410 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



[IVIay 11, 189b. 



LARGE-MOUTH AND SMALL-MOUTH. 



CiNCiN^rATi, O.— Editor Forest and Stream: I inclose 

 you the "versified" notions of Uncle Billy Hall, a 

 member of our Cuvier Club here, on the "Mutability of 

 the Black Bas'=)." Uncle Billy is a bass fisher of forty 

 years' experience, has fished nearly every stream within 

 a hundred miles of Ciucinnati, and is the most persistent 

 "wading bird" known to this region. 



Of late years he has been studying black bass, and has 

 come to the imalterable conclusion that small-mouthed 

 "bass under certain conditions change to large-mouths, and 

 that large-mouths under certain other conditions will 

 swap back into small-mouths. 



He clamis that Ross Lake, a confslderable body of weedy, 

 shallow water near the city, was several years ago stocked 

 exclusively with sraaU-mouthed black bass, and now there 

 are none "taken from it except big-mouths. Something 

 more than three years ago he took out of Ross Lake 1,150 

 big-mouthed bass— little fellows 2 and 3in. long— and 

 placed them in a pond of good, pure water near Madison- 

 ville, this county: it was a new pond and these were the 

 first bass put in it, and he says that last year he took quite 

 a number out of it with rod and line, weighing from i to 

 lib., and that every solitary mother's son of them were 

 small-mouths. If you have a mind to publish his verses, 

 which I am permitted to send to you, it may be the means 

 of stirring up a hornet's nest; or rather a "bass nest" 

 among the admirers of little-mouth and big-mouth. 



Kingfisher. 



MOTAHILITT OF THE BLACK BASS. 



Some ichthyologists who claun 

 That small and lazy large-mouth bass 



Are not and never were the sanae, 

 May live to see both in one class. 



We, from a stream, young s^nall-mouths take. 



Place them then in poor pond water. 

 There let them roam at will to make 



Large-mouths three or four years later. 



And let us place young large-m outh bass 



In good, fine water to remain. 

 Allow three years, or more, to pass, 



We welcome small-mouths back again. 



Late tests, most practical in kind, 



Tlie best, and hardest to combat, 

 By which the difference, we find, 



Is caused by change of habitat. Frosty Pow. 



THE TAMING OF THE BULL. 



Col. J. G. Crisp, a very prominent and popular citizen 

 of Kansas City, Mo. (and a man who never jests about 

 such things ("i') ) is responsible for the following very in- 

 teresting accotmt of a rather savage onslaught by a wall- 

 eyed pike upon a Jersey bull, which, Col. Crisp avers, 

 occui-red under his immediate observation, and he is 

 ready at any time to make oath as to its accuracy: 



The Colonel's taste is somewhat bucolic, mingled with 

 an intense fondness for angling, as is evidenced by a well 

 stocked farm owned by him near Kansas City, on which 

 there are several magnificent fish ponds that are pretty 

 well inhabited with a variety of nice fish, chiefly waU- 

 eyed pike — the product of some breeding specimens the 

 Colonel obtained irom the U. S. Fish Commission some 

 yeai"s ago. 



Among a herd of choice Jersey cattle belonging to the 

 Colonel was a very insolent bull who did just as he pleased, 

 and was so ferocieus that it was sm-e death to get on the 

 same side of the fence with him. His good-natui-ed 

 owner had exhausted every means in his power to subdue 

 the unruly brute, and found him unconquerable. One 

 day while the Colonel was seated on his porch he saw the 

 buU standing on a little peninsula that sloped gradually off 

 into one of the lakes, apparently very much annoyed by 

 what are known in that section as "heel flies." -Finally 

 the flies became intolerable to the bull and he took to the 

 water. He waded out to a depth of about 2ft. , when, of 

 course, the flies left him and the colonel paid no more at- 

 tention to him. 



After several minutes had elapsed, the Colonel was 

 startled by the piteous bawls of the bull, and casting his 

 eye in the direction from which the sound came, saw him 

 sti-uggling desperately as if he were trying to free himself 

 from some powerful grip. Hurrying to the scene of 

 trouble, Colonel Crisp discovered that the bull had at- 

 tempted to drink, and when he put his mouth into the 

 water, a large wall-eyed pike about 4ft. long, which was 

 lying quietly near the shore in wait for small bait, mis- 

 took the bull's nose for something to eat and seized on to 

 it with the grip of a bulldog, and then the fun commenced. 

 The bull struggled with all his might to get loose, but it 

 was not worth the while, the wall-eyed pike had him. 

 They rolled and wallowed about in the water for some 

 time, and finally the bull gave up in despair, and Colonel 

 Crisp declares that that bull was never so glad to see any 

 one ia his life as he was to see him at that time. 



Figuring on a Fish. 



J. E. Gunckel, John W. Toulerton, Master Carpentre, 

 of the Lake Shore, and Dewitt C. Baldwin, representative 

 of the Red Line Transit Co. , were sitting together the 

 other day enroute to Detroit. While passing over the 

 bridge which spans the river Raisin, at Monroe, some one 

 said it was reported that there were more fish entering the 

 rivers this spring than for many years. At that moment 

 Mr. Toulerton saw something "unusual in the water im- 

 mediately belovs^. It was the dorsal fin of a fish, following 

 the deepest channel up the river. 



The window was raised and all three gentlemen took a 

 good look at the exposed fins. 



"Now, " said ]Mr. Toulerton, "you see'! the length and 

 height of that fish's fin, what is the length of the body?" 



While they were looking Toulerton dropped his. eye 

 glasses into the water below. A moment later the train 

 was gliding through the country and the gentlemen began 

 to figurp. The size of the fin was indehbly impressed 

 upon their minds. Gunckel and Toulerton are old veteran 

 fishermen, and several gentlemen passing the three ex- 

 pressed sympathy for Mr. Baldwin. When the train 

 arrived at Newport notes and figm-es were compared. 

 They were not satisfactory. Mr. Toulerton declared that 

 Baldwin should figure by the "single rule of tkree" in- 

 stead of taking the shorter distance and going at it on a 

 geometrical basis. 



"Well," replied Mr. Baldwin "here's a simple problem 



any Warren street school boy can solve, You have a 

 divisor, quotient and remainder, now find the dividend — 

 that fish measures exactly Oft. in length," Toulerton de- 

 clared they didn't figm-e that way in Adrian. They 

 changed their seats and were again buried in deep study. 

 They both afifirmed that Gunckel was "away off" in his 

 calculations and his figures were the result of imagination 

 instead of personal arithmetical methods. The time was 

 spent in figuring itntil the train arrived at Gratint avenue, 

 Detroit. Jolm Toulerton's final answer was, and he de- 

 clared he wouldn't take oif an inch, 13ft. and 4in. 

 Dewitt C. Baldwin's estimate was 9ft. and Sin. Gunckel 

 taking the two results substracted one from the other, and 

 he replied the length of that fish's body must be 4ft. and 

 lin. 



Toulerton and Baldwin paid no attention to Gunckel's 

 estimate, asserting that his knowledge of fish cut no figure 

 with men who had been accustomed all their Uves in giv- 

 ing estimates. The gentlemen separated in the Lake 

 Shore depot, but agreeing to return together on the late 

 train. The train left the Brush street depot on time but 

 without Gunckel. When at Monroe, Toulerton- was agree- 

 ably sm-prised to see Gunckel enter the coach and hand 

 him his eye glasses with silk ribbon attached, all in per- 

 fect order. Both Toulerton and Baldwin eyed Gunckel 

 closely. 



"How did you get the glasses?" asked Mr. Toulerton. 



Gunckel replied that when they parted in Detroit they 

 cast certain reflections touching his reputation as an an- 

 gler, and the more he thought the matter over the greater 

 came his convictions that he had better take the afternoon 

 train, go to Monroe and catch that fish. He got the as- 

 sistance of an experienced llsherman, and after some 

 trouble found the fish struggling to get over a riffle — he 

 caught him. 



In the dorsal fin Gunckel found the eye glasses, with 

 the sflk cord attached around the bony substance. The 

 fish proved to be a sturgeon and measured exactly 4ft. 

 and lin. in length. 



Toulerton and Baldwin refuse to speak to Gunckel, and 

 if his name is mentioned they simply shake their heads. 



Mr. Baldwin says he was surprised that Gimckel didn't 

 find the glasses over the eyes of the fish. — Toledo Bee. 



OHIO FISH LEGISLATION. 



Toledo, O., May 5. — Editor Forest and Stream: The 

 Ohio Legislature adjourned on the 27th wit., having 

 accomplished httle in the way of revision and improve- 

 ment of om- fish and game laws. Early in the session a 

 joint commission was appointed by the Senate and House 

 for this piu^pose, and a number of bills were reported, 

 several of which were based on the petitions and sugges- 

 tions of the friends of fish and game protection. But the 

 commission as a body proved apathetic and indifferent, 

 and, with a single exception, all these bills were put over 

 from time to time as they came up in the calendar, till 

 the day of the adjournment found them buried too deep 

 for resm-rection. The exception was Senate bill No. 548, 

 and it is now the duty^ of all sheriffs and deputy sheriffs in 

 Ohio to arrest all violators of the fish and game laws of 

 the State. It is also made the duty of any constable in 

 the State, in addition to his regular duties, to keep diligent 

 watch in his respective township, or in any township in 

 the county in which he is commissioned, and arrest or 

 cause to be arrested, wherever found in the county, all 

 violators of any of the provisions of the various sections 

 of the fish and game laws. Each sheriff, deputy sheriff or 

 constable shall receive one-half of the fines collected for 

 each conviction he procures; the otlier half shall be cred- 

 ited to the county fish and game fund, and be used 

 toward paying sheriff's, deputy sheriffs and constables for 

 convictions procured. 



Senate bill No. 547, wliich contained some excellent 

 amendments, and was a revision of a number of the ex- 

 isting sections of the laws, failed to receive even serious 

 consideration in the Senate, and did not reach a vote in 

 the House. 



Northern Ohio, including the entire lake front from 

 Toledo to Cleveland, has no representative on the State 

 Fish and Game Commission. On the other hand all the 

 powerful and extensive commercial fishing mterests are 

 planted along the lake shore, and he would be a dull- 

 witted man indeed who could not under.stand the result- 

 ant situation so far as fishmg legislation is concerned. 



Jay Beebe. 



Adirondack Xieague and Bisby Consolidation. 



lidiiur Forest and Stream: 



A muvement which has been for some time on foot for 

 the consolidation of the Adirondack League and the Bisby 

 clubs has culminated in a union which promises to be of 

 great value to both, and to make the consolidated organi- 

 zation the most extensive and important of all the pre- 

 serves in the Adirondacks. The League Club owns and 

 controls about 150,000 acres of the most valuable hunting 

 and fishing grounds in the great wilderness, including a 

 long stretch of the south branch of Moose Elver with its 

 many tributaries of streams and lakes. This territory, 

 until its i>urc]iase by the League Club, was the favorite 

 hunting ground of the Bisby members. By the consolida- 

 tion the Bisby Club acquires the same rights of hunting and 

 fishing that the League Club possesses, and the League 

 Club gains the valuable privileges possessed by the plant 

 at the First Bisby Lake, which embraces their large and 

 excellent club house, well-equipped fish hatchery, culti- 

 vated land, boats, and the best all summer fishing to be 

 found anywhere in the woods. The Bisby plant is situ- 

 ated at the very gateway of the Moose Eiver himting 

 grounds, and its acquisition by the League Club gives 

 their members the most convenient access to these 

 grounds. The Bisby club house is about midway between 

 the two principal club houses of the League Club and 

 makes a convenient half-way house for parties going from 

 one to the other. There has been from the first a close 

 aifiliation of sentiment and personal respect between the 

 members of the two clubs, and they have vied with each 

 other in acts of hospitality and courtesy. Whfle the Bisby 

 Club disappears from sight as an organization, its members 

 wfll always cherish the most pleasant memories of the rare 

 enjoyment they have had at their lovely retreat, which is 

 still their own, though hereafter it wiU go by a new name. 

 Their surrender is such only as a bride must make when 

 she takes the name of the man of her choice. The con- 

 solidation has been made in this case on a fijiancial ad- 

 justment which each of the parties regard as fair and 

 equitable. "Long may they wave." S, 



ONE WAY OF KILLING A SALMON. 



Have you, my friends, ever killed a salmon? If you 

 have, you doubtless did it in the so-called "scientiflc" 

 manner — played the fish until you tired him out, then 

 gently drew him within reach of . the ciniel gaffer, who 

 safely brought him to land. 



Such had been my method until July, 1891, whfle fish- 

 ing on the shore of the beautiful Margurite Eiver in Cape 

 Breton. Then the conditions were decidedly changed, 

 and through force of circumstances I learned what it 

 actually means to kill a salmon. 



One cool, bright morning, two ardent anglers started 

 out for the usual dafly fishing. We carried but one gaff, 

 and it was agreed that in case either hooked a fish, the 

 other should gaft' him. This plan worked well for some 

 hours, though we met with but indifferent success. 



Being tempted further and further down the stream, I 

 became separated from my friend, although, as I 

 supposed, within hailing distance. With but little hope- 

 of raising a fish, I whipped the pool beside me over for the 

 second time. When the furthest point was reached a 

 change came over me! I found business on hand! A 

 fine fresh-run salmon had struck and was fairly hooked, 

 and the reel was playing the symphony so sweet to the 

 true angler's heart. I turned to my friend who had re- 

 tained the gaff, but he was not in sight. The fish rushed 

 this way and that — now down — now up, repeatedly leap- 

 ing out of tire water, flashing like silver in the sunlight. 

 The thrill of the strike thrills through me now, 



And the w hir r of the reel I hear, 

 As he madly sped with the sUken thread. 

 And plowed through the waters clear. 



While fighting and watching him, I shouted and called 

 — but heard no response. The wind was contrary, and 

 the soimd could be lieard but a short distance. Tim 

 mighty fish leaped and rushed again and again, 

 Hark to the music of the reel! 



but, ere long, his struggles became fainter. The flexible 

 rod had apparently done its work, and were the gaffer 

 but there, the salmon would soon be safe. But, alas! He 

 came not, and the battle must be fought single-handed and 

 alone! 



My mind was full of anxious thoughts. What could be 

 done? How much sti'ain would this single leader, once 

 tested at 6lbs., now stand? The bank was rough and 

 shelving. There seemed but one way, and that a very 

 risky one, but I must take the chances and "beach him." 



While hesitating and trying to decide, the fish had 

 worked back mto the current, seemingly with new life 

 and a determination to conquer. Another but shorter 

 fight, brought him into quiet water once more. 



Then reeling up as much line as possible, I selected the 

 smoothest place in the edge of the pool, turned the 

 salmon's head toward it, and with aU the force I dare use 

 drew the fish toward the bank. 



When about one-half of the body was out of the water, 

 the leader parted! Imagine my dismay! Quick as 

 thought the rod was thi-own back, and as the grand 131b. 

 hero flopped back into the water, I threw myself bodily 

 upon and back of him, and with hands and knees held 

 the noble fellow and threw him upon the shore, fairly 

 kflling him! 



Anglers — ^you do not know of the excitement and glory 

 of killing as almon, imless you have done fikewise ! 



H. O. Wilbur. 



Pelee Island Bass Fishing. 



Toledo, O.— A private letter from Dr. McCormick, of' 

 Pelee Island, just across the Canadian boundary Uiie 

 through Lake Erie, informs me that the black bass seasoni 

 wfll open there on May 15, as usual, and that the Pelee 

 (Chicago) and Dayton clubs will be on hand in force the: 

 day beforehand, also as usual. Jay Beebe. 



Ottawa, May 8.— Editor Forest and Stream: In reply- 

 to your inquiry of March 24 last, I am to inform yon that: 

 the issue of special angling permits for bass fishing round 

 Pelee Island will be issued for this year only. — William. 

 Smith, Deputy Minister of Marine and Fisheries. 



"Forest and Stream's" Fishing Postals. 



Shohola Falls, Pa., May 5.— Mr. Weisse caught 40 fine- 

 trout this week. Mr. McKean caught 80 trout in four 

 houi-s. The fishing is backward this spring. Streams are 

 high and weather cold. Prospects are good for next week 

 if weather gets warm. Trout are in fine condition. 



G. W. Hart. 



EuTLAND, Vt., May 1. — The trout season in this vicinity- 

 is very late, as the snow is stfll on the hiUs and in the 

 woods. Wheelock. 



Dingman's Ferry, Pa., May 1.— One of my guests this 

 morning caught 19 trout, weighing 131bs., in Dingman's 

 Creek. Streams are yet a little high and water cold. 

 Next week promises very good fishing. 



Philip F. Fulmer. 



HiGHGATE, Va., April 34. — The ice is now well out of 

 our streams and small lakes, but the heavy body of snow 

 on the mountains will make the trout fishing late. 



Stanstead. 



The Patent Bait 



manufactured and sold exclusively by Messrs. "Welch & Graves, of 

 Natural Bridge, N. Y., is one of the most original inventions ever made. 

 By means of this device the small flsh used for bait is kept alive and 

 secure from harm indefinitely, and at the same time magnified. It is 

 said to be very kilhng. — Adv. 



Minneapolis and St. Paul 



Are reached most directly from either Chicago or St. Louis by the 

 Burlington Route. Daily vestibuled trains with Pullman sleepers, chair 

 cars (seats free) and Burlington Route dining cars.— Adu 



A NEW-SUBSCRIBER OFFER. 



A bona fide new subscriber sending us $5 will receive for that sum 

 the Forest and Stream one year (price $i) and a set of Zimmerman's 

 famous '-Ducking Scenes" (advertised on another page, price $5)— a 

 value for 85. 



This offer is to 7ieio subscribers only. It does iwt apply to renexoals. 



For $-3 a 60110 fide new subscriber for sis months will receive the 

 Forest aud Strkam during that time and a copy of Dr. Van Fleet's 

 handsome work, "Bird Portraits for the Young" (the price of whicl* 

 is PJ. 



