Feb. 15, 1896.] 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
137 
and others of your readers, but I cannot ask too much of 
[your space. One incident I may venture to detail in brief 
Iwhieh gave me amusement and satisfaction : I was in the 
fhabit of fishing a fine trout stream in company with a 
■young man who lived on its. banks and was a most suc- 
jcessf ul angler. I had observed his methods very closely 
fend soon became convinced that his art consisted in not 
ifrightening the fish by abrupt and demonstrative move- 
[ments. He, like myself, always waded the stream when 
pasting for trout, and he always cast as short a line as 
(possible, but his movements resembled those of an Indian 
Imore than those of any white man I ever saw. He glided 
{through the water with so stealthy a step as scarcely to 
produce a ripple, and knowing every pool perfectly he got 
ko the best position to make his cast without alarming the 
$;rout, with astonishing skill and success. Standing for 
lieverai minutes as motionless as a statue, with his eyes 
•fixed on the spot where he intended to place his flies, he 
laiade his cast with less display of motion than any other 
■nan I ever saw cast a fly. I doubt if there is another 
(nan in the United States who can go to that stream and 
patch out of it as many trout in a week's fishing as he 
roan. 
On the day I speak of he and I agreed that we would 
fesh along down the main stream together two or three 
fmiles, when he would cross the ridge and get on a fine 
tributary of the stream and fish down it to the confluence, 
knd I should take the stream alone from the point where we 
peparated, and whoever got to the mouth of the creek first 
Ijhould await the arrival of the other. He got there first, 
Iwd lying down on the sandbar at the confluence of the 
fcwo streams in the full blaze of the hot sun, after unsuc- 
cessfully trying the big pool at the junction of the streams, 
lie went sound asleep in a few moments. When I came 
Ibo the place 1 took in the situation, and resolved that I 
Ivould repeat a maneuver which I had practiced success- 
» "ully shortly before at that place. So I got over into the 
lihannel, from which the water had receded, and crawled 
tilong the sand out of sight of the pool until I got under 
Ijover of the sandbar on which the young man was lying 
Itsleep, and rising on my left elbow to a half-sitting, half- 
reclining posture, made my cast right across his body, and 
Looked and landed a very large trout, which I had just 
taken off the hook as he awoke, much astonished at what 
Ivas going on while he slept. He said he had been there 
iialf an hour, and on his arrival had fished the pool with 
the utmost care, hoping to have a big one to show me 
Ivhen I got there. I would not tell him how I made my 
Iiuccessful cast, and he said, "All right. I owe you one; 
but I was going to tell you a trick I know about the blue 
pole, and now I won't tell you 'thout you tell me how you 
none it." 
I I have always considered this an excellent illustration 
Tit the general principle for which I contend, viz., that 
*vhen game fish refuse to rise to the fly the reason is that 
khe angler is seen by the fish before he makes his cast in 
the very great ma jority of all such cases. I believe if Mr. 
■Forbes will fish his pond from sunset until dark he will 
feet some trout as often as he does it. If he will try in the 
fiaytime when a good breeze roughens the water, he will 
probably invariably get some trout. If he will try artifi- 
cial blinds along the shore from which to cast without the 
possibility of being seen by the fish; if he will bring to 
foear upon the problem all the arts and devices of the still- 
iiunter to approach his game unawares, I believe he will 
toe successful with any good bait or fly. 
Dr. M. G. Ellzey. 
FLORIDA FISHING. 
Mrs. Mary Orvis Marbtjry, author of "Favorite Flies 
md their Histories," is spending the winter at Sarasota, 
m the Florida Gulf coast, where her brother, Eobert J. 
3rvis, is conducting the Palms. Under date of Jan. 28 
ihe sends us a chatty letter, from which are taken these 
mticing paragraphs: 
We found the place much pleasanter than we antici- 
pated even, although before coming we had been told so 
cauch of the natural beauty and healthfulness of this 
locality. We began to be quite anxious on our journey 
lown. The country in the northern part of the State 
ieemed so dreary, and the sand in Jacksonville, where we 
stopped to secure some old servants, perfectly disillusioned 
ale from all "Florida enchantments," as extolled in the 
jjuide books; but after leaving Jacksonville the country 
Qiproved so in its aspect that my brother began to look 
Snore cheerful, and as it became more and more luxuriant 
fond interesting he kept saying: "Now this is better, this 
Jl8 something like!" 
1 Arriving at Tampa we viewed the luxury of the gor- 
geous Tampa Bay Hotel, in company with Dr. and Mrs. 
jEenshall, then came on to our winter home, and very 
Sfcome-like it is. It really is free from the usual Florida 
drawbacks of deep sand, mosquitoes and general desola- 
jfion of aspect peculiar to many parts of the State. My 
"prother so far has had but little time for hunting and fish- 
■Mng. Christmas Day he went out with a friend and they 
»hot forty- one quail, said they saw more than 200, but 
Shey were trying a young dog for the first time, and he was 
%ver eager and flushed many birds. " Without poor Toddy 
whey would have done better, but so much game turned 
■fthe head of our Northern bred dog, who has been thank- 
ijful to find two or three partridges of an afternoon in our 
J Vermont woods. 
1 The first tarpon of the season was caught week before 
Jiast by Thai. Henson, a native fisherman. Mr. George 
'itfarsh, who has a place here, dined with us a few days 
'■ago and said he had seen many tarpon in the creek near 
'Ibis house. The "northers" have been of such brief dura- 
jftion this year in this locality that the water has not be- 
jpome so chilled as many times, therefore the tarpon fish- 
jlLng promises to begin earlier and be better than last win- 
1 Mrs. Stagg and Mrs. Henshall have called upon me sev- 
feral times, coming in Mrs. Stagg's yacht, the Tarpon, from 
lITampa. When you advise your lady readers about com- 
fing South, if they intend going outside the fashionable 
{■hotels, you should suggest that for real pleasure in this 
llcountry they bring with them one or more suitable outing 
'Icostumes and a riding habit. The walks and drives in 
Sthis vicinity are delightful, through open pine woods; but 
■the sharp-pointed leaves of the low palmettoes are un- 
Ipleasant to meet in low shoes and delicate stockings; 
iltherefore a pair of high shoes and canvas leggings that 
^fasten with leather straps are almost indispensable to 
jlcomfort. A moderately short skirt of canvas or duck, or 
iany heavy linen or cotton, to be worn with shirt waists, 
and a warm jacket; for in sailing or at any time, though 
it is warm when exercising in the sun, the cool breezes 
are often searching, and a snug coat important to health 
and pleasure. Your southern-bound sporting friends may 
all be informed on these points, but 1 was not, and have 
had the bother of sending for all these things. I noticed 
Mrs. Stagg wore often real boots, made like riding boots 
only with heavier soles; they were very pretty and quite 
the thing for many occasions. But if one does much 
yachting, it is of course courtesy to your host or hostess 
to wear rubber-soled shoes while on board. To complete 
an outfit a soft, snug cap for windy weather, a broad- 
brimmed straw hat and veil for sunny days, long-wristed 
chamois gloves, and a big pongee sun umbrella are all 
needed. With these one can enjoy many tramps, sails 
and drives that would otherwise be only tiresome and 
perhaps painful. 
A few evenings ago I went out in a small rowboat with 
my brother, and we rowed into a big school of blueflsh 
that were jumping in all directions. You felt as though 
you could wade out and catch them with your hands, they 
were so many and so near. They rose eagerly to the fly, 
and while the sun was setting we caught enough for our 
breakfast, all within sight of the house and sound of the 
tea bell, which interrupted our sport. As I write by an 
open window I can see the pelicans diving and the pretty 
gulls hovering over them, watching to seize their catch. 
The little herons are walking daintily up and down the 
beach, and I can hear the occasional splash of a jumping 
fish. The roses are in full bloom, and one may pluck 
great handfuls of them from the broad veranda. Away 
in the distance are the white sails of the fishing boats, 
and the sun, as the moments pass, is growing all red and 
gold, sending a flood of warm color across the water, 
touching every ripple with changing hues that glitter and 
glow with sunny life and delight. All this color and 
seashore life is new to me, and the air is so balmy, yet 
with the freshness of a June morning, that I feel I am 
having more than my share of pleasure as I read the let- 
ters from home relating tales of cold and chills. 
Mary Orvis Marbury. 
Narcoossee, Fla., Hotel Runnyrnede, Jan. 17. — Editor 
Forest and Stream: I have fished in almost all the waters 
of this country and have made some fine catches of trout 
in the Yellowstone and waters of Montana and Idaho, 
and of bass and pickerel in Michigan and Wisconsin and 
many places noted for great catches. But the best fishing 
in America to-day is here. This section is filled with lovely 
lakes, with broad sandy shores, and not a stagnant pool 
.in all the country, and it can well be called the beautiful 
lake region of Florida. Black bass are here in great 
abundance; the waters are alive with them; they are of a 
large size and run from 8 to 12lbs. in weight. They bite 
rapidly and are full of fight. On Christmas in an hour's 
fishing I had all I could carry. To-day Mr. John Harmer, 
a well-known citizen of Philadelphia, and myself in one 
hour with common cane rods and artificial minnow 
caught twenty-five bass with an average weight of 21bs. 
I landed bass here as largo as 81bs. and Mr. Harmer re- 
peatedly caught two at a time by using two hooks. The 
waters here literally swarm with fish. Bait is easy to get; 
the banks are clean, and ladies and children fish here with 
no fear of wet feet or soiled clothes. Alex. H. Irvest. 
Boston, Mass., Feb. 8.— F. W. Wardwell, of Boston, 
with a party of New York and Cleveland men, will leave 
in a few days for Florida and will devote a few weeks to 
blue fishing off the mouth of Indian River. They were 
down there last year and were so taken with the sport 
that they determined to repeat the trip this year. 
C. D. Boss, of London, Conn. , has gone to Punta Rassa, 
Fla., and will fish for tarpon in that vicinity. Mr. Boss 
is an enthusiast on tarpon fishing and has been at it for 
many years. It is his custom when on the fishing grounds 
to go out almost every day, and, as he expresses it, never 
leaves for home until he wakes up some fine morning and 
finds himself disinclined to go out fishing. He then con- 
cludes that he is unconsciously growing tired of the sport 
and packs up for his return trip. Not a bad method 
this. 
F. H. Talcott, of Boston, has joined the band of winter 
fishermen and has been down to Lakeville, Mass., fishing 
through the ice. He came back with 27lbs. of pickerel, 
and although willing to vote it cold work still thinks it 
pleasant enough to be repeated in the near future. 
Hackle. 
Pennsylvania Association. 
At the monthly meeting of the Pennsylvania Fish Pro- 
tective Association at 1020 Arch street, Feb. 8, the ques- 
tion of establishing club membership by taking in the 
various fishing clubs throughout the State, with the idea 
of securing more concerted action on matters affecting 
the fishing interests, was referred to the executive com- 
mittee with instructions to prepare and report at the next 
meeting an amendment to the by-laws providing for 
club membership. One hundred and fifty dollars was 
appropriated to the trustees of the permanent fund. The 
committee on reunion reported having selected March a6 
as the date of holding the reunion in Wesley Hall, 1018 
Arch street. A committee, consisting of Messrs. Burk- 
hardt, Fitzgerald and Hartley, was appointed to procure 
a portrait of the late Frederick Brown for the Association 
room, and it was decided to appoint a counselor-at-law. 
Considerable discussion arose over the proposed amend- 
ment creating a life membership and this finally passed, 
the fee being increased from $30, the amount specified in 
the notice, to $50. After its passage it was thought by 
some that $50 was too much and a motion was made to 
reconsider, but was lost. Mr. Ingham gave notice that 
he would at the next meeting move an amendment mak- 
ing the fee for life members $30. 
Free Fishhooks. 
One member of the House is in a regular stew just now. 
He is telling the story on himself: 
"I was slightly surprised a few days ago to receive a let- 
ter from a constituent, as follows: 
" 'Dear Judge: Tim Dooley 3ays that Government gives 
away fish to those who apply. I don't know if this is so 
or not; but if so I wish you would send me some. The 
only kind we get here are in half-pound packages, called 
boneless cod. And they are no account, and then they 
make you thirsty. If they give away any fishhooks I wish 
you would send me some, for the Major, Ransom Brown, 
Judge Kaufman and I have planned to go fishing as soon 
as the weather opens up. You know they all worked well 
for you last time.' 
"For the sake of the joke I dropped into a sporting goods 
store and bought a tin box of hooks for $1.50, sent it to 
my friend with a note saying that I was very glad I had 
some fishhooks still left from my quota, though there had 
been a great demand for them and the horse book. The 
supply of fish had run out, and the President had been so 
occupied with bonds and had Congress on his hands so 
long that our supply was exhausted. I regretted also 
that the ducks have been wild or could maybe have got 
some, but last trip Grover only got thirteen and he needed 
most of those himself. 
"The result was fourteen requests for fishhooks within a 
week, and they are still coming. It is no use saying that 
Uncle Sam does not handle fishhooks, as here are the 
hooks and there is my letter, and if I don't send them 
every last man that I refuse will sharpen a knife for me 
next campaign, and if I do I will go broke. Don't fool 
with the granger." — Washington Times. 
Salmon Off the Cape of Good Hope. 
Boston, Feb. 3. — Mention has been made on occasions 
of catching salmon in the sea with a fly, especially on 
the California coast, and a few days since a friend sent 
me an account of some fine catches in Santa Cruz Bay, 
California. An old blue water captain who sailed for 
years to China and the East has told me more than once 
of taking salmon off the Cape of Good Hope. By acci- 
dent he discovered he could catch salmon on certain 
banks situated from five to fifteen miles from the Cape 
with soundings of from eighteen to thirty fathoms. The 
fish were true salmon in all appearances with the ex- 
ception of having white flesh. They were caught with a 
drail, baited with a piece of white rag, as blueflsh are 
caught, and they would weigh from 10 to 201bs. Some 
fifty fathoms of line were used and a light breeze re- 
quired. He stated he had caught them there on three or 
four occasions and plentiful enough to furnish the crew 
and cabin with all the fresh fish they needed, and on one 
occasion they salted down a barrel or two. My friend is 
familiar with the salmon and informed me he could see 
no difference in every appearance and their eating quali- 
ties save their having white flesh. Have you ever heard 
of "Cape salmon" before? Reignolds. 
Business and Pickerel Fishing. 
Boston, Feb. 7. — Maine lumber manufacturers and 
other producers in Maine have got into the custom of 
treating their Boston agents or receivers to fishing and 
hunting trips when they come down on business. F. A. 
Kimball has been down over the Bangor & Aroostook 
Railroad, among his lumber manufacturers. By one con- 
cern he was assigned a guide, to look entirely after his 
entertainment and business interests. A pickerel fishing 
trip was proposed to South Twin Lake. Such fishing, Mr. 
Kimball allows, he never saw before. They had five 
lines each — all that the law allows. They caught a great 
many pickerel, some weighing 3 or 41bs. Mr. Kimball is 
much pleased with the State of Maine, and particularly 
with pickerel fishing at South Twin Lake. He has an 
idea that the lake must be a jewel in the summer, with 
old Katahdin always in sight. They found the signs of 
deer very abundant in the woods they had to cross, but 
did not get a sight at one, though the lumbermen report 
seeing them very frequently. SPECIAL. 
Boston Smelt Fishers. 
Boston, Mass., Feb. 8.— Fishing for smelt through the 
ice is a pastime which finds favor with some of our Boston 
anglers, and those who have indulged in the sport lately 
report excellent luck. The Weir River in Hingham and 
the Weymouth River generally prove very productive 
places for winter smelt, and are the chief points to which 
Boston fishermen go. One young man captured 401bs. in 
a very short time a few days ago, and they were beauties 
as to size and quality. The anchorage of the Nantasket 
steamers at Nantasket has also provided good sport dur- 
ing the past week. An acquaintance took 801bs. there on 
the turn of the tide a few mornings ago, and he estimates 
that fully 7001bs. were taken that day at this place by all 
the fishermen present. Hackle. 
Symptoms of the Fever. 
As soon as I get things settled I've some trout notes I 
want to send you. Reading and writing and talking 
trout, and perhaps unwrapping tackle for a glimpse or 
two, are all we cranks who already feel the first burnings 
of the annual fever can do for relief. I hear that my 
favorite old stream in Connecticut is being thoroughly 
"posted," so my actual experiences this season may be 
very light. B. 
Instructions for Transporting and Planting Young 
Fish. 
By State Fishculturist A. N. Cheney, of the New York Commission. 
Brook, brown, raiabow and Loch Leven trout should be 
planted in small spring rivulets tributary to the larger stream 
intended to be stocked. From the rivulets they will work 
down as they grow into the main stream. 
Lake trout should be planted among boulders or rocks on 
a shoal in mid-lake, very near to deep water, into which 
the young trout soon find their way. In the absence of such 
shoals with rocks to afford hiding places for the young trout, 
they may be planted on spawning beds when they are known. 
In transporting young trout, if they come to the surface of 
the water in the cans, it is a sign of exhaustion, and the water 
should be frequently aerated by dipping it from the can in a 
dipper and let it fall into it again from a considerable height. 
It is safer to aerate the water placed in the cans at the 
hatchery than to add fresh water during the journey, the 
qualities of which are unknown. Should the water in the 
cans become warm, the temperature should be reduced by 
the addition of ice broken into small pieces. 
If the water in the cans containing young trout should be 
warmer or colder than the water in the lake or stream at the 
time of planting the fish, the temperature should be equalized 
by mingling the two waters in the can before the fish are 
turned out, as marked changes in the temperature may kill 
the young trout. 
Fish cans ordinarily hold about 5,000 trout fry, and not 
