well arranged, though there 

 were far too many double numbers. With no novice and 

 puppy entries the club may be said to have fairly held its 

 own, and with a better classification and increased premium 

 list will, no doubt, do better next year. The arrangement of 

 awards on a large frame by the door was good, breeds and 

 classes running in sequence, and not as usually seen, one 

 class here and another perhaps three feet away of the same 

 breed. It is very simple and should be adopted bv every 

 show. Prizes were paid promptly on Friday afternoon. A 

 feature of the show was the comfortable room provided for 

 exhibitors only, and judging by its crowded state at times 

 those present fully appreciated it. During the .show Mr. 

 Reed, who is a favwite in Baltimore, was presented with a 

 handsome diamond pin by the bench show committee in 

 recognition of his good conduct of the show. Little more 

 need be said and a review of the classes is in order. The 

 weather throughout was good during the daytime, and in 

 this respect the club had an advantage over ISfew York and 

 Philadelphia. Professor Hampton delighted the folks with 

 his dog circus, the cat fight being the principal attraction. 



Mastiffs {James Mortinwr, Judge). With the exception 

 of two or three of the winners there was little in this breed 

 to commend in the way of quality. The principal winners 

 have been out for the past three weeks. Miss Caution was 

 the only challenge representative, a^d she was looking well, 

 " Uncle Dick" evidently taking goc care of her during her 

 travels. Merlin, looking a little tL^ner, added another blue 

 ribbon to his bunch, and will soon, if he is not aheady, be 

 qualified for the higher Avalks of a mastiff's show life. A 

 previous winner at past shows in Baltimore, The Moor, came 

 second. He has a fairly well shaped head. His feet might 

 he better, rather flat, but he beats Brother, third, and second 

 at Philadelphia, in size, depth of body, bone and head. Ben 

 C. is pinched in muzzle and ears are thrown hack. He is a 

 dog of fair bone and substance. The well kno\^'ll EthtJ had 

 little difficulty in scoring over Linkwood. Lady Margaret, 

 whose dish face, light eyes and muzzle, faulty "cairiage of 



