March 7, 1903.] 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
191 
he said he took a "bee-line," he could not find it; the 
more he searched the more confused he became. It 
seems incredible, but he assured me he spent over an 
hour and a half, and left no foot of ground unsearched 
until he was satisfied that someone had stolen his gun 
. and game. He then gave up further search and started 
for the rendezvous at the springs. He made what he 
thought another "bee-line" for the road, through a 
piece of scrubb}'^ wood. Here he completely lost him- 
self and Avandered in a circle for another hour; but at 
last he came to an opening from which he saw the 
road not a hundred yards off and within a short dis- 
tance from the Springs. As I was not there, he con- 
cluded I had kept the appointment, and not finding 
him, had gone back to the Corner, whither he was 
following when we met. At the end of this pitiful tale 
it was impossible to repress another roar of laughter, 
which exa.sperated him into a tirade of abuse that 
would, under other circumstances, have ended then and 
there the friendship of years. But the humor of the 
thing was too rich to leave room for offence, and after 
a few serious words, set us both off into paroxysms 
of laughter. After some questions he assured me he 
could take me to the foot of the tree from which he 
had shot the four pigeons he carried. 
"In that case, we'll soon have your gun again; lead 
on." After tramping through pastures and stumps 
we entered the scrub and soon came within sight of the 
tree. 
"Show me the clump of alders from which you 
fired?" 
"That I cannot do. I tried in vain to find it when 
searching for the gun. But there's the tree I fired at." 
"Well, Will, it is most unfortunate the Country- 
man carried that off as well as your gun. We can, 
however, do without its help; but not so well. How 
far do you think it was from the tree?" 
"I should say not more than 100 yards — perhaps 
less." 
"How far from the alders did you lay down the gun 
and the birds?" 
"I haven't the remotest idea. I was after the dozen 
birds I shot." 
"Well, come with me." 
Starting from the foot of the tree, I told him to walk 
round it in a circle to the right, while I did the same 
to the left. As we passed in circles, widening by only 
a few yards, of course it was a simple question of time 
to find the gun if it had not been removed, which was 
so improbable that I dismissed the idea from the start. 
I had not circled the tree a dozen times before the gun 
and the two pigeons lay before me. Calling my friend, 
whose circle had taken him to the opposite side of the 
tree, I pointed to the gun, and asked him if he could 
now locate the alder from behind which he had fired. 
He looked round a moment, then walked straight to 
it. Had he used any system in his former search he 
could not have failed. Dear Old Will ! He crossed 
the Divide ten j^ears ago. May the turf lie lightly on 
his head ! Though an indifferent gunner he was a good 
angler, and many times since 'his res gestae with the 
pigeons have we fished together on the Nepissiguit 
and the Southwest Miramichi, but through many years 
of close intiniac}'^ we never came so near a quarrel as 
when his sorry plight, his pitiful tale, his lost gun and 
his four pigeons excited my irrepressible laughter. 
The tendency to travel in a circle, which all but ex- 
perienced woodsmen do when lost, is explained by the 
right leg making a longer stride than the left; but it is 
astonishing how often this involuntary and unconscious 
dift'erence in the stride brings an active walker back 
to his starting-place when lost amidst imfamiliar scenes 
and objects, which to him present no diversity of 
aspect. The writer does not know to whom belongs 
the credit of discovering that a watch will answer as a 
compass in an emergency. Point the hour hand direct- 
ly at the sun, and half the distance on the face between 
that hand and the figure 12, counting backwards, will 
point nearly due south. I do not understand the 
raiionale of this and will be obliged to any learned Savant 
who will_ enlighten me through Fokest and Stream, but 
actual trial with a watch that indicates twelve when the 
sun is on the meridian, shows that it always works out 
correctly. The old Indian signs of the moss growing 
thickest on the north side of trees, and the tips of the 
spruce trees inclining to the south, are not to be de- 
pended upon except by experienced woodmen, and more 
often lead an inexperienced person still further astray. 
The Milicete Sachem Gabe seemed to have the same 
instinct which leads a dog or a horse home by the 
straightest route. He could not explain it, did not 
seem conscious of any mental effort, and he only 
wondered that everybody could not do the s^me. t 
have tried in vain to get him to explain how he knew 
the direction of our camp when miles from it— after 
having made many turns on the winding waters of the 
South West. The only explanation he could give was — 
"Must be there, 'cause ain't an3'where else." The 
philosophy of this may be questionable, but its logic 
cannot be assailed. V. 
The Gut Crop of 1902-3, 
Manchester, England. — Editor Forest and Stream: In 
reporting upon the gut crop for 1902-3, I have to an- 
nounce about an average production — i. e., about iS,ooo 
pounds, Spanish weight, which, allowing about S,ooo 
strands to the pound weight, represent a gross total of 
about ninety millions. 
One notable change this year is the largely diminished 
supply of the ordinary qualities in the shorter lengths (7 
to 10 inches), but as these ai-e- mainly purchased for the 
American market, the English trade will be but slightly 
ffected bj^ that circumstance. 
The supply of the heaviest salmon gut is even less than 
last year, which was a very limited quantity, and before 
the end of the season will be next to impossible to obtain. 
The Italian crop of "Grecia" is again most excellent, 
md anglers will have less cause for complaint than usual 
IS to the supply of die finest qualities. 
With an average crop prices may be expected to rule 
IS about last year, though the demand is steadily increas- 
ng for gut by the hospital authorities for surgical pur- 
>osps. JRoB?aiT IUmsbottom, 
Fly-Casting at the Sportsmen'sIShow 
The fly-casting tournament that is being held every 
afternoon and night in connection with the Ninth An- 
nual Sportsmen's Show in Madison Square Garden,, 
this city, has been a very interesting affair to those 
who are fond of angling, while the crowds that have 
filled the great arena every day and evening have 
given the casting more attention than might have beeni 
expected. So far all of the events have been for fly- 
casting, except Saturday afternoon's contest, which 
was for distance only, open to all comers, half-ounce 
rubber frogs being used, but casting from the reel pro- 
hibited. The women's trout fly match was declared ofF 
for want of a sufficient number of contestants, and. the' 
beautiful trophies offered the winners in this event are 
still the property of the association. The events of 
Saturday afternoon and night were the banner ones; 
of the tournament, so far, from the point of the num- 
ber of entries, there being eight or ten, respectively. 
In last week's Forest and Stream the results of the 
first two matches were printed, and our record for this 
week closes with the event held Monday night, March 
2. The results of subsequent events will be given in 
these columns next week. 
Tuesday Afternoon, Feb, 24, 
Class D — Trout fly-casting for distance only. Open 
only to those who had never cast more than 60 feet 
in any similar club or tournament contest. Weight of 
rod and length of leader unrestricted. . Three prize 
medals — gold, silver and bronze. Judges, E. A. Sellai.v 
and A. B. Douglass; referee, E. J. Mills. 
Feet. 
W. B. Cloyes 79 
Will K. Park 73 
W. T. Morrison (B5 
G. H. Gerard cast 63 feet in this event. 
Tuesday Night, Feb. 24. 
Class E — Light trout fly-rod contest for distance 
only. Rods were limited to five ounces, but those hav- 
ing solid reel seats were allowed three-quarters of an 
ounce. Open only to those who had never cast more 
than 60 feet in any similar contest, in either club or 
open tournament. Three prize medals — gold, silver 
and bronze. The judges were P. J. Tormey and E. J. 
Mills: referee, Milton H. Smith. There were eight 
entries, and V. R, Grimwood won. The score, in feet 
and inches: 
Feet. 
V. R. Grimwood 76 0 
R. F. Cruikshank 68 6 
W. H. Hammett 66 0 
J. H. Cruikshank and J. D. Foote tied with casts of 
leet 6 inches, and Will K. Park cast 64 feet, G. H. 
Gerard 65 feet, and H. G. Henderson 52 feet 6 inches. 
Wednesday Aftemooo, Feb. 25. 
The event scheduled for this afternoon was Class D. 
women's trout fly-casting contest for distance only, and 
open only to those who had never taken a first prize in 
any similar club or tournament event in which there 
had been competition. No limit to weight of rod or 
length of leader. The prizes were similar to those in 
the other contests, and thi-ee entries were necessary. 
xA.s that number of contestants of the gentler sex did 
not put in an appearance, the event was declared off. 
Wednesday Night, Feb. 25. 
This event was Class G, for light trout rods of five 
ounces or less, with an allowance of three-quarters of 
an ounce for those having solid reel seats; distance only 
to count, and open only to those who had never cast 
further than 75 feet in any club or open tournament 
contest similar to those held at the Garden. There 
vere three prize medals — gold, silver and bronze. J. 
H. Cruikshank, who took the silver medal last night, 
was high man in this event, with 74 feet to his credit. 
The judges were W. D. Cloyes and P. J. Tormey, 
while E. J. Mills was again the referee. The score: 
Feet. 
J. H. Crviikshank 74 
R. F. Cruikshank. 65 
"W". H. Hammett 64 
J. D. Foote was one foot lower on the scale than 
Mr. Hammett. 
Thursday AftcrnooD, Feb. 26. 
This was another switch trout fly-casting event, for 
distance only, open to all-comers, with no restrictions 
on the weight of rod or length of leader. A net was 
lowered fifteen feet behind the contestant's bridge. 
The judges were W. D. Cloyes and H. G. Henderson, 
while Will Park was referee. R. L. Leonard won the 
gold medal. The score, in feet and inches: 
Feet. 
R. L. Leonard 95 6 
H. W. Hawes 37 q 
E. J. Mills..... '.'.'.'.'.83 0 
Thursday Night, Feb. 26. 
'Class I — Trout fly-casting,' distance only to count, 
and open to all-comers. Thirty feet in front of the 
contestants and six feet above the water a horizontal 
bar was placed, under which all casts were made. No 
restrictions on weight of rod or length of leader. The 
judges were P. J. Tormey and Milton H. Smith, while 
W. D. Cloyes acted as referee. The gold medal went 
to A. B. Douglass, E. J. Mills won the silver medal 
and R. L. Leonard captured third. The score, in feet: 
Feet. 
A. B. Douglass 64 
E. J. Mills "61 
R. L. Leonard , 60 
H. S. Henderson, Sr . 52 
M. C. Hazell [[[ss 
Friday Afternoon, Feb. 27. 
The event scheduled for this afternoon was Class Jj 
for very light trout fly-rods, distance only to count. 
There was a limit of four ounces on all rods, but those 
having solid reel seats were allowed three-fourths of 
an ounce. Only those who had never cast further 
than 7S ffet m simibr dub or open tournament 
contest were eligible to enter. No restrictions on the 
length of leader used. The judges were W. D. Cloyes 
and E. J. Mills, with A. B. Douglass as referee. J. H. 
Cruikshank won the gold medal, W. H. Hammett the 
silver medal and G. H. Gerard was third. The scores, 
in feet and inches: 
Feet. 
J. H. Cruikshank 71 
W. H. Hammett 65 
G. H. Gerard 64- 
The scores of those who failed to win places: Rob- 
ert Cruikshank, 62 feet 6 inches; S. Demorest, 56 feet 
6 inches. 
Friday Night, Feb. 27. 
Class K was for black bass fly-casting, distance alone 
to count, with no restrictions on weight of rod or 
length of leader, and open to all save those who had 
records of 85 feet or over in any similar club or open 
tournament contest. Flies on No. 4 or larger hooks 
were permitted. The judges were G. H. Gerard and 
iviuton H. Smith, and the referee was R. F. Cruik- 
shank. The winner of the gold medal was E. J. Mills, 
silver medal A. B. Douglass and bronze medal P. J. 
Tormey. The score, in feet and inches: 
Feet 
E. J. Mills 80 6 
A. B. Douglass ......,....,.,.,,.......,.,.....78 0 
P. J. Tormey , 760 
The Other contestants and their scores: W. R. 
Prior, 75 feet; V. R. Grimwood, 74 feet; W. H. Ham- 
mett, 67 feet 6 inches. 
Saturday Afternoon, Ftb. 28. 
The first one of the bait-casting contests brought out 
seven men, despite the fact that the weather of the after- 
noon was extremely disagreeable. Distance alone counted, 
and any person could enter. Neither was there any limit 
placed on rod, line or reel, but casting from the reel was 
barred. Lines were stripped, Greenwood Lake style, with 
half-ounce rubber frogs, which were furnished by the 
committee. When the contestant signified that he was 
ready, he was timed; and his longest cast in the following 
five minutes counted as his score. He was required, 
however, to keep his bait within the side boundaries of 
the tank. The judges were G. H. Gerard and Mr. Cruik- 
' shank. D._ Brandreth, of Ossining, won the gold medal, 
C. G. Levison, of Brooklyn, the. silver medal, and the 
bronze medal went to J. D. Foote, of this city. The score 
in feet and inches : 
Feet. 
D. Brandreth ..77 0 
C. Ci. Levison ' 72 0 
P. J. Marsh 67 0 
J. D. Foote ■ 67 0 
Cast-off: 
T. D. Foote 65 0 
P. J. Marsh 61 6 
The other contestants and their scores : L. S. Darling, 
65 feet ; E. J. Mills, 64 feet ; Milton H. Smith, 56 feet. 
Saturday Night, Feb. 28, 
This contest, which was Class M, was the most inter- 
esting one that has so far been held during the Sports- 
men's Show, but it was unfortunate that it could not have 
been held in the afternoon, as the light in the Garden was 
not strong enough for the judges, the referee and some of 
the contestants to see the fly as it fell on the dark water. 
The fly-casters who wear glasses — and a good many do — 
were handicapped not a little in this respect, for the water 
in the lake seemed very dark under the evergreens along 
the edge, and constant attention alone enabled the judges 
and the referee to locate the fly as it fell on or near the 
buoy. This event was open to all comers, with no limits 
on rod or line. When the contestant signified that he 
w^as ready to score, he began to cast at the buoy, and 
after saying "Count," or after having made five casts, the 
next five casts were recorded. The buoy was placed 
against the side of the lake, ten yards distant from the 
bridge and under a bush. The casts were scored as fol- 
lows : The buoy was a semi-circular disk six feet in 
diameter, marked with circles six inches apart. A fly 
dropping in the central circle counted 10, in the next 
circle g, next 8, and so on down, the lowest count being 
5. The highest score won the gold medal. This went to 
D. Brandreth, while A. B. Douglass captured the silver 
medal, and H. J. Henderson, Sr., the bronze medal. The 
judges were Milton H. Smith and P. J. Torme}'. H. W. 
VanWagenen -was referee. The score: 
1st 2d .3d 4th, 5th 
„ , , Cast. Cast. Cast. Cast. Cast. Total. 
\> Brandreth 7 4 fi 8 ' 8 .3.^ 
A. B. Douglass 7 4 5 0 6 22 
>[. J. Henderson, -Sr.; 4 5 7 0 6 22 
Cast-off: 
A. B. Douglass 0 6 0 7 10 23 
H. J. Henderson, Sr 0 0 9 5 6 20 
The score of the contestants who did not win places 
follows : 
1st 2d Sd 4th 5th 
„ , Cast. Cast. Cast. Cast. Cast. Total, 
K. B. Lawrence -9 0 6 0 0 15 
D, T. Abercrombie......... 5 0 6 0 0 11 
C G. Levison 6 0 0 0 0 6 ■ 
J. D. Foote 0 0 0 0 6 S 
)y-,P-o*^'°y^^ 0 0 6 0 0 6 
F. M. Spiegel 5 0 0 0 0 5 
H. G. Henderson, Jr 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Monday Af ernoon, March 2. 
To-day's contest was Class N, trout fly-casting, for 
accuracy only, and open to all comers, without restric- 
tions on weight of rod or length of leader. Five casts 
were required at a buoy moored 50 feet distant from the 
bridge, five at a second buoy 55 feet distant, and five at 
a third buoy 60 feet away. The method of scoring was 
this : If the fly fell within a foot of the buoy cast at, the 
cast was considered perfect, while for each foot or frac- 
tion in excess of a foot from the buoy a demerit of i 
was counted. The sum total of such demerits, divided by 
IS, was considered the demerit per cent. The demerit 
per cent, deducted from 100 represented the accuracy per 
cent., and the highest score won. For flies whipped off 
time was allowed for replacing them, and one minute for 
extending line to the proper buoy. The prizes were the 
same as in the preceding events. The scores in total 
follow : 
P. J. Tormey ^Z^T I 
Dr. J. G. Knowlton gg g 1 
Ti- *J- Heilderson. Sr..,,,., ,-,',l',','-.,'.'.'-'-S}i'.4 j 
