FOREST AND STREAM. 
[Nov. 30, 1897. 
ON THE CROOKED DEAD WATER. 
Providing connecting railroads keep ttieir advertised 
promises, and there are no cancelled trains, a ride of twenty- 
four hours by rail and team, starting from Boston, will land 
you on the edge of a great forest, in which moose and cari- 
bou abound, where streams and lakes are crowded with fish, 
and where feathered and fur-bearing pame are found fear- 
less and abundant. 
Only the borders of this great preserve are ever disturbed, 
except by hardy hunters and trappers, and an occasional 
sportsman who is willing to endure and live as these hunt- 
ers are obliged to For there is a limit to what can be taken 
with you in the way of supplies, and that limit strikes very 
close to the actual necessities. 
The lumbermen have penetrated only the edges of this ter- 
ritory, and they have about reached the limit of the belt of 
marketable lumber. Besides that, recent tariff legislation in a 
bordering State has lessened the incentive, profit, to further 
advance, except at a much slower pace. 
The center of this tract, about seventy-five square miles, 
had not been cruised or surveyed until a short time before 
our party visited this section. 
As has been said, the lumbermen have entered the edges 
of this country, and their portage roads are the only high- 
ways except for long circuitous ways by water, and h^re the 
long carries discount any advantage that way may have. 
These portage roads are, in their beginnings at the settle- 
ment or clearing, well worn and easily traveled, but as you 
advance they grow bad as they grow long. Over treacher- 
ous bogs only thinly protected by brush and logs; on long 
stretches of corduroy; up sudden rises and down steep de- 
clines; over large rocks as thickly planted as pebbles on the 
seashore; tlie stumps, roots and bushes cut above the ground 
as high as the snow lay when the road was swamped ; so the 
road winds its way through the woods, the partridge barely 
flying out of the way, the owl regarding the intruder with 
stupid stare, while the hedgehog makes clumsy attempts to 
escape observation. 
Camp is made with regard to water supply, and. your 
day's journey is long or short as its middle and end brings 
you to spring water. 
It was to this country that two sportsmen traveled at the 
opening of the hunting season of 1897, It had taken well 
near a year of correspondence to complete their arrange- 
ments, which were as" near perfect as could be in a new 
country and under strange conditions. It had been their 
good fortune to have the suggestion and recommendation of 
Mr. Frederic Irland, Washington, D. 0., and without the 
kind offices of Mr. W. T. Chestnut, Fredericton, N. B., 
many of the important details would have necessarily been 
neglected and the journey lacked much of its smoothness. 
A.nd in this connection it can be said that from the time the 
line was crossed till the return was made they were the 
recipients of so many kind and thoughtful attentions from 
every one they met, that they were made to feel as though 
they were among their own people. 
A trip like this could not be made to advantage under six 
weeks, so that while their hopes and anticipations were high, 
it was with some misgivings that the start was made on an 
excursion that would take them so far from home and 
friends, and into a country where communication with the 
outer world ended as they entered the woods, and could not 
be resumed till the return trip brought them to the clearing 
again. 
The start was made from Boston on the evening of the last 
day of August, and after several vexatious delays the last 
night in a bed was passed under Holt's hospitable roof in 
Pleasant Ridge settlement, Northumberland county, N. B. 
"Jocund day stands tiptoe on tlie misty mountain top," 
when, breakfast finished, we come out to find our team 
loaded with supplies and camping outfit, and the guides, 
cook, helper and teamster waiting for the start. The 
veteran Henry Braithwaite had charge of the party, and to 
his energy, thoughtfulness, patience and large experience is 
due the auspicious beginning and successful ending of the 
trip. 
Early as we were, a lumbering party had started before us. 
Our goods were taken to the edge to the clearing on a 
wagon, transferred to a wooden-shod sled, and here the 
actual journey commenced. 
It required the united attention of teamster and men to see 
that the load was safe, and to help the team over rough and 
dangerous places. Once it was necessary to stop to reshoe 
the sled, and twice the horses narrowly escaped serious in- 
jury from bog and treacherous roots. 
We traveled ahead, watching for game, with an occasional 
shot at partridge, owl or porcupine, taking note of familiar 
scrub or herb, gathering strange plants, or, restmg on some 
convenient log by the roadside, talked of previous trips and 
compared them with the one we were making, As each 
day's walk neared its end, the guides would come forward to 
select a camping place. It was interesting to watch the 
dexterity and speed with which all details of camp making 
were accomplished, so that by the time the team reached the 
spot dry wood had been gathered, trees felled for the night's 
fire, tent poles cut and in place, and the fragrant bed of 
spruce boughs carefully spread. Then the cook gathers his 
kettles and pots about the fire and cleverly mixes the dough 
in the flour bag, the tin baker meanwhile warming before 
the merry blaze. As the bread bakes, the meat is cooked, 
potatoes boded, tea made, and in an incredibly short time 
seven hungry men respond to supper call. This important 
function over, a pleasant hour is spent stretched out on 
blankets under a shelter tent before a roaring fire. Plans 
for the following day are discussed, incidents of other trips 
related, the pleasantries and mimicry of the clever story- 
teller listened to, and all the warmth and comradeship of the 
genuine camp-fire felt and enjoyed. But the effects of ten 
hours' hard tramping become evident in sounds of slumher 
from the men's tent, and soon the wakeful one is alone with 
his thoughts and the weird night sounds of the forest. 
Four days we traveled, stopping at some brook or spring 
to boil the mid-day kettle of tea, and eat our lunch of eggs, 
bacon,lfresh baked bread and potatoes, camping by wide- 
spreading lake or b saver made pond, in the forest silence or 
near some deserted lumber camp or depot. At last we said 
good-by to happy Jim and his faithful, patient, honest pair 
of horses, camped for the night, and the following morning, 
shouldering our packs, started on the last stage of our jour- 
ney. Here we left the portage road and for the rest of the 
distance followed a narrow trail cut by our guides. 
This day we first saw a pirogue or dug out. _We had 
seen many samples of the woodsman's craft, but this, hewn 
out of a solid log, with only the axe for tool, save couclusive 
eviden-se of his skill and artistic eye. These boats, which 
we had always supposed to be unstable, rough and uncouth 
in appearance, we found to be safe, durable, and huilt on 
lines as pleasant to look at as any boat we ever saw. 
Two hours' ride in these boats down the Crooked Dead 
Water, by bogs and barrens, along wooded shores, through 
the Jaws, by the Gulquark Branch, around Ough Island to 
the head of the quick water, brought us to the camp, situa- 
ted in a grove of trees about lOOyds. from the shore. This 
was to be our home for the nest four weeks. 
It was with some apprehension that we viewed our accom- 
modations. The camp was built like a right-angled tri- 
angle, the roof the hypothenuse, a smoke hole for chimney, 
and an opening in the side for entrance. There was no 
floor, and the fire was built on the ground against the front 
end of the camp. We found, however, that this style of 
camp was warm, comfortable, free from smoke, and without 
the cold drafts of the stove camp to which we had been 
accustomed Side of the camp was a shed to store supplies, 
and here the cook prepared the mysteries of his art, and we, 
the guests, ate them in state at a little table of his manufac- 
ture. 
It was now the middle of the second week in September. 
The moon was passing out of the third quarter into the full, 
and the commonly-considered best time for moose calling 
was at hand. Except, however, as the moon might influ- 
ence the movements of our game in search of their mates, 
and so in our way, she was not considered as a factor in our 
anticipations of sport. Our guide called only by daylight. 
Before the trip was over any skepticism on this point was 
entirely removed and our ideas on the subject of moose call- 
ing had wholly changed. 
But an unusual factor negatived any influence the moon 
might have. The weather was extremely warm; the foliage 
wore the green of summer; and the moose were as completely 
hidden and unapproachable as could be imagined. We were 
not idle, however. 
Excellent fishing was at our door, and while one of us, 
under the guidance of the cook, who was a clever fisherman, 
tempted the speckled beauties, the other tramped over bog 
and barren, up hardwood ridges and along streams and lakes 
looking for the gallant moose. 
One of the pleasantest excursions was a four days' trip to 
the Little Sou' West Miramichi Lake. Lumbering opera- 
tions have at present spoiled this country for big game; but 
when the logs are all cut, the lumbermen gone and the woods 
given back to the game from which it was taken, it will be 
the beau ideal spot for the sportsman. It is comparatively 
easy of access, affords good opportunities to call and still- 
hunt game, is a fine fishing ground, and a favorite resort for 
ducks. 
We visited Deer, Moose and Indian lakes— waters never 
hunted before by sportsmen. On the latter and its outlet 
we saw, in broad daylight, otter and beaver. Here the dams 
and large houses of the latter were the best samples of their 
work we had seen, though afterward, at Fox Lake, we saw 
more extensive and fresher works. 
While signs of moose were plenty and an occasional an- 
swer was heard, we failed to get the coveted shot 
Toward the middle of the month our headquarters was 
changed to Irland Camp, situated in the heart of a new 
moose country. Trails had been cut through this, and these 
were frequented by the moose. It was some time, however, 
before we were fortunate enough to meet any under favor- 
able conditions to shoot. It was after a hard day's tramp to 
Indian Lake, that our party was returning to camp about 
sundown. The writer was in the lead, tired, hungry, and 
wondering how much longer beans would be the chief item 
on the bill of fare. A sudden turn in the trail brought us to 
the top of a sharp decline. The moss- covered path smoth- 
ered any sound our tired feet might make. The wind was 
fair in our faces. As the head of this ridge was reached, a 
moose was seen about 50jds, in advance, walking down the 
trail. With a remark hardly suited for a warden's ears, the 
.45-70 was brought t® shoulder, a quick, steady aim taken, 
and an invitation sent to Sir Moose to dine with us the next 
day. i'he invitation was accepted after a very short deliber- 
ation, and as we reached the spot where he was waiting, 
none of us were sorry the invitation had been tendered and 
accepted The ball had gone from end to end of as hand- 
some a young bull as ever roamed the forest. Two days 
after our second moose was shot, and the same day we lost 
the largest head seen on the trip. There were two interest- 
ing experiences connected with this day's sport: the approach 
of the one we got, the retreat of the one we lost. As the 
former stole, then crashed through the brush toward us, 
there was a mixture of caution, desire and defiance in his 
deep-lunged cough, which made it evident he was alone, de- 
sired company, an was looking for fight if need be. And 
when he broke through the bushes at the edge of the stream, 
the look he gave us embodied all these feelings. A single 
shot ended the entertainment. 
Success had made us confident of the result of a well- 
directed shot from our rifles; but when an old bull walked 
off with four 500-grain bullets in points of his body that 
would have made the escape of a younger animal impossible, 
confidence in our guns was shaken. We followed his trail 
for a day and a half without success. No doubt he will be 
food for the foxes this winter, but that won't help U3. 
Our last was interesting, because it was a very fine head of 
51in. spread and eighteen well-marked points; because it 
gave evidence of the caller's skill, supplemented by excellent 
generalship in taking the best possible stand from which to 
shoot, and because it demonstrated the effectiveness of the 
English express rifle. This was a very old and, as we found 
when dressing him, tough bull. His position for the shooter 
was not over favorable, j et a, bullet from a Tisdale express 
crashed through bone and tissue, making a wound from 
which he could not rally or travel any distance. 
This happened on the last day of our stay in the woods, a 
fitting climax to a most enjoyable trip. The next day we 
passed up the Crooked Dead Water for the last time. The 
curtain of leaves which had hidden the shores when we went 
down had fallen; the ridges were a mass of yellow, with here 
and there a tall spire of gre'^n; ducks and geese were starting 
on their southward flight, and we followed with forced 
marches. 
Good luck and extra effOrt shortened our outward trip by a 
day, and on Oct. 8 we bade good-by to five pleasant ac- 
quaintances and took the train for the place from whence we 
came. 
We can truly say there is a vast difference between hunt- 
ing moose and a moose hunt, and that the place to have the 
latter is in New Brunswick. Goedok Pakker. 
The Forest akd Stbeam is put to press each week on luesday 
Correspotidence intended for publication should reach us at the 
atest by Monday, and as much earlier as practicable. 
THE JACKSON'S HOLE ELK CASE. 
J. W. Sammon, County and Prosecuting Attorney, Uinta 
County, Wyo.— EVANSTON, Wyo , Nov. S.— Editor Forest 
and Stream: Replying to your favor of recent date, relative 
to outcome of controversy between myself and Attorney- 
General Fowler, touching certain elk in the possession of one 
Adams, etc., I herewith, under separate cover, mail to your 
address Neics-Regint^r, which gives desired information. 
J. W. Sammojt. 
From the Bvanston (Wyo ) News-Register, Oct. 30. 
In the Adams elk case, which has created considerable 
newspaper comment between County Attorney Sammon and 
AttorQey-General Fowler, a four-ace hand was evidently 
held and the opportunity only awaited the playing by our 
county attorney. 
It will be remembered that County Attorney Sammon took 
issue with the interpretation of the law as put forth by the 
attorney-general, he (the attorney-general) claiming that no 
permit could be granted and that the feed and care given the 
elk was a loss to be sustained by the parties who took them 
in. Prosecution was demanded at the hands of the higher 
official, but in this the county attorney refused to abide, on 
the grounds that no offense had been committed. 
It will further be remembered that these elk were not taken 
by way of captivity, but that they were held in care for pro- 
tection only, being in a half-starved condition when found 
upon the premises of the parties in controversy. Again, the 
County Attorney held that the elk were not taken up in vio- 
lation of the game law, but were gathered only as a matter 
of protection, and that the holders of the property should be 
allowed just expenses or a permit to ship. 
Now, after much obj action on the part of the Attorney- 
General, comes Gov. Richards, who practically sustains Mr 
Sammon in his rulings, in so far that he grants to Harvey K, 
Glidden, a zoological manager of New York, a permit to 
ship the forty head. While the subject under discussion 
will most likely come up again, still it must be contended 
that to County Attorney Sammon belongs "first blood," and, 
although he is slightly disfigured, he is still in the (Court 
House) ring. 
Birds and Bob-Tailed Horses. 
Princes Bat, Nov. IB.— Editor Forest and Stream. I 
have just returned from a week's shooting in the vicinity of 
Mastic, LI. J. and myself had fair sport — yes, you might 
say good luck, taking the weather into consideration; for we 
only had one clear day while there, and that day we brought 
to bag twelve quail, two partridges and two woodcock. 
The other days our score was small; but we cannot com- 
plain, as it was purely our fault we did not hit all the birds 
we shot at. There was one bird I shot at and made a clean I 
miss, which I afterward procured in a very unsportsmanlike I 
manner. I marked the bird where he went down, and after i 
we had tramped around after several more I said to J. ; 
' Come over this way and we will get the bird I missed so 
nicely. The bird lit right in there ahead of you." "I know 
it. Dot is 'making game;' he is on a point now." I came 
up, and surely enough, there stood Dot looking straight up ' 
in the air, stiff as a rail. ' Will," said I, "I never saw him 
point that way before." 
I went toward the dog and naturally looked up a little my- ' 
self and there, not 6ft. away and about 4 or 5ft. from the ' 
ground, hung the lifeless but still warm body of the quail I 
had shot at a few moments before. It had lit on the ground 
and run along until it saw a nice little opening in the brush 
to go through, then it was caught with a nicely arranged 
piece of horse hair, thrown into the air and hanged by the . 
neck until dead. We took the quail from the snare and put 
it with the rest, so we had snared game in our possession. I 
After that little experience we took notice, and counted in 
all nearly 1,000 snares in the woods around Mastic and 
Moriches. I think there sbould be a law passed prohibiting 
snaring, because it is dangerous to walk around among 
them; if your foot happens to strike the spring pole, it very 
often happens that a hunter will get a slap across the face 
from it, and that is very disagreeable. I don't know as my • 
feet are any larger than any other people's of my size, but 
almost every day my feet would come in contact with those 
devili-h snares, and I even had to draw my penknife several 
times to cut the horse hair and fine copper wire off from my 
boots. One afternoon when it was raining hard, J. and I 
were sitting on the veranda of the Wilson House, when J. 
said: "Here comes another bob-tailed horse." Said I: 
"Have you noticed many bob-tailed horses out here?" "Yes, ' 
I have, and 1 don't wonder at it, when we see so many 
snares through the woods." A ]j H. 
Maine Snow and Game. 
Boston, Nov. 16. — Mr. Hamilton, of Lynn, is out of the 
Maine woods, in the vicinity of the Katahdin Iron Works, 
where he obtained a couple of handsome buck deer. Speak- 
ing of the shooting accidents in that State he says that they 
are "altogether too common," and that he learns that it is 
proposed to pass a law, at the next session of the Legislature, 
making it a penal offence to "shoot more than one man in a 
season." 
A heavy body of snow is now on the ground in that State, 
from six to lOin. having fallen in many of the northern sec- 
tions Deer hunting will be especially good, and the moose 
hunters will rejoice that they have a chance before the end 
of the open season, Dec. 1. Game shipments in Maine are 
most remarkable. Special. 
Killed by a Stone. 
Bristol, N. H., Nov. 10.— A deer was killed in Newfound 
Jjake. Bristol, N. H., on Monday last, 8th inst., in a rather 
novel way ; but as the men were not in possession of firearms 
at the time, it was the only way they could hope to cap- 
ture it. 
D p. Hardy and Cyrus Moore, while driving along the! 
shore of the lake, saw a deer swimming toward shore. Hardy 
picked up a piece of rock and threw it at the deer, striking i 
squarely on the head, which stunned the animal, so that it 
head dropped under water, causing it to drown. Hardy the 
waded in and dragged out the deer, which proved to be I 
fine young buck, about two or three years old, and weighed 
1651bs. Landlocked Salmon House. 
Rhode Island Fish and Game. 
Providence, R. I., Nov. 15 — Editor Forest and SireaM 
Samuel Smith, of Pawtucket, and Sylvanus Peck, of Rehc 
both, within a few days have shot six foxes in thevjcinity 0 
Rehoboth, one of which weighed Iglbs, 
