FOREST AND STREAM 
00 
it’s always beans for a Sunday morning’s breakfast with 
me— when I can get them. We got our beans ready Satur- 
day afternoon. A hole is dug in the ground, into which 
we throw some live conls and build a lire, and occasionally 
throw in small stones. When we are ready to bake our 
beans, we dig out our “bean hole," leaving a good hot bot- 
tom and set in our pot tightly covered, and then completely 
cover our pot with the collection of live coals and hot 
stones, and bank down with cold ashes, the desideratum 
Being to keep out all uir. In the morning our dish is fit to 
set before a king, if lie is hungry, or if he is not. Well, 
that’s how we had our beans, nnd that same evening had to 
cook one of our ducks, only we had to put in a fresh supply 
of conls: and instead of a not we just wet the duck's 
feathera and wrap him in damped moss. Of course we 
stuffed him, and at dinner it would make your mouth 
water to see how quick n nice cooked duck will go out of 
sight. No juice lost hi steam, nil tender, and just done to 
a turn, following the knife at every cut. 
The next morning we paddle’ down to Black Narrows 
and climb Mosquito Mountain. The sun was well up so 
that it bathed the west shore of the pond in a flood of 
light. The musquash were out basking in its beams, and 
we would paddle up to them so as to be able to strike them 
with our paddles. Just around the narrows we started a 
flock of blue-winged teal, out of which we got five. Back 
of the west side of the narrows is a bog, and proceeding 
cautiously, we had just rounded a sharp turn when up 
went seventeen blnck ducks. I got but otic, as Uncle 
Nathan was paddling. Hauling our canoe out of water we 
first picked two quarts of cranberries, an addition to our 
larder, and then started for the mountain. At first our 
Course lay through a cedar swamp, then through rock 
maples till near the summit, where spruce and fir, small 
birch and dwarf cedars stood in thick clumps. Before 
getting through the swamps we found a small beaten road, 
which, on following, led to some fir and hemlock trees. 
Upon a limb of a hemlock we found the maker of the 
path— a hedgehog, and as they are the best bait for fishes 
or black cats, we dropped him to the ground. I should say 
lie weighed thirty pounds. Did hedgehogs but know their 
strength, I think they would not prove such easy prey to 
their enemy, the fisher. I have trapped fishers, on which, 
removing their pelts, I would find black spots where the 
hedgehog’s quills hud passed through, and on examining 
farther, have found quills in their heart and lights ! Now, 
1 always supposed such an occurrence fatal, but explain the 
phenomenon by the fact that the quills, barbed as they are, 
work into their flesh little by little, the barbed parts rotting 
off and the soft parts remaining inside the animal. The 
fisher must be extremely fond of the hedgehog to hunt him 
so persistently and always successfully. When we gained 
the too of the mountain we had a glorious sight; mountains 
piled on mountains, and hills on hills until they were lost 
sight of in the far distance, while nearer were to he seen 
numerous large ponds and streams. Signs of black 
bear were very plenty. The white lichens, growing 
on the ledges, lmd been freshly disturbed by the roaming 
caribou, and their huge clum shaped hoofs had, in the only 
accessible spot, worn a path Dearly a foot deep in the earth, 
to the top of the mountain. It is in such places as these 
that large bear traps and nooses are set for caribou. 
We now discovered a storm approaching, and hastened 
to camp, but did not reach it in time to escape a dreuch- 
ing. It rained all that night, but held up in the course of 
the following day, giving ns an opportunity to catch 
a mess of trout. The two following days we spent in 
exploring Austin Stream, Bald Mountain, and Pleasant 
Point Mountain, where bear sign were abundant, 
but saw' no bruins. Next day we started for Cariuou 
Narrows. At Mosquito Narrows up went a flock of black 
ducks, Uncle Nathan dropping two of them. Along the 
east shore we looked for caribou, but 6aw none. Hound- 
ing into Cold Spring Buy we started ‘‘our ducks,” one of 
which Uncle Nathan succeeded in inducing to stay with us. 
We had only our rifles, and, therefore, got so few at a shot. 
Here we had lunch, and starling again, we made for Bluck 
Narrows, and just abreast. of Pine Island saw five ‘‘dip- 
pers ” Reaching Caribou Narrows, wc beached our canoe 
and crept over toward Caribou Bog, which is, I should say, 
a mile long, with a high ledge on the west and south sides 
shelving to the bog, and on the east and north a swamp 
stretching far away. Scattered here and there over the 
bog were juniper trees, and in the middle of the bog were 
two small ponds. These ponds are great feeding grounds 
for ducks, and the bog is headquarters for enribou. Nathan 
once killed here in one day seven caribou, all of which were 
marketed. 
Wo proceeded cautiously, Nathan taking the lead, while 
I loitered behind, picking boxberries, which grew abun 
dantly on the ledge. Chaucing to look up, I saw Nullian 
lioldiug our dog "Jack” by the collar, who was struggling 
desperately to get away, and pointing toward the South 
Pond, he whispered, ‘‘Look !” I did so, nnd there, within 
twenty feet of the edge of the water were four large otters 
at play. They made me think of kittens, jumping and 
frolicking with each other, running a short distance and 
theu sliding down their "gorge” into the pond, there chas- 
ing each other about, making the water fly in all directions, 
and then out again. A noise from the dog started them 
and caused them to sit up on their hindquarters. They 
snuffed the air a moment, and thc-n made directly for us. 
We were about ten feet from their road, and the wind 
blowing from them to us; nnd as they always travel in 
their roads, we knew if they passed us we had a good 
chance of capturing them and making our expense account 
come out on the credit side. On they came, playing leap- 
frog as they ran, or rather slid toward us. With my rifle 
at half-cock in my left hand, and resting on my right kuee, 
1 held Jack from sight by my right hand. Nathan was on 
his knee with rifle at shoulder. 
Alas ! by some strange coincidence, both our caps 
snapped ! The otters took the alurin, and scuttled toward 
the water. Nothing remained lint to club them with our 
guns, and so we all three, dog and all, went for them tooth 
and nail. Such a scuffle you never saw. One otter 
tumbled into the pond, and another into a hole in the 
bank, and the ,gnly one we saved was one that Jack 
caught by the stump of the tail. Then came a tussle of 
the most desperate character, first one on top aud then 
the other, the otter hissing and the dog growling, until at 
length Nathan ended the combat with a rifle bullet iuto the 
otter’s head. We now went to the canoe, and returning to 
camp, nagged five more ducks on the way. 
Five more days were passed in this pleasant way, in 
which we killed numerous trout, anti a few grouse and 
“yellow legs.” I tried hard to shoot a large bald eagle 
which I wished as a specimen for mounting, but he 
mounted too high for me. At last, on the fourteenth duv 
we started out for civilization, much heavier loaded then 
when we came in, for we had a goodly bag of fish and 
game, which wx forwarded to friends in Massachusetts, 
and determined next year to spend a month on some one of 
the rivers in Maine, when you shall have my experience, if 
this proves as satisfactory to you as it did to E. 
For Fur*4t amt Stream. 
KNOTT’S ISLAND AND CURRITUCK 
SOUND. 
A VERY staunch, commodious and seaworthy steamer 
is the Old Dominion, plying between the port of New 
York anti Richmond, da Norfolk and other southern locali- 
ties, on the far-famed and historic James River. In such 
a vessel the trip is one of comfort even in rough weather, 
but it wns our good fortune to be favored with smooth seas 
and pleasant skies on our journey thither. 
We spent one night in Norfolk nnd the next morning at 
(1 o’clbck embarked with all our impedimenta, dogs, guns, 
powder and shot, bateau, &c., on the river steamer Cygnet, 
cn route for Knox Island aud Currituck Inlet. The Cygnet 
was a peculiar nondescript looking cruft, not unlike a Mis- 
sissippi flat-boat, and on first appearance did not promise 
to afford the most luxuriant accommodations. However, 
on more intimate acquaintanceship wo were better pleased! 
; From Norfolk to Knoll’s Island, ciV* Albemarle and Chesa- 
peake Buy canals you pass through an extremely flat and 
uninteresting country, threaded by an occasional winding 
and tortuous river. 
Knott’s Island, where we arrived at about 4 p. m,, weary 
and fagged, is entirely destitute of scenic or picturesque 
attractions. Its dimensions are about seven miles in length 
by three miles in breadth, and it Is purlly covered by a dense 
growth of pine trees and upon shrubs, from the latter of 
which a species of tea is brewed. Although the natives 
profess to like the tea and frequently drink it iu lieu of any 
other, strangers are not partial to the beverage, on account 
of its sharp acid taste nnd sooty odor. The productions of 
the island, which are not extensive, consist principally of 
corn, sweet potatoes, nnd a few vegetables. The chief food 
of the inhabitants is “ hog and hominy," fish are some- 
times introduced; but the delicious canvas-back and other 
excellent ducks which are here iu nbundance never appear 
upon the table! Probably the older inhabitants have long 
since been surfeited with a duck diet, and assume that all 
mankind have enjoyed a similar delightful experience. lie 
that as it may, in this benighted region you have got to go 
the “ whole hog or none,” hoe cake and cornmeal mush 
included. As Knott lsiand was not our final destination 
we soon took our departure and crossed Currituck Sound 
for the Inict, on the shores of which is bluntly situated tin 
old fasluonea time-worn tavern, where we were hospitably 
entertained, and enjoyed such course fare as I lmve previ- 
ously described. After a day’s preparation wo were duly 
equipped and nervously anxious to sally forth iu quest of 
such wild fowl as are said to congregate here. I shall re- 
frain from entering into extended details; suffice it to say 
we were moderately successful, aud bagged fully as much 
game as we anticipated. The locality we visited is so well 
known to the sporting fraternity, that a minute description 
is unnecessary. I will say, however, that from Chesapeake 
Bay along the sounds and creeks that indent the coast to 
Currituck inlet, is the great resort and feeding ground of 
various species of ducks, comprising canvas-back, black 
duck, widgeon, spring-tails, teal, red head, broad bills, &c., 
also geese utid swans in profusion. Countless flocks of the 
latter often rise gracefully from the water, and like feathery 
wreaths of spotless snow circle in the uir in fantastic col- 
umns until they gradually, like a while vaporous cloud in 
a Summer sky, melt softly away in the hazy distance. 
When the last slanting rays of llio setting sun painted Hie 
broad bay and the boundless sea in gorgeous hues, and ren 
dered even the barren landscape soft urn! beautiful, we 
often sat aud watched them with intense delight. 
Running in from the Sound are innumerable shallow, 
muddy creeks, which spreading out and soaking into the 
ground, form ultimately large tracts of marshy soil or 
swamp lands. These lands, partially covered with a scrub- 
by growth of tough wiry grass, aie rooted by bogs ami trod 
up by large herds of horses and cattle, which, like those on 
some of the Western plains, run wild until required by 
their respective owners. The succulent wild celery upon 
which the ducks delight to feed, and which imparts to 
their flesh a delicious flavor, here finds its home and uhounds 
in great quantities. It grows about an inch above the mud 
and water covers it in depth varying from six inches to a 
foot. Of course all sorts of methods are employed to en- 
tice the birds within reach of the fowling piece, but the 
method most iu vogue is Hbooting from behind blinds, lo- 
cated on points where ducks are generally known to (wliut 
is styled in the vernacular of the country) “ trade." En- 
sconced behind this covert which is formed of tall reeds 
securely interlaced, the sportsman patiently awaits bis prey, 
and when the unsuspecting birds alight among the decoys, 
an expert hunter rarely if ever fails to secure a bountiful 
harvest. Many ducks are also bagged just before nightfall 
on the numerous fresh water pools or pouds which dot the 
surface of the country in all directions. 
Van Sleyck’s hotel, located at “ Popular Branch," an in- 
significant hamlet, is a favorite and much frequented resort 
for those who visit this monotonous and thriftless region. 
But from the fact of its beiug situuted at least ten miles 
from old Currituck inlet, now closed, it does not possess the 
requisite conveniences of those localities in proximity to 
the principal feeding ground, which, in Hieopiuiou of those 
who are fully posted, is in the vicinity of the spot where 
the old inlet formerly connected the Bound with the At- 
lantic ocean. In my bumble opinion Mr. Jasper White’s 
dwelling is situated in about Hie right spot, and for the 
moderate sum of a dollar and a half per day he furnishes 
you with decent board and lodging. Two regularly organ- 
ized shooting associations are in the habit of visiting these 
regions, known by the euphonious appellation of Hie Mon- 
key Island and Crow Island Clubs. They bail, I believe, 
from New York and Philadelphia, and possess a number of 
excellent boats and a variety of sporting puraplicrimliu for 
the use of members. The people here appear to be most 
friendly and pleasant. In closing this article it may not be 
inappropriate to remark that shooting water fowl requires 
two important qualifications, namely — skill and practice. 
If an unsophisticated novice flatters himself that he can 
achieve success at once, he will soon discover his mistake. 
WoodeuU, L. /. U. N. Y. 
FX>r FOr+U ami Shmitn. 
CATERING FOR AN ADIRONDACK 
DINNER. 
f A *?J Summer, on the borders of a picturesque lake 
'Llr ' ,ear ‘ nf ‘I 10 , Adirondack*, might have been 
and* "Sou nil f,' 1 "' 1 ' occunied by Mntsh. (the guide.) myself 
0 n ,Z I l » l “ l, '° woods. In my estimation. 
S r ,,f Oaohtr, l was awakened 
by a cheery voice calling, "Breakfast ready, sir " This 
announcement brought my scattered faculties together and 
1 wus upon my feet In a trice, ready to do juslfot to even 
the homeliest fare \\ Iml was my surprise on emerging 
from the hut and looking across the (Ire, to see not a streak 
of dawn to corroborate the statement, thinking for t bo 
moment that breakfast ami daylight were synonymous, for 
1 >C Xm M ,, 10 , c r , clc firelight all was complete darkness. 
For thunder s soko, Marsh I what time is Itt” I asked 
in a vexed tone. 
"Half-past Jour, sir; promises to’bo n splendid day for 
hunting and l thought if I and you couhl only welcome 
hem fullers with a carcass hanging up there by the gam- 
brels, we d feel better.” ° 
By "them fellers" Marsh meant a friend of mine who 
it was expected, would appear with hi. guide within a day 
or two from l upper’s Luke, where we lmd been camping 
for two weeks without having shot a doer. Ho Marsh 
thought it would bo a pleasant surprise to entertain them 
with a venison steak on their first appearanco in camp to 
prove true the many stories which had been circulated about 
our good luck by friends and visitors Finding Ills thoughts 
so hospitably bent my auger was Immediately changed Into 
a thorough appreciation of, nnd sympathy with, his wonder- 
ful energy in the matter of breakfast. 
We despatched our morning meal with haste, took our 
rifles, called old Sound to follow, went down to the boat 
shoved off and made our way to the head of the lako with’, 
out loss of time. There Marsh landed, and loading the 
dog, struck off into the woods, while l quietly rowed to 
an Island a few rods distant, situated In such u 
position that from its highest baulc a complete 
view of the lako can be obtained. Landing, and 
pulling Hie boat a short distance upon the saml, and ur- 
runging everything for a hasty but quiet departure, I 
climbed Hie bank and made myself as comfortable as pos- 
sible, under Hie circumstances, for it was bluer cold, and 
probably one or two hours must elapse before the dog could 
be heard from. No sooner had I done Ibis ( him a severe 
sleet storm set In, piercing enough to freeze the marrow iu 
one’s bones. 
Suddenly all thoughts of weather and discomfort wero 
put to flight, however, by the deep hay of the hound, 
which came full and clear across the water before 1 ban 
dreamed that lie could have been started. Listening at- 
tentively, the dog seemed to be coming nearer, and F ex- 
pected every second to see a deer spring Into view, when, 
to my surprise and disgust, I heard the sound grow fainter 
and more distant, until it was almost Impossible for the ear 
to follow. Taking a last look, thinking that, day’s sport 
ended, suddenly I perceived what appeared to lie a lino 
doe coasting quietly along In the water near the bank, To 
get a shot, m that doer It was necessary for me to watch her 
movements closely. After swimming a short distance 
towards a small point of land, she changed her course to 
one diagonally across the lake. Waiting a few moments, 1 
ran down to the boat, Jumped in as noiselessly as possible, 
and rowing around the head of the Island, could discover 
no doe. The wind and hail drove so thick and last that 
objects could not be distinguished more than fifty feet 
away, and I was obliged to stop rowing constantly and 
stand up iu the boat to judge what course it whs best to lake. 
After ten minutes hard pulling my expcctat! >m> were re- 
warded by the sight of a fine buck with magnificent 
antlers. This was better tliuu I expected. He allowed me 
to come within good shooting distance before l learned by 
his loud pulling aud the surging of ‘the water that he was 
aware of my proximity. The bravo fellow was swimming 
for his life and evidently would die game t 
Alter gelling him turned lowurds (lie middle of the lake, 
I raised my rifle to lire, when, imagine my astonishment at 
having the "old shooter" go off before a sight hud been 
taken. 
Tins secret of all this laid in the fact that my hands were 
so stiff and numb Hiut when it seemed as if the finger was 
simply touching the trigger, it wus pulling a "lectio too 
hard.” 
Now came another tough race, lo iiead that old buck off 
before he could reach solid bottom, llcswaiu likeastreuk; 
the water rolling heavily off his sides us if ho were un old 
man-o-wnr. Finally I managed lo get him turned again, 
and taking more care this time lo draw a deliberate aim, 
drove u bull square into the back of bis head. Then pul- 
ling him into my cranky Adirondack boat, which In a task 
attended with considerable difficulty and danger of a cap- 
size, went ashore and got the dog, who lmd "conic in" 
dining Hie inelec, and theu rowed to the head of the lake*, 
where Marsh, seated on a log, wus awaiting patiently a 
development of affairs. 
It is with a feeling of satisfaction that one returns to 
camp with doer and dog, knowing you have captured your 
game without tiie assistance of a guide to el’her watch or 
row you to it, when it first conics into lliu wuter. 
B. 0. D. 
Shellac Varnish.— T his varnish is made by putting n 
quantity of shellac gum into u bottle or other close vessel, 
adding ulcohol sufficient to cover the gum, and keeping the 
vessel in u warm place for one or two days, during which 
period, if the alcohol has not been watered to excess, dm 
gum will have become dissolved and the liquid will be 
ready for use as a varnish. Sbclluc varnish will resist 
dampness and water much longer than any other vurnish. 
By mingling about one ounce of fine lump black with a 
pint of lids varnish, it w ill make an excellent varnish for 
harness and for farmers’ hoots, after the leather lias been 
oiled, as it will dry iu leas than an hour, and will not bluck 
one’s bunds. It will not make the leather hard if oil or 
grease is applied before the vurnish. — llerotd. 
— At Dexter Park, Chicago, one day lost week, a parly of 
sportsmen were sfiootiug snowbirds Iroin u trap, when, one 
of the birds being crippled in the wing, unoilicr from u 
flock that was passing overhead, swooped down, uud seizing 
him curried him out of bounds over the fence. 
