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1
2

AMERICA :— [GiLLMORE (Parker] " Ubique ")
Accessible Field Sports, the Experiences of a
Sportsman in N. America, frontispiece and
vtgnette, post 8vo. half brotvn morocco extra, im-
cnt,J<^_cdgcs gilt, 12s Qd 1809

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPOETS. '

Jt t .i

l,t'M t; .■•vT.Vrj;??r<

A if?; :f ,^:?-''C't"r:V'' '"

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-AW*

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS:

lltt Cxpfrifiure of a ^portemiin in Horth ^^ntfrica.

By "UBIQUE,"

AUTHOR OK "GUN, ROD, AND 8AWJLK," ETC.

VLOHS QUAUTEB8.

LONDON: CHAPMAN & HALL, 193, PICCADILLY.

1869.

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

THE EXPERIENCES OF A SPORTSMAN
IN NORTH AMERICA.

'r'i-\.

By '' UBIQUE,"

AUTHOR OF " GUN, ROD, AND SADDLE," ETC.

LONDON :
CHAPMAN AND HALL, 193, PICCADILLY.

1869.

^ .

t
(

j 1

LONDON :

PBINTKD Br VIRTUE AND CO.,

CITV BOAD.

tvA

HENRY LEE, ESQ.,

F.L.S., P.G.S.,F.Z.S.,

MEMBER OF COITNCIL KOVAL MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETV, MKMBER OF COUXCII.

BAY SOCIETV, MEMBEB OF COUNCIL PAL^GNTOORAI'UU'AL

SOCIETY, ETC., ETC.,

I DEDICATE THIS BOOK,

FOK A FRIEND, IN THE TRUE ACCEPTATION OF THE WORD,
I HAVE ALWAYS FOUND HIM. '

UBIQUE.

Tlie WaldronSy Croydon,

April 3rd, 1869.

Dear Me. GiLLMoaE,

Your letter asking my permission to dedicate to me
your forthcoming work on "Accessible Field Sports" has
gratified me exceedingly, and I accept with pleasure your kind
proposition.

When on your return to this country after years of foreign
travel, Lord Richard Grosvenor mentioned to me his appre-
ciation of your talents, I did not, of course, foresee that his
introduction would lead to our becoming friends. Since then,
however, circumstances and kindred tastes have brought us closely
together. Intimately associated, as I have the privilege to be, xoith
my dear friend Mr. Frank Buckland in almost ail his under-
takings, public and private, the love of Natural History which 1
have felt from my boyhood has been fostered by him, and he has
imbued me with mrich of hit enthusiasm respecting pisciculture. I
immediately recognised the practical character of your writings on
these subjects and on the Field Sports of the many countries you
have visited, and if I have in any way aided you in making known
the results of the observations you have made durinr; an adventurous
life, I congratulate myself and the public on mi' having been able

to do 80.

I assure you that the kind and complimentary tribute you now
offer me more than repays me for any encouragement I may have
been enabled to give you.

With every good ivish, believe me to be.

Dear Mr. Gillmore,

Your very sincere friend,

HENEY LEE.

i ■ i
i i I

I
■f

I (

PREFACE.

In producing this Work, I am actuated by the hope
that many of our English Sportsmen may be induced
to cross the Atlantic ; for well I know they will be
amply rewarded for their trouble, provided they are
of the right stamp, and do not mind roughing it, in
search of sport with " Gun, Rod, and Saddle."

The expense is not great for such a trip ; the sea
voyage, under ordinary circumstances, does not extend
over ten days, while the accommodation and cuisine
on board ship are excellent.

I much prefer the Inman Line of Trans- Atlantic
steam ships to all others, and I therefore recommend
them, for the reason that the officers are more obliging
and willing to afford information than those I have
sailed with in other lines.

On arrival in N w York, select the Brevoort House,
in Fifth Avenue, for your residence; it is conducted
in the same manner as an English hotel. You can
choose what hours are most convenient and suitable
for your meals, while the domestics are always civil.
The proprietors of this house can afford reliable
information as to the hunting-grounds, the best
means of reaching them, and other local details.

X PREFACE.

Messrs. J. D. Dougall and Son, St. James's Street,
London, I can recommend to supply the sportsman
intending to go abroad with ensuring, hard-hitting,
well-finished guns. Their Lock-fast patent for breech-
loaders is the strongest known, is extremely simple,
and therefore not liable to get out of order; and if
such a casualty should by any possibility occur, can
be repaired by the least skilful mechanic, a desidera-
tum of no ordinary importance when in a distant
foreign land.

For duck-shooting and salmon-fishing wading stock-
ings and waterproof clothing will be found necessary ;
in fact, without such protection from wet, the strongest
constitutions may suffer. Those made by Messrs.
Woolgar & Co., Ludgate Hill, I cannot praise too
highly. For camping out, the waterproof ground-
sheet, and the waterproof boating-bag, both of which
are made by the same firm, I can recommend, after
long experience, to be superior to all other productions
with which I am acquainted.

If rods or fishing tackle, extra guns or ammuni-
tion, should be required for the lakes and rivers, or
the hunting-field, Messrs Andrew Clerk & Co. will
supply the former, and Messrs. Schyler, Hartley and
Graham, the latter ; both these firms have their places
of business in Maiden Lane, New York, and the
utmost reliance and confidence can be placed in their
attention, selection, and promptness in attending to
your wants.

Follow my advice, and you will not be disappointed.

UBIQUE.

I'
J.

j's Street, ■

sportsman 9

d -hitting, H

)r breech- I

y simple, 1

r; and if 1

ccur, can 1

desidera- 1

a distant 1

Qg stock- I

ecessary ; 1

strongest 1
' Messrs. 1

CHAP.
I.-

'aise too 1

II.-

ground- I

III.-

af which 1
nd, after 1

IV.-

)ductions 1

v.-

VI.

immuni- I

vn.

'ivers, or 1
Co. will 1

VIII.

'tley and 1

IX.

ir places I

and the 1
in their 1

XT.-

iding to 1

XII.

XIII.

►pointed. I

XIV.-

CONTENTS.

I'AOE

A Night's Adventuee 1

-PiRST Deer in America 13

-Trout Fishing on the Andeoscogan ... 22

-Wild-Fowl Shooting in Illinois .... 32

-The Black or Silver Fox {Canis argentatus) . 43

-American "Woodcock {Microptura Americana) . 52

-Buffalo Hunting {Bison Americanus) ... 59

-On the Grand Prairie 82

-Moose Deer {Cervus Akes) 96

-Shooting in Illinois 115

-Black Bear {Ursua Americanus) 123

-Flight Shooting on Grand Prairie . . .143

-Salmon Fishing in Labrador 147

-Prong-tiorned An'. --LOPE {Antilocapra Ameri-
cana) 218

XV.— Pinnated Grouse {Tetrao cupid«'^ 233

i I

I i

CHAP.

XVL-

XVII.

XTIII...

XIX.-

XX.-

XXI.-

XX II.-

XXIII.-

CONTEM-S.

-Trout Fishino in Maine ^247

-Instruction^ por English Sportsmen . . 273
-Mur.F "Sheep of Arctic America .... 283
-Snipe Shooting {Scohj,ax Wihonii) .... 292
-Hints for American Shooting » .... 301

-Shooting in Missouri gjQ

-A long Deer Hunt gj.^

-The Split Bamboo Fly-Eods 330

. 273
. 283
. 292
. 301
. 310
. 313
. 330

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

CHAPTER I.

A NIGET'S ADVENTURE.

Thirty miles north of Toronto commences a network
of lakes tliat extend over many hundred square miles
northward, scattered in overy direction through the
dense forest that covers that picturesque locality.
Game and fish of almost every variety are here to be
found, making one of the best retreais for enthusiastic
sportsmen that can be found within a similar radius
of the Atlantic sea-board of Northern America. True,
the prairie chicken, the capricious salmon, and the
timid trout are wanting ; but this deficiency is well
supplied by the number and variety of other species
of game well worthy of the attention of both hunter
and fisherman. Bear and deer are here numerous,
roaming undisturbed in the retreats of their pro-

*4 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SFORTS.

genitors ; while the clear, sparkling waters are well
stocked with the voracious muscalonge and the active
impetuous black bass. But he who is desirous of
visiting this elysium in pursuit of game must be no
feather-bed sportsman — no grumbler at imaginary
troubles, or shirker of hard work ; for, once he leaves
the edge of civilisation, no roof- tree will be found to
greet the eye after a hard day's tramp, no luxurious
downy couch on which to rest his wearied limbs, but,
often unprotected, he must submit to the pelting of the
pitiless storm. No ; he must accept mother earth
for his bed, his hunting blanket for his covering, the
heavens for his canopy, and — if fortune should favour
him with a touch of a north-easter — the leeward of his
reversed canoe will give him such shelter as will enable
him to keep dry perhaps thirty minutes longer. Know-
ing what you have to be prepared for, provided you
have the constitution and pluck, make a try, and I am
certain, on your return, you will be in ecstasies with
your trip, recalling with pleasure the hardships you
have gone through, and laughing at the little misad-
ventures that chequered (like clouds portending a shower
on a sunny day) the tenor of your path. We cannot
have all play. Few go through the world without an
occasional rub. " Variety is the spice of existence ; "
and without an odd contretemps we should become a very

A NIOHT S ADVENTURE.

ire well
c active
irous of
it be no

I aginary
B leaves
'ound to
ixurious
[lbs, but,
ig of the
er earth
ring, the
Ld favour
rd of his

II enable
. Know-
ided you
md I am
3ies with
hips you
e misad-
a shower
e cannot
ihout an
istence ; "
lie a very

unimaginative, unambitious, namby-pamby lot, unfit
for the wear and tear, bustle and excitement, that all
must endure before their course is run.

To those determined to accejit the conditions, a word
on the best sporting gear may not be out of place.
First and foremost, a good double-barrel of ten bore,
that will throw ball as well as shot ; an abundance of
ammunition, not forgetting buck-shot; a couple of
strong bait-rods^ about fourteen or fifteen feet each ;
several of Buell's patent spoon-baits, reels, &c., &c., with
a good assortment of strong untied hooks. Your
camping equipments I leave to yourself, or rather
to your Indian guide ; one thing, however, let mo
advise — make them as light and few as possible,
as many an arduous journey across rugged portages is
before you, when you have not only to carry these
etceteras, but also your canoe.

Why this rigmarole ? some may justly inquire. Now
for my reason. Numbers frequently ask me where
sport is to be obtained, as they are desirous of an expe-
dition, but know not in what direction to guide their
steps. They do not want to travel as far as the vast
prairies of the West, and if they did, only small game
could be obtained, unless beyond civilisation. Let me,
therefore, advise them to make choice of the afore-
mentioned wilds ; they are easy of access, and there a

;

■ i

i
1

I
ill

):||ll

Mil

! vl'

I • i

4 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

large variety of fish and fowl are to bo found. Duck
in groat numbers haunt this locality, as well as snipe
and plover, which select this retired northern situation
as a breeding place, w ucre they can safely raise their
timid, helpless families, without fear of the constant
intrusion of the much-dreaded lords of creation.

From Toronto proceed to the village of Orillia, at the
head of Lake Simcoe. At this pretty little place you will
have no difficulty in procuring one of the Chippewa
Indians from the village of Rama, on the other side of
the lake, to undertake the duties of Palinurus, for a
moderate remuneration. All of these redskins may
safely be trusted, and they will be found, not only
excellent hunters and trappers, but very obliging, as
long as you keep them from the curse of their race,
whiskey. Of course, as soon as they leave civilisation,
they cannot obtain their dire enemy unless you should
give it, or, what is equally culpable, leave it in their
way. How I became acquainted with this region was
strange and unlooked for. 8ome years since, having
business in Toronto, I was detained longer than I
expected, and got both out of funds and out at elbows.
Returning from the Post Office much disappointed and
disgusted at the dilatoriness of my friends, I turned
into a tavern to have a glass of ale, when I chanced to
run foul of a former acquaintance who had turned

A NIGHT S ADVENTURE.

liermit, having built a house on the edge of one of
those lovely sheets of water embosomed in the forest
several miles further to the north than any of his
neighbours. Soon my troubles were all before him,
and he, with characteristic hospitality, offered me
accommodation for an indefinite period. Next morning
we were both en route for his solitary home, and never
shall I forget the feelings of pleasure and admiration
tliat rose in my bosom when first I beheld this charm-
ing retreat, situated on a bluff, washed by crystal
water, and backed by the handsomest varieties of forest
trees, truly looking to my mind the beau ideal of a
hunter's home.

After being domesticated some weeks, from the
beauty of an afternoon and the coolness of the weather,
I was induced to shoulder my gun, and start ross
country to Lake St. John, with the hopes of killing
some ducks to add to the fare of our already sumptuous
table. I had never visited this place before, and as I

left the clearing, the last words of H were, " Take

care you do not get lost." With an amount of con-
fidence, "usually denoting ignorance," I responded
that I was too old to be guilty of such a green pro-
ceeding. With little trouble I found my destination.
Game was abundant and tame, they being overcome
with that languor which makes themperfectly indifferent,

I 'i lii'i

ACCESSIBLE Fi ^> SPORTS.

and wblcli is so frequently the precursor of bad and
stormy weather. In a little time my bag was heavy, too
much so to be agreeable, and, considering that I had
committed havoc enough, I determined to retrace my
steps. Another and yet another duck would come in
my way, and presented such fascinating shots that I
could not resist, so that by the time I had returned to
the place whore I first struck the water, I was com-^
pletely loaded. Have any of my readers ever walked
two or three miles, with from eight to a dozen mallard
ducks in the skirt of his shooting^coat ? If so, they
undoubtedly have vivid recollections of their weight.
If still a tyro, I advise you to make a trial, as a new
sensation will be experienced, particularly if the ground
is soft and muddy. I had scarcely re-entered the
sombre forest, when my spaniel found some ruffed
grouse, and treed them a short way off on the left. A
brace of these delicate birds would be a most acceptable
addition to a future dinner ; so, without hesitation, I
struck off to the right, to cultivate their more intimate
acquaintance. Advancing upon them unwarily, the
covey flushed, but flew onl' a short distance. I thought
my chances so remarkably good, that I would make
anothor try, but again the watchfulness of my feathered
friends foiled me. With a malediction on my lips, I
turned to retrace my steps, but for my life could not

A NIGHT S ADVENTURE.

bad and
leavy, too
lat I had
trace my
L come in
)t8 that I
turned to
was com-'
r walked
1 mallard

so, they
' weight,
as a new
e ground
ered the
le ruffed

left. A
cceptable
tation, I

intimate
rily, the

tell in which direction my route lay. To be lost, pooh !
pooh ! what nonsense ! I was not still a school-boy, and
had been too long cut loose from my mother's apron
strings. The whole thing appeared too absurd and
ridiculous. Off I went, as I thought, straight back to
the place I had left ; I must cross my own path in a few
minutes — only a few steps farther ! I am certainly close
now! and thus arguing and consoling, I proceeded.
By degrees it began to dawn upon me, though much
against my inclination, that I was " certain sure out
of my reckoning." The more convinced I became of
the uncertainty of my position, the more I became
excited ; at first I walked faster, talked to myself, and
tried, though I fear very indifferently, to treat the
whole affair as an admirable joke. But soon my counte-
nance became elongated, and a very gloomy expression
usurped the place of my previous smile. For change,
I shouted, with the hope some one might hear me — a
very improbable thing — except, perchance, some solitary
aborigine should be out in attendance on his bear or
other traps. At last I became fairly desperate, and
broke into a headlong run ; the pace was too fast to
keep up, and fairly blown, wearied, and exhausted, I
sat down on the trunk of a fallen tree. The depression
I felt will never be forgotten. The terrible loneliness,
the perfect solitudv^ and monotony, with the certainty

'i!| :i

iii

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

of having to pass the night al fresco, made my frame
of mind anything but enviable. The mosquitoes, which
previouK-ly I had scarcely noticed, now put in a claim
for attention, for my wretched plight seemed to give
them confidence, and they attacked me front, rear, and
flanks, and in columns. It was useless to attempt
to drive them off; their perseverance would have
been most commendable, if engaged in a better
cause. Night was rapidly approaching, and the giant
shadows had become indistinct in their outline, mingling
together in one dark gloom. Distant rr ling of
thunder portended a coming storm, reminding me that
I had better make all snug, for a dirty night was at
hand. *

I soon found a prostrate monarch of the forest,
under whose side I expected to find comparative
shelter; in a short space I had gathered suflScient
debris and flammable matter to make a fire, determining
to sacrifice one of my ducks to the implacable tor-
mentor, hunger. Out of the few matches I had, four
missed, or would not light ; but two more remained.
With what care and anxiety did I try the others !
Alas ! the head of No. 5 flew off, and but one remained
to save me from Erebus, and the incursions of some
erratic midnight prowler. With the utmost care I
undertook the trying ordeal of squeezing myself into

A NIGHT S ADVENTURE.

a corner, sheltering my hands with my cap, and sacri-
ficing a portion of the last letter from my lady-love
for tinder; success rewarded me, and soon the sur-
roundings were brought out in deep relief by the
brilliant glow, reminding me of the deep contrast of
light and shadow in one of the much-admired pictures
by Rembrandt. The rain was not long delayed, and
after a few premonitory drops, came down as if the
flood-gates of heaven had been opened, accompanied
by the loudest thunder and most dazzling lightning.
There is nothing more powerfully impresses man with
the omnipotent power of the Creator, or with his own
utter insignificance, than being placed alone, unpro-
tected from the warring elements, listening to the
dismemberment of limbs from the parent tree-trunks by
the fury of the blast, or the scathing power of the
electric fluid. All my efforts to keep a good fire were
futile— sleep was out of the question — while the inces-
sant attacks of the mosquitoes made me restless and
irritable. No sick man or storm-tossed mariner ever
more ardently longed for break of day. The night
appeared endless, and doubts of whether the sun
had rot been delayed in his course, or taken his de-
parture to gladden with his rays the inhabitants of
other planets, intruded themselves. At last, faint
lines of light glimmered in the east, foretelling the

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

5 ;■ ■

departure of darkness, and witli greater satisfaction
than I ever previously experienced, I rose from my
wet and uncomfortable resting-place. To seek my
lost route was my first endeavour, and for more than
an hour I wandered without success. At last, when
almost yielding to despair, I struck the margin of the
lake I had been shooting on the evening before ; and
what a beautiful, enthralling scene lay before me !
The placid water only rippled where the wild duck
sported, or th ) voracious fish pursued to the surface
their destined prey ; while the shadow of each tree that
grew near the margin was so distinctly reflected that
the minutest limb or twig could be traced with perfect
precision.

I stood entranced, and so great was my admiration,
that nothing could have induced me to disturb the
harmony of the picture by destroying the life, or
disturbing the retreat, of the beautiful creatures which
formed its prominent features. To the left were several
deer and fawns, knee-deep, feeding upon the tender,
succulent leaves of the water-lily, the youngsters occa-
sionally chasing one another in sport, and unknow-
ingly practising and developing those muscles which
Nature intends to be their protection in the hour of
danger; their beautiful, graceful mothers frequently
raising their eyes from their morning repast with

A NIGHT S ADVENTURE.

maternal solicitude for their progenies' safety. "What
sportsman could witness such a scene without feelings
of the greatest pleasure ? and, in my opinion, unless
hunger could be pleaded, he ,vould be unworthy of the
name who could desecrate the hallo wedness and peace-
fulness of the view by wantonly shedding blood. Long
I gazed with feelings of rapture, congratulating my-
self in having at last discovered a hunter's elysium.
Uncertainty in reference to my position had vanished,
as without trouble, by following the margin of tie
water, I could find my back track. At last hungf.r
told me it was time to think of home and breakfiast.
An hour after found me in my bedroom undergoing
the luxury of a good wash, preparatory to an ample
meal. My friend, who was rejoiced to see me, having
dreaded the inconvenience of hunting me up, listened
with great pleasure to my glowing, and, perhaps,
unintentionally exaggerated description of all I had
seen and endured. On one point, however, we were
resolved — an immediate visit to the beautiful locality
I had so lately left. Before a month had elapsed many
visits had been paid, and heavy game bags, or still
heavier fish baskets, were the result. Game is still
abundant in the region where my night adventure
took place, but like every locality, the hunter will have
to proceed a little farther beyond the bounds of civili-

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

sation ; for as certain as the red man vanishes before
the progress of the stream of emigration, or the morn-
ing mists before the gladdening rays of the rising sun,
does game before the dreaded sound of the squatter's
axe, or the sharp report of the deadly rifle.

, *ii

CHAPTER IT.

FIRST DEER IN AMERICA.

Although this is but a reminiscence, and one of a day
a few years gone by, the feelings, incidents, et cetcraSy
are much the same as every ty/o experiences when he
sees the first antlered monarch of the woods prostrated
at his feet. How many lately have written of their
advent in salmon fishing, their novitiate with dog and
gun on the boundless heather or golden stubble; but
not one has touched on the pleasurable sensations first
experienced as you draw the keen edge of your
hunting-knife across the graceful, swan -like neck of
the deer that has succumbed to your skill as a shot, or
your knowledge of the hidden mysteries, of venery.

While visiting in Canada West, I chanced to make the
acquaintance of a young Highlander ardently devoted
to the chase, and who, when he found that I was also a
would-be disciple of the chaste Diana, at once proposed,
as the season was suitable and business affairs did not

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

interfere, that we should start for the gigantic and then
unbroken woods which covered the township of Oro,
lying on the edge of that placid sheet of water, so
well known for its lovely woodland scenery, Lake
Simcoe. After a great deal of bad travelling, both on
foot and horseback, over the most viUanous roads that
ever unfortunate was condemned to progress on, we
arrived late at night opposite Snake Island, then
inhabited by a remnant of the once numerous and
powerful Chippewa Indians. The distance across to
this island retreat was too far for our lungs to inform
its denizens that two benighted travellers were desirous
of joining them, and, as there was no boat, a camp
fire and blanket were required to do duty for roof
and feather bed. But, alas ! our limbs and bones
were demoralised from our former life, and absolutely
refused to be satisfied, so that both tossed, fumed,
and fretted till the sun thought proper to make his
reappearance. Nor was that all ; a scoundrelly wolf,
whose midnight propensity for serenading had taken
hold of his thoughts, kept up a most objectionable
chant, however pleasing it might have been to his
lady-love, till we wished the brute in Jericho, or any
other remote district ; not only that, but I will not say
that fear had not a little to do with my feelings, for I
can distinctly remember, as I listened, my blood became

FIRST DEER IN AMERICA.

and then

p of Oro,

water, so

ry, Lake

, both on

oads that

8 on, we

nd, then

rous and

icross to

Q inform

desirous

a camp

for roof

d bones

)solutely

fumed,

lake his

ly wolf,

d taken

tionable

to his

or any

not say

js, for I

became

-1

exceedingly cold and stagnant, my hands clammy, and
my throat parched. Moreover, all the stories I had ever
read of the sanguinary propensities of these scourges
of the distant settlements, from " Little lied Ividing-
Ilood " to " Robinson Crusoe," recurred vividly to my
recollection.

However, quiet came with the sun, and, after a few
ineffectual efforts, we succeeded in attracting the atten-
tion of a worthy redskin, who, for a trifling remunera-
tion, landed us in the precincts of his island domicile.
Our business was soon made known, and a hunting party
was organised in an inexpressibly short time. The
iimer man was still to be satisfied, and, on making our
wants known, we were borne off willing captives to the
grandest and most capacious log-cabin, no less a worthy
than a chief assuming the responsibility of providing
us with breakfast. I cannot help here mentioning a
little episode which, although it had not the appetising
effect of Worcester sauce, chutney, a squeeze of lemon,
or other farailia ' auxiliaries, still had its influence on
our then pleading stomachs. Sun-fish wfe^e destined for
the standing dish, and as the good old squaw had a
very small frying-pan and a large stock of the above
finny treasures to operate upon, it behoved her to
make several cookings ; and, to prevent the results of
her first efforts getting cold while the second lot were

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

undergoing culinary operations, the aged matron, with
a talent that denoted great skill in adopting herself
immediately to circumstances, snatched a very battered
and greasy straw hat oflF the head of one of the filthiest
youngsters, and made it do duty for dish-cover. Of
course, any squeamishness would have been a base
return for the anxiety displayed that we should not
eat our morning repast cold. An hour afterwards
we were all en route, three buoyant, graceful birch
barks transferring the party, which was now aug-
mented to ten, and three half-fed hounds, to the oppo-
site beach.

Well, all that forenoon to mid- day we tramped,
tramped, tramped ; the only alteration in the per-
formance being an occasional halt, when an acute
observation of some sign would cause comments from
all parties, excepting we two pale- faces. First, it would
be a broken twig ; next, an indentation of the ground ;
and thirdly, what would not have appeared to the
uninitiated a rarity in sheep pastures. Although this
was all Greek to us, we determined to look knowing,
say nothing, and possibly, like many another under
similar circumstances, get credit for being perfect Nim-
rods. A halt was at length called for, and old Chief
John, no small bug, spoke like an oracle. The deer
had gone to the big swamp, and if we wanted buck

FIRST DEER IN AMERICA.

we must go there. Off again we started, I having
come to the determination that the whole thing was a
humbug, and that I would slip off the first available
opportunity. The desired chance soon offered, and
after half an hour's walking I struck the margin of
the lake where the canoes had been left. Another I
found before me at this rendezvous, which helped much
to console me for not being the only deserter. "We
had not been long dawdling and attempting to kill
time, when some pigeons came down to drink ; so
drawing my buck-shot and replacing it with No. 6,
I came to the conclusion, as I could not have venison,
I would try and procure some of them. Nor was I
unsuccessful, for soon half a dozen long tails (the wild
pigeons of America have long tails) swelled the volu-
minous proportions of my pockets. There is an end to
all things, and even pigeons got wary of our proximity,
and a second period of inaction followed. However,
the scenery was pretty, the foliage brilliant, the tem-
perature pleasant, and a hunter might be far less
comfortably situated.

Time was passing rapidly, the sun was fast dipping
into the horizon, and consequently our indefatigable
friends could not much longer be absent. Thus I
thought when Master Redskin jumped suddenly up out
of a canoe in which he had been lolling, clapped his

ACCESSim/fi FIELD SPOUTS.

ear to flic ground, nnd remained in tLat ludicrous and
ungraceful position for some rainutes, exciting greatly
my curiosity. On asking him for an explanation,
naught but a grunt could I get for an answer, and a
non-describablo wave of the hand, as if to invoke
silence. After manoeuvring thus, my nearly exliausted
patience received the explanation that one of the hounds
was running a deer, and that they were coming this
way. Immediately afterwards I was bundled into a
canoe, and although I had never previously handled a
paddle, was now forced to take one of those implements
and attempt a trial ; but no use — the obstinate com-
position of birch bark would only spin round and make
most indisputable signs of objection to its freight, which
were manifested by the gxmwale several times taking
in water and almost upsetting, so that my now irate
companion almost got out of his wits with rage. At
length I attained a slight dexterity, and succeeded,
assisted by the skilful steering of the Chippewa, in
propelling our frail boat under a cedar that grew on
the termination of a promontory. "Whatever might
have been my doubts before as to my friend's assertion
that game was afoot, they were now dissipated ; for,
true enough, the deep voice of a hound could be
distinctly heard resounding through the forest, and
coming towards us; every bound the good hound spoke,

FIRST DEKR IN AMERICA.

till the echoes and his voice were blended in one pro-
longed, deep, musical note. My pulsation increased
as the sound approached, my whole nervous system
was in a state of extreme tension ; even clasping my
gun, setting my teeth, only gave me temporary relief,
an(' never from that day to this has my excitement
been so intense. "Look! look!" said the Indian,
and, following the direction of Jiis hand, I saw a
splendid doe breasting the water and heading for the
middle of the lake. Like all green hands, my first
prompting was to start in pursuit ; but my more wily
friend put a veto on that proposition, begging me to
restrain my impatience till the quarry got well out
from land. Long — very long — appeared the next few
moments. But it was evident I was not boss* — only a
deck hand of very ordinary acquirements. Remon-
strance was, therefore, out of the question ; so sub-
mission, with the best possible grace, was adopted. By
this time the doe had got nearly a quarter of a mile
out — for few animals swim so fast as deer — when the
signal was given to commence the chase. Never did
oarsman more energetically pull — never did race-horse
more gallantly struggle ; every thew, every muscle was
brought into play, and what I lacked in skill was made
up in vim. It, however, took. all the dusky gentle-
♦ American for " master."

2(>

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

■it '

■'lit. "ill

1 1

man's skill to keep the craft's head straight. For
many minutes we did not appear to have gainer*
an inch; the perspiration ran down my face, and
even lodged in my eyes; but there was no time for
rest, no desire for respite; each succeeding stroke
equalled its predecessor in strength. At length, we
commenced gaining — a further inducement to renewed
exertion — and the paddle was dipped deeper and
handled still more swiftly. Inch by inch we crept up,
at first slowly, then more rapidly, till but twenty yards
severed the victim and destroyer. I was about to drop
my paddle and seize my gun, when Master Redskin in-
formed me, " Not time yet ! " On we advanced ; ten
feet at most intervened. Mr. Chippewa gave the
desired permission, and as I pitched my gun to the
shoulder he veered the canoe a point or two to the left.
A sharp report followed, and the water boiled with the
ineffectual efforts of the stricken animal. Quickly the
birch bark was shot up, and just as the deer was disap-
pearing it was grabbed by the ear, and after several
ineffectual efforts lifted on board. Know you, reader,
that a dead deer will sink; and although I remem-
bered it not at the time of drawing the trigger, my
double-barrel was loaded with ISTo. 6, which at that
short range, and pointed at the back of the head,
almost instantaneously destroyed vitality ; and, however

FIRST DEER IN AMERICA.

easy it may be to lift a heavy body into a boat, it is a
different thing to bring a dead deer into a birch canoe.

On our way to shore we picked up the hound, which
was taken on board, and enjoyed himself by licking
the blood that trickled from the shot-holes. Feel-
ing fatigued from my severe exertions, I halted for a
few moments, and commenced handb'ng cur trophy,
when the confounded dog flew at me, inflicting a most
disagreeable impression of his ivories on the palm of
my hand — a habit I believe he had with all, excepting
his owner; which peculiarity, doubtless, was much
approved of by him, but was far from raising this
canine in my estimation.

That night I was the hero of the day-— the lion of
the hour ; an honour to which I was no more entitled
than many whose fame has been made through force
of circumstances, and whose memory will live when an
abundant crop of grass, perhaps thistles, are growing
over a hero's last resting-place, and the dwellers upon
earth have forgotten that such ever existed.

:ki!

CHAPTER III.

TROUT FISHtN< . ON THE ANDROSCOGAN.

Got up at daybreak ; morning foggy, with little wind ;
started to the falls as soon as I had swallowed a cup
of coffee. Found the river ii little lower than yester-
day. Took my stand on the big rock near the tail of
the rapid. Tried several flies without success, and
ultimately put up two black hackles, one with salmon-
coloured body, the other with blue. On the second
cast, raised a heavy fish, which I pricked; turned round
and took half a dozen throws in another direction,
hoping the big one would in the meantime forget his
previous rough treatment* Took two little fellows just
over half a pound, which I returned to their element.
Thought I would give the big one another show,
and got fast to him first cast ; with all my exertion
could not prevent him making the rapid, and taking out
nearly all my line ; nevertheless, having put the brake
on, succeeded in turning him, when he came back to

TROUT USHING OX THE ANDROSCOGAN.

me like a skyrocket, preventing me from recovering the
slack. I feared that this run had effected his libera-
tion, but on getting reeled up, was agreeably surprised
to find that I still held him. Five minutes more
brought him on his side, when Collins neatly handled
his landing net, and I had the satisfaction of safely
securing a good four-and-a-half pounder. Within an
hour and a half I had killed eleven fishj averaging
two and a quarter pounds, when suddenly they stopped
rising, and ail my skill was wasted, for I could not
raise a fin. This striking peculiarity in both trout
and salmon fishing, which no fisherman can fail to
have observed, I am unable to account for. That all
the inhabitants of a portion of a stream should desist to
feed instantaneously, when a few minutes previously
they have been seizing with avidity your flies, is a
subject on which I should like to hear the opinion of
some competent authority. I remember asking an
old hand, whose success in his neighbourhood was a
household word, and his response was that a sudden
cliange in the atmosphere catused it. This answer
somewhat astonished me, nor could I reconcile myself
to the idea that fish which, in the m.ajority of instances,
lie some distance beneath the surface of the water,
should be cognizant of an alteration which is impercep-
tible to us. From continued want of success, I changed

■^'r*»f:J«*-^,i**'6rt-*.t .^ji.^v '^, •■^_

.a'

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

my position, and removed to a liole some way farther
down. After much difficulty from the quantity of
brush that grew on the margin of the stream, and
carrying a rod among such obstacles, I reached the
water. The appearance of ' he pool much pleased me,
but it was difficult to fish, from the timber growing so
close to the water, and wading being almost out of the
question from the rough and irregular bottom being
thickly packed with large boulders. Obliged to make
a virtue of necessity, with a short line, and a quick,
contracted cast, I commenced operations. My com-
panion informed me that he much doubted if a line had
been wet there that season ; from the result, I think
his statement must have been correct. Scarcely had
my flies touched the water, when two beauties, radiant
in their handsome golden hues, simultaneously dashed
at the deception; one I hooked firm and strong,
and soon brought to net : a dozen times did I go
through the same performance, only varied by occa-
sionally hooking a brace at the same cast. I fearel,
with such incessant work, my perfect little rod woul 1
get strained, but I was disinclined to give up. Having
once filled my large basket, and being in a fair way to
repeat the performance, I moved forty yards lower
down towards the tail of the stream, where, from the'
placid appearance of the surface, T had little doubt I

TROUT FISHING ON THE ANDROSCOGAN.

[could wade. "With the assistance of the pole of my
[landing net, I succeeded in staggering out to a slioal
bank of gravel, about ten yards from the brmk, and
although quite up to the knee, established a firm foot-
ling; and each cast rose or hooked a fish. The water
[appeared to be alive with trout ; first one would spring
Ueveral feet clear of the water with a vim and energy
[positively speaking of determination ; another would
[only barely come to the surface, leaving no other indi-
cations of his presence than a miniature whirlpool ;
while a third would roll over like a grampus, displaying
a good view of his golden, strongly-proportioned,
[handsome side, raising the demon of covetousness in
[my breast. I have frequently sought for a satisfac-
Itory reason for the different degrees of ardour which
fish exhibit in taking the fly. I am inclined to believe
that much is to be attributed to caprice, and not
hunger, for it is very rare to see a heavy fish entirely
disengage himself from the water when about to seize
the cunningly-devised imitation. Several fine fish had
fallen to my prowess, and step by step, with cautious
care, I advanced down the river, till I had almost
got within casting distance of the bottom of the pool,
where the stream was contracted previous to forming
another rapid.

In taking my last throw, I was so near the broken

■' '^r»

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

water that my trail-fly was without doubt in it, when,
without seeing a fish, I felt a smart pluck at my line.
On elevating the top of my rod, I found that a small
chub had taken my hook. Reeling up to get rid of
the incumbrance, and f(f)tching him to the surface, what
was my surprise to see an immense trout dash at the
unfortunate captive, and in the twinkling of an eye,
I had my reel going at telegraph speed. Here was an
adventure, truly, but one out of which I could scarcely
expect success. Running out something like fifteei.
yards, the interloper became stationary, and well I
knew he had returned to his sanctum, probably to
pouch the bait at pleasure. With but a slight strain
upon my rod, I waited on the will of his mightiness,
hoping it would not be long ere his royal pleasure
would dictate swallowing the booty. Ten minutes, at
least, I remained in statu quo, when, supposing due
courtesy had been extended, I took a slight pull just
by way of reminder. Alas ! the chub came away, and,
being now dead, combined with the rapidity of the
water, trailed upon the surface. I was not disappointed
— the result was but probable. Commencing to reel
up to divest my hook of the mangled corpus, I had not
Xnore than taken a few feet in when, mirahile dictu, the
same episode was enacted, and the unfortunate mangled
remains of the shiner were borne off, apparently

TROUT FISHING ON THE ANDROSCOGAN.

to the same location. Patiently now I determined to
rest, hoping against chance, that in sportive mood,
while playing with his intended dejeuner, his highness
would get the point of the insidious hook attached to
his royal person. What time elapsed I know not, but
my necessary inertness and the disagreeableness of my
position induced me to endeavour to bring the drama
to a finish. With a gentle strain, I evoked a succession
of rapid, quick jerks, admonishing me that I had a
gentleman of short temper to deal with. Gradually I
continued shortening my line, which, although an
unusual proceeding thus early, I succeeded in doing
without the least hindrance. Still the dead strain that
existed proclaimed that no ordinary contestant was at the
other end. In all my previous experience I had never
seen a fish come without an efibrt almost up to my
hand, without once making a rush, or giving a chance
to judge of his paces. By this time nearly all my line
was in, and the trout could not have been over fourteen
or fifteen feet from me, but down in deep water,
moving slowly in rings of a foot or two in diameter.
Whatever some persons might have done, I did
not exactly like bivouacking in two feet of rapid
stream, with a very precarious footing, and a cloud
of mosquitoes singing either a requiem or a lullaby
about my unprotected face. My patience exhausted, I

i« , ,;,i!

■!

, I

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

inwardly made up my mind, let the results be wliat they
would, that I would force the giant to declare himself.
Gradually raising the point of my rod, inch by inch,
with a steady motion, to my a'ltouishment I brought
him to the surface, giving me a good view of his
massive form. The chub was across his mouth, as a
spaniel would carry a stick, and devil a hook had
touched him ! Worse than all, it was apparent, from
the constant strain, that my hold of the impromptu
bait was nearly at an end. Being humbugged and
victimised is at all times disagreeable, and as the laugh
was decidedly against me, with a sharp jerk, I dis-
engaged my flies, anathematising the brute which had
caused me so much trouble, and sincerely hoping his
breakfast would disagree with him. With a flourish
of the tail, my tormentor bid me good morning, and I
returned to the shore in far from an enviable frame of
mind. On my way to the shanty for my morning
meal, I scarcely spoke a word, no doubt moralising on
the uncertainty of all worldly affairs ; but just as I
was entering the domicile, with feelings of dire revenge,
I told my attendant not to say a single word on the
subject, for that I had a plan in my head by which I
trusted to wipe off all old scores. With vindictive
feeling I munched my food in silence, avenging myself
on the finny tribe by the quantity of fish I put under

•:3r'-:*t'r-H-

hat they
himself,
by inch,
brought
w of his
iith, as a
ook had
nt, from
promptu
ged and
le laugh
I dis-
lich had
ping his
flourish
g, and I
rame of
norning
sing on
ist as I
•evenge,
on the
v^hich I
iidictive
: myself
t under

TKOUT FISHING ON THE ANDROSCOGAN.

y belt, and only did I begin to feel in a placid frame
f mind after I had smoked an inch of my morning
cigar. Tobacco — divine tobacco ! how much does
irascible man owe you ! Companion in our solitude,
amuser in our idleness, and soother in our troubles,
what happy fancies and castles in the air can we build
whilst watching thy smoke curling gracefully towards
the azure heavens or dingy roof- tree ! What henpecked
husband has not enjoyed your soothing influence when
he has escaped to the safety of his sanctum ? The
lords of creation owe much to the taste and good
sense of Sir Walter Raleigh, the ladies little — un-
^ doubtedly the reason that he lives leiss vividly in our

memories than his deserts. v.

I About an hour before sunset I returned to the field
.; of action, armed, however, with a strong bait-rod and
y a bait-kettle filled with well-selected minnows and
chubs. With a determination equal to the undertak-
ing of the most arduous and hazardous enterprise, I
mounted a minnow-tackle (don't turn away, gentle
fisherman, to hide your blushes ; any apologies which
are due, I freely tender ; remember the aggravation I
had suffered), and boldly stalked into the water, a short
way above where my tormentor domiciled. In working
my way down, I killed several of the smaller gentry,
but with these I dealt most cavalierly, they being far

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

i i

II :

beneath my present ambition. At length I reached the
very stone on which I stood in the morning, and, with
nervous, anxious eye, I made my throw. Slowly the
bait swung round, and described an arc of a circle
to the charmed spot. A rush, a dash and splash, and
away flew my line, the reel discoursing sweetest melody
(perhaps not sweetest, for the music of the deep-mouthed
pack deserves the superlative degree), and I had my
gallant tormentor fast. Every effort that ever was
successfully pe^'petrated by fish was put in play.
Down and up the stream he frantically rushed ; first
to one side, then the other, but all without avail. Ten
minutes of these futile efforts told a tale, ^ud the
shortened and less vigorous exertions proclaimed an
early approach to the finish. Carefully I backed out,
step by step, feeling cautiously the inequalities of the
ground, till I stood confident on terra firma. My
attendant waited, with landing net ready, and at a
preconcerted signal I gave the word ; excitement
caused him to act too precipitously, and the splash
made mstilled fresh vigour into my victim's now
exhausted frame. Game to the last, another effort
was made for life, and with an impetuous rush he
again started for his time-honoured, watery haunts.
With a nervous grasp on my rod, I was prepared to
give him line ; but imagine my astonishment when the

TROUT FISIIIXG ON THE ANDROSCOGAN.

slack returned to ray hand, minus Looks and leader !
The swivel, where they joined, had been worn out, and
with a rueful countenance, I stood the picture of
desperation. I doubt if the physiognomy of Marina
over the ruins of Carthage could have looked moro
doleful. On my way home, talking the matter over
with my Jidus Achcdes, we agreed upon the verdict of
" served me right," ijr attempting to immolate so
noble a victim in such an ignoble manner, and doubly
was I convinced of the time-honoured French adage,
" L'homme propose et Dieu dispose."

' 11

'i. 1

1 EH

'I'l m

'■' IH

i a

1 3'

1 ^

1 ^'1

i i

CHAPTER IV.

WILD-FOWL SHOOTING IN ILLINOIS.

Something like thirty-five years ago Colonel Hawker
wrote a work on duck shooting, which not only lauded
this amusement to the skies, but thoroughly and lucidly
explained how it could be successfully followed in
England. His descriptions were terse and clear, his
sketches graphic and true, the whole interspersed with
a certain amount of romance, which gained his work
many admirers, and this description of shooting many
votaries. The result, as might be expected, was that
from duck shooting only being followed by those who
shot for the market, it became a fashionable sport ;
and many who previously ignored such amusement,
— as much as a genuine foxhunter would running a
bagged fox, or a crack shot killing a bird on the ground,
— followed the now popular mania, and spoke with as
strong superlative expressions in its favour as they
formerly would have used in its condemnation. During

WILD- FOWL SHOOTING IN ILLINOIS.

winter, the coast of England, the fens of Lincolnshire,
and the northern portion of France, are visited by
numbers of wild fowl. These migratory birds receive
rest neither by day nor night as soon as their advent
is known. Ilalf-a-dozen mallard is considered an
ample recompense for a sleepless night, wet feet, and
the cramped interior of a skiff; and so imbued have
some become with this passion, that though they may
be possessed of wealth and all the requisites of comfort,
they persistently follow, night after night, this adven-
turous and hazardous recreation, confidently believing
that there is no other portion of the world where such
glorious results can bo obtained — a proof of the old
adage, "Where ignorance is bliss 'tis folly to be wise."

" Sic vcnator immemor tonoraj sposaa
Jacet sub frigidi tempore."

It has often struck me that if such enthusiasts could,
by electric telegraph or some fairy incantation, be trans-
ported from their sea-girt island-home to one of the
Western prairies, at the proper season of the year,
when the immense migrato^-y flocks of the web-footed
gentry are travelling southward from their arctic
summv^r breeding retreats, their senses would be con-
siderably astonished, their former hallucinations would
receive a wholesome shock, and their most expanded
imaginations be far surpassed. And better than all,

I:'

i:>

I 1

I !||

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

these legions of birds are free to every one, the shooter
not being in constant peril of writs for poaching, tres-
passing, and violation of game laws, as every one
is, whether rich or poor, who follows the fascinating
amusement of shooting in the British Isles. I have
little doubt, in alluding to English sportsmen and their
ignorance of many of the advantages which America
enjoys in this respect, that there are thousands across the
Atlantic equally deficient in knowledge of sights which
almor " daily may be realised, and who, though sports-
men, through lack of experience, miss witnessing
scenes that would cause them such pleasure and admi-
ration, that the impression left would never be eradi-
cated in future years.

In confinnation of this, I will state an instance that
came under my own observation : — I was shooting on
a prairie in Illinois, on the edge of a large slough,
accompanied by a gentleman who had been born and
bred in a town in the immediate vicinity. As we
progressed along the margin of the wet ground a
brace of duck flushed ; each of us cut down one, the
mallard falling to his lot: so greatly was he elated
over his success that a person would have imagined
that he had never previously killed a similar specimen.
This supposition entered my head, and I inquired if he
would like to obtain a few more. " A strong desire " was

WILD- FOWL SHOOTING IN ILLINOIS.

Kis assent. In consequence I proposed a return to the
same spot about sunset, promising numerous shots as a
recompense, and, possibly, the pleasure of witnessing
thousands of duck arriving on their feeding ground.
The evening was eminently suited for the purpose of
exhibiting a large show of birds, it being dark, stormy,
and threatening, with a rapid decrease in the tempera-
ture, strongly indicative of frost or snow. In truth, if
I had made a selection, I could scarcely have chosen
better- adapted weather. After a tiresome and unpro-
fitable day, we found ourselves back at the requisite
station, wet, weary, and fatigued, and net by any
means in the best of spirits ; still, I did not wish to be
the proposer of an adjournment of my promised exhibi-
tion, and my friend felt placed upon his ir<^ttle, lest he
should appear to suffer more from his long tramp than
myself, or less capable of enduring the fatigues of the
hunting field. How often, if we could read one
another's internal feelings, should we find that external
appearances are only assumed, and that the companio!i
who ostensibly looks as fresh and capable of travelli ig
for hours, as he was at the time of starting, is suffering
from extreme lassitude and disinclination to more
exertion, only he is restrained from confessing his
v/eakness by a certain amour propre and repugnance to
acknowledge himself beaten ; at least, I speak from my

i!!

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

-I I

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own experience, and I believe that the majority of men
are similarly constituted. If men would but give
the same attention, the same pertinacious assiduity
to business affairs that are bestowed by the devotee on
field sports, it cannot be doubted that their fortune
in amassing wealth would be equal to their success in
filling game bags.

As the sun dipped in the western horizon, or as near
as possible to that time — murky, dark, threatening
clouds preventing the luminary from being seen — we
entered the wet, marshy margin which bounded our
future scene of operations. With much difficulty, and
the energetic use of all the rim left in us, we pro-
gressed slowly and steadily, till we reached the edge of
the water, where, ensconsing ourselves in the centre of
some of the scattered aquatic-loving brush which vege-
tated in the vicinity, we awaited the result.

Permit me, kind reader, to deviate from facts, and
give a hint to all who love the gun that they may find
useful in their future essi s against all descriptions of
game. I have heard sportsmen, and they gentlemen of
experience, condemn Colonel Hawker for impressing
upon his pupils the necessity of particular attention to
their costume, many thinking he devoted too much time
and pains to what appeared to them a very unnecessary
desideratum. If any one who peruses these lines should

"WILD-FOWL SHOOTING IN ILLINOIS.

be of that impression, allow me, with all kindly feeling,
to take an opposite stand, and assert that there is
nothing which will more certainly guarantee your
success than paying due attention to wearing clothes
that at all times harmonise with the colouring of the
ground over which you are about to shoot. I have so
many times had convincing proofs of the efficacy of
attending to this important point, that I consider it
scarcely possible to impress it too strongly upon the
minds of all. An instance I will state, out of many
others I could tell of, which I think will prove that the
grounds I take are strong, and beyond opposition.
While sojourning West I made the acquaintance of a
good-hearted, kind gentleman and thorough sportsman,
whom the uncertainty of worldly affairs had reduced
much in pecuniary circumstances ; in those days,
although I had experience, still, as now, I had much
to learn; my friend was, if anything, my superior
as a shot, more particularly on wild fowl. On the
breaking up of winter in the spring of '65 — Ul fact,
the morning after a decided thaw had set in — he
arrived at my house at an early hour, and invited
me to accompany him on cue prairie to kill duck.
For some time previously all the water that wao stag-
nant, or had but slight current, had been frozen,
and there being in consequence no feeding ground for

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

I :\

the broad-bills, they had taken their departure for
more hospitable regions. My want of success a few
days before caused me to doubt if better results could
be obtained on this occasion, but being aware that

H was better posted on these matters than any

man in the vicinity, I shouldered my ten-bore, strad-
dled my Indian pony, and started for what he con-
sidered the most appropriate place for doing havoc.
On repching the confines of the prairie, we found that
duck had come in, and in myriads. In no direction
could we gaze without seeing flights in those strange
mathematical figures which they always assume when
on the wing. (Query— Are they not proficients in
Euclid?) We at once held a council of war, and
determined to leave our steeds (having first spread a
horse blanket on each to protect them from the bitter
blast ; for every true votary of Diana is humane^
though the virgin goddess herself displayed but little
of this virtue to the unfortunate Actaeon), and after
striking the wet land, to separate, one to take the
right side and the bther the left. My clothes, through
chance, were admirably suited for our work, being
composed of that common coloured velveteen which so

much resembles withered grass, while H 's were

dark and conspicuous ; without doubt, his inattention
to colour being caused by the lightness of his pocket

WILD-FOWL SHOOTING IN ILLINOIS.

and inability to procure more suitable raiment. After
four hours' shooting, on comparing results, my pro-
ceeds were more than double his, while two wild
geese, the most wary of all game, were among my
victims, he having failed to get a shot at this noble
quarry. I was at a loss to account for this superior
fortune, and might have remained long without satis-
factory reasons, but my comrade's experience taught
him that the difference of colour in our costume was

the cause. - ■,,,■;,.'>;/;;,;■;:./.'.■;;,;/ v;r

But to return to our work. As soon as thoroughly
located, we divested ourselves of shot-pouches and
powder-horns, hanging them on the bushes that we
might the easier use them when required — -for once the
game commences to arrive every moment is of value;
Before we had been stationary many minutes a few
stragglers made their appearance, the advance guard,
doubtless, of the main body ; some old and experienced
veterans, I should think, are generally chosen for this
duty, as these forerunners are wary in the extreme,
and seldom or ever come within gun-shot. How-
ever, we were not detained idle, a bunch of mallard
passed within range, and a salute welcomed their visit ;
another and another party rapidly followed in such
quick succession that it was impossible to shoot at all.
These birds, so far, had only flown past, and as night

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

approached their numbers increased, and we being pro-
bably less conspicuous from decreasing light, the open
water at our side was chosen for their resting-place.
Down they would come on the water, almost imperilling
our heads, with the rustling sound of the eagle in the
act of swooping upon his prey, while some of their com-
panions, less certain of the security of this halting-
place, would sweep round and round our locale before
they finally selected it. As soon as the birds struck
the water they would commence bathing themselves*
flapping their bodies with their wings, diving with
short plunges, and cutting so many capers that one
might imagine them stark, staring mad. The fact,
however, is, that all this apparent eccentricity is caused
by the necessity the ducks feel of cleaning themselves
of the insects about their plumage, as well as the
pleasure they experience in finding themselves again
in a milder climate, with abundance of food around
them, after enduring a hard journey from the stormy
North, protracted possibly through a day and night.
On arrival, therefore, they wash themselves and
arrange their dress before commencing their meal — an
example other travellers would do well to imitate.
But, as the night advanced, some strangers are mixed
with the throng. The duSi>.y duck, the gadwall, the
pintail, the blue and green winged teal, shoot past

WILD-FOWL SHOOTING IN ILLINOIS.

like arrows from a bow, the latter making, with the
rapid motion of their wings, a sound not unlike an
ungreased wheel or hinge. When the travellers are
satisfied with the neighbourhood, they dash down
upon the water, causing it to fly in spray for yards
around, while the first arrivals welcome the new
comers with innumerable quacks. The report of a gun
then will scarcely alarm them, and, if they should rise,
in a moment they will re-settle, doubtlessly feeling
security in their numbers.

Tarry a little longer, friend, it may be too dark to
shoot, but a better sight than all is yet before you ; be
not impatient — <lon't you hear that strange voice ?
The geese are coming-^ — ay, and brant, too — can't you
hear their noisy chattering ? Move not an inch, these
fellows have two eyes, equal in excellence to the whole
hundred of Argus' placed together. Soon a dark line
is seen against the sky advancing directly to us.
Honk ! honk ! honk ! comes from its different sections,
doubtlessly inquiries from the leader as to the pro-
priety of calling a halt. Keep close — stir not, or
think of shooting, till they are over you. You cannot,
perhaps, see them fall, but the splash they will make
tells the tale. Another and another regiment of
these worthies came in till perfect Erebus enclosed us,
and further shooting became impossible. Our dogs

Mil

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

had been busy gathering the slain, and a noble bag
we had. The thermometer continuing to fall, and the
appearance of a snow-storm becoming momentarily-
more marked, we mutually determined to desist, well
satisfied with our night's recreation.

It took time and trouble satisfactorily and securely
to sling our booty ; and if any of our friends could
have seen our noble selves and nags strung around
with the fruit of our labour, they could not have sup-
pressed a smile. That evening, over a glass of hot
whiskey punch, my friend told me that, had he not
been a witness to the scene I have attempted to
describe, the description would not have been believed.

»:, \:.

;, -.w

CHAPTER V. ^ V

THE BLACK OR SILVER FOX.

{Cania argentatus.)

•v.'(,; (-.

A SHORT time since, on visiting the Zoological Gardens,
Regent's Park, two specimens of this valuable and
beautiful animal were pointed out to me, which had
lately been presented to the institution by the Hudson's
Bay Company. I could not help being much delighted
with the fine proportions and magnificent coat, par-
ticularly of the larger specimen, as he excelled in size
and beauty any representative of this family that I had
ever previously seen ; although for a long period I had
resided in a part of Northern Canada that probably
supplies as many of these extremely rare animals as
any portion of the American continent, and during the
entire length of my residence was constantly associated
with trappers and fur traders, et hoc genus omne, as
well as having a line of traps constantly set that
required my daily supervision. ...

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

r' I

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The fabulous value that a prime black- fox skin is
worth causes him to be universally sought after ; the
tawny redskin or the swarthy half-bred hunter when
he discovers the haunt of one of these beauties, never
ceases day or night to ponder over schemes for his
capture ; the martin and mink traps are for a time
neglected, and every artifice, every trick and ingenuity
that ever entered trapper's brain, is at once put into
practice. Nor is this fox less wary than his confreres,
but quite the reverse ; and I believe, not without truth,
there is no animal more difficult to circumvent. Often
of an evening I have listened to the broken English of
the snake-eyed aborigines, or the curious patois of the
Canadian habitant, recapitulating how they all but
succeeded on such an occasion, or were rewarded with
success upon another. By the bright glow of a log
fire, illuminating the unhewn log walls, rough chink-
ing and shingle roof of a frontier cabin, the cold and
bitter night being made doubly severe by the howling
blast that impetuously rushes with angry noise through
the disturbed trees, these narratives of perseverance
and hardship form a pleasant way of passing the
long wintry night. The cup goes round, the pipe is
smoked, and the company, although illiterate and
unpolished, possess one great quality — sincerity. If
they quaff your health or shake your hand, it is not an

THE BLACK OR SILVER FOX.

empty form, but one wlilch eman. tcs from genuine
friendship and unselfish feelings. ^

There are no distinctive differences between the
black and red fox excepting colour, save it be that
the fur of the former is much finer ; but this can satis-
factorily be accounted for by his residence being always
in much colder latitudes ; in fact, his chief resorts
appear to be the intermediate space between the homes
of the red and Arctic representatives. Nevertheless, I
claim that he is of different species from either of the ,
afore-mentioned. My reason I will state.

The black fox has been known in North America
since the first settlement of the country. We learn
of one of the Indian chiefs presenting some of the
earliest settlers with a skin of this species, as a mark of
the high estimation placed on the white man's friend-
ship. Not so with the red fox of the eastern portion
of the North American continent. In searching over
some old works among the admirable writings on
natural history emanating from the pen of Postmaster-
General Skinner, now dead many years, we learn that
the red fox was introduced into the state of Maryland
from England about one hundred years ago. The
introducer was no other than the gallant and loyal
old soldier, Colonel Guy Carlton, whose name so con-
spicuously appears associated in all the efforts made by

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPOUTS.

,1.

rtli

lilSt

i H

I ji ; I

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the royal troops to suppress the revolution. This noble
old soldier was doubtless a hard-riding and enthusi-
astic foxhunter. The little grey fox indigenous to the
country did not suit his exalted ideas of the noble sport
as he had enjoyed it at home, and to remedy the evil
he went to the trouble, and doubtless, in those days,
great expense, to import the larger, gamer, and more
lasting animal. The result was the success he so emi-
nently deserved. The first arrivals were turned down
in Maryland, not far from Baltimore. From there
they have gradually extended north, south, and west,
marking their advent by the gradual annihilation of
the grey species. I have had the pleasure for some
years of enjoying the friendship of Colonel Skinner,
son of the old postmaster-general ; from him I learn
that he frequently heard his father speak on this sub-
ject, and that he has often visited the spot where the
first English or red foxes were turned down. From
my own personal experience I can state a circumstance
corroborative of the fact, that with the entree of the
red fox into any section of country the grey species
either migrates or perishes. Some years since I lived
in a hilly portion of Southern Illinois. On my arrival
the little grey foxes were so numerous that with a
moderate pack of hounds two or three could be killed
daily. I had not been there over a year when, to my

THE HLACK OR SILVER FOX.

«F

surprise, when deer shooting, I jumped up a noble
specimen of the red. From that date the grey com-
menced to diminish, and I am informed by reliable
authority that at the present tiruo not a single represen-
tative of the smaller breed is now to be found in that
district. Audubon, an a ^hority on whom generally the
greatest reliance can be placed, regards the black and red
fox as simple varieties of the same species. Doubtless
he never heard of the red fox being a foreigner, or he
would have probably agreed in the decision I have come
to — knowing the truth of the red fox's introduction —
that the black and red fox are entitled to be regarded
as representatives of different species. "Nor has the red
fox belied his ancestry or deteriorated by his immigra-
tion. The keen and persevering foxhunters of Vir-
ginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Carolina, and Georgia,
give him the credit of being the most lasting and
difficult animal to run down that the forests produce.
From the natural differences between England and
America, fox-hunting is not only a very dissimilarly-
conducted sport in the latter, but one ass-c^iated with
more labour and hardship. The woods are so immense
that it generally results in cover-hunting from start
to finish ; consequently slower hounds require to be
used, and every advantage of pug taken. At dawn
the Field assemble, so as to catch their quarry with a

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

iU.i Hi

W:,

full stomach, and it is no uncommon thing for the sun
to have reached the western horizon and the hunters to
be thirty miles from home ere the death whoop is
sounded.

But to the black fox. I had often longed to capture
one of these beauties during my boyish residence on the
American continent. The price that the pelt would
bring was a supply of pocket money ihat I could see no
e?id to ; but once, and only once, had I the fortune to
almost realise my wish. I had been hunting all day by
the margin of a distant lake. Tired and unsuccessful,
about the hour of sunset I approached a clearing of a
few acres in the forest, where Indian corn had been
grown and just gathered into shocks. My companion
was a little half-bred terrier, who had endeared him-
self to me ^rom his sagacity and obedience. As I
neared the brush fence which surrounded the opening,
with the habitual caution that residents in wild lands
learn, I secreted myself behind a stump, and took a
careful survey ; for deer are fond of corn, so are bears,
as well as all the smaller varieties of game. I had not
remained thus hidden for many minutes when what I had
taken for a charred ttump suddenly became animated,
and remarkable were the movements that heralded
this change. One more glance told me it was a fox of
the long-coveted species ; but what the mischief was he

THE BLACK FOX.

about ? mud surely, and for this reason, no creature in
his senses could make such a fool of himself. First he
took hold of his tail, and spun round like a kitten, next
moment he was turning summersaults, or struggling on
his back, kicking his legs in the air, then the tail-trick
was reverted to again, and so on. For several minutes
I stood transfixed; pug was too far off to shoot at,
and any attempt at a stalk was too dangerous to put
into practice. But my patience was not severely
taxed. "With a sudden spring the fox dashed forward ;
up flew a dozen spruce grouse [Tetrao Canadensis), and
the black-coated gentleman, with a bird in his mouth,
quietly trotted towards cover, giving me a cross shot
at forty yards' range — a chance which I was not slow
to avail myself of. With the report, pug turned head
over heels, but quickly picked himself up, forgetting
however his prey, and made for the timber. With
rapid steps I gained the bird — small consolation for
my disappointment ; but my hopes were again revived
when my little cur dog took up the scent, and waking
the echoes with his insignificant bark, went off as if he
intended work. At the best pace I could command I
followed, singing every few strides a word of encourage-
ment to my trusty companion. Farther and farther
into tho woods I advanced, but ?<>on it was so dark
that at L jth, with barked shins ar i sundry tumbles,

li li

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

I was obliged to beat a retreat. Several times in tbe
pursuit, when I came to a stand-still, Prince's voice
appeared as if he had brought the foe to bay. Now
as I halted the same thing occurred, and as the dog
did not appear to be much over a hundred yards
distant, I determined to make another effort, which
resulted in no better success. This led me to believe
that my dog came up with the fox, and brought him
to bay, but as the latter was the larger. Prince was
afraid to lay hold, and on my advancing too close to
the belligerents, pug would make off again, to halt
when he thought himself out of harm's way.

Next morning I instituted a search, which was un-
successful ; but a week afterwards, when shooting wood
grouse in the same vicinity, I accidentally came across
the carcass of a dead black fox, partly immersed in
a pool of stagnant water, which had utterly destroyed
what must have been a most perfect and prime pelt.

Now, although I am convinced that the black or
silver fox is not of the same species as the red, I believe
he is only a chance variety of the kit or cross fox.
Mr. Mac Donald, who formerly resided on the upper
end of Lake Simcoe, assured me that he has taken the
young of this species on several occasions, and that
twice he found puppies perfectly black, although the
pixeii and the brothers and sisters bore the usual

.1 f.'

THE BLACK FOX.

coloured coat of the cross species. The cross fox of
ordinary colouring, although far from numerous, is not
so rare as the black, and the value of their respectiA-e
skins is very different. Still a prime pelt of the former
will often sell for £o, the value generally being deter-
mined by the darkness cif the colouring. The Indians
have an idea that age turns foxes black, and when
a dark specimen of the cross fox has fallen into their
hands, I have heard them regret that he was not a few
years older, so that he might have been black, and con-
sequently more valuable.

Perhaps these views of the origin and species of the
black or silver fox may not be new ; at the same time,
I know that they are essentially different from what
has bet n the belief of the majority of naturalists.

!V' I

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CHAPTER VI. >

AMERICAN WOODCOCK.

{Microptura Americana.)

These woodcocks are undoubtedly migratory, passing
the winter in the genial South and the summer in the
North; they are also nocturnal, doing all their travel-
ling at night. From the peculiar formation of the eye,
their sight is much better after the sun has declined.
Strong light is their detestation, for, judging from
their conduct when flushed in the noonday glare,
their optics are then of little use, hcuce the idea that
is so frequently current that this bird is stupid. Such
is not the case, but quite the reverse, experience having
taught me that they are as capable as any other of
availing themselves of artifices and hiding-places that
are likely to throw out the dog, or shelter them from
molestation. This bird, although undoubtedly of the
same family, must not be confounded with the European
[Scolopax rusticola), which is coloured differently in

AMERICAN WOODCOCK.

plumage and mucli larger in size. The '^oodcock
killed in England generally measure about 14^ inches
in length, and weigh from 14 to 17 ozs., although one
is reported to have been killed at Narborough, of the
enormous weight of 27 ozs. I do not here give all the
minutiae of the English bird, for it is not of it that
I wish to speak, but only sufficiently to show that
there is a marked diiFerence between it and its name-
sake of the American continent, whose peculiarities I
will here, so far as memory serves me, attempt to
describe, for the benefit of the young hunter and the
sportsman who have the misfortune to reside in a
neighbourhood that may seldom be visited by this
gamest of birds. Length, from point of bill to end
of tail, 11 to 12 inches ; across the wings, 9| inches ;
weight from 6 to 7 ozs. The females generally ex-
ceed these measurements by about 1-10. In shape they
much resemble the Wilson snipe (Scolopajc Wihom)^
only they are more round and compact, the eye larger
and more prominent, and wings shorter but fuller. In
colour the bill is a yellowish brown ; legs and feet of a
pinkish flesh colour ; claws dark olive or brown ; iris,
brown ; forehead, dirty yellow, with two black bars
across the back of the head, and two narrow ones in front
on the neck, a finely-pencilled dark line running the
whole length of the head, the eye dividing it into two

if. I

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

parts, with another similar line underneath, and mark-
ing the outline of the lower mandible. Three broad
bands of brownish-black pass lengthways and parallel
from the shoulder to the tail, divided from one another
by a narrow line of bluish grey. The stomach and
breast are of a warm fawn colour, becoming deeper in
shade as it approaches the tail and termination of the
wings. - ■ ■''

This description, I am aware, is far from perfect, or
such as the naturalist would demand ; still, I think it is
sufficiently clear to enable the novice to distinguish what
he has got when the first American woodcock falls to his
companionable gun. Although this woodcock resem-
bles, in many respects, the snipe, in point of character
it is essentially different. For instance, snipe will,
in the middle of the day, without any perceptible
reason, be seen taking long and erratic flights, ascend-
ing so high that the keenest sight fails to trace their
course, and again wheeling about in the heavens, as if
they were creatures of extraordinary momentary im-
pulses ; one instant, with speed, dashing off" to the right,
and in the next moment returning with equal velocity.
Not so with woodcock; they very seldom take flight
during the glare of daylight unless disturbed, and then
it is short, and only sufficient to avoid, if possible, the
intruder a second time disturbing their privacy. When

AMERICAN WOODCOCK.

on the wing unalarmed, they rarely elevate them-
selves above the tops of the neighbouring trees, and
are seldom seen before sunset or after sunrise, un-
less disturbed in their bowery, shady retreats. The
descriptions of ground which they prefer are moist
bottoms, close-covered woods of second-growth timber,
and evergreen shrubs, or dry ridges of maple, oak, and
beech, where they turn over the decaying leaves in
search of insects. Although, as I have stated, these
birds have a strong dislike to taking flight and being
exposed to the glaring light of day, yet, in searching
for them, you will always find more success attend
your pursuit upon those declivities that receive the
warm, genial rays of the sun. In spring, when
the woodcock are on their migratory journey north
from their winter residence, these birds travel singly,
but are followed in rapid succession by others, fol-
lowing in each other's wake : consequently, where one
day not a single specimen could be seen, the day after
they will abound. This has given rise to the erro-
neous impression that they go in flocks; but during
many years' experience I never saw over two or three
on the wing at the same time, and then it occurred
through the birds having paired, or two or more being
flushed from a favourite feeding-place. From what
I can learn, I am led to believe that Nova Scotia,

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. '

if ,t

New Brunswick, and Maine are their principal breed-
ing-places, although annually numbers take up their
temporary quarters in the middle States of the Union.
I have even heard of their nests being found in
Georgia, North Carolina, and Alabama ; but these are
only stragglers, and unimportant, numerically, when
you compare them with those that are to be found in
their more northern retreats. '

The nest of the woodcock is very primitive — com-
posed of grasses and leaves, placed in some secluded
spot near the root of a bush, or under the shelter of a
fallen log They commence to lay early in April in
the State of New York, and sooner or later as they
happen to be further south or north ; four eggs are the
usual number, although occasionally five may be found.
These are about the size of the domestic pigeon's,
smooth, of a yellow clay colour, and prettily marked
with irregular patches of puce or brown. The young,
as soon as hatched, run about like the plover, snipe,
and the majority of waders, and at the age of four
weeks are able to fly. The mother bird, during the
infancy of her progeny, is a most attached and solicitous
parent, frequently permitting herself to be captured
rather than desert her offspring. What a beautiful
example the human family may frequently learn from
the apparently insignificant inferior animals !

AMERICAN WOODCOCK.

For sliooting woodcock, a sport that I prefer to all
other field sports, I prefer the setter to the pointer,
for the reason that the former are better protected
by their thick coats from the thorns of the briars ;
again, I have found thera less liable to become foot-
sore, with a stronger relish for hunting through damp,
and sometimes wet ground; besides, they are more
easily taught to retrieve, and are, in my belief, more
intelligent. Mr. D , a gentleman who has fre-
quently shot with me, uses with great success a pair
of cocking spaniels, which answer admirably and make
an extremely lively and pretty team, but they are
rather too quick for a veteran ; twenty years ago, I
should have enjoyed nothing better than such com-
panions. One thing I would recommend, that for
VrOodcock shooting your dogs have plenty of white in
their colour, for unless such is the case, you will fre-
quently lose a point and shot by walking past your
dog without seeing him, an annoyance to yourself and
a disappointment to your setter.

Before concluding, I would call the attention of
all good and true lovers of the dog and gun to a
practice that exists in Louisiana, and doubtless else-
where, of killing woodcock with poles at night in
the corn fields, with the assistance of a brilliant torch.
Like the noble salmon, the woodcock becomes fasci-

\\H

ACCKSSIHLE FIELD 8P0RTS.

€ I

imtcd or stupefied by the brilliancy of the glare, and
fulls u ready victim to the club of the midnight
prowler. America is now coming to that age that it is
absolutely necessary to enact laws,* and insist on their
being enforced, for the protection of game and fish.
If not, half a century hence, the haunts which now
abound with game will be as thoroughly divested of
it as the Hudson or Connecticut River is of the
princely salmon. Once extermination takes place, it
will be too late to do aught but repine.

* Tlii8 was done lust year by the legislatures of nearly all the States.

,i-l

CHAPTER VII.

BUFFALO HUNTING.

{Bison Americaniia.)

When studying on the distant and Far- West plains of
America tlie habits of the buffalo (for though this
name is erroneous, still it is the appellation by which
I knew them, and daily heard them called), or pursuing
them to supply our camp with food, I never, in the
retrospect of a long and adventurous life, enjoyed such
true happiness. The air on these distant plains is the
purest I have ever breathed. Frequently on a knoll I
have stood, after some unusually hard run, inhaling
and enjoying its freshness as the thirsty traveller
does a cup of clear cool water drawn from a mountain
stream. Each day you perform your allotted work,
and no cares are sufficiently weighty to be dwelt upon
or procrastinated, to return with redoubled force.
Your horses are your companions ; hardy and en-
during you have proved them to be ; and between
master and steed a bond of sympathy springs up, the

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ACCESSinLE FIELD SPORTS.

animal being all reliance, the owner determined that
the confidence shall not be misplaced. With the true-
hearted sportsman, who loves hunting for the pleasure
it affords, and the opportunities of studying nature as
it emanates from the Creator's hands, carnage when
useless is detestable ; unnecessaril}'^ taxing the endur-
ance of his steed, or paining it with uncalled-for
punishment, is a crime ho would no more be guilty of
than tlie honest man of despoiling his friend. Again,
your gun or rifle, ever a willing servant when properly
taken care of, requires no small amount >^ attention :
to no other hands than your own trust it to be cleaned.
However high your birth, delicate your nurturing, or
boundless your means, to do without the assistance of

' hirelings, and rely entirely on yourself, is in no way
derogatory ; on the contrary, it is deserving of commen-

• dation, and the benefit that will result in after life from
such lessons cannot be too highly estimated. I have
known a few months of wild AYestern life do more good
in forming a character than years passed in cities or
continental tour ; for here the fop forgets his folly,
and the timid and nervous becomes self-reliant.

Imagine spread before you an immense plain ;
all around, in whatever direction you look, the same
expanse of level country stretches before you. Such
is the prairie. The dear old ocean, as viewed from

Bt'FFALO HUNTING.

tlio deck of a vessel, is tlie nearest simile I can
think of. In both an almost level horizon in each
direction is met by the sky. Nothing in either is to
be seen to break the stillness, save it be the animal life
that have these elements for their home. Although
this may be applicable, as a general rule, to prairie
scenery, there are portions less monotonous ; in places,
heavy belts of timber mark the margin of streams that
ultimately help to feed some of the giant rivers of the
American continent ; while as you approach the great
vertebra of the country — the Kocky Mountains — hill
after hill rises, overtopping each other ; again frowned
down upon by lofty mountains, beautiful in colouring,
soft in their distant outlines, and grand in their
irregular and picturesque shape. Moreover, between
these hills, almost impassable at first glance, through
canons and gulches you can thread your way, perhaps
for many, many miles, when, perchance, a beautiful
meadow,* thousands of acres in extent, opens before you,
rich and bright in the abundance of its grasses, while
the slopes that gird these retired retreats are covered
with the densest and loveliest of indigenous trees.
Such spots as these are a naturalist's elysium, for game
of every variety select them for retreats. The buffalo
cow comes to them frequently to calve ; the worn-out,
* In America termed Park.

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

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fierce- looking bull, over whose head so many years
have passed that he no longer has strength to keep
pace with the migratory herd, and struggle in its
dense phalanx for female favour or choice croppings of
pasture, retires to them to spend in abundance the
winter of life ; while the gracefu. deer, the timid
hare, and the sagacious beaver, here pass their lives in
peaceful, happy contentment, except some adventurous
white man or snake-visioned redskin should pay it
a visit, destroying, as man ever does, the serenity that
reigned around previous to his advent.

But come, the morning has broken clear and in-
vigorating, breakfast has already been discussed, and the
horses have got a rough rub over. The neighbourhood
is well suited for a gallop, for from the slight shower
of the previous ev-ming the soil is springy, and fewer
of the indefatigable little burro wers — the prairie dcgs
— have undermined the vicinity. Meat is wanted, and
as we start our minds are made up that, unless success-
ful, the sun must dip the western horizon ere we
return. Attending oar own nags, and giving an extra
pull upon the girths ere getting into the saddle, at a
sober, steady pace we start. An old practised buffalo
r"nner (for so the Western man terms his favourite
and experienced horse) will quietly settle to his
master's will, for from experience well he knows that

nUFFAT.O HUNTING.

probably a hard day's work is before hira, and all his
strength will be required ; while the youngster or griffin
at this work frets and prances, almost pulling his rider
from the pigskin. Forbear, rider ; curb your annoy-
ance ; give and take a pul) upon your snaffle ; soon
the youngster will settle down, anc this day's work
will probably teach hin. a lesson that will act advan-
tageously on his future conduct.

Discussing subjects suitable for such occasions, miles
are passed ; so far, with the exception of numerous
bleached bones, or an occasional deer or antelope track,
no indication of game has been seen. From a knoll a
survey is made, a fresh hole or two is taken up in the
girths, and the scarcity of game commented upon. To
the Indian, of course, the blame is laid ; war parties or
moving villages of redskins are always saddled with
being the cause of every disappointment and annoy-
ance in wild life. But look there ! What is that ? A
distant cloud of dust. Buffalo for a thousand, and
advancing towards where the hunters are stationed.
How is the wind ? is inquired. One wets his fingers
with his saliva, and holds it up. In a few moments
the position is declared untenable, and both vaulting on
their horses, hurry cfl to get more to leeward, availing
themselves of a s^vell in the prairie to keep perdu.
Having marked well the direction in ivhich the herd is

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

advancing, keeping as much out of siglit as possible,
scarcely speaking a word, and then not louder than a
whisper, the distance between the hunters and game
is rapidly diminished. From the nature of the ground,
no longer can they remain hid, so, taking their horses
well in hand, forward they dash, and, in a few strides,
what a sight is before them ! Cows, bulls, and calves,
all intermingled, terming a straggling drove of thou-
sands, heading in the same direction, and feeding
as they progress. Occasionally this harmony of action
is disturbed. Two ragged, clur. isy-looking, veteran
bulls approach each other — perhaps they have been
former rivals for some duskj^-hided beauty's favours.
With, a deep bellow one throws down the gauntlet,
which the other is not loth to take up ; and,
with fire flashing from their partially-hid eyes, each
rushes at the other ; but the herd have become
alarmed — a foe equally dreaded by both bulls is at
hand ; their rencontre will brook delay to be settled at
a future date ; and, -svith a startled stare and toss of
the head, both turn ?nd rush off* after the herd, which
is already making a most hurried stampede. However,
when the hunters are old hands, the bulls might have
saved themselves the trouble : while young cow-beef
is to be obtained, none but the veriest novice would
think of wasting ammunition on their rough and

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BUFFALO HUNTING.

rugged old carcasses. No time is now to be lost. These
animals, unwieldy as they appear, for a mile or so are
wonderfully swift, and if they should gain rough
ground will beat an indifferent horse. Sitting well
down in their saddles, nags in hand, and gun resting
across the tree, at a grass-country pace, both push for
the sleekest and squarest looking cows they can mark.
The pace commences to tell, the distance that sepa-
rates sportsman from quarry is rapidly diminishing,
a few strides more and one ranges alongside ; the
gun, which has been just taken in the right hand,
has its barrel depressed ; low down, and eight or ten
inches behind the shoulder, is the spot, if shooting
forward.

A puff of smoke is seen, followed by a report. The
coup do grace has been administered by a master-hand,
for the huge animal loses the power of its fore-feet,
comes down on its shoulders and head, and nought of
life is left but a few spasmodic struggles. But where
are the hunters? Look well among the retreating
herd, and you may occasionally catch a glimpse of
their hunting- shirts. A few moments more, and
another shot is fired. This time not so successfully.
Again the gun speaks ; still the quarry retains her
logs, but blood is already pouring from her nose, an
indication that surely tells of speedy demise, so stop,

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

let the poor creature die in peace — aggravate not her
last momenib.

The scene which I have tried to describe took place
about ten miles on the south side of the Yellow Stone.
An old and tried friend from Germany was my com-
panion, and on this occasion we each killed two cows.
Double the number, or even more, could have been
shot without trouble ; but the requisite amount of beef
had been obtained, and I was jealous of husbanding
the strength of my horse, for then, as now, but little
reliance could be placed on the professed peaceful
intention of the Indians.

The range of the buffalo was at one period much
more extensive than at present. The same reasons
that have decreased, and in some instances almost
annihilated, other genera, can be safely urged as
the cause of this — the cultivation of wild lands and
the imprecedented increase of inhabitants on the
American continent. On the eastern limit of the
Grand Prairie, in Indiana, I have frequently found
bones of the buffalo, telling too plainly that this had
once been his home. At the present day, at least
twelve hundred miles farther westward must be
traversed before the sportsman can hope for a chance
to use his rifle on this game ; and year after year
farther distances w'^I require to bo journeyed to

BUFFALO HUNTING.

accomplisli this purpose. Their southern limits are
Northern Texas and New Mexico, while the inter-
mediate expanse up to 65 degrees of north latitude,
according to the season, contains them in more or less
abundance. Of late years their range north has been
increased between 3 and 4 degrees, so that Indians
who formerly had to come two hundred or more miles,
if desirous of obtaining a supply of beef for winter
use, have the animals now on their home hunting-
grounds. I am disj)Osed to believe that this is caused
from their finding these northern regions less dis-
turbed— for this is far north of where the constant tide
of emigrants crosses the plains — and that the poor,
persecuted creatures prefer sufiering from the cold of
these inhospitable localities to facing the dangers that
always are connected with a rencontre with the pale-
face. Although the buffalo can endure a great amount
of cold, and can find food even after a thick covering
of snow covers the earth, yet ho is not provided like
the musk sheep for an Arctic winter, and from bis
greater bulk requires so much food, that a protracted
sojourn In the northern barrens must ultimately have
the result of reducing his strength, and therefore his
fitness to cope with the severity of the climate. Again,
he has other enemies as well as man. The wolves
seldom leave him alone. Day an^l night they bestow

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

upon him the most devoted attention. However, as
long as he is in good health he has little to fear
from the marauder ; but the moment that accident,
sickness, or loss of strength from starvation occurs, the
buffalo's unhappy position is known, and half-a-dozen
of these robbers will remain by him night and day,
watching for an opportunity to complete the wreck ;
and should not this occur as soon as desirable, sometimes
they will make a simultaneous assault, one pretending
to fly at the victim's head, while another attacks in the
rear, endeavouring to cut the hamstring, in which they
invariably succeed unless the presence of man should
disturb them.

On one occasion, while hunting, I obtained an excel-
lent opportunity of witnessing one of these encounters.
At the distance of half a mile I perceived an old bull
going through a variety of eccentric movements, at the
moment perfectly incomprehensible. To know what
might be the cause, as well as perhaps to learn some-
thing new regarding this species, I left my horse and
made a most careful stalk without once exposing my-
self, retaining the advantage of wind till within a
hundred yards of the old gentleman. The ground in
the vicinity was much broken, and before attempting
to obtain a survey of the situation, I ensconced myself
behind a boulder. I had been eminently successful,

II I

BUFFALO HUNTING.

the first glance told me. There was the bull pretending
to feed, while four prairie wolves were lying around
him on the sparsely covered soil, tongues out, anc^
evidently short of breath from some excessive exertion.
Kone of the dramatis person(B had seen me, and I
chuckled in my shoes as I grasped more firmly my
double-barrel, knowing how soon I could turn the tide
of battle. By the way, the prairie wolf has always been
a favourite of mine, as well as his half-brother, the
coyotte. Their bark has often recalled pleasant memor
ries, and their services have several times recovered a
wounded deer. In a few minutes the apparent ring-
leader of the quartette got up and shook himself. This
was the signal for the others to get upon their pins.
Prairie wolf number one walked quietly towards the
bull, occasionallj'- stopping (I believe after the manner of
dogs to pluck grass) ; then, with a sudden spring, made
a feint at the persecuted buffalo's head. The buffalo in
his turn low" /ed his os front is, and rushed a few steps
to meet him ; but this was unnecessary. Now the
rest of the fraternity rushed up. Another took the
post of teaser, while our friend number one dropped in
the rear ; and when a second feint at the head was made
by his comrade, number one, watching his chance,
left a deep scar over the bull's bock. Again and again
this game was played, tbe same wolf always retaining

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ACCESSIIJLE FIELD SPORTS.

his rear position. Is not the instinct of animals most
similar to the reason of man ? Here each wolf had his
allotted work — doubtless that which was best suited
for his capacity. The rear assault was the most
dangerous ; for a kick well directed would unquestion-
ably have caused instant death to the adventurous
assailant ; but the most experienced and expert had
selected the post of danger and honour. The flashing
eyes and foaming mouth of the bull told plainly the
result ; so I stepped from my concealment. However,
all were so occupied that until I awakened the echoes
with a loud "war-whoop" I was unseen; but man's
voice always has its efiect in cases of this kind. The
vermin, with startled stare, plainly asking what the
deuce right I had to interfere, sulkily trotted off as
I advanced; while the persecuted, in return for my
kindness, lowered his head, and pushed rapidly for me,
compelling me to seek safety in flight. Such conduct
in the buffalo was scarcely commendable, and very
unusual. I accounted for it by the harassing his temper
had suffered, as well as his feeling how inadequate his
strength was for escape by flight.

Poor old creature, his days were numbered, for as
soon as my back was turneu, and a safe distance inter-
vened between us, the wolves returned, and as I rode
homewards, occasionally turning and halting to watch

BUFFALO HUNTING.

the gradually more indistinct belligerents, the victim
was still employed in battling for life. After all, was
lie not paying the debt of nature, and dying as his
ancestors for generations had died before him ? Man
yields his spirit to the source from whence it emanates,
on a luxurious couch or bumble straw bed, after fre-
quently suffering from protracted and painful illness.
The veteran buffalo, effete from age, after a long and
happy life, when unable to keep with his companions,
dies in a gallant and short struggle, overpowered by
his too numerous enemies, a death worthy of a hero.

The cow produces her calf in spring, although I
have, on several occasions, met with a mother as
late as the end of July with a youngster by her side,
not over a • couple of weeks old. The attachment
shown by the parent for her offspring, and the
solicitude she evinces for its safety, impart a touching
lesson, which even the human family would do well
to follow. I remember on one occasion I had been
setting traps in a small stream hat had abundant
signs that beaver were numerous in the vicinity^
I had waded up this watercourse for upwards of a
mile, all the time being hid from view of animals
on the prairie by the bluffness of th j banks. Having
performed my task, I left the stream and ascended
to the level of the country. The first glance I took

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

disclosed a beautiful and interesting picture, for a
young cow, with her calf almost between her legs,
stood determinedly facing several wolves. The baby
was evidently sick, and the instinct of the party of
prowlers told them so, and so far the attached mother
had kept them off. My sympathies, of course, were
not with the aggressors, and, the better to prove it,
I picked out the apparent ringleaders, doubling one
up with the first barrel, and accelerating the retreat of
another with the second ; for although he did not
drop, an ominous "thud" gave him a hint that the
neighbourhood was dangerous, and that he had better
leave it while he had the power.

In September the rutting season commences, and
furious encounters between the bulls take place ; their
actions on these occasions remind the spectators very
much of domestic cattle. The combatants at first stand
apart, eyeing each other with flashing orbs, while they
paw up the soil with their feet, throwing it frequently
higher than their withers ; their short tails lash their
sides, and occasionally they bellow in a low guttural
voice, working themselves into a fury ; their horns are
dug into the soil, and the vegetation scattered to the
winds. At length they rush at each other ; the shock
sometimes brings one or both to their knees ; this
is repeated again and again : for over thirty minutes

BUFFALO HUNTING.

frequently, when well matched, the struggle will be
protracted. At length the weaker coniniences to give
way, first slowly, always keeping his head to the foe,
till with sudden energy he wheels and leaves the victor
triumphant. All this time the cow has stood by, an
inert spectator, waiting for the hero of the hour to claim
her love. These battles seldom or never terminate
fatally. They occur at the period when tlie coat is
in the greatest perfection, and the almost impene-
trable mane which densely covers the brows and fore-
quarttrs is unquestionably of the greatest service as a
protection. It is my belief that when the sexes thus
mate, the male remains faithful to his spouse, for up to
within a month of the cow's confinement both keep
together. Early in autumn the bulls are in good con-
dition, but after the rutting season they gradually lose
flesh, and by midwinter have become so poor that they
are scarcely fit for food. The cow, on the other hand,
keeps fat, and even in spring fat may be found along
the vertebra) and lower portion of the carcass an inch
thick.

With the advent of the first mild weather, even
before the snow has disappeared, they commence to
shed their rough coat, first from between the fore legs,
then the prominent parts of the body, and later /rom
the fore limbs and hump. This long hair — or, as it is

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

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£f U£ 12.0

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

frequently called, wool — comes off in patches, trees
and rocks being used to rub against ; tbe result is, that
by March a more ragged, tattered, weather-beaten
creature can scarcely be imagined. The horns of both
bull and cow are about the same length ; those of the
former are thick, blunt, and clumsy, while the latter
are sharp, slim, and trim-looking. Both sexes much
resemble each other ; at the same time the figure of
the female is more delicately formed, and not within a
couple of hands as high at the shoulder, nor is she
clothed with such a quantity of the rough, coarse
covering over the fore quarters.

When a herd of buffalo are alarmed by the approach
of the hunter, the cows in a few seconds head the
retreating herd, closely followed by the yearlings and
calves, while the lumbering old bulls, from incapacity,
drop in rear. When not disturbed, in lying down or
rising they exactly resemble others of the Bos family ;
but if they be come upon unawares by an object of
fear, the velocity with which they gain their legs
and break into a gallop is truly surprising. They are
excellent swimmers, and have no hesitation in enter-
ing water ; nevertheless, annually, great niunbers are
drowned ; but this generally occurs in spring, when
the broken ice is clearing out of the streams. Through-
out the Western country there are numerous quag-

ii :

BUFFALO HUNTING.

mires, and frequently unfortunates get imbedded ; it
appears, in such cases, that without exerting themselves
they submit to their fate. I have formed this con-
clusion from having unseen perceived a bull get into
such a scrape. I watched him ; inch by inch he kept
sinking, still I felt convinced that a protracted, ener-
getic struggle would take him across to terra Jirma,
yet no such effort did he make. Thoroughly believing
that his earthly course was run, I advanced to have a
closer survey of the finale. The unfortunate did not
see me till within a few yards ; but when he did, his
habitual fear of man predominated over all other feel-
ings ; again and again he plunged forward ; dread of
my proximity had given him strength and endurance,
for after a few minutes his feet got on soundings, from
which the margin was gained, and the brute was once
more free. I think this apathy to death in certain
forms is common to the majority of animals.

The dangers attending the chase of this noble game
are very much overrated. True, a horse may put his
foot in the burrow of a wolf, swift fox, or prairie dog,
and send his rider sky-rocketing on his head. The
result might be a broken neck, or if such a fall took
place when in the centre of a large herd, trampling to
death might be possible ; but I am convinced i'rom
long personal experience that, so long as the game can

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

keep going, they will seldom or never turn on pur-
suing man. At the same time, if you fire at a buffalo
as you ride past him, without much changing the
direction they are pursuing, he or she may slightly
deviate towards the pursuer. However, your bridle
hand should invariably sheer your steed from the
quarry,, not only to avoid this deviation, but to clear
the animal if it drop to shot. The majority of horses
accustomed to this work do so of their own accord. At
the same time I should particularly caution the tyro
that on himself and his own nerve he should invariably
rely, not on that of his dumb companion. To be a
good horseman of course is particularly desirable, and
the person who can ride bare-back will often come in
for a run when a saddle may not be at hand. Many of
us of course can ride in this primitive mq,nner ; but there
are very few Americans or Europeans who can com-
pare for a moment in this respect with the Indians —
they appear so perfectly at home on their horses' backs :
anywhere and everywhere they place themselves, and
but seldom get a fall. Many a fat cow I have killed
without saddle. However, the paces of horses are so
very different, that some I used for running buffalo
I preferred riding with blanket and a surcingle ; on
others I did not feel sufficiently at home without
the saddle. For some months I had an under-sized

BUFFALO HUNTING.

chestnut, very little over fourteen hands. My associates
called her a mustang. In some points she much re-
sembled one ; but there was a well-bred look about her
small head, narrow muzzle, broad forehead, and lean
neck, that told of aristocratic lineage. Moreover, she
was very fast and high couraged, as well as easy in
her paces. Her back, while in my possession, was
seldom crossed by a saddle, although she was the
favourite mount, and as such was more frequently
used. I purchased her for a trifle from a fellow with
" villain " plainly written on his ccmtenance, and, as
might have been expected, she was recognised and
claimed. To part with her was a great trial ; but I
had the satisfaction of learning that my surmises of
her parentage were correct, her sire being thorough-
bred, and her dam a mustang.

^Yhen buffalo are so severely wounded as to feel
incapacitated for further flight, they will then some-
times turn to bay. When this takes place, unless the
animal be an old bull, you may safely conclude the
wound mortal, and that but an hour or two will
elapse before death comes to their relief; but if you be
desirous to terminate the final sufferings, when dis-
mounted, be very cautious how you approach to deliver
the coup, for with velocity almost marvellous they will
dash at their tormentor, gathering all their ouergy

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

t ; ■!

for the occasion. A bull I had disabled stood at
bay, and, judging from appearances, was within a
few moments of dropping; blood flowed profusely
from his nose, and already he had commenced to
straddle his legs to support his towering carcass.
Carelessly I approached. The manner of the rider
was infectious on the steed. When twenty yards
distant from me down went his head, and at me he
sprang. The activity of the horse alone saved me,
and the shave was so close as to be far from pleasant.
It was a cleverly executed charge, and a fitting finale
to life. The impetus of his motion he was unable
to control. The strength of the body was unequal
to his courpge of heart, for, ere he could halt, over
he rolled to rise no more. In hunting, as in civilised
life, it is dangerous to trust in appearances,^ — we know
how often they are deceptive.

The visitor to the plains desirous of hunting buffalo,
and doing so comfortably and under the most advan-
tageous circumstances, should always take his saddlery
with him. A hunting- saddle from Peat or Wilkinson
and Kidd, made of the best pigskin, would be my choice,
remembering always to be provided with spare girths.
The high-peaked saddle, generally used in the West,
has advantages for frontier use ; but for a firm seat,
hard and rough riding, give me our English pro-

BUFFALO Ht'NTlNG.

•9

ductlon. A double-reined snaffle I would take in pre-
ference to all bridles. At the same time much depends
on how a horse is broken. If the nag in his youth
had his jaws dislocated with a barbarous Mexican bit,
a snaffle will have no more power of control over his
actions than officers over a panic-stricken regiment. I
once possessed such a beast. The rider with a snaffle
might as well have pulled at a stalwart oak ps at this
creature's mouth. He was a light-necked, star-gazing,
hot-tempered beast. The number of scrajDos he got me
in was so r iierous that to this day I wonder he did
not break my neck. A*- Cambridge, in England, I
hired from a livery-stable a counterpart of this
animal for a day with the neighbouring fox-hounds.
There was not a fence I ran him at that Bucephalus
did not appear to see till he was almost on it. Mar-
vellous to say, he retained a good place in the hunt ;
and, still . .ore wonderful, got home without himself
or his rider having any broken bones. General
Williams — a steeple-chase horse who long contested
with Zigzag for the honours at the various race-
courses in the vicinity of New York — was just such
another. I crossed him once with the intention of
a preliminary gallop before riding him in a flag
race. However, I found the preliminary more than
sufficient. As to lifting him at a jump, or saving

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SrOIlTS.

! >

him as he lighted, why you might as well have
attempted to fly as do either.

Of the arms most suitable for buflalo shooting from
horseback, I believe the old-fashioned, large-bore
duelling pistol the best. They are easily loaded while
on the gallop, for the butt can be placed between your
thigh and the flap of the saddle, and thus held. How-
ever, to save an occusional use of ramrods (and if your
bullet goes home tight, this cannot be avoided), and
for shooting with a depressed muzzle, they are absolutely
necessary The breech-loader pistol, on the central
fire principle, must be excellent. For my part I used a
double-barrelled shot-gun, with the barrels reduced to
twenty-two inches in length. The stock, however, was
always inconvenient, particularly when loading while
the horse was going at speed. Small-bored arms are to
be avoided. The trappers and professional hunters use
them ; but the reason is that they require much less am-
munition than those of larger calibre ; and at the same
time, in killing fur-bearing animals, the pelt does not
become so much torn. A STTiall bullet, when properly
placed, will do its work instantaneously ; but deviation
of a few inches is so frequent in this, which may be
called snap shooting, that the more severe shock and
larger wound of the big projectile are eminently more
effective.

BUFFALO HUNTING.

If the reader bo a dweller in any part of the civilised
earth, and a sportsman of means, I sincerely advise
him to essay a trip to the plains for buffalo shooting ;
but if he be a resident of old England, and a fol-
lower of Nimrod, then his remissness in not prov-
ing America's sporting resources is unpardonable. The
duke, marquis, or baron, may have his grand preserves
•well stocked with game, and well protected; but the
American has the indigenous buffalo roaming in a state
of nature over his original haunts, a description of
game so noble that in no portion of the world can his
superior be found.

CHAPTER VIII.

■I'pr

ON THE GRAND PRAIRIE.

The events which I am about to narrate were not
written on the ground, for the simple reasons that it
was often difficult to obtain a comfortable, quiet corner,
where a man could collect his thoughts, and, perhaps
better still, that generally I was so fatigued, after a
hard day's work, I was disinclined to deprive myself
of the pleasure of discussing with my companions the
adventures an.' results, mishaps, bad and good shots, or
anything eh;e, which so happily, and not the least
agreeably, form a portion of a sporting tour. On this
occasion we had the fortune to discover a venerable
countryman, who relied on his gun for a living, and as
his business did not appear a paying one, our party
agreed to take him into our service, giving him dis-
tinctly to understand that one of his duties would be
gun washing. Well, he proved quite up to the mark,
and took that disagreeable business off our hands most

ON THE chand prairie.

satisfactorily, giving us more time to enjoy the social
weed, and no less companionable glass, spinning yarns
of deeds performed, shots made at miraculous distances,
and anecdotes of dogs and previous shooting com-
panions. During the early portion of our excursion
the weather was excellent, but the latter two days rain
never ceased, causing us to take home a much smaller
quantity of game than we had anticipated.

On the first day we breakfasted at seven a.m., and on
rising from the table found the team waiting, according
to orders. But few minutes were necessary to stow in
our traps, and get under way. Near the confines of
the village (Kent, Indiana) we found birds, but our
driver (who was a regular Tom Draw) would not allow
us to alight, insisting that we must go first to our
intended day's sporting ground. About forty minutes
took us there, our charioteer beguilirig the time with
innumerable anecdotes and songs, never being silent
for a moment. One ditty he was particularly attached
to, which I can scarcely forget, he having sung it at
least a dozen times : —

" My health and wealth declinLig,
The doctor was called in ;
He spoke to me so serious —
He spoke to me so plain —
* You've racked your constitution
By getting drunk again.' "

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

However, tho warning that the medical attendant
appears to have given him seemed to be thrown away,
for he drank more spirits, with more gusto, and that
without showing the effect, than any representative of
the genus I ever previously met. .^

Arriving on the ground, we determined to hunt
Beau and Belle, and keep Jock and Fan for the after-
noon. Leaving our waggon by the side of an Osage
orange hedge, separating the prairie from a large corn-
field, and having inserted cartridges in each barrel,
we commenced work. The ground we intended first
beating was rolling prairie, with a suflSciency of
grass on it to make the walking good, and the cover
tolerable. My companions and self stretched into line
and started with the wind in our faces. Before pro-
gressing a hundred yards Belle set dead as a statue,
and Beau immediately backed. Steadily we walked
up to the dogs, expecting immediately to commence
fire upon a pack of pinnated grouse ; but what was our
disappointment to find that the dogs were standing
to a covey of partridge {Perclnx Virginiensis), scarcely
half grown : so we let the young ones go without
molestation, and continued our range. Our previous
forbearance was soon rewarded, for twenty yards
farther our setters again drew on game, Beau now
having the lead. Up we went, and although alongside

ON THE GRAND PRAIRIE.

the dogs, nothing showed. By coaxing they advanced
farther, and lay down. There was no mistake now ;
this indication. I seldom knew to fail. Short was
the period of suspense, for up the grouye commenced
rising, not all together, but by twos and threes. Each
gun killed two birds at the first ' and not being
delayed in loading, our dogs were .on ordered to re-
trieve. Belle had not gone five paces to perform this
duty when she again stood, and bang, bang, from all
our guns followed; in five minutes we had fifteen birds
on the ground, and more flushing every moment.
What luck we were in ! We had evidently got out of
bed on the right side this morning, and were in for a big
day's work. In retrieving the birds two more fell to
our aim, making seventeen out of the covey, a pretty
good account; and, better still, those that had not been
shot at, did not continue their flight more than a
hundred and fifty yards, when they lit on the brow of
a sunny bank. Having bagged our game, and handed
them to Hank (for that was our charioteer's name),
we progressed after the balance, and soon were at
work again ; the dogs struck them ofi" at once, and
save that two escaped, who were out of bor.ndi ,
and took a lengthened journey out prairiewards, we
bagged all.
Hank now returned, and gave us the satisfactory

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

information that there were plenty more, but at the
same time adding, " Look you here, jist leave some to
breed.'* We found that our fat friend was correct, for
before ten miniite." we were again enfilading a second
covey. I must tell you how splendidly Beau found this
pack. When ranging two hundred yards off, at his usual
swinging gallop, he stopped, and sticking his old know-
ing head perpendicularly in. the air, commenced walk-
ing straight forward, with a delicate, careful step, well
suited for progression over eggs. As I had seen him
do so previously, I knew what was coming, and called
my friends' attention, so that they might gradually close
up towards the faithful canine. Belle soon saw what
Beau was up to, and followed him with equally cautious,
gingery steps. H., who was off on my right, flushed a
bird, which he cleverly cut down with his first barrel,
making a very pretty cross shot. But where were the
beauties ? Both down in the grass waiting for us to
come, nor could they be persuaded to leave the game
they were on to find the victim first killed. After
looking for a few moments, we gave it up, I marking
the place as near as 1 kil6w by dropping my white
pocket-handkerchief, intending to return as soon as
I had leprned what the dogs had found. As we
advanced. Beau and Belle rose, and continued drawing
for near a hundred paces more, when they stood. 0

ON THE GRi.?7D PRAIRTE.

that some artist had been there to sketch them on
the spot ! Nothing would I grudge for the picture.
The attitude of setter or pointer, when standing, is to
me the personification of grace and beauty. Well,
the old story : tho birds were put up, so packed that we
all had difficulty in singling birds ; five more fell to our
lot ; the balance, after going about sixty rods, dropped^
scattered among a thick growth of ironweed. The dogs
must, on this occasion, have winded their game at least
two hundred yards off, so strong is the effluvium emitted
by this game and noble bird. In reading, the other day,
in a sporting periodical, I noticed that a correspondent,
in a very agreeable and readable letter, confessed that
himself and companion fired into the body of a covey.
Fie on him ! where are his modesty and sporting reputa-
tion— first, to commit so gross an outrage, and secondly,
to blazen it to the world ? Does he not know that for
one bird he bags in this ignoble manner, several will
go off wounded, to die a lingering death, o^, crippled,
fall a prey to the first filthy buzzard or rapacious hawk
that comes across him ? Gentlemen, when you shoot,
think of this, and do not uselessly destroy the precious
gifts of an ever-bountiful Providence.

The majority of the last family we got possession of>
and ere noon had arrived, had seventy head of prairie
chicken fairly bagged.

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ACXIESSIDLE FIELD SPORTS.

Hank selected a well- suited place for our meal, and
with otiiim cum dignitate we passed the meridian hours
of the day, happy and contented, at peace with all men,
and conscious of the pleasure of successfully following
an innocent pursuit.

We remained ur.der the hedge till after two o'clock,
eating, chatting, and :.r^oking, the irrepressible Hank
relating, in the most facetious manner, several most
amusing anecdotes of his previous career. One story
in particular caused me to laugh more than ever I re-
member to have done, saving the night that a Dutch-
man told me a yarn of his first experience of a wasps'
nest ; but as the western sun commenced to elongate
its shadows, and the afternoon breeze began to cool
the atmosphere, a start was agreed upon, and with
one accord each rose and shouldered his gun, intent on
doing good shooting and further swelling the capacity
of our already distended game-bags. The fresh brace
of dogs were imcoupled, and, amid the discordant notes
and piteous whining of our discarded morning favour-
ites, we started for the beat.

The ground we were about to hunt exactly resembled
in appearance and vegetation what we had traversed
in the morning, and our anticipations of sport, from
former experience, were up to the boiling-point. How-
ever, we must have walked quite an hour before either

ON TH12 GRAND PRAIRIE.

obtained a shot, although the slut ran up two birds,
for which she got a severe rating. In prairie chicken-
shooting I have frequently observed, and on this occa-
sion it was a corroboration of the fact, that during the
heat of mid-day, or immediately afterwards, pinnated
jjrouse are seldom or never to be found near cultiva-
tion ; why, I cannot say, but they always appear in an
unaccountable manner to have transferred themselves
to the uninterrupted prairie.

Our lengthened tramp had now brought us to
ground more irregular, with vegetation more rank,
and sparsely sprinkled with dwarf osier and willow,
the surface being damp, and occasionally intersected
with rivulets. Our spirits were all becoming depressed
from our want of success, and even a new beat had been
proposed, and was on the eve of being accepted, when
both our canines stood, not ten yards apart, and each,
apparently, on different birds. This pleasing inci-
dent revived our drooping spirits, and with steady,
regular stride we approached the dogs. As we got to
them, three birds flushed, which were immediately cut
down ; still another, and another, met the same fate ;
and in less than five minutes nine were on the ground*
These were without difficulty retrieved, and the dogs
ordered on to find more ; scarce a hundred yards had
they ranged when they a second time found gcime> the

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

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slut leading and the dog just at her shoulder, backing.
It was perfectly evident that we had found the retreat
of the prairie chickens : water or solitude had un-
doubtedly caused them to assemble here. The prairie
fowl, although partial, at some seasons and portion of
the day, to damp ground, I believe do not drink like
the majority of other birds, but simply pick off the
minute globules of dew that adhere to the grasses.
This I know from my own personal observation, and
accounts for the difficulty of keeping this species alive
in a state of captivity. The majority of persons
having them in confinement would undoubtedly place
a cup of water in their cages, little imagining that
scattering the moisture over some grass would be
the way most ac> stable.

Soon we got to the dogs, and never in the course of
my experience did I see a sharper half hour's work.
Bird after bird rose, and was knocked over ; scarcely
had we time to thrust into the breeches fresh cartridges
before we were called upon to deliver our fire ; not less
than a hundred and fifty birds must have been flushed in
that space of time, out of which number nearly half fell
to our guns. At one moment, over twenty were on the
ground, waiting to be picked up ; and, better than all,
we did not lose a single cripple, although one old cock,
which had only been pinioned, cost us five minutes before

J '

ON THE GRAND PRAIRIE.

he was placed in the bag. "With universal consent
we agreed to retrace our steps, and before we reached
the conveyance, five more grouse had shared the fate
of their fellows. On arriving at the scene of our
trencher performances at noon-day, we observed
several flocks of duck hovering over a portion of a
corn-field in the vicinity, and as the day had still an
hour or two before dark, we concluded to try our luck.
Cartridges with No. 5 shot were soon substituted for
the balance we had left in our pockets, and scattering
each in the direction which the bent of his fancy dic-
tated, we sought the friendly cover of the giant corn-
stalks. Progressing slowly and cautiously, prepared
for aught that chance should throw in my way, on
casting my eyes to the left, I perceived I was near the
edge of a small sheet of water, the margin of which
was densely covered with water-lilies. Here, no doubt,
was the sanctum of the web- footed gentry ; so doubling
my back almost I:^ two, and gliding along as carefully
as if about .to circumvent a buck, I reached the line
of demarcation between the g^ain and the aquatic
plants.

Slowly raising my head, the first animate object that
struck my vision was the looming, dark figure of a
goose, his head under water, carelessly feeding, as if he
were perfectly satisfied that his retirement was free from

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

i,' ■ I

interruption. Self-confident that liis fate was in my
hands, I complacently waited till he should raise his
caput, and I should have the satisfaction of enjoying
his surprise. My patience was not long taxed, and a
more ridiculous scene you could scarce imagine, for as
he raised his long neck, the first thing his eye rested
on was the figure of your humble servant; a rush,
splutter and honk, and he was fairly on his way, still
evidentlv undecided which direction to choose to avoid
danger. Little 'Ame, however, I left him for choice, and
thirty-five yards did not divide us ere my charge of
"No. 5 brought him summarily back to the bosom of his
liquid home. The echoes had scarce answered my
report when dozens of duck were on the wing, and
some of them rose so close that it was truly extraordi-
nary that I had not previously seen them ; among their
number a splendid old green-headed mallard struck my
fancy, and my left barrel enabled me to cultivate a
closer acquaintance. Soon I had both retrieved, for I
had brought one of my setters with me, which was
equally good on land or water. On inspection, Mr.
Goosey proved remarkably fat, his corpulency possibly
being the reason that he had remained behind, and not
migrated with his comrades to their northern summer
haunts and breeding retreats. How my mouth watered
when I thought of the delicacy and flavour of a slice of

ON THE GRAND PRAIRIE.

Ills plump breast, if properly roasted, not too much
done, with a squeeze of fresh lemon over it and a tiny
pinch of cayenne pepper, and mentally resolved that
his corpus should form the dish of honour on oiiv board
at no distant date ! On the bank of this pond I deter-
mined to wait, convinced that I should not find a better
situation for dealing destruction to the much-coveted
broad-bills.

What sportsman is there who does not take pleasure
in bagging a duck ? He may have killed dozens, and
examined minutely each, still he does not tire admiring
the last ; the brilliant plumage, the gorgeous colouring
of the neck and head, have charms so deeply seated
that it is impossible to satiate the fancy. For about
ten minutes no visitors arrived, when a cunning old
mallard hove in sight, bearing down direct for my
screen, undoubtedly a scout out on observation ; lower
and lower I cowered as he approached, trusting that
the colour of my clothes and the shelter of the corn
would prevent his keen eye from perceiving my where-
abouts, well aware if I could only fetch him down, his
companions would soon follow, as their scout would not
return to report unfavourably. On the drake came
straight as a line, and was almost within range, when
he turned to the left, too far distant to shoot with pro-
bable success. " Confoxmd him !" I could not help mut-

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

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tering in disgust at his wildness. However, lie contin^Ted
to fly round in circles, eacL gradually diminishing in
diameter, of which tlie water formed the centre. Move
I dare not, one inch would probably betray me, and I
nearly squinted my eyes out of my head, following, as far
as possible, his circular flight. At length the wished-for
chance arrived, and he presented a fair broadside, about
thirty-five yards distant ; holding my gun almost two
feet in advance, I pressed the trigger, and down he
came all of a heap, and almost to the ground ; my dog
was already on his way to pick him up, when, with a
violent effort, the bird recovered himself and com-
menced slowly at first to rise, quicker and quicker
became his ascent. ** Why don't you put in your
second barrel ?" I hear you exclaim. Well, simply for
this reason, that I had already commenced loading, and
the whole performance was so unexpected that I lost
my self-possession. Higher and higher he went, almost
perpendicularly, as if he were bound for a trip to the
clouds. Watching, with straining eyes, his extra-
ordinary performances, feeling fully convinced he was
hit in the head, I suddenly perceived him turn on
his back, and if his ascent had been rapid, the descent
was doubly so, for, when he struck term Jinna, the
thud that he made was sufficient to ind-cate, if life had
not previously been extinct, it now undoubtedly was.

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ON THE GRAND PRAIRIE.

Soon more atraggiers commenced coming in, and
the fusilade became constant. Mallard and teal were
both worthy game, and as I was shooting well, I soon
had a large number at my feet. Nor did duok alono
pay me a visit, several prairie chickens, on their way for
their evening feed, bit the dust ; and just as I thought it
was high time for retiring, Hank's stentorian voice was
heard summoning stragglers, the team being already
hitched, and he impatient to be en route for the settle-
ment. Fifteen duck and five prairie chickens were the
result of little over an hour's shooting, and that without
moving five yards to the right or left, and better still,
without getting a wet foot.

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CHAPTER IX.

MOOSE DEER.

{Cervtis Alces.)

I NEVER think of the State of Maine without the
most intense feelings of pleasure, for there among the
pine-clad hills and wood-embosomed lakes J have
enjoyed many, many weeks and months so free from
care, so productive of pleasure, that the recollection
can never pass away; but these pleasures are not with-
out alloy. Alas ! that we should grow old, and the
companions whose society we dearly cherished should
be no more, and that he in whom all our confidence
had been centred, and whose society we loved, should
in his youth be summoned to occupy a soldier's grave !

A truce to these painful reminiscences. Moose deer
and moose hunting is the subject; sentiment we will
leave to the poet or the love- sick schoolboy.

The State of Maine is characterised by the numerous
labyrinths of lakes that are scattered over it in every
direction, divided from each other by mountainous

MOOSE DEER.

ridges, clothed to their summits with giant pine trees
and the many varieties of hard woods peculiar to
these latitudes, alike giving beauty to the landscape
and affording food and shelter for every kind of
Northern game. On the extensive flat meadows that
edge these lakes or form the margin of many of the
numerous noble rivers, in the hollows, ravines and
hill-sides, will the moose deer's home be found, his
choice of quarters being regulated by the changes of
the seasons. New Brunswick and Nova Scotia also
are favourite resorts of this giant deer. In these
provinces he still remains numerous ; but in northern
New Hampshire, Vermont, and north-eastern New
York State, where, a quarter of a century since, moose
were plentiful, I doubt if at the present date a single
specimen can be found. Such is the result of civilisa-
tion and the influx of the white man.

The size to which the moose deer grows has been
variously stated. Audubon says over twenty hands ; Mr.
Hays, an animal artist of great talent, and who has spent
nany years studying his profession in the native haunts
of all the subjects he has used his brush upon, informs
me that he has known animals to grow much larger.
From this gentleman's experience as a hunter and
naturalist, I have not the slightest doubt that he is
correct. However, I believe about sixteen and a half

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

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hands to be the average height of a full-grown male,
and that certain locaUties — possibly whore greater
abundance of the most suitable food is to be found —
produce much larger animals. A.11 the moose that I
have heard of being killed in Labrador — where the
winters are particularly severe and vegetation sparse —
have been smaller than those shot in the State of
Maine ; nor can I see any reason to doubt such being
the case. We know how other genera are affected by
such local peculiarities, and why should this animal be
an exception ?

It is the habit of sportsmen and naturalists to praise
the appearance of the moose. My own impression is
that there is no animal more ungainly, awkward
looking, and apparently disproportioned. That he
is admirably constructed for the part he has to
play in life there is no question, but the very
requisites with which he is endowed, give him such an
unusual appearance that prejudice alone can call him
handsome.

The Virginian deer, the fallow deer, the Wapiti,
and the red deer, are, to me, perfect in shape, graceful
in their movements, and ornamental to the landscape ;
but the moose, on the other hand, with his short, thick
neck, asinine head, protruding eyes, heavy broad ears,
tremendous antlers, long, awkward, powerful legs and

MOOSE DEER.

disproportionate withers, looking even higher than
they are from the mane that surmounts lem, can never
be considered by an impartial judge but an awkward
and clumsy-looking brute.

Of all the ruminants on the American continent, the
moose is the tallest. I doubt not that a stall- fed ox
can b^ made to weigh as heavy, but not to attain the
stiitu/e. ind on this account, as well as laany others, it
is really a duty that the legislatures of the various
States of which he is an inhabitant owe to the cjuntry
at large to pass and enforce such laws as will prevent
his ultimate annihilation.

Probably it may never again be my good fortune to
revisit America ; but can I ever forget the happy days
and nights I have spent in the dense swamp, sparsely
covered, barren, tangled wood-land, or over the brilliant
camp-fire, when, miles and miles away from civilisation,
I have been on an expedition to hunt moose P No !
Though I have shot in all parts of the world, gone
through scenes exciting, both as soldier and hunter,
Northern Maine, with all its glorious lakes, rivers, and
mountains, will stand paramount: for there my experi-
ence of moose hunting was gained ; there I made my
maiden effort, which was a failure, to return years
afterwards and awake the echoes with the war-whoop
that proclaims success. -J _r_.^.,.:,.-j^:\---^ir^.~-'rT:'-r^:^r--

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In December, moose deer cast their horns ; by
April, the successors commence to sprout ; by the end
of June full form is developed, but not till many weeks
later are they denuded of velvet ; when that takes
place the horns are perfectly white, but exposure to the
atmosphere soon gives them a tawny shade, which
deepens with the lapse of time. The cow, of course,
never bears these ornaments, but the young bull-calf
at one year throws out a brace of knobs an inch in
length ; in the second season these are about six inches
long ; the third year the antlers increase to nine or
ten inches, with a fork. In the fourth season palma-
tion is exhibited with several points. From this age
there is a gradual increase in the palmation and num-
ber of points till the animal attains its greatest vigour,
from which period che horns decrease in width and
weight, at the same time becoming more elongated.
Twenty-three is the greatest number of points I have
seen on one head, and the weight of the horns just
exceeded seventy pounds. I doubt if larger has ever,
of late years, been found. '

The young moose deer, that is, those under five years,
frequently do not show their new head-dress till
March. Instances have been known — still, I have
no doubt that such were great exceptions — of young
males bearing the old horns as late as the calving

MOOSE DEER.

101

season, which is in the end of April, and in Labrador
and far northern localities, May.

In September the rutting season commences. Then
is the period to see this great animal in all the magni-
ficence of his strength. Reckless and furious he rushes
about, bellowing forth defiance to his own sex, and
what is accepted as notes of love by the other. Woe
betide the traveller, the unarmed or inexperienced man
who should then meet him, if no place of safety is at
hand, for nought but their total destruction would be
the result. I knew an instance where a French Cana -
dian nearly lost his life by one of these furious beasts.
He had gone with his pony and sled tc bring a boat
across a portage, and on his return, while threading
the intricacies of the bush-path, a moose, excited with
rage and lust, rushed past him. Indiscreetly he fired
a charge >i small shot after the retreating termagant,
which brought him to the right-about, and caused
him to charge. Into the boat jumped the Canadian,
but the thin ribs and planks afforded no protection
from such au assailant. .he frail craft was soon
knocked to pieces, and our friend took to a tree, when,
from his perch, he witnessed his pony gored and
trampled to death. Moral : Don't fire small shot at
moose if you have any regard for your life.

During the rutting season many bull moose are

102

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

annually killed, for the hunters, taking advantage of
their then combative disposition, secrete themselves,
and imitate, by mp^^ns of a roll of birch bark, the
challenge note of an excited male. Some gallant lord
c'' che wilderness hears the false, deceptive call, and,
believing that his demesne has been invaded by a rivah
towering with rage, he rushes in the direction whence
the sound proceeds, intent on repelling the invader.
Listening to the repeated calls, again and again
the bull answers, till at length he is drawn within the
range of the rifle of the secreted hunter. My maiden
effort at moose shooting was made in such a manner.
As if it were but yesterday, the whole adventure is
written plainly on my memory. I had only been
in America a few months. The attractions of Saratoga
I could not avoid, and when there became acquainted
with a family of St. Francis Indians, earning a pre-
carious subsistence by basket-making. Before this I
had never met any of the aborigines of the American
continent, and hour after hour I passed idling around
their encampment, listening to stories of the chase,
and more especially of moose hunting. The dark-
skinned race got my spare pocket-money, and I in
return all their knowledge of woodcraft that could be
theoreticuUy imparted. The spirit of adventure had
become excited Tv ithin me, and ere I left Saratoga I had

MOOSE DEER.

103

faithfully promised to visit St. Francis in autumn, to
join one of my new acquaintances in a moose hunt.

The beautiful tints of an American autumn were in
their greatest brilliancy when I reached the termination
of a long and tedious journey to accept the proffered
hospitalities. My reception was not so enthusiastic as
I expected ; in fact, my ardour was a little damped by
the marked coolness of my host. Yet, after coming such
a distance, I was determined to do some hunting, and a
well- stocked purse enabled me to carry out my wishes.
Starting at early morning, on a beautiful clear day,
we descended a stream, a tributary of the Penobscot
River, for eight or ten hours. The easy motion of the
birch bark, the grand scenery and the brilliant coloured
foliage, recalled many a vision I had formed of what
fairyland must resemble. About four o'clock we dis-
embaiked, our birch bark was shouldered, and a
portage of a mile f*r two traversed, when the margin
of a clear, calm lake was reached, surrounded with
beautiful green hills. Soon again we were on the
bosom of the waters, arriving at a second halting-place
as the sun in glorious splendour dipped the western
horizon. Hiding the frail canoe in some brush, my
attendant leading, we started up an acclivity, when,
after an bourns rough and difficult walking, the Indian
stopped and sounded a note on his birch-bark horn.

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

To this there was no response, but my friend assured
me, " Plenty moose by-by."

The night was as b*^autiful as the day preceding it.
The hunter's moon was at its full, and near objects
could be seen almost as distinctly as when the sun was
high in the heavens. Several efforts with the call
had been made ; disappointment and failure began to
appear certain, when a distant and unknown sound
struck my ear. At the same moment the redskin
seized my arm and whispered, " Old bull." We both
placed ourselves in a hemlock tree, and numerous
were the injunctions I received of the necessity of
silence. Afraid to move, cramped in an awkward
position, for near a mortal hour I endured the tor-
ments, certainly not of the blessed ; still move I
would not, ultimately could not, as the answering
voice of the bull in response to the Indian's call
told that the giant was rapidly approaching. At
length — oh, how glad I was! — the noblest fellow
I had ever set eyes upon broke into the opening at
a gentle trot, stopped and impatiently stamped his
foot. The distance that the game was from us could not
have been more than thirty yards. Slowly and imper-
ceptibly the Indian's gun was getting into shooting
position. I attempted to do the same with mine, when
— oh ! what excuse can I offer ? — bang went the right

MOOSE DEER.

105

barrel, and, but for a vigorous effort, I should have
fallen from my perch.

I had better draw a veil over the recriminations that
ensued, for homicide was nearly the result, whether
justifiable or not must be for others to decide ; but
St. Francis was not long honoured with my presence.
Of moose hunting I had seen enough for one season,
and for many a year not even my bosom friends knew
that I had ever made an attempt on such a large class
of game.

In the close, warm weather of July and August this
game is much pestered with flies. To avoid these
plagues, the moose almost becomes aquatic in his
habits ; for hours he will completely submerge himself,
with nought but his head above .the surface. At this
season their prmcipal food is the long, succulent limbs
and leaves of the water lily. In the tributary streams
that help to feed Moosehead Lake it is no uncommon
thing for the fisherman or tourist, on his aquatic
excursions, to come across moose floating, or see them
reach the shore in advance of him, as the wary animals
have been alarmed, either by voices or the wind.
Such was my fortune once when fishing in a tributary
of Lake Parmacheney. Trout had all day been on the
feed ; my gun lay carelessly at my feet, half buried in
blankets and other hunter's paraphernalia, in the

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

bottom of my canoe, which I had permitted silently
to drift with the current. Suddenly I heard a splash,
as if all the fish in the river had collected to make a
simultaneous rise ; but, instead of fin, it was fur, and
a splendid moose, bearing a noble set of antlers,
plunged through the weeds, and soon disappeared in
the recesses of the forest. If I had been prepared, or
even had my gun been obtainable at a moment's notice,
I could with ease have administered the coup de grace.

"When the season advances, and the sparse advent
snows occasionally give warning that winter is at hand,
the moose deer leave the morass and river banks for
higher ground. Here they collect in families, previous
to yarding, which takes placie as soon as the lands of
these Northern wilds have received their annual deep
and pure white covering. At this time the moose
lives in comparative security, his length of limb and
tremendous power enabling him to defy all pursuers.
Enjoy well thy rest — enjoy it, I say, for it is but for
a short season: for when the sun again warms the
landscape, and a crust becomes formed through the
thaw by day and frost of night, you will require more
than that superhuman power to save you from the
persevering Indian or venturous white man. Poor
creature ! your chance when once pursuec* , when a
heavy crust is formed, is indeed small. I know no

MOOSE DEER.

107

denizen of the forest that, at any period of life, has the
odds so fearfully against him.

As may be imagined, the end of February and
March are the periods when the greatest havoc among
these animals takes place, and I regret to say that
frequently the fiendish love of carnage alone seems to
occupy the mind of the pursuer. I have known
instances — I grieve to say many — when moose have
been killed simply for the sake of killing ; for, with
the exception of one or two titbits, the giant carcass
has been left to satiate the appetite of the wild beasts
of the forest. If one who has been guiHy of such
unjustifiable conduct should read this, let his con-
science reproach him for ^he past, and the sting of
remorse cause him to resolve never to be again an
offender.

The exact position of the scene which I am about to
describe I will not name. Gentle reader, say not that I
am selfish : for probably never again shall I fire a shot
upon it ; but my well-tried friend and hunting companion
visits it still each year, and, as he introduced me to its
well-stocked grounds, I had no hesitation, when last we
parted, in pledging my word to keep my knowledge
from the world. Suffice it to say, that it lies within
the limits of the State of Maine.

The days that had heralded the advent of March

108

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

had been extremely warm, the nights clear, with sharp
frost; just such weather as would be pronounced
first-class for the collecting of sap to make maple
sugar. Two days* journey had been required to bring
us to the desired locality, for we had both agreed that
no fiCarch for moose should be made till a favourite
neighbourhood alike beautiful in summer or winter was
reached. Moreover, here we should find a log hut,
erected two seasons previously, and which we had
every reason to believe would be in a thorough state of
repair. In due course of time we arrived at our ren-
dezvous ; the snow was cleared out of the structure,
and, considering all things, the two Penobscot Indians
who accompanied us succeeded in making our tempo-
rary residence look more than inviting. The first
night passed in the usual manner ; we each pledged
the other's health more than once, and again and again
the pipes required filling. Still we slept soun-^ly, and
day had well broken before either turned out. A
hurried cup of coffee and a few morsels of cold meat
and biscuit sufficed for breakfast, so that ere the sun
had risen over the neighbouring hill we were en route
for the scene of action. The country that we traversed
was covered with hard wood, but not densely crowded
— so open, in fact, that a fair shot would severely have
punished woodcock which had taken shelter in a similar

MOOSE DEER.

109

locality. After tramping three miles, tlie Indians
leading, and I causing much amusement by a suc-
cession of catastrophes from one snow-shoe overlapping
the other, a halt was made, and the expression of the
guide spoke plainly of the vicinity of game ; without
questioning, we turned off to the left, still following in
single file. Stooping low and slowly advancing for
some moments, we came upon a yard — but, alas!
deserted ; but such had not been long the case. Our
dark-skinned companions were jubilant ; visions of
moose meat floated before them, and straight they
directed their steps to the place of exit, for the occu-
pants had winded us earlier than expected. To a
novice but one track appeared, yet the Indians held up
their four fingers to indicate that that had been the
number of inmates. Soon we found their informa-
tion correct ; for, after a pursuit of an hour and a half,
we perceived our game — a bull, cow, and two calves —
going over a neighbouring swell. The reason of this
deceptive appearance of the trail is caused by the male
leading, and the cow and calves in succession stepping
as nearly as possible in the footsteps of their pre-
decessors. .. -..,,,-,.,, ,

Just as we supposed ourselves on the verge of
success, the pursued passed through a second yard,
easily known by the trampled state of the snow and

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

barked sides of the trees. The occupants of this
retreat had joined those we were following. This
additional force to the pursued added fresh excitement
to the chase, and the distress resulting from pace was
for the time forgotten. In an hour more we were
again in view, and soon afterwards among the game.
My companions I will leave to themselves, and confine
myself to my own performance. One of the males had
a noble head of horns. These I determined to be pos-
sessed of; so, marking him for mine, I resolved not
to halt till successful. Again and again I thought
that but a few minutes would elapse till I could shoot ;
but either from the snow being less deep, or the animal
making extra efibrts, at least an hour had elapsed before
the quarry was sufficiently close to deliver with pre-
cision a fatal shot.

Soon I was joined by one of the Indians, then by
the others, j'our moose had been killed ; so my com-
panion and self agreed that we had reaped enough
reward for one day's work. Next day was equally
successful, and more game was seen than on the first
essay. I doubt not if we had been so minded, for days
we might have continued this slaughter; but, as it
was, we had as much meat as we could transport to the
settlement.

A more rapid manner of taking moose when there

MOOSE DEER.

Ill

is a crust, and one mucli practised, is to be accom-
panied by a small, active dog, which, if properly trained
to his work, will never lay hold, but only snap at the
quarry's heels. The poor moose is thus soon brought
to bay ; but his active pursuer, whose weight is so
light that he does not break through the crust,
dances around him scatheless, snapping at every mo-
mentarily exposed point, and so engaging the victim's
attention that the hunter can approach the game
sufficiently close to deliver with certainty an unfailing
shot.

The flesh of the moose, although sweet, is very
coarse. Still, many people prefer it to all other. I
cannot say that such is the case with me, good beef
being to my idea infinitely superior. The tongue, last
entrail, and especially the moufile or extremity of
the upper lip, are great delicacies, more particularly
when eaten cooked in the primitive style of the
backwoods. It may be the wood fire, it may be the
want of seasoning, or more probably still the fresh air
and severe exercise of the hunt ; but all that I have
eaten when snugly housed about a camp-fire has been
relished with additional gusto. A homie louche which
must not be forgotten, and which only the moose
hunter can enjoy, or those who live near the haunts of
this animal, is the marrow from the shank-bones of the

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPOKTS. - \

J I

legs, cooked immodiatoly after the animal is killerl.
This, served on toast, with a sprinkling of cayenne
pepper, would make the mouth of the most fastidious
epicure water, if ho had previous experience of its
excellence. ' . . : , ;

The moose deer changes much in appearance with
the rotations of the seasons. In summer the coat is
short and fine ; in winter coarse and long. Under-
neath the hair is found an abundant crop of soft wool,
which doubtless enables them to endure the greater
severity of the northern winters. The face-hair, differ-
ent from that of the horse or cow, grows upwards from
the mouffle, on the termination of which there is a
triangular bare spot. The power of the jaws and teeth
of the moose is very great. The facility with which
they strip the bark from those trees that constitute
their favourite food is wonderful. Their pace is either
a walk or trot, the usual bounding gait of other
species being unknown to them. Even if a fallen tree
interrupt their progress, instead of rising at it like a
horse, they manage to clamber over in a most effective
manner. . ; ;

Not far from Trois Rivieres, in Canada, I heard of a
moose deer being broken in for saddle purposes. The
truth of this I am more than sceptical about. I have
also been informed that a brace were broken for harness,

MOOSK DEKR.

113

and that long and well they performed their part, being
possessed of immense powers of draught. This latter
report does not to mo appear so improbable as the
former.

Two methods of capturing moose I have not alluded
to, — for why^ They appear so antagonistic to all
those feelings that should actuate the gentleman ; viz.,
by snaring, and immense steel spring traps. The
rainutiic of the modes of proceeding by which the
unsuspicious game is induced to enter either of the
above devices, I am certain would not be interesting
to a sportsman.

For many years it was a disputed point whether
the moose deer of America and the elk of Europe were
the same species ; but the most eminent of recent and
present authorities agree that they are identical.
Captain Hardy, of the Royal Artillery, who was
stationed many years in Canada, and devoted much of
his time to moose hunting, as well as studying this
animal's habits, and who is also conversant with the
European elk, in the admirable articles which he has
published in that deservedly esteemed periodical on
practical natural history — Land and Water — empha-
tically asserts that there are not the smallest grounds
for any diversity of opinion on the subject. Audubon,
an authority second to none, refuses to give a decision,

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

and justly so, for lie was not conversant with the
European animal.

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has a brace
of Scandinavian elks at his counl-y residence, Sand-
ringham. They are both rising two years in uge. If
any of our naturalists will take the trouble to inspect
them, doubtless they will concur in the decision of
Captain Hardy.

.r-r-v-j

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CHAPTER X.

SHOOTING IN ILLINOIS.

After having eaten a good dinner, changed my wet
clothes for dry, and made all comfortable for the
evening, — not even gun-washing to trouble me, — as
I whiff my glowing pipe, I feel in good fellowship
with all the world ; and only desire, to complete
the enjoyment of the past day, " to fight my battles
o'er again." Some may smile at what they think
a feather-bed sportsman's . fancy, but among the
most ardent Nimrods the retrospect of the day's
sport has always caused almost as much pleasure
as the actual performance. Who that has been out
in the open air from morning till night, probably
with damp or even wet feet, has not felt and enjoyed
the luxury of warm slippers, dry socks, and invigo-
rating ablutions? Yes, gentle reader, as I sip the
juice of the grape, inhale the fumes of the fragrant

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

weed, and recline comfortably In my arm-cliair, I feel how
much I have reason to thank the Creator for the blessings
He has so bounteously showered upon me. But to our
work : — The first day's partridge {Perdrix Virginicnsis)
shooting of the season is past, and, like all its pre-
decessors, is numbered with days gone by, one sole
peculiarity marking it ; namely, that the birds, gene-
rally speaking, were larger, stronger, and more nume-
rous than I ever remember seeing them. The weather,
too, could not have been more appropriate ; bright,
clear, and bracing, with just sufficient wind and damp-
ness to make the scent good. Although, the previous
evening, 7 a.m. was the hour appointed for breakfast, and
all promised most faithfully to be present at that time,
it was fully an hour later before the muster-roll could
be read over without finding absentees. Perhaps the
cause of this remissness may be indicated by repeated
calls for brandy and soda-water at an early hour, a
demand which, if I remember aright, is always more
than ominous. However, by a few minutes after nine
we left the house, and, with many a pungent joke
and sharp repartee, entered the belt of woodland that
divided us from the prairie.

At this season (October),* who, that has the slightest

* In the majority of States partridge shooting commences on tho
Ist October

SHOOTING IN ILLINOIS.

117

sense of colour in his composition, can fail to admire
the manifold shades and tintings of the foliage during
an American autumn ? True, the change of colour
denotes decay and departing glory ; still the richness
and brilliancy of the numerous hues have far from
a depressing effect. The European poets have sung
of autumn in strains so sad that one can scarce read
their eflfusions without getting the dolefuls ; perhaps
this arises from their landscape lacking the brilliant
hues of the sumach, maple, and Virginia creeper,
which contrast so magnificently with the less radiant
oak or beech, or the intensely green pine and
hemlock. There is but one period of the year that
can compare, in my humble opinion, with the Fall,
and that only in the Western States . I allude to
that portion of the bpring when the snow-white dog-
wood and refulgent pink bud are in the full pos-
session of their delicate and lovely blossom. A
quarter of a mile brought us to the edge of our in-
tended beat, and as the faithful and keen-scented
setters were uncoupled, we individually felt luck was
on our side, and in all human probability we should
have first-class sport. Soon our guns received the
correct quantity of ammunition, and while Sancho and
Don were down at " charge," the lively sound of the
ramrod, or the sharp, clear clicking of the locks, as

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118

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

II'!'

each half-cocked his gun, announced the determination
of all to do their best to give a good account of the
first unfortunate covey we should come across. Like a
general of old or modern times, I mustered my forces
in line, and, as if skirmishing, advanced on the still
invisible foe. Lawrence County, Illinois, where we
were, is eminently suited for partridge shooting, and
from its open nature, clear shots are generally offered.
Therefore, there is not so much credit due to the
sportsman who kills nearly every shot, as there would
be in the Eastern States, where the piece of ground
the least accessible is the most probable on which to
find game.

Well, the dogs were uncoupled, and the guns
loaded, and forward we rapidly advanced over the
elastic turf happy in our anticipated pleasure, brim-
ful of energy and expectation. Our two canines, which
had not been hunted latelj'-, quartered their ground in
splendid style, laying down to their gallop like
thoroughbreds, and anxiously sniffing the pure atmo-
sphere, in hope of inhaling the taint emitted by that
most beautiful bird, and one perfectly adapted for the
sportsman's amusement, the American partridge. I
am aware that many will question this assertion,
and perhaps bring volumes of argument to prove
that I am wrong ; but, at the risk of the charge of

SHOOTING IN ILLINOIS.

119

obstinacy, I trust I shall be pardoned if I retain my
opinion* We were not long kept unemployed, for on
the edge of a corn-field, where the briers occupied an
uninterrupted space, both Sancho and Don set. With
considerable difficulty I restrained the ardour of my
companions ; one in particular, who seemed always to
regard it as a matter of life and death to get as soon
as possible within shooting distance, and invariably
missed his birds after all. We soon reached the staunch
dogs, nor were we kept long waiting, for a sudden
whirr showed us the entire family on the wing, and
every barrel vomited forth its intended fatal contents.
Four birds fell, two being claimed by G., without
quibble, and the remaining duo I felt confident were
mine ; at least, never was my gun held straighter, or
my aim more deliberate ; still, T., our impatient
friend, emphatically declared that one of them was a
victim to his prowess. To dispute the point I deemed
unnecessary and unbecoming, for I was host; so
without further words, and I trust with becoming
dignity, I relinquished the claim of possession,
although I could not help thinking it really strange
that my hand and eye should so suddenly have lost
their cunning, beside having that internal conviction,
which we all possess, of having made good shots.
Our quarry was rapidly brought to bag, and the

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

balance of the persecuted family was followed. Instead
of their making for the timber, or the brush which
grew upon its edge, they had flown out, perhaps a
couple of hundred yards farther, into the prairie,
where there was nothing to cause a deviation in their
flight, or prevent our obtaining clear and uninter-
rupted aim.

The splendid chance thus presented of filling our
game bags was greedily accepted and acted upon. Don
found the beauties in a few minutes, and Sancho
stealthily approached his brother with cautious step,
frequently stopping and backing with praiseworthy
zeal. The partridge* on this occasion were more
difficult to force on the wing, and nearly all got up
singly. One circumstance, however, I noted, that
although Gr. and self did clean work, our friend T.
failed on both occasions. But undoubtedly this was
the result of accident, as he informed us that one
barrel hung fire and the other exploded just at the
moment that the bird had made a sudden alteration in
its flight. I could not help commiserating with him
at these untoward circumstances, and felt almost irate
with G. (who was an old friend and former shooting
chum of T.'s), for heartlessly laughing at his friend's

♦ This bird has the extraordinary power of withholding its scent,
'which it frequently does for ten or fifteen minutes after lighting.

SHOOTING IN ILLINOIS.

121

mishaps. Finally four birds flushed, and six barrels
again spoke, the quarto falling simultaneously with
the report. Scarcely had they touched the ground
when T. informed us with evident satisfaction that
he had got his hand in now, as two of the last
victims could well attest. However, on picking up
the game, what was my surprise when a bird I felt
confident was mine was a second time claimed ; nor
was this all: G. vowed he had killed both of his;
still T. equally energetically disputed his success, and
would not listen to anything to the contrary ; more-
over he offered to prove, and in truth did with logic
and argument worthy of the bench, how he was un-
doubtedly the proper proprietor.

We are aU aware that strange coincidences take
place in the hunting-field — so very strange that the
narration of them suggests a liberal draft on the imagi-
nation. I felt willing to attribute these incidents to
this source ; so thinking a great deal and saying very
little, we resumed our labours. Only one bird out of the
first lot had escaped, and his flight was in the direction
we intended proceeding, so that the chances were all
in our favour of picking him up. Again we spread
into line, and the well-bred dogs parcelled their
ground off as systematically as a merchant's clerk would
measure off goods. As we advanced, T., who was on

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

Si! I

the riglit flank, witli your bumble servant in the
centre, walked-up the sole survivor of the now deci-
mated family. The bird sprang from his very feet,
and both barrels in rapid succession greeted its depar-
ture ; still Mr. Partridge did not fall, nor did I
see the slightest appearance of its having suffered
inconvenience. T., however, assured us that it was
badly hit and would fall immediately, requesting us
to mark it well, as he much desired to get it, in
order to see where it was struck, and "how the mis-
chief" it did not drop at once. AYe all strained
our optics, at least I did, till my sight was almost
obscured by liquid, so earnest was I to gratify my
friend's wishes; but, alas ! the bird was possessed of
a most unusual amount of vitality, and ultimately
vanished, apparently going stronger than when it
started. T. then appealed to G., if he did not see the
feathers fly, and when he answered in the negative, my
opinion was demanded ; however, I was loth to confess
that the only feathers flying I was aware of, were those
that assisted the bird in ridding himself of such dan-
gerous neighbours and getting as far from our vicinity
as possible. In fact, I was commencing to "smell a mice,"
as the Dutchman said, and thought our worthy, ener-
getic friend much resembled Mr. Jogglebury Crowdey,
the gentleman whose acquaintance Mr. Sponge made

SHOOTING IN ILLINOIS.

123

ill his "sporting tour," and there certainly was a strong
likeness in more than one way.

I will submit the description, and let my friends
see if I had n-^ just grounds for coming to this con-
clusion. " Jog had had many a game at romps with
these birds, and knew their haunts and habits to a
nicety. The covey consisted of thirteen originally,
but by repeated blazings into the * broun of 'em ' he
had succeeded in knocking down two. Jog was not
one of your conceited shots who never fired but when
he was sure of killing ; on the contrary, he always let
drive far or near, and even if he shot a hare, which he
sometimes did with the first barrel, he always popped
the second into her to make sure. Jog's shooting
afforded amusement to the neighbourhood. On one
occasion, a party of reapers having watched him miss
twelve shots in succession, gave him three cheers on
coming to the thirteenth."

Our worthy friend T. was the greatest theoretical
sportsman I ever met, and to hear him talk you would
imagine that he had reduced the whole performance
to such a certainty, that to let a bird get off " scot
free " was unknown to his double-barrel when he had
the pulling of the triggers.

On one occasion, when on a shooting expedition, he
dropped into a tavern the evening before commencing

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124

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

operations. The room was full of loungers, many of
whom were good shots, and were to accompany our
friend on the morrow. Shooting soon became the
absorbing subject of conversation, and so admirably
djd T. blow and expatiate on his skill — explaining and
proving, in the most scientific manner, how every
man, no matter what his infirmities, might become a
perfect crack — that the listeners got scared, and pre-
ferred remaining at home to being beaten by a ** city
gent."

Our day terminated with a heavy bag, and my
friend T. to this day enjoys among his circle of
acquaintances the reputation of being the very best
theoretical, and the very worst practical, sportsman in
the State of Ohio.

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CHAPTER XI.

[feLACK BEAR.

( iJrstia Americanus.)

NoNx. of the ferce naturce are better known in a state of
captivity than the black bear. What village schoolboy,
however remote the hamlet in which he resides, cannot
remember poor Bruin being led round by some half-
washed, uncombed foreigner, or his forming a portion
of the attractions which drew the gaping crowd to
enter the strong-smelling precincts of the annually-
visiting erratic menagerie ? Alas ! hard is the poor
bear's life when he is thus a prisoner. In summer he
is kept on half diet, and shut up in a miserable den ;
in winter he is stowed away in a cellar, and possibly,
at least once a week, baite.. ./ith curs, that the black-
guard owner may raise enough funds to carry on his
vagrant, idle life. How different this from the life the
bear enjoyed in his native woods, wandering about at
pleasure, enjoying every luxury of nature that the

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ACCESSIHLE FIELD SFOllTS.

i i

season produces ; and, if in a country subject to a
severe winter, quietly sleeping through that portion
of the year when the winds, loaded with frost and
snow, whistle round his snug retreat ! The black bear
at one period was very widely distributed over the
North American continent. Its range now, on account
of the advance and increase of population, has been
much restricted ; still, wherever there are large tracks
of uncultivated ground, representatives of this species
will bo found, whether in Canada or Labrador, Florida,
Georgia, or the Far West, until you reach the Rocky
Mountains, beyond which I have never heard of the
black bear being seen, the cinnamon bear ( Unus cin-
nnmomm) and the grizzly bear (Ursiis fcrox) there
supplying his place. So numerous still are the black
bears in some parts of the United States that a
portion of each year is set aside by the squatters and
farmers for their capture, and large packs of curs,
specially trained to assist, are kept for this purpose;
and numerous instances are on record of thirty, or even
ty bears having in a couple of months fallen before
one hunter's rifle. The flesh, which is with justice
much prized, is either salted down or smoked for
future use ; while the pelt furnishes a bed, or is sold to
the traders, ultimately to be made into rugs for sleighs
or the coarser kinds of furs for women and children.

BLACK HEAR.

127

The different sizes to which black bears attain in
various sections of the country arc somewhat remark-
able ; so much so that I have often been induced
to believe that they were entitled at least to be con-
sidered varieties, but otherwise they are so similar
in habits of life, choice of food, and residence, that
it would only be opening a path that might lead to
innumerable intricacies without the probability of re-
sulting in benefit. The black bear of Michigan,
Wisconsin, and the regions bordering on these States,
never exceeds two hundred and fifty pounds ; these
are generally denominated hog bear ; but when
you descend the Mississippi and get into the cane-
brukes of Arkansas, numbers are annually killed
that reach four hundredweight. Coming eastward,
you find a still larger animal, and I have heard from
undoubted sources that in the State of Maine; and
along the edges of New Brunswick, six, or even seven
hundred pounds' weight is no unusual size for bears to
attain. Doubtless these difference i are occasioned by
varieties or abundance of food that the different
regions produce, not temperature or climate, as the
difference between the latitude of Wisconsin and Maine
is very trifling.

Without further preamble, I will attempt a de-
scription. The bear is very short in carcass, with

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an unusually baggj'-, slack look ; the legs are long
and powerful in their sweep, and the animal can
handle them with the skill and proficiency of a pro-
fessed pugilist ; the head is -'^pry nearly an equi-
lateral triangle, with the nose for an apex ; the ears
are small and rounded, the same distance in situa-
tion behind the eye that the eye is from the nose ;
the measurement in circumference close in front of
the shoulder is almost as great as behind, which
gradually increase as it ranges backwards till the
loftiest point of the spinal vertebraD is reached ; while
the hind limbs, from their immense muscular power,
as well as abundance of flesh, appear like the extremi-
ties of a man encased in pegtop trousers. In walking
the toes of the fore feet are turned in, while the use of
the nether limbs is so human as to appear like a bur-
lesque on genus homo ; but if a casual observer be thus
struck, the anatomist or student of nature recognises in
this exaggerated formation the means supplied by nature
to ascend trees, escape enemies, or earn its support. The
colour when the pelt is prime is glossy black, but in
early spring a rufous tint is strongly developed ; this
is assisted by the undergrowth of wool becoming
elongated, and showing through the coarser black
ha^'rr that at other seasons are the only visible cover-
ing, unless a close and minute inspection be made.

BLACK BEAR.

129

From tlie eyes in a straight line almost perpendicular
to the nose the fur is brown, with a tip of the same
colour sometimes over the eyebrow. At the same time,
exceptions, more particularly among those of the North-
western States, are to bo found which are black to the
termination of the olfactory organ. r

As a general rule, when this bear is in a state of
nature, he is extremely timorous of man, flying from
him with a stealth and rapidity almost marvel-
lous ; but wound him, hurt him, even insult his
dignity, and the huntsman may be prepared for a
conflict that will only terminate in death ; for, once
enraged and drawn into conflict, his combativeness
increases, never lessening till life is extinct. How-
ever, instances have been known where Bruin has
not had these excuses for commencing hostilities.
Either an old cub engaged with her progeny in
imparting to them her extensive knowledge of the
world, some gallant lover worshipping at the shrine
of his devotion, or scarceness of provisions and desire
of gaining some certain retreat where appetite could
be gratified, have been the exciting causes in rousing
their otherwise peaceful temper araent. < :•

The first bear I ever shot was doubtless suffering
from the last cause. I will narrate the circumstance.
In the State of Wisconsin, near Green River, there are

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situatpd some beautiful retired sheets of water. These
spots had long possessed me with their attractiveness,
for game abounded in their vicinity ; the scenery was
beautiful, and, above all, you were entirely free from
man's intrusion. Could it be wondered, then, that sel-
dom a week passed that I did not find time to visit
them ? Summer had unconsciously glided into autumn,
the dark, dense covering of tne trees had changed to all
the gaudy hues of the rainbow, and the enlarged ripples
on the water, and occasional sighings of the wind, pre-
dicted that at no distant period another shroud than
the green grasses would cover the surface of the earth.
On the day in question when I left my couch im-
mense numbers of wild fowl were seen migrating south-
ward— evident signs that cold weather had made its
appearance north. So, hoping possibly to kill a swan,
or a scarce specimen of wild duck, I determined to
visit my lakes once more ere they were frozen up.
At noon, when I started to fulfil my purpose, large
flakes of snow were noiselessly desce iing, but not
in sufficient numbers to obliterate my trail. The
water reached, the first glance exposed a sight only
seen jy those who reside beyond the verges of civi-
lisation, where the wild denizens of the air or in-
habitants of the land reign supreme. The surface of
the water was covered with ducks of every variety;

BLACK BEAR.

131

moving room even looked scarce ; still phalanx after
phalanx came swooping down before the wind with
the well-known velocity that a wild duck's wings
command. Quack, quack, quack, went the ducks on
the water; a prolonged note from those in the air
answered. The three notes were an invitation, the one
note a hearty response, as willingly accepting the invi-
tation as the most hospitable host could desire.

A few shots filled my bag, and I seated myself on a
rock, regardless alike of snow or wind, to admire and
learn the instinct of the animal world. Hour after
hour glided on, and night was near as I returned my
pipe to my pocket, unfolded my covering from around
my gun-locks, and rose to depart. The snow had, in
the meantime, obliterated my path ; still the familiar
trees and the ever-true-speaking mosses told with
certainty the direction. Indolently and self-satisfied
I broke into the bush on my homeward route ; the
weight of the game told heavily on my shoulders.
Wherx half of the journey (which I had long
wished had been the whole) was reached, I heard a
rustling in the brush, evidently caused by lar-^e game.
Such a warning instantly aroused me, and, on the
alert for further sport, I took all the surrounding
visible objects in at a glance. In front was a bear.
A monster to my vision he appeared, for I was un-

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initiated at that time — and I believe the eye has a
trick of dealing in the marvellous with unaccustomed
objects — and, to my horror, Bruin was coming directly
towards me. My first feeling was to fly; next, to
ascend a tree; thirdly, to disappear into my boots.
The second glance gave me more assurance. Mr.
Bear was evidently on urgent private affairs ; his
whole manner bespoke this ; and he did not see me ;
so I determined to stand still, hoping he would
remain ignorant of my presence, or, at least, give me
a fair show, if compelled to fight. Onward advanced
Bruin ; closer and closer he came, and the nearer
he approached the farther my heart went into my
mouth. Still he was fifty yards off, and had plenty
of time to change his course ; but no such change
took place ; for if he had been a ball bowled at a
wicket the precision of his course could not have
been truer. Twenty yards could not have intervened
between us when my presence became known, and the
manner of welcome I received was far from encourajr-
ing, for he halted, sniffed in the air, and gave an angry
growl. I wished myself at home in bed, or at the
antipodes, or in any place but my present stand-
point. For remember, reader, my gun was only
loaded with duck shot ; and I was green, and, I fear,
very soft. It was evident that my appearance was

BLACK BEAR.

133

not mtimidating, for my adversary neither swerved to
right nor left, and his wicked eyes blazed forth flashes
of malignant hate. Eight or ten yards more the dis-
tance was diminished, when, whether from fear, certain
that my last moments had arrived, or knowledge of
animals' habits, I gave a shout, — a feeble one, of no
distinct note, I believe ; but the result was fortunate,
for the foe halted, and really seemed uncomfortable,
occasionally glancing around, as if he believed retreat,
if possible, would be advisable ; but second thoughts are
not always best. The irresolution was fatal, and the
bear found it so ultimately, for he again advanced
towards me. When scarcely eight yards divided us,
a second shout brought him again to a halt, and, as he
sat up, displaying his teeth — symptoms that too truly
said, " I will teach you a lesson"— I let him have the
contents of the right barrel, aimed for the nose, well
knowing the shortness of range would throw the pro-
jectiles up. And so it did. At so short a distance the
concussion was irresistible ; both eyes were destroyed,
the forehead up to the apex of the crown fearfully
cut up, and the poor bear rolled over, clawing the
injured parts in life's last agony. Without hesita-
tion I delivered the coup de grace by discharging the
second barrel at the butt of Bruin's ear, thus surely put-
ting a finishing touch to his earthly career. This bear

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

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weighed about two hundred and twenty pounds, and
was, in the vicinity where killed, deemed a very large
one.

"When in the State of Maine I was called from my
writing by the landlord of the small roadside hotel
at which I was residing. He informed me that a bear
had entered the clearing,* evidently with the intention
of attacking his drove of sheep. Seizing my unloaded
gun, and hastily charging both barrels with bullets, I
rushed down to join him, bootless as I had been sit-
ting. From an eminence a few yards from the house
we took a survey ; no bear could be seen ; but the timid
sheep were huddled in a fence corner, evidently having
suffered no ordinary fright.

With anxious gaze we scanned the enclosure ; every
moment a blackened, charred stump, the memento
of some giant monarch of the forest, was mistaken for
the bear. Again and again our mistake was found out,
and a new object wAs metamorphosed into a Bruin.
Ten minutes were thus spent, the flock of sheep became,
if possible, more uneasy, when, with sudden energy,
they made a simultaneous dash and crossed to the far
side of the field ; still no bear was visible, but that he
was close at hand was now evident. Loss of time or
prolonged suspense l)egan to make us careless ; an
♦ Where the forest has been cut away for cultivation.

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BLACK BEAR.

135

advance into the field had even been proposed, and was
about to be executed, when the sheep made another
start, evidently intent on returning to the position wo
found them, in ; but as they passed a log out rushed
Bruin, and cut off the retreat of the hindermost. Tho
poor victim made two or three feeble efforts to regain
his fellows, then turned and looked his enemy in the
face, and from that moment succumbed to fate, at tho
same time retaining the use of his legs. Nor did
Bruin rush up and seize him. He only headed him off
when inclined to turn out of the proper direction,
driving him all the time towards the right side of the
field, which edged on a piece of swamp. Soon the fence
was gained ; here the sheep's fortitude forsook him,
land as both landlord and self had followed as close in
rear as advisable, we were witnesses of a proceeding
almost incredible. Bruin was evidently in a magnani-
mous frame of mind, or was overcome by his natural
politeness, for without worrying or mauling, never for
a moment using his teeth, he picked up the poor
sheep between his paws, placed it on the top of the
rails, then pushed it over, and with the agility of a
greyhound cleared the fence himself. The shock
had roused the victim and reanimated him, for both
walked off into the bush, the one satisfied to be
driven, the other apparently a not over-exacting

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shepherd. Following up the duo as rapidly and
silently as circumstances would permit, we again came
on both ; but the bear had been annoyed, or the sheep
could or would not do what was wanted, for Bruin
had seized the unfortunate and dragged him on a log,
and was using both teeth and claws with animosity
and purpose. Making a stalk I got within twenty
yards of both ; the sheep's head had already been
almost severed, and the hot and liquid gore was evi-
dently giving intense satisfaction to the slayer. With
a long steady aim I covered the white horseshoe on the
bear's breast ; the gun was a large and heavy one, the
necessary pressure of the trigger was given, and with-
out a moan, almost without a kick, the would-be
despoiler and his prey fell to the earth together.
The shot was a good one ; the results on dissection
proved with what precision and force a solid bullet
can be fired from a common shot-gun. This bear
weighed four hundred pounds, and, from the decayed
and worn teeth, must have been an old stager; in
fact, I think age is wanted to give Bruin the courage
and desire to attack and kill animal food. The neigh-
bours were soon assembled, my gun was examined and
commented on, and I was the hero for the time being.
* The white shoe on the breast is commonly, in some
sections of the country, the spot which the trapper waits

BLACK BEAR.

137

to be exposed, to shoot at. A ball entering there, and
going either upwards or horizontally, always proves
fatal. However, behind the shoulder, very low down,
is the favourite aim with me. In these cross shots, if
obtainable, you always have more to shoot at, and the
regions of the heart are reached nearer the surface.
The butt of the ear, a little backwards, if close enough
to make certain, is another deadly point ; but the size
of this delicate and mortal place is small, and should
never be chosen beyond thirty yards. The head shot
can, with conical bullets, easily be performed ; but a
spherical bullet, especially from a small-bore rifle, from
the wedge- shape of the cranium, is very apt to glance
off without injuring more than the skin.

In hunting bears with dogs, the commonest cur that
has pluck enough to snap at his heels is the best
animal for the purpose. The bear gets worried, then
cross, and ultimately ascends the first tree that his
judgment tells him is suitable, resting most frequently
on the soonest reached branch out of harm's way,
unless the hunter be seen or heard ; if so, then the
highest foot of bearable timber will be selected. It
is not uncommon on these occasions for him to
ascend too high for the strength of the limb, when,
the bough breaking, both come tumbling to the earth.
Although such a rapid and lofty descent would

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certainly destroy a man, Bruin will arise uninjured,
shake himself, and trot off as if nothing had hap-
pened.

The vitality of the bear is immense. His powers of
destruction when wounded are equally so. So, gentle
reader, if it should be your fortune to go bear hunting,
pray be careful if you approach them when wounded.
A sportsman's maxim, that should never bo forgotten,
is, " always load your gun before you move from where
it was discharged, and never let the temptations or
excitement of the moment permit you to hurry when
performing this useful duty."

A great many bears have been killed with the knifis
only, but the person who performs so dangerous a feat
must truly be fool-hardy and reckless of consequences,
and in my belief such conduct is, except in cases of
emergency, most unjustifiable. For one who returns
safe in limb and skin from such a contest, the majority
who attempt it woidd be fearfully mauled, or very pos-
sibly disabled for life.

The black bear in a state of captivity is extremely
restless, and, when old, bad-tempered and treacherous,
more especially should he have been teased in his
youth ; but when he roves the forest, free, he is the
laziest and most luxurious fellow, sleeping the greater
portion of his tinie, feeding on nuts or luscious fruits,

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BLACK BEAR.

139

playing in the sun's heat with comrades, and seldom
quarrelling with his brethren. When passages of
arms take place, love is the cause, and the battle is
waged more in words than blows.

Two or hree years ago, in the autumn, about mid-
night, I was passing through a chain of lakes in the
State of Maine ; the night was lit by an occasional star,
struggling through the rapidly fleeting dark clouds
for an opportunity to show the earth its brilliancy.
I was alone, and,- save the splash of my paddle and the
occasional unearthly call of the loon, all was still as
the grave. In entering a narrow passage to avoid the
weeds, I had to hug the land so close that occasionally
the limb of a tree would brush against me or my birch-
bark canoe. "With a suddenness that made my heart's
blood run cold, a yell from some unknown beast, loud,
shrill, and unearthly, so close that I almost believed
for a moment that the cause was within reach, echoed
from tree to tree, and died away, reverberating in the
distance. Again and again it was repeated. For
awhile I remained motionless, till the cool breeze
recalled me to myself, and I proceeded homewards.
Next morning I returned to examine the place. A
veteran hunter was my companion, and we found
such convincing proofs that bears had been there,
that one of them I feel certain produced this noise.

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ACCESSIBLE FiELD SPORTS.

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my companion assuring me tliat at tbe period the
sexes come together, if rivals are in the way, the call
or note of defiance is quite dissimilar from their general
voice.

Early in spring the young are born. At first they
are very small. In six weeks they are able to accom-
pany their mother, who cares for them witli the
greatest solicitude and attention, hauling the logs on
one side for the cubs to obtain the coveted grubs
and larvso underneath ; pulling down the uppermost
branches that produce fruit ; and if, by accident, the
young should be placed in a position of danger, her
life is always willingly sacrificed in their defence.

"Walking across a portage in Maine, close to the
borders of New Brunswick, in front of the party of
which I was a member, my gun loaded, in the hope of
killing a partridge or two, I perceived a small animal,
about the size of a King Charles spaniel, running along
the track a himdred or more yards in front of me.
Without troubling myself to look closely, I concluded
it was a porcupine, animals which were extremely com-
mon in the vicinity. Soon after a dog belonging to one
of my companions passed me ; stooping to the trail he
gave tongue, and went in pursuit at his best possible
speed. In a few more moments I knew he had brought
something to bay, and, proceeding to his assistance, I

BLACK nEAR.

141

found a young boar, the size of a badger, treod in a six-
inch sapling. Where was the mother ? Answer says,
** IJon't know ; " for young Bruin, after a vixenish
fight, was secured, and, although half-an-hour elapsed
in the oi)eration, the old lady still remained non est.

It is very conmion for bears to ? killed after they
have retired to their dormitory for the winter sleep.
When living near Lake Couchachin, in Canada, I
assisted on such an occasion. An Indian from Rama
came to me in great haste, with the hope I would sell
him some ammunition. From his earnestness and
anxiety I knew that he had made a valuable discovery,
which, after a little higgling, was disclosed. lie had
found a bear's retreat in a hollow log, nearly imbedded
in snow, and the ammunition was fo" poor Bruin's de-
struction.

Stipulating that I should have a share of the sport, I
supplied the ammunition, and we started. The distance
was short. Mr. Chippewa Indian knocked on the log,
and the writer stood at the entrance. Poor Briun at
length forsook his snug retreat, yawning and looking
stupid as he emerged into daylight, when a bullet at less
than five yards settled the matter. "When a bear is
thus housed in a log a heavy vapour of steam, should
the weather be calm, perceptibly hangs over it.

Many naturalists for years considered this species

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identical with the bear of Europe ; but of later date
all those accepted as authorities have agreed that the
black bear of America and the bear of Europe are
totally distinct species; and if any of my readers should
have the opportunity, let them closely examine both,
which will be found together at the Regent's Park
Gardens, in London, and they will no longer hesitate
that the conclusion is the correct one.

1 \

CHAPTER XII,

FLIGHT SHOOTING ON GEAND PHAIEIE.

While resting for a day or two at MacComb's, Grand
Prairie, Illinois, when on a tour, at the commencement
of severe weather, one of the hands who had been out
collecting cattle on the prairie, on returning to dinner,
informed me that both ducks and geese were arriving
in immense numbers. Soon my No. 10 gun was brought
out, and with seven pounds of shot and my large
powder-flask full, I started in the direction indicated.
The weather since morning had undergone a complete
change, for instead of a damp, mild atmosphere, snow
was falling in large but few flakes, with the ther-
mometer below freezing-poini;.

On reaching the sloughs I found birds abundant,
but too wary for great success ; so, after firing a few
long shots with indifierent success, I determined to
change my beat. I had remarked the day before a field
of a few acres of indirFerent Indian corn which liad not

144

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

yet been gathered, and whicli was excessively wet and
soft from the dampness of the soil; thither I deter-
mined to turn my footsteps, and well it was I did so, for
a finer afternoon's sport I have seldom enjoyed. Before
I got within a quarter of a mile of my destination, I
could see duck in numerous large flights hovering
over the place in question, giving hopes of sharp work.
On gaining the edge of the field and taking a survey, I
found the ground in many places perfectly covered
with birds, and strings of fresh arrivals coming in
momentarily — mallard, butter duck, teal and winter
duck, all making the best use of their bills to further
destroy an indifferent crop. After a survey of the
situation I selected a stand, forming a screen of corn
stems and iron weed, and scarcely was I ensconced,
when the honk ! honk ! honk ! of a distant flock of wild
geese told me that the wary scoundrels were en avant.
However, so many duck came within easy shooting
distance that I could not resist opening fire, and I com-
menced skirmishing forthwith. The birds appeared
totally devoid of fear either of the report of my gun
01 my presence, and flew frequently within fifteen or
twenty yards in the most leisurely and business-like
manner. Again and again I loaded and shot till my
barrels got agreeably warm. Old Nep, whom doubt-
less many companions remember, soon had the ground

FLIGHT SHOOTING ON GRAND PRAIRIE.

145

around my feet thickly strewn with slain, and when
an unfortunate duck less severely peppered than
others, or only broken- winged, would attempt to hobble
off, Master Ifep would give him a pinch about the
regions of the cranium that immediately reduced the
irost obstreperous to submission. Geese commenced to
arrive after I had been at work about half an hour ;
first a solitary gander, whose coat I dusted and secured,
next two or three, and ultimately half-dozens and dozens
in squads, while the duck whistled by with all the
velocity of sky-rockets. By four r.M. my powder-
flask commenced to show signs of giving out, and with
sickly, hollow rattle proclaimed that the remaining
charges were few. To prolong the sport I reduced
ray charges, but still the end was drawing near and
could only be delayed a few minutes, for with regret,
though the snow was now falling fast and the
weather anything but enjoyable, I was brought to a
halt. On collecting the spoil I had nineteen geese
and forty-one ducks, a load sufficient for a Canadian
pony. However, I managed to stow them all in a
fence corner, there to remain till sent for, and most
unwillingly I turned towards home. My last view of
the field was of broad bills in even increasing regi-
ments rushing on to the devoted crop, and I have
little doubt if my ammunition had lasted that I could

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

■fM

have shown a score that had seldom previously been
made.

The society of a companion was the only thing
wanting to complete the enjojnnent ; for talking over
the results by a comfortable fire, with a goodly supply
of tobacco and a hot glass of Scotch whiskey punch, is
no small portion of the pleasure of the day's amuse-
ment and a fitting climax. Moreover, such exploits are
a bond of fellowship with a comrade which does more
to promote good feeling than aught else I know of.
If one of my old friends had been with me, that duck
hunt would have doubtlessly formed a standing dish
at our most frequented haunt for the greater part of
the winter, or till some performance more brilliant had
taken place, to throw the old yarn in the shade and
eclipse its splendour.

! :'ll

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I -'U

CHAPTER XIII.

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

Halifax, — reader, have you ever been in Halifax?
Many places are to be found less to be admired and less
agreeable to live in, although I have heard sailors
quote the saying, usually applied to its namesake in Old
England, " deliver us from Hell, Hull, and Halifax."
Why this condemnation, I know not. For my part,
I have been in many towns less pleasant ; the inha-
bitants are hospitable and genial, the society is good,
and the ladies have no small pretensions to being
considered beautiful. Having spent a couple of weeks
lounging about Halifax with nothing to do, at length
I decided to go in search of adventure, and, if possible,
get a few days' salmon fishing.

Having come to this conclusion, on examining the
local papers, I found that the good schooner Alert, re-
gistered A 1, would sail on the morrow for the Straits of
Belle Isle, to collect salt fish from the coast, weather

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permitting, so without delay I hastened to the desig-
nated wharf, to examine the craft, and strike a bargain
with the skipper. The captain was below, in the cabin,
one of the deck hands informed me, as I passed the
gangway, indicating the position of the companion-
ladder with a jerk of his finger over the left shoulder.
On getting at the bottom of that most inconvenient
piece of mechanism in every small craft, the com-
panion-ladder,— a little faster than expected, having
slipped my foot on the second or third step, and slid
the rest of the way to the bottom, only saving my
neck by the hold I had of the banisters, and making a
tremendous racket by my rapid descent, — I was saluted
with, " Jock, you careless lubber, can't you mind your
feet ? This is the second time you have made that
infernal clatter this day !" And what more would
have come I know not, for I interrupted the speaker
in his invective by knocking with considerable energy
at the door, which appeared to stand between us. On
being desired to enter, I turned the handle, when
Captain MacGregor was presented to my view, lathered
all over, and in the act of giving the finishing touch on
the strap to his razor. He was a big man, powerful,
raw-boned, but kindly-looking, and with great courtesy
he apologised for his undress, and the rough salute he
had given mo ; the companion-ladder he condemned in

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

149

no measured terms, but at the same time he could make
no allowance for a young callan like Jock being not
spry enough with his feet to keep a grip of aucht that
he could get his heel or toe on. I saw that the skipper
was a bit of a character, and with all his external
roughness, had a good, warm, kind heart underneath.
I determined, therefore, to trust myself to his seaman-
ship, if suitable terms could be made. At once the
subject of my visit was broached and his charge for
the trip ascertained. After thinking a minute or two, he
asked my name, and whether or no I was from the
States. On being answered in the negative and my
cognomen given, he took a good look at me, and laying
down his razor, the lather being still on his face, he
delivered himself in these words : — " The passage I'll
just charge you five pund sterling for, I'm thinking
you'll na deem that ower muckle, but if I didna like
your cut, twenty pund, let alone five, would na hae let
you aboard. And I suppose it's a' right, and gin
you'll jist wait till I get scraped, I can gie you a
glass of real Islay that nare was gauged by excise-
man." Soon the scraping operation was performed to
his satisfaction, and a black bottle was produced the
contents of which fully reached the proper standard of
excellence, if strength is considered to constitute it.
In the meantime the captain had got ready to go on

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ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

shore, and Jock was summoned for final instructions,
but the deck hands stated that he was not on board,
but fishing off" the end of the dock. A stentorian shout
summoned the truant. With line in hand and a string
of flounders he made his appearance. "How darst
you gang ashore wi'out my permission. You're mair
bother than the whole ship's company, you de'il's
buckey you. Yinst we get hame, your mither maun
keep you to hersel, for though she be my ain sister,
I'll no be longer fashed wi' the likes o' you. Now
listen to me : hae dinner sharp at twa ; see that the
cook dun'na boil the haggis ower muckle, and set twa
places. You'll tak your dinner wi' me, sir ; I ha got a
real Scotch haggis, and the likes you maybe nare tasted
afore. I'll fcak no refusal, mon, unless you're promised
to a friend." With pleasure I accepted the invitation,
and, much pleased with both captain and schooner,
returned to the hotel to pack my traps and make final
arrangements before sailing. Sharp at two I was
again on board, and the agreeable odour which per-
vaded the craft, if it rose from the haggis, was a
guarantee of future excellence. The captain welcomed
me with great warmth, and expressed hopes that we
should have a rapid and pleasant passage, but at the
same time informed me that there was no more kittlish
navigation in the world, excepting it be on his own

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

151

native coast. Our meal passed pleasantly, and while
performing the office of host, his brusquencss dis-
appeared, and with it a good deal of the broad dialect.
The haggis was excellent, the bacon and chickens were
as good, and the West Indian preserves which formed
the dessert were of the best quality. As I stretched my
limbs under his table, in the snug little cabin, after
the cloth had been removed, and a kettle of boiling
water flanked with lemons had made its appearance, I
felt satisfied that there were worse lots in the world
than commanding a clipper schooner in the West
Indian trade.

As the toddy circulated our companionship in^
creased, and to a question I asked in reference to his
success in the last voyage, he made the following
statement : — " Well, sir, you see a man that com-
menced the world without a bawbee. My father and
mither were baith poor, and when I thought I had
enough schooling, our family being big, I bound my-
self as an apprentice on board a bark called the
Kibnore, that traded out of Clyde to the West Indies.
She was one of the old-fashioned sort, and would make
as much on a wind as a hay-stack. Still, she was a
snug little boat, strong as oak and dry as could be.
On the last run I made in her the captain took sick
and died, most before we lost sight of Cantire. This

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152

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

|i: r

made mo second mate, and the former first mate took
charge. Our voyage was prosperous, and we dropped
anchor off Demerara in near the shortest time that then
ever had been made. One thing only disturbed the har-
mony of the passage, viz., the acting first officer was so
puffed up with his new post that he neither performed
his duty or would let others do theirs. The temporary
captain was, after a deal of forbearance, compelled to
place him under arrest, and prefer charges against
him on dropping anchor. The result was, he was
discharged, and as the bark was to go to sea imme-
diately, and a first mate could not be procured, I was
advanced to act in that capacity.

"When we got back ta Clyde, the very day we sighted
old Ailsa Craig, my time was out, and as we ran up
the river with a fair wind astern, and all our stunsaUs
set, I would have given most aught if my mither and
father — who lived at Saltcoats, close by — could have
seen their boy, in his new and advanced berth. The
owners of the old Kilmore launched a new ship next
year, and, much to my unexpected satisfaction, I got
the berth of first officer in her. A year or two after,
when at Jamaica, I was offered the command of a brig
in the Honduras trade, and here I saved some money ;
in three years I purchased a share, and in two years
more was half owner. The world prospered wi' me, and

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

153

every few year or so I see the auld folks and gle tb'^m
a little comfort in their auld age. When young, many's
the trout I had tane, and when I would make my
fleeing visits to the old hearthstone, I would generally
get a day or two to try the salmon in Doon, for I was
aye fond o' fishing, so was my father, and his father
afore him, an' somehow I ne'er kent a fisher who was
na an honest man " — (as he warmed with the subject
he resumed his native dialect), — "and when I looked
at you, and heard you say you were going for a bit o'
fishing, my heart warmed to you, and tho' I ha' been
so fashed wi' passengers, and had maist made up my
mind nare to take anither, I jist thought I'd brak my
rule on your account."

The afternoon passed pleasantly ; the captain had
been everywhere, and discoursed with great good sense
and knowledge upon different countries, and he was
destitute of the disagreeable egotism that so frequently
stamps our uneducated countrymen. Moreover, he
was a loyal and true subject of his queen and country,
which made me the more appreciate him. Next morn-
ing we got to sea with a fair wind, and every prospect
of a short run ; the schooner was a remarkably fast
sailer, built after the model of one of our modern
yachts, low and close to the water ; with plenty of
beam, and long, tapering, rakish spars. Her decks

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154

ACJCESSIHLE FIELD SPORTS.

were without hamper, and showed from their whiteness
that holystone was not spared ; while the crew, which
"onsisted of six men, the redoubtable Jock, and a
sturdy nigger, were as efficient, clean, and smart as could
well have been found. The captain took a great deal
of pleasure in his craft, and handled her as none but a
man of experience could ; besides, he was half owner,
and this nir.de him have an interest in all the details
that one o:inployed by the month or cruise would be un-
likely to possess. In talking to the skipper, reading,
and locking ov^er my tackle, the day passed rapidly,
an'1 ''.o night closed in and the breeze lessened, I con-
cluded that I had seldom passed a pleasanter day.

After supper, MacGregor produced his rods and fly
book for my inspection, and a long and careful examina-
tion we had of these common subjects of interest. His
rods were remarkably heavy, longer than I should
deem necessary, while his flies were coarsely tied,
although the colouring was all that could be desired.
If one had been dismembered, I have little doubt,
from the dubbing and feathers of which it was com-
posed, three, or at least two, of my treasures could have
been fabricated. Of course, I soon produced my tools, to
all of which he gave an abundance of praise, but doubted
if they could do more execution than his own. My reel,
alone, he acknowledged to be better than his, and con-

1 -

SALMON FISHING IN LAUKADOR.

155

eluded, if ever he went to New York,* he'd be guilty of
the extravagance of purchasing its counterpart. Bed-
time arrived, and having discussed a night cap, I turned
into my bunk, while the captain went on deck to keep
the middle watch with the second mate — a practice he
always followed when on the coast. The motion was
just suflBcient to lull me to sleep, and soon my eyes
were closed to the outer world. Three hours at the
utmost must I have been asleep, when the violence
of the motion, the stamping on deck, and the sten-
torian voice of the skipper, thoroughly aroused me
from my slumbers. From the even keel that we had
been on a few hours before, we now careened so far
over that I found it next to impossible to brace myself
in my berth ; the wind fairly screeched through the
rigging, and the racket caused by chairs, and other
movables adrift, banished slumber for the time being.
At length I could remain no longer below, from a
desire to see and ascertain the nature of our position.
After many ineflPectual attempts, and not without
assuming all kinds of strange attitudes, I got into my
nether garments and boots, and succeeded in gaining
the upper regions. The scene was truly terrific ; the
sea was wild with agitation ; billow after billow rolled
past, crested with foam, while the blast fairly howled

* Made by Andrew Clerk and Co., of Maiden Lane.

'ill

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156

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

about US. The captain stood aft, holding on to the
weather mainstay, occasionally giving an order to the
men at the wheel. From the spread of canvas we had
formerly carried we were now reduced to a close- reefed
mainsail, foresail, and storm jib. Sometimes the vessel
would appear to jump, as she would leave the top of
one roller to reach the next. Nobly the gallant craft
bore the ordeal, and splendidly did she behave ; still,
the cool self-possession of the captain failed to prevent
my thinking how much better I should be satisfied to
be again standing on terra firma, and although pride
prevented my making the confession, I internally
registered a vow, that if ever I again placed my foot on
land, nothing should again tempt me to trust my safety
on board a coaster.

I fear, however, my vow had no more stability in it
than many made by others under similar circumstances.
On the coast of China I was on board a vessel which
had the misfortuixC to be caught in a typhoon, and all
thought our last hour was not far distant. The person
who commanded her was the most profane man it ever
was my chance to encounter ; he could not give an order
of the' most simple nature without qualifying it with
an oath. ^,6 oa after sea broke over us, and we were
in momentary danger of being swamped, J heard him
say that if h j got out of this fix he'd never use a foul

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

157

word again. The vortex of the storm soon afterwards
i assed to leeward, and we were safe ; but this swearer
changed not from his evil habit, but, if anything,
swore more. On another occasion, proceeding from
Malta to Naples, I encountered a grcgali or le 'anter —
a violent description of storm frequent in that p ortion of
the globe. The vessel I had shipped in was a small brig,
of Trieste, manned by Albanians, Greeks, and Italians.
As soon as our position became one of danger, all
appeared paralysed and incapable, through fear, of per^
forming the slightest duties. In the after part of the
brig a niche was fitted up with some pictures of the
Virgin, and various saints, with two or three candle-
sticks, the whole intended to represent a chapel ; around
this the mongrel crew crowded, praying and counting
their beads. One who appeared more devout or terrified
than the rest, and whom I had previously remarked
from his villainous cast of countenance, kept promising
in all the most impressive language he could select,
silver candlesticks, and other expensive ornaments to
the shrine of his patron saint, if he would only inter-
pose to save him this time. Three days after we dropped
anchor in the Bay of Bays. Giovanni's vows and
promises had stirred my curiosity, as I v as certain his
meagre pay would not fulfil one-lralf of what ho doubt-
lessly had intended. Wandering a few days afterwards

If II

I'll'

158

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

in one of the loneliest suburbs, I came across ray quon-
dam acquaintance, in the middle of a number of lazza-
roni, engaged in gambling. The scene tempted me to
remain and see the sequel, which was not far off, for
after fifteen minutes he arose, shook himself, pro-
nounced an anathema on his luck, and disappeared.
Having to visit the brig, in reference to some baggage
I had left on board, I found Giwvanni on deck, when I
asked him if he had provided the offerings he had
promised his saint. With a jocular smile he acknow-
ledged he had not, but intended doing it at some future,
indefinite date. I fear human nature is much the same
everywhere, under whatever clime, or in whatever laud
it may be nurtured. Mussulman, Roman Catholic, or
Protestant — all make promises or vows on the spur or
compulsion of the moment, too often afterwards, under
happier auspices, to be disregarded.

But to my narrative. With each hour the gale in-
creased, and to such violence that the gallant schooner
was momentarily in peril. Next morning dawned bleak
and wild, the waves tumbled over one another, the
larger swallowing up the lesser for want of something
else to satisfy their devouring inclination. This day and
several others were only a repetition of the first night ;
no reckoning could be obtained ; still we stood upon
our course. With half an '^ye T could detect that our

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

159

skipper was uneasy, and anxious again for a glimpse of
the old familiar sun.

One of our sails had been blown to ribbons, and our
bowsprit became partially sprung, still as long as we
had plenty of sea-room all was comparatively safe ;
sailors' ingenuity had obviated temporarily the injury
of the latter, and the sail room had supplied fresh
canvas. The fourth evening the gale exhausted itself
about midnight, and I, who had not closed an eye during
these days, experienced a few hours of the balmiest
sleep that ever fell to the lot of storm-tossed mariner,
notwithstanding that there was not a dry stitch, even
among the bedding, on board the Alert. How often
do I think of the affectionate, kind mother of my
childhood, and her anxiety that her boy should not
sleep in damp sheets ! Could she see or know the trials
and hardships which he, with others, has encountered
in his journey through life, her maternal solicitude
would receive a severe shock. Truly, the journey of
life is a rough path, made up of storms and sunshine,
wintry snows and tropical showers ; one time ascend-
ing hills, the next descending ; fortune smiling to-day,
frowning to-morrow ; ignorant of what the future has
in store for us ; but, doubtless, all is for the best, and
those troubles and temptations which in our spleen we
grumble at, are but intended to fit us for our ultimate

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160

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

resting-place, where perpetual sunshine and unclouded
happiness will reign for ever.

Next morning when day awoke me, I was delighted
to find that we were once more on a level keel, and
when I gained the deck, so bright and joyous appeared
the weather, that you could imagine that nature was
laughing and enjoying our previous discomfort.
Sambo, the cook, soon supplied me with a cup of
coffee, which, with my morning pipe, I thoroughly
enjoyed, while I watched the detached banks of fog
roll lazily over the water, occasionally shutting out or
opening vistas of the distance. The whole water was
alive with fish, the surface in many places being
broken, and resembling the rapids of a river, with
their gambols, but soon a giant porpoise would roll in
among them, when all the terrified fry would disappear
for a few minutes, to re-present themselves when the
intruder had departed. Gulls, in immense numbers,
floated upon the water, as if resting from the fatigue
caused by the war of the elements, and adding beauty
to the picture by their pure white, spotless plumage.
I remember hearing an old salt in answer to the
question of why sea fowl, in bad weather, so much
more fearlessly approach vessels than when it is
calm, give the following solution : — " Well, you see,
those good folks who die don't g: i^ Davie Jones, but

"w n

» I ijC* ... •<

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

161

turn Into cape pigeons and kittlwakes, and them kind
of birds, and when they think it's rough and kind of
dangerous, they naturally like to hover about their
friends to protect them." If angels visit earth in
these modern and wicked times, there are many garbs
they could assume less beautiful and less suitable than
that of the snowy-white sea-gull.

At breakfast our captain expressed much satisfaction
at the bad weather having passed, and particularly at
its being so unusually calm, for he much feared, what
with the usual incorrectness of dead reckoning and
strong tides — which exist to a greater extent here *
than probably in any other portion of the globe —
that he was some way off his course. On taking
soundings, the depth indicated by the lead line and
the composition of the bottom so completely differed
from what we expected that there scarcely remained
a doubt that we were astray ; still we were drifting
very rapidly to the north-west, the fog, if anything,
growing denser. About eleven our captain, having
given the look-out strict injunctions to keep his
eyes open while he again went below to examine
his chart, I followed suit. I could scarcely have been
in the cabin over five minutes when the schooner
received a severe shock, which caused me to rush on

* In the Bay of Fundy the tide sometimes rises over twenty feet.

Il'

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162

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

deck. We had struck a rock forward, a little to star-
board of the stem, but the tide had fortunately swung
us round clear, and we were drifting on as if nothing
had happened. On sounding, we found we were
making water rapidly, faster than the pumps could
throw it out. True, we had the boats, and our danger
was trifling, but the security of the gallant craft was
imminent. Not a word of anger did the captain
permit to escape his lips, but accepted all as destiny.
Scarcely twenty minutes had we been in this uncertain
state when a gentle breeze sprang up and the fog
rapidly lifted, giving us an observation, and disclosing
a panorama never to be forgotten. Tier after tier of
stei '" hills overtopped each other to the north, grand
in their bold and fantastic outline, while a white sandy
beach met the blue water, occasionally interrupted by
R reef of rocks jutting out into the azure element.
Not over a mile separated us from the shore, and pro-
jecting headlands shut us in from west and easterly
gales ; while a reef of rocks, the extremity of which
we had touched, formed a natural breakwater a mile
and a half to the eastward. If so disposed, with the
wind from its present direction, we should have found
it a difficult matter to beat out, and when the skipper |
informed me that he intended running in and strand-
ing the vessel at the first high tide, I not only highly I

Iff! l-rtili

bo star-
swung
aotlaing
e were
s could
■ danger
Taft was
captain
, destiny,
mcertain
. tlie fog
lisclosing
ter tier of
■til, grand
lite sandy
rupted by
I element.
I, and pro-
d easterly
of which
ter a mile
I, witli the
lave found
e skipper I
ind strand-
Inly highly I

SALMON FISHING IN LAHRADOR.

163

approved, but was much delighted with the prospect.
The welcome word to let go the anchor soon rang
forth, and the emblem of faith took hold on firm sand
at four fathoms. .

In discussing our early dinner, the captain informed
me that he intended going ashore to seek out a suit-
able place to strand his craft, and that I might as well
accompany him and explore to the westward, for a
stream was marked on his chart which could not be
over a few miles from our anchorage. Soon we trod
terra firma, and, while MacGregor remained, I started,
double-barrel in hand, on a reconnaissance, with light
steps and lighter heart. The soil was thin and unpro-
ductive, bearing nothing but stunted brush, excepting
in the ravines and hollows, sheltered from the prevail-
ing winds ; here a dwarf deformed pine or stunted
larch would rear its diminutive head, or an antiquated
birch, covered with its hoary bark, hang precarious from
a jutting rock. Intense solitude reigned around, and
nought broke the stillness of the landscape, save the per-
severing, wicked hum of the bloodthirsty mosquito.
With buoyant hopes I walked on, and just as I began
to think I had traversed quite two miles, I suddenly
came upon the margin of a bright, pure river, about
seventy yards wide, running in a continuous, rapid
stream towards the sea. Mungo Park's first view of

:Hi

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. : '

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164

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

the Niger, or Spoke and Grant's first sight of the
upper waters of the Nile, can scarce have afforded more
satisfaction to those illustrious travellers than I expe-
rienced on this occasion. Several seals were fishing
in the current, and their disregard of my presence
convinced me that their acquaintance with the lords of
creation had heen very limited. Several families of
wild duok were conspicuous, while salmon and sea
trout broke water wherever the stream was undis-
turbed by the unwelcome seals. Reader, have you
ever been on rivers and witnessed how rapidly the
arrival of a seal in a pool is transmitted ? The
moment before his unwelcome presence is known,
thousands of fish sport themselves, but on his advent
being published, not an indication can be noted that
aught else tenants the water save this amphibious
animal. After taking a due survey I started up-
wards, following the margin of the stream. In less
than a mile I found its general characteristics changed,
and from a steady rapid current it became a boiling,
seething cataract. Again its character changed, and
large sombre-looking pools interrupted its precipi-
tous course. How I longed for a rod! It required
much less experience than mine to be awaie that this
was a magnificent fishing- ground. Salmon rose on all
sides, pitching themselves clear of the water and

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

165

making It fly in spray, like the splash of a heavy
stone. I had beheld enough to satisfy the most fasti-
dious, and with hurried steps I retraced my way, brim-
ful with what I had seen, and anxious to convey
the important information to my kind and worthy
acquaintance, the captain.

That evening we discussed our plans, MacGregor
being in excellent spirits, having found that the ship's
leak could easily be stopped, and that the injury was
for from serious. As he was hi^ own employer, he
thought he would indulge in a little recreation, and
set his men to painting, sail-making, and all those
minor et ceteras so constantly wanted on board ship,
while we in company flogged the river, or other-
wise enjoyed ourselves. That night we sat up later
than usual, and fishing excursions for years gone
by were discussed, tales told of the first blood we
had drawn, of the largest fish we had captured,
and where they had succumbed to our j wess. Old,
musty, moth-eaten fly-hooks and feathers, that appeared
as if they had not not seen the light of day for years,
were produced from his numerous lockers, and as they
were examined, and various pages turned c '^er, nume-
rous were the anecdotes narrated in connection with
each. So the evening sped along, and chancing to
refer to the sea- trout, he seized upon the subject as on

i !

1C6

AtTESSinLE FIELD SPORTS.

a favourite hobby, and informed me that " if there
were whitling,* lie would show me some sport ere we
reached the river, for he kent of a fiie that they could
na resist ava, but just loupet at it like mad." His
fly-hooks were again appealed to, but a perfect specimen
could not be found ; some wanted wings, others bodies,
and in all the gut was in an imperfect state. What
was to bo done ? As luck would have it, I fortunately
had the materials, and his debris afforded a good
13attern. On offering them for his use, he declined,
but requested me to become manufacturer. The fly was
simple, and easily tied ; and for the benefit of those
who may some day be similarly situated, I will here
describe it. Wings from the swan or white goose;
body scarlet mohair ; two or three strands of scarlet ibis
for the tail ; the body wrapped loosely and wide with
silver tinsel, with a scarlet hackle under the wings.
In half-an-hour I had tied six ; and taking a night-cap
in the shape of a strong glass of the genuine Islay in the
form of punch, turned in to dream of fish and fishing.
Jock roused us an hour before daylight, and having
discussed an excellent cup of coffee, we got into the
stern sheets of one of the boats, with two of the
crew to pull us to our destination. After leaving
the side of the schooner, MacGregor determined to
^ * Scotticism for sea^-trout.

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

1G7

mount one of the flies which I had murlo the previous
evening, and troll behind the boat. Soon the deception
was overboard, and scarcely had twenty yards left the
reel before he had a strike, but the fish did not hold.
On satisfying himself that the tackle had not parted,
more line was paid out, and ere we had progressed a
hundred yards, he hooked a fish, and that a good one.
The reel rushed with the greatest velocity, although the
rowers had backed water to impede the progress of
the boat, and for a good quarter of an hour it was give
and take. TL'. scientific maimer in which my friend
bundled his rod at once convinced me that he was no
novice, and his coolness proved that he was master of
the art. At length the previously unseen and game
antagonist was brought under the gunwale, and with
little difficulty I struck the gaff into his beautiful side,
and brought him into the boat. My friend called the
captured fish a pollack, and confessed to having killed
himdreds of them on his native coast. I have since
become aware that he was right) and that this fish is
well known in British waters. Again his flies were
astern, and similar results took place, till I got im-
patient lest we should be late in arriving at our desti-
nation. So far we had not seen a sea-trout, but this
delay was not to be long continued. On entering the
estuary of the river, our first one was hooked — a lively

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168

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

fellow of three pounds ; another and another followed
suit, till over a dozen white struggling beauties lay
upon the foot-boards. I am convinced, if we had re-
mained and devoted ourselves to this sport, that we
could almost, between the two rods, have loaded the
boat ; but nobler game was in prospect, and splendid
fishing was resigned for sport in prospective.

Before leaving the white trout, a few words on
its habits and characteristics .may not be inappro-
priate. Along tho coast of Labrador and Prince
Edward's Island, about the mouth of the jiumerous rivers
that "low into the St. Lawrence, they are to be found
in immense numbers, visiting the various streams about
the time, or perhaps a little later, than the salmon.
Their size varies from one-and-a-rhalf to six pounds, or
even more. They spawn in fresh water, like salmon,
which they much resemble in shape and habit. They
are greedy feeders, easily hooked, and not fastidious in
their taste ; and, for their weight, are second to no fish
in the world for theJr perBevering, determined efibrts to
escape, jumping frequently several feet clear of the water,
and using every effort to tax the angler's skill.

In appearance the sea-»trout* is much like the Salmo
salnr, and wheii cooked it would be diflScult to tell the
two apart. In fishing for them, the same skill in the

• The sea trout of America and B^-i^ayi ar? d^ffe^ent specieai.

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

169

choice of flies is not necessary, Lut brilliant ones should
always be selected, for invariably they will be found the
most effective. If in a boat, the angler should gene-
rally confine himself to such portions of the coast
as receive the fresh water of a river or brook. The
flies that I should prefer using for this description of
sport would be at least several sizes smaller than those
commonly employed for the capture of the larger
species {Salmo salar).

Having pulled up into the current as far as the
stream would permit, we landed upon a rock, behind
whose jutting sides the water formed many a miniature
whirlpool. As the captain raised his rod to take in
the surplus line, a fine sea-trout rose at the fly.
Judging from the splash, he was of more than usual size,
and worth making a second effort for. Again the cun-
ningly-disguised hook was passed over his retreat, but
with the same success ; a third trial was essayed, and
as the third time is said to be lucky, so it proved, for
the fish was hooked. The struggles and devices this fish
practised to escape were worthy of success ; three times
he ran out many a yard of line, and on each occasion
jumped several times clear of the water ; but all was
futile, for after upwards of ten minutes' play, he was
obliged to surrender to skill and practice. My com-
panion called upon me to use the gaff, and with the first

170

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

effort I succeeded in landing him on terra firma. We had
no scales to weigh him, and we were too tired, and had
killed nobler specimens before we returned to think more
of this little hero ; but from experience I am confident
he must have reached nearly five pounds. On examina-
tion of our ground, we mutually agreed to separate,
one taking the left, and the other the right side of the
river. Trees and brush did not grow sufiiciently near
its margin to seriously incommode us, and the rocks,
which became uninterrupted after leaving the coast,
were flat and in regular strata, affording excellent
footing, and in many places their table-like surface
was only a few inches above the level of the stream.
One of the sailors accompanied me to act as gaffer, and
afford assistance, while the other went with the captain.
In our council of war, which we held before sepa-
rating, it was determined that we should try and fish
opposite one another as much as circumstances would
allow, and under no occasion get out of hail. A few
hundred yards higher than my exploring had led
me the day before, the water tumbled over some rocks,
making a fall of six or seven feet> and then expanded
into a broad sullen pool, with a disturbed but slow
current down its centre, covered with patches of foam.
Soon my rod was together, and an old favourite fly
added to my stretcher, whose performance was frequently

a, u

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

171

on previous occasions satisfactory. This fly has no
name that I am aware of; in fact, I go so far as to
imagine myself the inventor ; but whether my title is
good or not to this honour, I will give its description,
pro bono publico. Wings from the wing feathers of the
bustard (a bird now to be found in quantity only on
the steppes of southern Russia or Tartary : in plumage
and colour it much resembles the wild turkey, whose
feathers, I have no doubt, would answer equally well),
with a few strands of the scariet macaw or ibis mixed
with it. Body of two colours, equally divided ; upper
portion of dark blue mohair, lower of gingery red, a
red hackle round the lower portions of body, and a
black r . .nd the upper. A band of silver tinsel, if for
a bri_^ht day, and gold, if for a dark one, wrapped
carefully and. regularly between the hackles ; the whole
terminating with a scarlet tail either of ibis or worsted,
— the latter I prefer. To say that this fly has not been
tried previously might be deemed presumptuous ; but
this I will say, that when I first made it, I had
no pattern, neither did I try to copy anything I
had seen. I have used it in many waters, and inva-
riably with success, although I am aware that fre-
quently what is found most deadly on some streams
is totaHy ineffective in a neighbouring river.

;.i

i- 'i

''■■ I

172

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

My fly being on, and the cast well stretched, I com-
menced operations, and at the third throw rose a heavy
fish without pricking him. However, I thought I would
move down, and ipeturn when I had got to the bottom
of the pool, and oflPer his excellency another chance. At
the fifth throw I rose and hooked a fine fish, who, as
soon as he felt he was impaled, rushed down into the
still water. Not less than seventy yards did he run
out at this burst, and when I thought I had turned
him, the scoundrel sulked and remained sullen at the
bottom. I thought he was hooked strong, for I struck
him quick and forcibly, and therefore felt confident,
barring accidents, that he was destined to be mine.
Slowly, but surely, I worked down stream, taking in
with guarded* hand every inch of slack that I could
with safety. When abreast of him, not over thirty
yards were off my reel, iind the ground was more than
usually accessible. With patience I waited some
minutes, but I might just as well have been fast to a
rock. Other salmon were breaking around me, and I
could not afford the time to remain inactive. I
was determined to rouse my prize, and my anxiety
increased when the sailor who accompanied me an-
nounced that the shipper had just landed a fish.
In my excitement I had los^; sight of my friend,
but Crosby's news recalled hii^. The captain had

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

173

drawn first blood. This fact brought my impatience
to boiling-point, and I could stand it no longer. Crosby-
was instructed to throw a few stones above the fish,
and thus endeavour to start him from his retreat.
The first piece of rock had scarcely touched the water
when the object was attained. Off he went, with the
velocity of electricity, and the handle of my reel spun
round like the fly-wheel of an engine ; although I kept
a considerable check upon my line, still over ninety
yards i" jt have run off, when, much to my satisfaction,
he broke water three times, the first time throwing
himself good three feet clear of his element. This
manoeuvre, although frequently successful, pleased
me in one wav. I was certain that his route would
now be changed, and probably I shoulrl succeed in
getting in some of my line. True ^o my f^^rmer expe-
rience the fish now headed up stream, and permitted
himself to be somewhat controlled. At moderate pace
he retraced his steps, and almost had got to where
I struck him, when, putting a little more strain on
than he admired, round he wheeled, and with his pre-
vious velocity pointed his head again for the sea. Still,
the struggle had its effect ; this dash was not equal to
previous ones, and fifty yards of line brought him up.
For ten minutes it was give and take, back and forward,
up and down, till at last I brought him, all resplendent

174

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

in his silvery armour, into shoal water. " Now, Crosby,
now's your chance ; careful, man ; don't be in too big
a hurry." But my advice was disregarded ; the sailor
made a plunge at the fish with the gaff as if it had been a
harpoon, scratched the salmon's side, and all my work
was again before me. The drawing of blood instilled new
vitality into the fish's veins, and the previously beaten,
vanquished foe was running out line as if he had been
fresh struck. I could not be angry ; when a novice I
had done likewise, and, no doubt, my attendant had
just maco his virgin effort. In fact, I could not help
being amused at his astonished countenance, for, doubt-
less, he had already counted the fish as safe. This last
struggle did not continue long ; again I got him in shoal
water, when, having cautioned and instructed my
excited attendant as far as words could avail, he made
a second effort, and that correctly. Twelve pounds
was the weight of this noble salmon, and often have I
found that those of this size are more game and afford
a harder fight than larger fish. The strain on your
rod is not so severe, or tne contest so long as with a
heavier antagonist, but the activity and energy dis-
played are sharper.

Having overhauled my tackle, and lit a weed as a
reward for my prowess, I again ascended to the top of
the pool and commenced afresh ; visions of the first fish

SALMON FISKING IN LABRADOR.

175

I rose, which I felt convinced was a formidable one,
inducing me to this course. My leader had now got
straightened, from the action of the water, and the
strain it had so lately successfully withstood. To get
my line clear away to the requisite length, I threw across
the surging portion of the stream and dipped my tip,
to prevent any unnecessary delay when I reached my
friend's ambush ; a couple of casts brouf»ht me to the
spot, and with careful, steady hand and measured throw
I placed my fly, straight as a bee lino,* a few yards
above where my prey was supposed' to be lodged; and
with that regular motion that resembles the passage of
a shrimp through the water, I brought the bright,
fascinating deception towards me, the current at the
same time carrying it downwards. Description, parti-
cularly if you enter into detail, is always longer than
action. My handsome imitation — of what ? for a
similar living fly I never saw — was a .cot or two
above the desired eddy, when a splash, a flourish of
a broad, dark tail, answered by my quick, nervous hand
giving an electric strike, fastened me to a splendid fish.
As man and animals choose different methods of assault
or defence, so this salmon chose a different course to
free himself. The hook had scarcely been in him,

♦ A common Americanism, originating from loaded bees always
fljong straight to their home.

176

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

:1.

when four times lie sprang with determined energy
from his watery home, each spring causing me, in
courtesy, to lower the point of my weapon, as an inferior
would salute a senior officer; but this steeple-chase
escapade had not the desired effect, and the salmon,
comprehending this, altered his plan of combat, and
settled down deep in the pellucid river, remnining im-
movable and inactive, although far from conquered.
An occasion of this kind is a trying ordeal, and often
as dangerous to the tackle as any stratagem that is
put in practice ; in fact, I have thought that it is
practised for the purpose of rubbing their snout on the
rocks or gravel, as frequently I have found, after kill-
ing a fish who had thus performed, that my fly was
mi'ch frayed and worn.

After waiting for many minutes, trusting that my
foe would change his mind and his quarters, I became
impatient, and believing my tackle to be good, put on
a little -^itia purchase ; this ruse was successful, for
vv^itJi astounding velocity the fish started down stream,
at racing pace, for parts unknown. The reel fairly
yelled, and instead of the well-made sonorous click
being heard, a discordant screech was its utterance.
Close on a hundred yards of line rushed through the
heated rings before he slackened up, and a good twenty
yards more I had followed his course ; at the end of

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

177

tills dusli he broke water splendidly, causing the spray
to fly for many feet around. Again and again his argen-
tine flanks reflected brilliant radii in the sunlight,
and at each glistening reflection of the solar rays I
feared that we should part company without the most
remote chance of further or more closely renewing our
acquaintance. Fortune and good tackle, however,
favoured me ; and I had the satisfaction of turning
his head for the source of the river, and probable
birthplace of himself and relations. With the greatest
satisfaction I took in yard after yard, my hopes rising
as the body of my reel expanded ; at length I saw the
loop which attached the line to the leader, and the sight
caused me more satisfaction than one can possibly
imagine who is daily engaged in the ordinary pursuits
of life. 0 salmon fishing ! whac pleasure have I
enjoyed following thy peaceful pursuit ! What ecstasy,
what delight ! Would that I had the pen of the most
fluent writer, or tongue of the most eloquent spokes-
man ! I could do you far more justice ; but still I
doubt if it is in the power of words to mete to you an
iota of the laudation and praise your fascinations so
eminently deserve.

Why wander from facts ? Simply because I cannot
help it. But if I must be recalled from the enchant-
ment of scenes which may never be re-acted, bear

178

ACCESSinLE FIELD SPORTS.

';! :.!^t

witli me for a moment ; it is but the allotted time for a
breather between the heats — the welcome respite before
the final burst that is to terminate the race. So it
was in this instance ; the strength, if not the courage
of the regal foe, was weaker, and each succeeding effort
became less powerful. Many a yard of line was
again run out and safely restored to its resting-place.
Up and down both immolator and victim traced and
retraced their course ; the one fearing to pursue, the
other momentarily becoming more unfit. Time did its
work, and, as in all things, brought the last scene to
a close. A shoal bank of gravel lay at my feet, and
giving my fish the butt, I drew him in towards Crosby,
who, ankle deep, stood beneath me in the cool, clear
water, and struck the gaff into the spotless silver side,
and landed him with the adroitness of one who had
served a long apprenticeship to the trade. Don't
imagine that there is no science in handling a gaff ;
for one expert many muffs will be found. How,
then, you may ask, did this sailor learn so difiicult
a business in so short a space? Probably because
he had a natural aptness ; or, more likely, being a
sailor, he could turn his hands much sooner than per-
sons of any other trade to a budiness which required
coolness and dexterity.

This fish weighed over eighteen pounds, and was

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

179

fresh run from the sea, for he had not yet cleansed
himself of the sea-lice ; his breadth and depth were
enormous in proportion to his length —the best proofs
of condition. In this capture, from the time the fish
was struck till I had him flound-^ " \g on the bank, full
forty minutes elapsed, I havi?. .lOted time previous
to making the first cast at the head of the pool.

On examining my tackle, I found that it had
suffered considerably, particularly the fly, which not
only had one of the hackles broken, but also the tinsel ;
I therefore stuck it carefully in the crown of my hat,
and replaced it with another, intending in the evening,
when comfortably seated in our snug cabin, to bring
my pliers, scissors, vice, &c., into play, and construct its
counterpart, being well satisfied that the combination
of colour which in previous exploits had done me good
service, was again destined to reap fresh laurels and
further establish its reputation. The upper portion of
the stream, and the only part I had so far fished, was now
well rested ; and while refreshing myself preparatory to
making a thir 1 essay, several noble fish broke water in
the immediate vicinity where I had hooked both c^ my
trophies. From what I had already seen, I was con-
vinced that magnificent sport was before me, and that
I had at last arrived in the land of plenty — of salmon.
There was a satisfaction in knowing this — a feeling I

180

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

will not attempt to describe, a gratification of a long-
ing often felt, but never expected to be realised. Fancy,
brother fishermen, having salmon as abundant as trout
in a good trout stream ! In ten casts I had three rises,
out of which I had hooked and killed two fish ; and
my friend across the water had also been busy —
possibly five salmon taken out of one reach, and that
within an hour and a half! Ye lords and com-
moners, who pay enormous rentals for salmon rivers,
can you, with all the paraphernalia that a London
fishing-tackle establishment can supply, with all the
attendance and accessories that wealth can purchase,
show a finer record ? Truly I doubt if it is possible.
Again I commenced at the head of the pool, and slowly
progressed downwards ; one fish I stirred, but on a
second time casting over him, he refused to put in aa
appearance. Step after step I descended, and when not
more than ten yards below where I had hooked my first
fish, I struck another; but, alas ! the hook did not hold;
a few spasmodic struggles, and he was free. That I
was too slow in striking I attribute as the cause ;
for at the moment I had observed a mink standing
on a stone watching my proceedings with curious
eye — no doubt wondering what kind of creature his
optics, possibly for the first time, rested on. Of one
thing I am certain — you cannot be too quick in

M'l ii ^

,'■'»;

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

181

striking salmon; they come up with such velocity
that not a moment should be lost in responding to
their call.

Salmon or trout fishing is not alone enjoyable for
the pleasure of killing fish, but for the scenery and
attachments which form the necessary adjuncts to the
sport. The distance from the haunts of fellow men,
the solitude of perhaps the surrounding forest, the soft
murmuring of the descending and rushing water, the
opportunity afforded to study nature in its unalloyed
purity — all tend to enhance, to the true lover of nature,
this princely sport ; the very combination of all these
et ceteras making the perfection, which all will acknow-
ledge to belong to fly-fishing. During the noon hours
I determined to remain behind, while my friend the
skipper returned to his schooner, on the proviso that
Jock should be landed with orders to report himself to
me, to perform as gaffer for the evening's fishing ;
while the boat, at sundown, would come to the estuary
to carry self and booty back for a late supper. As my
friend departed, and the sullen plash of the oars,
momentarily less distinct, told of increasing distance
between me and mankind, my enjoyment of the scene
became doubly enhanced by the depth of the solitude ;
and with full appreciation of the beautiful lines of
Byron, —

182

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

" Therfe is a pleasure in the pathless wood,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society where none intrude," —

I sat and pondered, and contemplated, with deepest feel-
ings, the sublimitj'^ and perfection of the Creator's handi-
work. But however far I might be lost in dreamland
— whatever visions I might invoke of the rising of
nymphs, like those of the Lurleberg — my dreamy
lethargy was abruptly dispelled by the sharp bite of
mosquitoes, or keener sting of insatiable black flies;
and such torments are frightful impediments to the
flow of romantic ideas. All pleasures have their draw-
backs ; and without these contemptible pests, too miich
happiness would be the reward of those whom fortune
has given the means of passing the summer season in
the distant, unreclaimed wilds of Labrador.

I must have been dozing, when a more formidable
attack of insects recalled me to reality ; and as I raised
myself gently, with destructive intent, to slaughter
without compunction those most persevering assailants,
my eye caught sight of an animal evidently in full pur-
suit of some prey : it was not an otter, for its formation
was different ; nor a mink, for the size was much
greater ; again, its gait was different from both. Regu-
larly it hunted to and fro, tail erect, nose down like a
spaniel, and back arched like a weasel, occasionally
emitting a peculiar sound, as if giving tongue, in the

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

183

^ason m

enjoyment of fresher indications and more satisfactory
proofs of a rapidly- successful terminatim to its exer-
tions. Twice the unknown passed wit^iin thirty paces
of my resting-place. Silently I watched the chase ;
and so intent did I become, that both black flies and
mosquitoes had a splendid harvest, for a far greater
amount of suffering would have been necessary to cause
me to make a movement that might prevent my seeing
the issue. But the termination was near : the stranger
made two or three short casts, like a pointer, to confirm
the information that the reward was near> and then
with a sudden rush forward seized a fowl — what kind
I could not tell. I was on my feet in a moment, either
with the intention of sharing the spoil or saving life,
and rushed for the marauder; but ere I reached him
he dropped his prey, which I secured, and he departed
hurriedly for parts unknown. The victim I picked
up, and found lifeless, was a fine specimen 3f the
merganser,* about half grown, and, from the wing-
feathers not becoming fully developed till a later period
of life, unable to fly. The poor duck's skull was crusheil
into a jelly, so that its early deprivation of life must
have caused only a momentary pain. The assassin
was the scarce and indigenous fisher, only known in

* In America erroneously called shell-drake.

184

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

ilil

northern latitudes, and much valued for its fur. The
little episode was in keeping with what all who are
observant of nature may daily witness — the stronger
insect desrouring the weaker, the more powerful
animal the lesser, or man, the greatest tyrant of all,
whatever falls within his reach, if worthy of the exer-
tion, or suited to his fastidious palate.

The better to keep at bay the pestiferous blood-
suckers, I lit a cigar, and again lounged, trying to kill
time, and pass as agreeably as possible the interval
between Jock's arrival and my evening's fishing.
About half-past two the boy came, and we both started
for the uppei pool. Already I had christened our scene
of operations ^he upper, lower, and middle pool, and
the stretch, which was a long rapid, connecting the two
latter ; so that, in speaking of them by these appel-
lations, the reader will be aware to what portion I
allude.

On reaching the water, although little after three
o'clock, much to my satisfaction the fish were on the
move, and during the few minutes that were necessary
to arrange my tackle, over a dozen succeeded in ascend-
ing the shoot. It is seldom that the lover of nature
can witness a more satisfactory and pleasing exhibition
than that of salmon passing up a leap. Their efforts
and perseverance are truly astonishing, and frequently

'i "ii

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

•185

dozens of essays will be made jcfore one is successful.
The manner of performing their ascent is a proof
of the immense velocity, strength of body, and
enormous power, with which they are gifted ; from
six to eight feet can be accomplished by them, and
I have heard many persons assert more. When once
the fish gain the summit over the edge of the upper
bend, a few spasmodic, rapid motions of the tail carry
them forward, and they disappear from view so suddenly
as to leave the beholder in doubt whether they have
succeeded, or been carried down in the surging fall.

The flies continued exceedingly troublesome, particu-
larly a small species of sand- fly. So minute are they
that when on your hand it is almost impossible to
detect their exact situation ; but however insignificant,
their powers of torture are intense, for immediately
after they have punctured the skin, a small water-
blister rises, which smarts as acutely as a burn from
the application of nitric acid.

All the concoctions that I have ever used to repel
these pests have, so far, signally failed to give the
desired relief; oil of pennyroyal, camphor, hartshorn,
&c. &c., are useless, because their power evaporates
the moment they are exposed to the atmosphere ; fish-
olI and oil of tar retain their virtue a little longer, but
they require too frequent applications for one engaged

186

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

in exciting sport, as well as being filthy and soiling
to all you come in contact with, making your approach
most objectionable to your companions, frorr the offen-
siveness of the smell. If some of our numerous inge-
nious chemists would set their brains to work and
discover a practical means of repulsion of f,hese vam-
pires, they would earn the goodwill of all the followers
of the gentle craft.

The fifth or sixth throw rose and hooked a fine fish,
\/hich made me uncommonly busy ; he was remarkably
lively, ^nd kept me on the move the first ten minutes.
I scarcely ever remember to have seen a salmon break
water so frequently ; after the first burst, with about
sixty yards out, be showed himself six or seven times,
springing on each occasion several feet clear of the
surface. However, these exertions told upon my foe,
for when I turned him he submitted to be guided till
all surplus line was in. Through a stumble which I
made on passing over the rocks, I accidentally checked
bim more abruptly- than Mr. Salmon thought was
courteous, for oflf again he went with the velocity of a
steam-engine ; however, my tackle was strong and
hook well planted, and soon, a second time, I had him
under control, and by exercising a little politeness of
the give-and-take order, I brought him into shallow
water. Jock, my faithful attendant, was by, and with

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

187

intense delight waded into the stream. "Careful, boy !
be cautious ! *' But all wab thrown away ; he made a
grab at the fish with the gaff, as a suilor would with a
boat-hook, but fortunately dragged the fish in water too
shoal for swimming. Jock saw he had made a bungle,
and was determined to retrieve if possible his lost
reputation ; he threw himself on the struggling salmon,
and after a groping match of some minutes, with im-
minent danger to my tackle, proudly walked ashore,
wet from head to foot, with the prize tightly cuddled
up in his arms. Although at first tempted to anathe-
matise the young scamp, I enjoyed a hearty laugh at
the nonchalance with which the monkey treated his
ducking.

Moving down the water, I recommenced opera-
tions and rose two good fish ; soon I got fast to a third,
which gave me ten minutes' splendid sport, then he
sulked, and after two or three futile attempts to escape,
sjiccumbed. I was surprised at obtaining so easy a
victory, but this was explained by finding a piece
cut out of his back, in front of the first dorsal fin,
upwards of an inch in width, and two or three long.
In trout fishing, I have once or twice taken fish
similarly wounded, and as there were no gill nets at
either place, the only satisfactory reason I can attribute
is, that either a seal or an otter was the perpetm ' or.

188

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

■'

As the evening advanced I changed flies, and selected
what I have long known by the sobriquet of "the
drummer ; " it is composed thus : the mottled feathers
of the peacock's wing, with a few strands of golden
pheasant for wiugs ; body, light brown fur of the bear
next the hide, mixed with orange-sable fur and gold-
coloured mohair ; gold tinsel, loosely but regularly
wrapped with blood or claret coloured hackle round
the shoulder, and ordinary red hackle lower down.
This fly has always been with me a great favourite,
more particularly if the water is clearing out after
rain, and with confidence I recommend it ; at the
same time I would have two or three sizes, the choice
to be dictated by the size of water, colour, and hour.
Some persons, in addition, have forked it with two or
three hairs of the squirrel for tail ; and a very worthy
friend and admirable fly-fisher, whose success was a
guarantee of his skill, used to affirm, that when fish
wouldn't rise at " the drummer," you might as well go
bed. As the results will show, my couch was not
put in requisition, for ere maiiy minutes I touched
a splendid fish, but unfortunately didn't hold him.
After a few minutes without success, I moved a very
heavy fish without touching him. Again I gave him
a chance, and he tumbled over the fly like a porpoise,
without any apparent inclination '^o take. The third

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

189

time that I offered, however, I was more successful,
for in striking I hooked the fish fouh The result
was curious and far from satisfactory, for this fellow
put me through a course of spurts which opened
iriy optics, and further convinced me of the uncer-
tainty of the movements or plan of escape that
is probable to be adopted by the impaled. What
was my surprise — and I am confident many others
would have been similarly affected — to see my victim
remain on the surface, not jumping out of the stream,
but beating the water with his tail, and violently
struggling, making the liquid fly for feet around. For
several moments this continued, when, changing opera-
tions, down stream he went with surprising velocity.
The reel screeched, and I followed vnth. agile and care-
ful steps, when, — confound it ! the d — 1 take it ! —
readers, you must excuse, remember the aggravation —
my rod broke at the ferrule of the second joint, and my
line returned to my feet like a coil of rope scientincally
thrown by an expert boatman. I was in despair.
Such damage could not be repaired where I then
was ; my leader and new fly were gone, possibly for
the estuary of the St. Lawrence, and, like a vessel
stranded in a falling tide, I was perfectly helpless.
To find the cause of this unexpected casualty was
my first endeavour. The wood of the rod at the frac-

190

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPOKTS.

ture looked frosh and sound, the brass appeared to
be put on correctly, but there was something to be
discovered yet of which I was still ignorant, and to the
reel I went to solve the problem. In winding up or
taking in line I had, through carelessness, permitted
one round to lap across the other. In paying away the
two had jammed, coming to a full stop. My rod had
been broken, ray fly stolen, and my casting line was
probably performing duty for a pennant to a fish
totally disregarding distance or trespass. "There's
no use grieving over spilt milk," some one says, and
after I had got rid of the fizz, like a bottle of soda-
water, I was calm enough, only regretting I had lost
the salmon, for, with all fishermen, the fish that gets
off is, of course, a very great deal larger than any you
have captured.

To be a perfect fisherman you require more excel-
lences than are usually to be found in such a small
space as is allotted to man's carcass; you should be
patient, forbearing, vigorous, decided and prompt in
emergency, with the constitution of a water- spaniel,
and the ingenuity of an Arkwright or a Fulton. Being
deficient in many, more particularly in the latter
requisites, I was compelled to shut up shop by putting
up my rod in its canvas covering, regretting my bad
luck, my stupidity, and last, though not least, the

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

191

fish that bad worsted me at my own game. Not being
in the best of humour, of course Jock was out of the
way and not within hailing distance. What a capital
chance to vent the balance of my spleen, not at all
improved by the confounded flies, whose attacks, since
I had ceased to be employed, became more noticeable ;
in truth, if it were poHsible, I doubt not that I should
have liked to saddle the boy with his absence being the
cause of my mishaps. After several times shouting
his name he at length appeared, hat in hand, bare-
headed, with a smile of childlike satisfaction on his
face that, even in my irate state, I had not the
heart to destroy. To my inquiry where he had been,
with a look of satisfaction he informed me he had
found and harried a nest, producing his hat full of the
stolen treasures. After giving him a lecture on the
impropriety of such a course, and the probabilities of
his being devoured by wolves and bears, or even canni-
bals, if he left my side, I could not help making an in-
spection of what his bonnet contained. Truly he had a
hat full, for upwards of a dozen pale cinnamon blotched
eggs, a trifle larger than those of the domestic pigeon,
lay at the bottom. The nest and parent bird, from de-
scription, left me in no doubt that Master Jock had
deprived some luckless Rock Ptarmigan {Lagojyus alius)
of her embryo brood ; and after lecturing him on the

102

ACCESSIHLE FIELD SPORTS.

enormity of hucIi a proceeding, and bogging a sliare of
the spoils, we started for the place of rendezvous.

The evening after my first day's sport wa8*not an
idle one, for though the body i--.jlined to rest, full well
I knew that on my exertions in fly-tying depended the
sport of to-morrow. To make a good fly requires not
only skill, but patience and knowledge, with a correct
taste in the blending of colours ; a strong hand, to
make secure work, and the employment of the best
materials. How frequently indifferent hooks and gut
are purchased because they are a trifle cheaper ; but
if we could foresee the severe ordeal that may some
day be in store for our tackle, and the splendid fish
that may be lost through this want of judgment, we
should be better suited with half the quantity at double
the cost. Your feathers should, if possible, be fresh,
with the pile unbroken ; your furs and mohair uncut
by moths, and your silk the strongest, yet the finest
that can be procured. Of course many of your prin-
cipal feathers will require to be purchased, but if the
fisherman is also a shooter, there are few game birds
that will not afford him choice materials ; so that during
autumn and winter, when his gun, instead of rod, is
his companion, he can daily make additions to his
treasures, which will serve him in pursuing the sister
amusement.

SALMON FISHING IN LAIHIAIKHI.

193

Everything which makes deccp on more aUuring
should be resorted to by an angler ; for, let his experi-
ence be ever so great, he will always find opportunities
to regret his deficiencies. Where all depends so
much upon chance, it is impossible to see the dis-
ai^"antuge8 under which you nay frequently labour,
vi he awkward positions in which you may occa-
sionally be placed ; where it is absolutely necessary
for the fisherman to put on an unusual "nd severe
strain to turn a hooked fish, so as to prevent his going
over some surging fall, or down or up stream, inaccessible
to the steps of the angler. Sometimes, of course, the
loss of fish, or even fish and tackle, cannot be avoided ;
but good, careful work, and the best materials, will fre-
quently obviate so annoying an ordeal. However,
having struck your fish, the tackle and your own
coolness are generally responsible for the issue, and woe
betide you if careless knot or indifferent tying should
have been made in constructing your leader or fly.

I would therefore advise all gentlemen to acquaint
themselves thoroughly with the method of their con-
struction, for though they may not have time and
inclination to follow it as a pursuit, they may chance
to be placed in positions where their pleasure and the
success of their expedition may be entirely marred by
want of this knowledge.

194

ACCESSIBLE YIEJ.li SPOK ?..

■i J

m '1

^i '

i; ■

- ■ fe

■

I would further advise that your leaders should he
' stained as nearly as possible to the colour of the water ;
but care should always be taken not to make them too
dark, as you thus go to the opposite extreme that you
adopt this plan to avoid. Brown and a bluish- grey or
light neutral tint are decidedly the best colours, the
former to be used when the water is clearing out after
heavy falls of rain. To procure the first-mentioned
colour, a few ounces of alum dissolved with a pound
of the bark of the walnut tree when the sap is up, I
think is the simplest recipe ; while the latter colour
can be got by substituting logwood for walnut.

Of course, as the season advances, and the quantity
of water diminishes, and the noonday sun becomes more
powerful, the size of your flies must be proportionably
less. Even th(! hours of the day have to be consulted for
choice of size ; for instance, from break of day till sun-
rise and from sunset till dark, very large flies frequently
will take, while the smaller would be totally neglected.

An Irish g€!ntlema7i, who had for many years been
considered one of the most successful and expert per-
formers on the river Corib, whiJa on a fishing tour in
America, had the kindness to show me the treasures
contained in his valuable fly-book. Among a remark-
ably choice ccllection of all sizes, shades, and con-
struction I observed many so large that they excited

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

195

ould he
water ;
lem too
aat you
grey or
)urs, the
3ut after
entioned
a pound
is up, I
er colour

b.
quantity

►mes more
>rtiona"bly
Lsulted for

till sun-
■requently

eglected.

■ears been

:pert per-

g tour in
treasures

a remark-
and con-

)y excited

my curiosity and inquiry. Some were several inches
long in the body, and were commonly used in Galway
for early morning or late evening fishing.

Those projecting an excursion to the distant wiids of
Labrador should pay particular attention to arriving
there at the correct season. As to specifying a day or
a week, that is perfectly impossible, for as long as the
water is impregnated with snow not a fish will be
taken ; and, of course, the lateness or earliness of
spring, which frequently varies one or two weeks,
must receive consideration and guide your steps. The
first few days after the salmon commence to run flies
of a large size are more successful, but as the season
advances their size must be reduced.

The next morning, bright and early, found us again
upon the n'^^er. The number ^f seals which I had,
seen tbp* previous evening induced me to take my rifle,
with the intention of having a little practice during
the noonday rest. The rocks in the estuary appeared
a perfect nursery of ther "^ curious animals, and from their
numbers and well-known destructive habits, immense
quantities of salmon must be annually destroyed to
satisfy their fastidious and insatiable appetites. I have
since found out that the Habitants (persons of French
extraction) frequently pay visits to this locak for the
capture of these valuable Amphibia, their oil and skins

196

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

'. i'

:[in

fetching long prices in our principal markets. Since
yesterday tlie water* had fallen some inches, but I had
little fear that where fish were so numerous and little
disturbed it would unfavourably afiect their disposition
to take. Having faith in the fly I designated " the
drummer," I determined to experimentalise with others,
retaining my old friend as a last resource in case of
failure. I therefore selected a former favourite, known
by many as " the hornet," and whose texture and shape
had produced good results in many localities. The fly
is made as follows : wings from the fine fibres of ^>
English cock pheasant's tail ; body of yellow worsi
or amber-coloured mohair, the mohair to be preferred ;
the body to be ribbed with black and made full, with
a large red cock's hackle, black at the roots, wrapped
^ several times under the butt of the wings. Having got
my rod together I commenced work, and the success
which had attended my efforts of the day before and
my choice of flies were quite equalled by this day's
performance. The third cast I rose a superb fish, but,
unfortunately, scratched him, and had the same mis-
fortune repeated before many minutes. However,
by the time I had got thirty yards down the water,
I struck another, whose unusual size and activity
evoked v.rlimited admiration. His first rush was truly
magnificent, and as soon as I succeeded in stopping

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

197

his precipitous course, he returned almost to my hand
with the same velocity, preventing my immediately
recovering the slack of my line. From pleasure a
moment before, I was now nearly in grief, and but for
luck should certainly have lost my prize. However,
being thus favoured, I got again upon equal terms. A
quarter of an hour more and the gaff pierced his silver
<3oat of mail, and I had the satisfaction of capturing a
handsome and well-made fourteen-pound fish.

That morning I killed eight fish, the majority
weighing about nine pounds, and the number I rose
and touched must have been quite equaL One
salmon I rose six times in succession, but ultimately
failed to secure : from the swirl he left in the water,
I should imagine he was about fifteen pounds. On
my way down to the tideway I observed two new
specimens of birds, whose plaintive notes were very
svreet ; their names I have never been able to ascer-
tain, but doubtlessly they belong to the numerous
hunting family. Crossbills, snow-birds, and cedar-
birds were abundantly numerous ; and, although I did
not succeed in obtaining any of their nests, I am con-
vinced that they were engaged in rearing families, as
I perceived several gathering grubs and insects, with
which they flew to the neighbouring brush.

Having got to the boat, we started for the reef to

198

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

try what could be done with the seals. But they
did not like our appearance, and commenced scuffling
off the rocks and dropping into the water ere we got
within range ; however, one old scoundrel — grim and
savage-looking through age — appeared less alarmed
than his fellows, and remained stationary, watching
our motions with dubious eyes. When within fifty
yards the men ceased pulling, and permitted the boat
to forge ahead with her own way. Pulling the tiller
lines so as to alter the course, I got a clean shot, and
turned the ungainly, awkward brute over ; but his
struggles carried him down the incline till he fell in
the water, when he sunk immediately. After much
difficulty we managed to get him out, and, on exami-
nation, found the ball had pierced the skull a little
over the right eye. His weight must have been up-
wards of three hundred pounds, and the quantity of
grease that came from the carcass, as we divested
him of his pelt, was surprising. The hide of these
animals makes most excellent shoes when properly
tanned, and I have been told that nothing in the shape
of leather is so capable of turning water. One shot
was sufficient to expel the seals from their haunt, so
we returned shoreward ; however, just as we were
about to land, a youngster popped up his head, which
I let drive at, but without precision.

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

199

The flies to-day continued very annoying, and the
irritation caused by their bites itched so severely, that
it affected the majority of our tempers ; the only
respite that could be obtained was when out on the
water, where the draught of air had full scope. Oh,
that some one, versed in the likings and dislikes of
these insidious foes, would find a method that would
protect the angler from these pests, when he is enjoying
a trip that has no other drawbacks. To describe my
sufferings would be impossible ; sufiBce it to say, that
my actions were sufficient to cause a physician to
imagine me fit for incarceration in a lunatic asylum ;
even now I can scarcely revert to the subject without
feeling irritated.

Revenons d nos moutons. With salmon fishing, the
imaginaij- moment of victory is frequently the pre-
cursor of defeat ; the noble adversary but relaxes his
efforts that, in the resulting confidence which follows,
he may the more successfully concentrate his powers
for a final dash, that frequently results as I have
shown. I can compare it to nought else than the
skilful swordsman, who, finding himself overmatched
in his antagonist, gives ground and feigns fatigue
to imbue his foe with confidence, hoping that a
careless pass will still afford him an opportunity to
deliver the deadly thrust. Men have always foibles.

200

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

rti,

always paramount pleasures ; their tastes are as diver-
sified as the colouring in Joseph's coat, as the physi-
ognomy which we bear, "While one is devoted to
the horse, another is to the hound ; while one loves
the gun, another loves the rod; to question their
tastes and argue with them the reason, would probably
be unproductive, but of this I am convinced, no man
ever felt the pleasure, the intense excitement of
having a salmon on a rod, or even the more diminu-
tive trout, without being again desirous of renewing
the sensation ; the verj'' uncertainty causes this fasci-
nation. A gentleman for whom I have much esteem,
and who has been busily employed all his life
in mercantile pursuits, principally abroad and in
countries where fly-fishing was not practicable, a few
years ago met me on a fishing excursion. His essays
with the fly, from lack of experience, were not gene-
rally successful ; but when I hooked a heavy fish
and handed him the rod to play the deluded victim,
his countenance, particularly if victorious, exhibited
more satisfaction than I believe it would have done if
he had made thousands of dollars. Fishing — legiti-
mate fishing with rod and fly^requires but to be
known and practised to have more votaries than any
other sport extant.

That afternoon I killed four more fish, all worthy of

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

201

a place in the memory of the most successful angler,
all deserving of notice for their plucky efforts to avoid
their doom. But numbers have satiated my memory,
and their efforts, ruses, and struggles cease to occupy a
place in my retrospect ; for the gallant fight of the
salmon that you have been fortunate enough to impale
— unless his exertions are marked by some new
device or specialty in the conflict — lives no longer in
the memory than kindnesses do in that of many.
How many strive after a prize, use all their efforts and
energy to be so successful as to obtain it, and how
often, when successful, they throw th^ coveted treasure
on one side, as if no longer worthy of possession ! I
much fear that such is as often the case with the dis-
ciples of the gentle art, as with those who follow less
fascinating pleasures.

Just as I was thinking of closing up for the night,
my companion shouted to me that there was a bear
in the water ; on looking up stream, sure enough
there was bruin, stemming the current and boldly
pushing for this side. With hasty impulse I laid my
rod down to grasp my rifle, but, alas ! my attendant,
fatigued with carrying it, and seeing small prospect of
its being required, had left it leaning against a rock some
distance off. You may well imagine my disappoint-
ment, for when the bear left the water he was not over

202

ACCESSTBT.E FIELD SPORTS.

I I

vVl

P' :

twenty-five yards above my position. This animal,
judging from his size, must have been quite four
hundred pounds — a size much greater than it gene-
rally attains in the north-west. Until he had firmly
gained his footing he had not observed us, and the
ludicrousness of his alarm and astonishment when he
became aware of our vicinity was laughable in the
extreme. Ofi" he went with a rush into the brush,
making dry and withered limbs crash before him.

As the constant and severe attentions of the flies
put a nap out of the question, and I had become sur-
feited with tobacco from the number of cigars I had
consumed, under the fallacy that the smoke would
deprive Ine of their company, I was compelled as a
last resource to start on a tour of inspection ; at the
same time hoping that my exertions would be rewarded
with the discovery of some quadruped '~r bird with
which I had been previously unacquainted. On enter-
ing the scrub bush the mosquitoes became more
numerous, and I have little hesitation in saying, that
the bloodsuckers of Arkansas and Mississippi, which
bear the same name, are far from proficients when you
compare them with those of Labrador. After half an
hour's rough scrambling through the morass, I suc-
ceeded in gaining more open ground. Rising towards
the upper ridges of high lands, the squawberry and

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

203

blueberry grew in profusion, and tbe wild strawberry
was scattered in patches wherever sufficient sustenance
from the impoverished soil could be gained for ita
support. In straying about I found two nests of the
night hawk, and both of diflPerent plumage from those
I have so frequently seen of a summer evening on the
banks of the Ohio River ; the eggs in both were four in
number, of a dirty colour, smudged with brown, and
almost lying on the bare rock. This bird is doubt-
lessly migratory, resor'^ing here in summer for the
purpose of propagation, and spending its winters in the
more genial climate of the Southern States, where it
changes its plumage to one of less brilliancy and
receives the local appellation of "bull bat."

In the rocks and sand I found some fossils of shells,
and on such elevated ground that it caused me at the
time surprise and wonder whether shell-fish were once
denizens of land instead of water, or whether these
mountains had once been submerged. Hares appeared
to be numerous, as the: : paths crossed and recrossed
each other, forming a perfect labyrinth. Ptarmigan and
the Canada partridge I also saw so frequently, that
I have little doubt, in the month of September, fine
sport might be obtained with dog and gun. Bear
signs were also abundant, a solitary stump showing
evidence of the power of their claws, and from the

204

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

JHHI:

"i^

height some of these convincing proofs extended up Its
side, the bruin family are evidently not stunted in growth
in this locality.* After walking for almost an hour, I
succeeded in reaching the crest of one of the nume-
rous swells, and, as I turned to survey the scenery,
one of the most enchanting panoramas that ever I
witnessed broke upon ray vision. Bays and arms of
the sea, innumerable small islands, numerous reefs of
rocks and uncountable mountain peaks stretched as far
as the eye could see ; while almost beneath my feet lay
our goodly little schooner, reduced by distance to a
mere cockle-shell, — the busy crew passing to and fro
upon the beach, looked scarcely larger than ants.
Here, with the unobstructed breeze playing upon me,
I got a little peace from the troublesome insects, and I
■would have remained longer but that the hour indi-
cated the close proximity of the time to commence my
evening fishing.

The fly I had used in the morning had done me
such good service that I determined to re-employ it,
and the result was quite equal to anticipation. I
soon got to work, and in a few minutes was fast in
a fine fish, who, although he made a noble struggle,

* In every locality where bears are numerous, all appear to select the
same tree to try their claws upon. Of course the larger bears make the
highest incisions. From these marks an expert hunter can form a
good estimate of the size of the visitors.

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

205

succumbed in less than twenty minutes. Moving
my position from some slow water, I took a cast in
the throat of a stream formed by the projection of
some rocks, not that I expected to rise a fish, but to
get the line out of my way as I scrambled over some
rough ground; in fact the water, although rapid,
looked too shallow for the retreat of anything over a
pound weight. With surprise I rose a fine brook trout
[Salmo fontinalis). Of course such a fish was not to
be despised, so I gave him a second chance, and had
the satisfaction of succeeding in striking him. With
my strong tackle and rod I treated him cavalierly,
and, in about ten minutes, had the pleasure of hand-
ling and canvassing his weight, which was a trifle over
five pounds.

I never remember to have seen a fish of more bril-
liant colouring and beautiful proportions, and I have
little doubt that on a seven-ounce trout-rod he would
have given a good half-hour's pleasure. These streams
— or those which lie in this portion of the American
continent — swarm with trout, more particularly when
you ascend some distance above the tideway ; and
from information I have received from fishermen who
are acquainted with those waters that lie nearer to
civilisation, I have reason to believe that brook trout
can there be caught upwards of ten pounds in weight.

206

ACCESSIHLE FIELD SroUTS.

•:*!

i ■

Moving down to the run, I recommenced, and
rose a very large fish the second cast ; but our ac-
quaintance got no further, for all my blandishments
were futile to induce him again to move. A little
lower down I was more successful, for I struck a
regular Trojan, whose memory still lives, and to whose
performances I award the palm over all others. As
soon as he felt himself pricked, contrary to the custom
of his brethren in a similar predicament, he rushed up
stream with the \7clocity of a bullet, through the throat
of surging water and into the next pool ; fortunately
the ground was accessible, and I was enabled to follow,
but for the life of me I could not, dared not, take a pull
on him. From the fish's movements I should think
he was swimming about two fett deep, and, from the
power and sjjeed that he showed, appeared totally to
ignore any control. However, it's a straight road that
has no turn, and if I was led a dance in the first
instance, my turn was coming. After walking two
hundred yards and giving out nearly one hundred yards
of line, the drag told, and my friend thought it better to
change his course ; down stream he came with a rush,
still without showing, but just as he got to the smooth;
oily-like water that preceded the break of the rapid,
he commenced springing with great rapidity. Five or
six times this ruse was repeated, when off again my

SALMON FISHING IN LAIHIADOR.

207

gallant foe went down stream, witli as much energy
and spirit as lie had at first displayed. Well, to make
a long story short, to and fro we both went, up and
down, first one way and then another, till the fun
became hard work, and the exertion caused globules
of perspiration to stand on my face, and worse than
all, the confounded flies attacked me with renewed
vij^'our, availing themselves of my unprotected situa-
tion. Again and again I took in line, — as frequently
to be run out ; but the exertion had told on the foe, and
at length I succeeded in getting him into shoal water.
Truly he was a beauty — twenty pounds if an ounce —
and already I felt that he was mine. Soon the silver
sides alternately showed, and all that was wanted was
a skilful gaffer. My man, however, did not prove
himself so ; he got directly between me and the fish —
made an awkward attempt — managed in some un-
accountable manner to get the line under his arm,
which he had previously tried to take hold of, and
made a stumble that alarmed the salmon, which, with
a violent plunge, summoned all hia energy and made
again for the deep water, taking ;*way the hook and
part of my leader.

With regret, after supper that evening, I heard the
captain state that he had made up his mind to be off
on the morrow, for well I knew it was more than im-

208

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

1,1

probable that I should ever wet my line in such another
salmon river. The number of fish T had killed was not
so extraordinary, for I had not entirely devoted myself
to the sport, had bad luck iu breaking tackle, and lay
off for many hours during the middle ot each day ;
however, here there was no fear of a jealous antagonist
cutting in before you, flogging your favourite pool, or,
perhaps, on your arrival, finding him fast in the only
fish in the river at that time on the feed.

If there is one thing in the world more trying than
another to a man's temper, it is the above misfortune ;
and I often fear that though the tongue be tipped with
courtesy and politeness, very far from amicable feelings
are dominant in the heart ; but because a favourite
resort has just been threshed over, that is no reason
you should not make an essay. Salmon are fastidious
and fickle, and possibly the allurements you can offer
will please their ideas more than ajl the blandishments
of the first visitor. An acquaintance, not long ago,
told me the following, which will prove the truth of
the above. Some years since he was disappointed on
arriving on his fishing ground, by finding one of the
most successful anglers hard at work. Disheartened,
perhaps, but not discouraged from making a trial, he
put his rod together fc:nd commenced operations, the
result of which was, that in a short time he had

3 i|!;

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

209

other
L8 not
lyself
d lay
day;
gonist
ol, or,
3 only

r than
irtune ;
id with
eelings
yourite

reason
itidious
in offer

lUients

uth of
ted on
of the

irtened,
ial, he
is, the
e had

three fine fish, whereas his antagonist had not ob-
tained a single rise. Nevertheless, I would much
prefer to be the first to pass over the ground, or
rather water, in spite of all that can be said to the
contrary.

The last evening little else was done but fight our
battles over again, and the number of cigar si^imps
and diminished bottles clearly bespoke the length of
our sitting, and the relish we had for one another's
conversation. A happier night I don't think I ever
spent ; and even now I look back to those few
delightful days with unfeigned delight. Before re-
tiring we settled that till noon on the morrow we
would fish, and get under way as soon after as pos-
sible, both being repugnant to tear ourselves away
from a l6cality which had afforded us so much
pleasure.

With break of day on the morrow we were again re-
seated in our boat, starting for the river on our parting
visit. The captain put out two lines astern with the
hope of catching some hungry straggler of the deep, nor
did the lines long remain idle; one in particular, which
was attached to a large- sized Buell spoon, was kept
constantly at work, and on two occasions it had
scarce got well clear of the boat before it was seized.
Several whales and innumerable porpoises kept plung-

210

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

.a...^, i

li.;-

ing on either side ; one of the latter, of a pink, salmon
colour,* rose so close to the boat as almost to be within
reach of the oars. In the mouth of the river several
sea-trout were taken, one a splendid fellow nearly six
pounds. At first when he was struck, we thought
it was a salmon from the rush he made, but soon
after his spring from the water told us that our adver-
sary was only first cousin to the king of game fish.
On arrival at the place of disembarkation, the colour
of the river pleased me much, being scarcely as clear as
the day before, possibly caused by a shower up country,
or some light slate-coloured clouds that floated in the
westward heavens. As I marched up the course of
the stream, I found not less than a dozen seals having
a grand pow-wow, and with the hope of learning some-
thing of the habits of these strange Amphibia, or their
method of catching their prey, I watched them from
behind a rock ; but the appearance of the captain on
the other side of the stream, who was unaware of my
nise, put them all to rout like a flock of scared
sheep ; nor did they again show themselves till they
were several hundred yards down the river.

I have never been able to learn to my satisfaction,
from books or friends, how these ungainly creatures
catch their prey, more especially when I know with what
* "White porpoise, commqn in.many parte of the world.

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

211

salmon
within
several
irly six
liought
it soon
• adver-
ne fisli.
5 colour
clear as
country,
1 in tlie
ourse of
i having
ig some-

or their
|em from

ptain on

•e of my
If scared

[till they

swiftness a hooked salmon can swim even with the strain
of a powerful rod and stiff reel to impede his progress ;
and again, who, that has ever witnessed a fresh run
salmon endeavouring to divest himself of sea-lice, can
douht for a moment that if the fish does not become
charmed or entranced so as to paralyse his powers of
locomotion, in a race he could fkr outstrip his awkward
and ungainly foe. That seals prey upon salmon, and
that to an enormous extent, is beyond a doubt, but
how they succeed in capturing them is to me still a
mystery.

On arriving at the upper pool I found the water
perfectly boiling with fish ; up, down, or across, wher-
ever you cast your eyes, you could either see the dark
back of a salmon or the splash made by its plunge.
This symptom, I am inclined to believe, is frequently
ominous of bad sport, as fish will play in the manner
described before a fall of rain, and at the same time
will totally disregard the most alluring fly that can
be fabricated. In trout-fishing, particularly, I have
found this to be the case. One evening, a few years
since, when on a fishing excursion in Northern Maine,
the show of fish was immense, and the water being
perfectly smooth permitted every break to be seen.
The forenoon had been unusually warm, in fact the
atmosphere felt as if surcharged with electricity, and

; 'i!

f 1

ai-

212

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

consequently I liad determined to fisli no more that
day ; still this extraordinary show caused me to break
ray resolution; but far better had I stayed at home,
for two hours were spent fruitlessly, scarcely having
killed a single fish ; when, under rdinary circum-
stances, on the same pools, I could have doubly filled
my basket. However, this want of success was soon
explained, for that evening, an hour nfter sunset, one
of the most severe thunder-storms I ever witnessed
took place. A New Yorker, whose fly-book I had the
pleasure of lately examining, — the contents of which
included the most perfectly tied trout-flies I ever
saw, and who was reported to be as skilful in hand-
ling the rod as he was in making dubbing and
feathei's represent an insect, — informed me that he
could always tell by the barometer when fish would
feed well ; now, this is a novel use to put this instru-
ment to.

But to my story. I commenced fishing with san-
guine expectations, and the issue was commensurate.
The third cast I hooked and killed a ten-pounder.
Again I went to work, and before many minutes was
fast to another, which, after the first run, unfortu-
nately escaped, my hold doubtlessly being a bad one.
Nothing daunted by the mishap, I was soon again
firm in a third fish, and from the strain and headlong

3 Ji

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

213

•e that

break

home,
having
jircum-
[y filled
as soon
set, one
itnessed
had the
f which

I ever
in hand-
ing and

that he
jh would

8 instru-

force of the rush, doubtless a good one — twenty pounds
if an ounce — and such he proved when he broke
water, with every prospect of success ; for I consider
the first burst, until the fish is turned, as far more
dangerous and probable to result ii;, disaster than any
other portion of the fray. At least an hour did I
give to gain the victory ; but a.^ I brought my prize,
now thoroughly exhausted) into shoal water, I felt
that I would sooner have undergone five times the
labour and loss of time than lose my fish. With
repeated cautions, my attendant entered the water,
the same man who had accompanied me the first day,
and using his gafi" with the proficiency of one who
had served a long apprenticeship, skilfully landed the
salmon at the first attempt. This one when weighed
barely turned twenty pounds, and was, by long odds,
the finest that was captured by either myself or the
skipper.

As I passed down the comparatively stagnant por-
tion of the pool, an_ indication of current that eddied
round a point of rock ifi the centre of the river
particularly struck me as being a place worthy of
attention. Easing out ^ few extra yards of line so
as to throw above and beyond it, I made a cast, and
almost simultaneously two fijie fish dashed at the fly,
but without success. At the second cast I was more

. i-i^i

214

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

successful, for I hooked a salmon, which I landed in
a very short time. Although this fish had all the
appearances of being fresh run he afforded very-
little sport, and but that he was well-formed, solid,
and had not lost the sea-lice, I should have been
inclined to believe that he was a spent fish. As
such an occurrence has happened to me before, I
think that the most satisfactory elucidation is that
he had just arrived in fresh water, and had
not had time to recover from the fatigue of his
journey.

The afternoon of the first day of my visit Master
Jock had amused himself catching chub, and, boy-
like, had made a cache in the sand in which he
deposited about a couple of dozen. On passing this
spot I found that it had been visited by bears the
previous night, who had devoured all the results of the
lad's prowess. From the footprints left on the sand,
I concluded that the bruin party consisted of an old
lady and a couple of young hopefuls. Doubtless good
sport could be had here trapping. A few properly-
constructed bowers, with hanging baits and good traps,
would give the hunter abundant and remunerative
employment.

At the head of the run I recommenced fishing, and
in less than ten minutes had struck and risen three

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

i^l5

beauties ; but, unfortunately, tbe gentleman I booked,
in tbe first exbibition of bis disgust at being so egre-
giously sold, returned tbe cotopliment and victimised
me by taking away a portion of my leader and tbe
fly. Tbe bornet so far bad done my morning's work,
and not baving a second, I mounted tbe drummer ;
tbe alteration in cboice was not detrimental, for at tbe
seventb or eigbtb cast I booked a bandsome fellow,
wbo after a well-contested battle struck bis colours.
On moving downwards, I almost placed my foot on
a duck witb a numerous progeny. Depositing my
rod carefully, I started in pursuit. Tbougb scarcely
as fleet as a greybound, I bave a tolerably long pair
of useful legs, but altbough I put tbem to tbe best
use, it V. as all of no avail : the little buncbes of fluff
and down fairly ran me to a standstill. Several times
I tried to tbrow myself on tbem, but tbeir agility
and marvellous powers of dodging, — first squatting in
one tuft of grass, tben in anotber, — forced me to give
up tbe contest. A few minutes after, I saw tbe wbole
party, under tbeir parent's guidance, making tbeir
best exertions to reacb tbe opposite sbore. Tbis duck
was of a variety to me entirely new, about tbe size
of tbe wood duck, but entirely different in colouring.
Tbe nearest approach to it I know of is a water-fowl
known on tbe Obio and Wabasb rivers as winter duck

216

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

or whistler, the difference of plumage possibly being
caused by the season.

Four more salmon I killed that morning, making,
as I think our friends will agree, a handnome fore-
noon's work; but as the sun was becoming very
powerful, and with its increased heat the confounded
flies were again attentive, with more than ordinary
repugnance I determined to unlimber, hoping that
Providence, in her kindness, would at some future day
land me on the solitary shores of this picturesque and
admirably-adapted river for pursuing with success and
ease the ever-fascinating, ever-changing, ever-exciting,
gentlemanly sport of salmon fishing.

By one o'clock we weighed anchor, and after a few
tacks got out into open water, where a favourable
breeze quickly carried us from a spot that will ever
hold a bright, happy impression in my memory;
and as the sun set in golden, refulgent splendour, a
low line of distant, indistinct, bluish hills, were the
only visible marks in the horizon that remained to
indicate where the choicest river on which I had ever
wetted a fly rolled its pellucid, sparkling water to the
all-absorbing ocean.

My friend, the captain, I have not met since we
parted at Russell's Hotel, Quebec (where he was
Qblige4 tp ^o for re^airs)^ after di:inking to auld lang

SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR.

217

being

laking,
3 fore-
T very
bunded
rdinary
g that
ure day
lue and
jess and
xciting,

ir a few
rourable
ill ever
lemory ;
idour, a
ere the
ined to
ad ever
to the

syne and future meetings ; but a year since I hoard
that fortune had smiled upon him, and that he had
returned to the land of Burns, amply provided to enjoy
peace and plenty for the rest of his days, and give
some comfort, as he used to say, "to the gude auld
folks." *

* During my visit to America last winter, I was presented by
Livingston Stone, Esq., with five hundred pregnate ova of American
salmon, which I forwarded to Frank Buckland, Esq., Commissioner of
her Majesty's Fisheries. They are now to be seen in the Museum of
Economic Fish Culture at South Kensington. Introducing now blood,
even among fish, may be found beneficial.

'■' >\i

Ince we
Ihe was
lid lang

' i ')

CHAPTER XIV.

THE PEONG-HORNED ANTELOPE.

{Antilocapra Americana.)

This is the only species of the genus, and is about
the size of Cervus Virginiamis, graceful and elegant in
form and action, and probably as swift as any knov .
quadruped. Well may the Americans be proud of pos-
sessing the only representative of the race, and truly
with good reason. "When the antelope is seen on the
boundless prairies of the Far West, untrammelled by
limit, free to go and return as they choose, the impres-
sions caused will never be effaced, or a better represen-
tation of perfect independence and freedom beheld. It
is with sorrow I state that the limits of this beautiful
creature are day by day becoming more and more con-
tracted, and predict that, with the bison {Bos Americanus)
and the Indian, it will ere long cease to exist, save in
the memory of those who knew these princely hunting-
grounds before the intruding, grasping white race

THE PRONG-HORNED ANTELOPE.

219

about

rant in

knov .

of pos-
truly
on tlie
lied by
rapres-

ipresen-
sld. It
leautiful
»re con-
\ricaniis)
save in
Lunting-
lite race

scattered themselves over what had been .sacred and
free from their intrusion. I do not love my own race
less, but at the same time cannot deny that there is a
pleasure on the boundless plain, the dense forest, when
you can commune with yourself alone, and say, " I am
the first of my nation who has ever penetrated or stood
upon this spot. And then the precursors of civilisation,
however capable they may be of breaking up soil,
felling timber, and splitting rails, are of all society the
least qualified to be thrown among the representatives of
the aboriginal animals, for they slay without discretion,
slaughter for the sake of shedding blood, are more blood-
thirsty than the wolf or panther, and only cease when
all are exterminated or banished from their vicinity.

The prong-horned antelope is in height about three
feet at the shoulder, over four feet from tail to termina>-
tlon of nose, smaller in the ear than the Cervus family,
while the beautifully sabre-curved prong-horn is from
six to eight inches in length. The colour on the back,
down the thighs and hips, is dark brown ; the stomach,
throat, and exterior -*^8 of ham a yellowish white,
while a distinct dark bar, like a collar, girds the throat,
eight or ten inches below the setting on of the head.
The eye is large, soft, and protruding; nostrils ex-
tended, and the ears stand usually horizontal, and are
very pointed. The limbs are tall in proportion to the

220

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS,

animal's height, excessively muscular in make, and
strongly indicative of the immense velocity with which
it can travel. So great is this animal's speed that I
feel confident in saying that neither greyhound nor
racehorse would have the slightest chance to overtake
it on any description of tolerably firm soil. The
Indians catch them generuUy by making a surround,
when the squaws enjoy the honour of the slaughtering.
Hundreds are frequently taken in this manner. Again,
they are sometimes captured by frightening them into
the snowdrifts ; but, after all, the greatest numbers fall
a prey to their own curiosity. To stalk within gun-
shot of the prong-horn is at all times difficult ; they
are gifted with the most oicute senses of hearing and
smelling, and once alarmed but a short space of time
will elapse before they have placed miles between them-
selves and the intruder ; but if the hunter approach up
wind within two or three hundred yards of his prey,
carefully conceal himself, draw his ramrod, and on it
place a boot, cap, or piece of rag, and describe ec-
centric rotary motions through the air, the unsuspi-
cious but curiosity-excited beauties will soon observe the
novel machine, and keep gradually approaching, till
they will frequently come so close that the swarthy
redskin can without fail pierce them with an arrow.
As food, when young, they are excellent ; when old,

THE PRONG-HORNED ANTELOPE.

221

and

^hich

lat I

1 nor

rtttko
The

oimd,

ering.

^gain,

n into

srs fall

I gun-

; they

ig and

»f time

I them-
ach up
prey,
on it
ibe ec-
nsuspi-
3rve the
ng, till
3warthy
row.
en old,

unless hung for a long time, the flesh is tough and
8tring}% although well-flavoured, having a peculiar
gamey flavour not unlike hare.

The sexes can be distinguished by the inferiority
of height in the female, by the horns being only
prickers without the prong, and by the absence of
mane, which the male when in winter pelage possesses
of considerable size.

These animals at one time were found abundant as
soon as the great plains were reached that lay westward
of the Mississippi ; now, however, their eastern limit is
much farther off towards the Rocky Mountains, while
from Northern Mexico to fi^fty-two or fifty-three degrees
north latitude, may be asserted as their northern and
southern bounds. From their being at home in, or in-
digenous to, so large an extent of country, where every
temperature can be felt, froi i the heat of Africa to
the cold of Siberia, it seems that they are well worth
attention for acclinatisatioT . If this be not done
they will soon cease to exist, and what a reproach it
would be that an animal so beautiful, graceful, and
appropriate for our parks should paPS away without a
representative.

I am now making efforts to procure some of these
antelopes. I hope soon to be able to report success,
for I should truly feel proud if I were the instrument

lira*

222

AOCEiTdBLE FIELD SPORTS.

i!f

by which they became adopted as fit inhabitants for
our parks and demesnes.

In referring to my diary, I find the following nar-
rative of a day's shooting : —

" Cap., are you asleep ? " such was the welcome sound
that informed me that some one else was awake besides
myself. Such a night I do not think I had ever pre-
viously passed, and trust shall never have to again.
To ask a man n rtured in a Christian land whether he
was asleep ! — the thing is perfectly preposterous : a
gale of wind blowing the entire night, with drops of
rain as large and so numerous that a brick wall would
scarcely have repelled them, let alone a flimsy break-
wind composed of groen boughs, yet these western com-
panions of mine slept ! Half-a-dozen times I determined
to rout my companions out, and as often gave up the
idea ; for one was quarrelsome whenever his rest was
disturbed, the other had a disagreeable way of telling
the most doleful stories, and keeping the listeners in a
constant state of excitement, for in every shadow,
every movement of the horses, every unusual sound, he
saw an indication that a whole tribe of Indians, fully
decked with war-paint, and thirsting for scalps, were
r'jout to make an onslaught on our defenceless bivouac.
Further, I must inform my readers that Cap. is an
abbreviation of captain, used all over the western por-

THE PRONG-HORNED ANTELOPE.

223

tion of the United States, for every man who has
borne arms, whether in the militia or regulars ;
whether he has been a full private or only a camp
follower. Yes, J was awake, as wide awake as a pool
of water under each arm, each knee, and every pro-
tuberant portion of the figure could make me. With
an anathema against weather, country, and out-door
life, I sprang up, and willingly busied myself in raking
together the fragments of what had been a fire ; long
and ^edious were the efforts to coax a blaze, but at
length the reward of patience was vouchsafed, and in
spite of the almost insurmountable obstacles a sufficient
heat was obtained, bv which we could cook the dehriH
of last night's supper, the sole remnants of provi^'ons
the larder could boast of.

At the time to which I allude we were on a branch
or small fork that flowed into the Pawnee River from
the south. I and my companions had come from the
westward, and had experienced as hard a time as it is
possible to conceive ; we had been about two weeks
together, and although I am doubtful of the propriety
of picking up strange acquaintances when beyond civi-
lisation, those squeamish ideas never enter the heads of
western hrbitues ; a white man is always a friend until
he proves himself to be otherwise, and then it is your
own look-out that he does not get the upper hand. Wild

PI '

■ i .

'.' SI

224

■; ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

i'S (.

'■'• ;

iin

•life makes you wonderfully wide awake, and although
an appparent honhommie may lay on the surface, a con-
stant guarded caution should never be neglected. My
friends, however, were really good fellows, a little
eccentric, for each was in the habit of picking his teeth
with his bowie knife ; but they were honest, plucky,
and enduring, ready t<; lace whatever emergency oc-
curred, and pretty certain to get ouu of it if a bold
hand and quick eye could be of assistance. Break-
fast ! what a misnomer for a few mouthfuls of half-
charred, half-cooked, pieces of tough venison ! what a
contrast with one of our home hunting-feeds that bear
the same sobriquet; still I doubt much whether j^fl^^^s de
fois gms, game pies, and spiced round of beef, were ever
relished with more gusto than that meal.

After the viands had disappeared, over the consoling,
soothing pipe, our course for the day was discussed,
and, as the rain had ceased and clouds lifted, giving
every prospect of fine weather, it '^' is decided that we
should remain another night where we were, and in
the meantime each start in different directions to seek
^ ,^ a supply of game, that we might not go supperless
to rest and resume our journey on the morrow with
empty stomachs. I had a horse ; from his wonderful
formation and intense ugliness I dubbed him " Broom-
stick J " he was truly a doleful beast to look at ; no

THE PRONG-HORNED ANTELOPE.

225

lougK
3, con-
My
little
} teeth
lucky,
cy oc-
a bold
Break-
f half-
wliat a
lat bear
}7atds de
jre ever

isollng,
jcusaed,
giving
that we
and in
to seek
)perle88
)W with
)nderful
iBroom-
at; no

amount of food seemed to do him any good ; he always
appeared in the last stage of consumption, although
his capacity of stowage of forage was immense: nor
did he ever lose a chance to get a cow kick at the
unwary, or make his teeth meet in the flesh of the
too confiding. Broomstick, from having lately had a
very easy time, was selected for the day's work, and
with expressions of grief that would break the heart
of the most obdurate, he submitted to be saddled up, I
returning every few minutes to take an extra pull
upon the girths, for the villain would expand himself
like a bull frog that had fallen into the hands of
unfeeling schoolboys, so that when you imagined you
had got safely seated and ready to start, by a succession
of the most mulish and awkward back-jumps, the
saddle would get forward beyond where his withers
ought to have been, and nought but wonderful skill
or fortune in the laws of equitation would prevent
the rider from kissing mother-earth. Now Broom-
stick could go if you knew how to take it out of
him, and that was accomplished by commencing with
a high hand from the start, and giving him "the
brumagems " every pace or two, and twice as often if
you felt his back getting up (which he used to raise
after the manner of a half-starved sow), or at any
attempt to get his head down.

-k.

226

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

After a few ineffectual efforts, in which my steed
showed an inclination to differ from me in opinion, we
jogged on comfortably for several miles on the edge of
prairie and timber, the usual markings of a water-
course. The sun was near mid-day, and still no game
was to be seen. No game, in. quiet, Retired situations
like this, :s an unhealthy sign. Game are not in the
habit of lea ang a favourite feeding- ground without
reason, and where we were was well known as such.
Discouraged at want of success, I dismounted, fastening
up Bucephalus, and took my pipe again into confidence.
On an old rotten limb of a partially-decayed button-
wood a family of redheaded woodpeckers were busily
at work, making the wood echo with the violence of
their tapping. Watching the sprightly movements of
these active little beauties, I became totally absorbed in
their energetic pursuits, when a half snort and uneasy
movement on the part of Broomstick caused me to
look round, and wrH I did so, for about forty yards off,
leisurely feeding, were about thirty full-grown wild
turkeys. My smooth-bore had ball in each barrel, still
as I had two or three loads of buck-shot, I determined
to substitute the one for the other. Behind a log like
a snake I glided to perform the change of missiles, and
was about to draw the last fragment of myself out of
sight, when the confounded warning of a rattlesnake

THE PRONG-HORNED ANTELOPE.

227

steed

311, we

dge of

water-

I game

uations

in the

vvitliout

Ls sucli.

istening

ifidence.

button-

e busily

»lence of

ments of

orbed in

. uneasy

me to

ards off,

|)wn wild
rrel, still
termined
log like
siles, and
elf out of
ttlesnake

sounded so close that I involuntarily gave a jump to
avoid the threatening danger, when the turkeys took
wing, without a chance of a shot at them being afforded,
and turkey less I was compelled to remain ; but you may
bet that snake never scared anyone afterwards. He
was one of the largest and most venomous of his family,
being quite five feet long, as yellow as gold along the
abdomen, and possessed of sixteen rattles. He be-
longed to the variety which generally goes by the name
of timber-snake, much larger and totally different in
colour from the prairie rattlesnake or massasauga,
which is always black, and never exceeds eighteen
or twenty inches in length.

Having found no game in the timber, I struck out
for the open land, and riding several miles I saw two
small droves of antelopes. This beautiful animal is
very difficult to stalk ; but as there appeared to be no
other means of getting on intimate terms with them,
I hobbled my horse, and taking advantage of all inter-
vening obstacles, managed unseen to get within five
hundred yards. Further approach now appeared impos-
sible, and I had almost relinquished the idea, when
it struck me that by making a slight detour to leeward
I could find a scant shelter from a dip that appeared to
lead in the direction of the game. On hands and
knees, slowly, I crossed the open, my stomach almost

228

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

f i

on the ground. The antelopes still continued feeding ;
so far they had not heen alarmed. Twenty yards more
would again place me imder cover. He who wishes
successfully to stalk game must never deem precaution
thrown aWay. On the care with which you pass over
an open spot depends often the success of all your
labour. With a feeling of gratification I regained
shelter, and such shelter as I was able to take the
twists and knots out of my legs and arms, with the
consciousness that I could do so without imperilling
success. A few moments* inspection of the game suf-
ficed. Like a snake in the grass, slowly, but steadily,
I made for the back of an unusually high prairie-dog's
earth. From the back of it I would be within eighty
or a hundred yards of my prey. The antelopes, per-
fectly ignorant of my presence, were quietly feeding,
while occasionally one or two of the youngsters, like
young goats, would shake their heads at each other,
rear up or stamp with their feet, and make other
grotesque threatenings of attack. The prospect of
venison was now in the ascendant. I commenced to
believe my eggs near enough hatched to count them
chickens, when a confounded prairie-dog, who doubtless
had been watching all my strategy, uttered his shrill,
quick whistle, and took a header into his burrow.
This was enough ; the antelopes simultaneously closed

'^i'

THE PRONG-HORNED ANTELOPE.

229

edlng ;
Is more
wishes
caution
188 over
ill your
■egained
iake the
inth. the
perilling
ame suf-
steadily,
rie-dog's
n eighty
►pes, per-
• feeding,
iters, like
ch other,
ike other
ospect of
lenced to
unt them
doubtless

is shrill,
burrow.

ly closed

into a bunch, and with every sense strained, looked
eagerly around for the cause of alarm. A closer
stalk v/as impossible, the movement of a mouse could
not escape their notice, so springing on one knee, I
pulled both triggers almost simultaneously, taking
sight for the centre of the ruck. As the smoke lifted,
with satisfaction I beheld two victims, one apparently
dead, the other making violent efforts to get upon his
pins, while the remainder of thjB drove were scamper-
ing across the prairie at suqh a pace as these animals
only are capable of going. As quickly as possible I
reloaded my gun, and on advancing to bleed my
victims, the wounded buck got his legs imder him,
and had I not given L im the right barrel, a nice clean
shot at fifty yards, tumbling him all of a heap, I should
have been left with only a solitary specimen.

After bleeding my trophies, I went after Broomstick,
who, like all perverse beasts, had fed off at as rapid a
pace as possible in exactly the reverse direction to that
wanted. Oh, Broomstick, you provoking brute ! was
ever an unfortunate sportsman so tortured by having to
endure the vagaries of so ugly and obstinate a steed !
Venting my indignation on his sparsely-covered ribs,
and giving him every second stride a reminder that his
owner was on his back, I hurried back to my quarry,
in the hope of making camp at an early hour, and

■1

i'ii

230

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

I I

having a good fire before my comrades returned.
Nor was I too soon, for already a coyotte had scented
blood, and was about to whet his sharp tusks on the
results of my labour. "With considerable hoisting I
got both antelopes on my nag's rump, lashing them
fast with the lariat to the cantle of the saddle, but in
this performance I was not successful till I had blind-
folded my mount. Swinging myself into the pig-skin,
congratulating myself on the success of my stalk, for
camp I headed, and already had commenced in imagi-
nation to enjoy a hearty meal on some of the tit-bits.
Humming possibly the old regimental march, and my
thoughts wandering to far-oif scenes, I was surprised,
on issuing from a dip in the prairie, to see several ante-
lopes feeding undisturbed about a hundred and fifty yards
off. Throwing my head forward over the saddletree,
in a moment I was on my feet, and hurriedly hobbling
my beast, I made a cast to the right to obtain a better
leeward position. Prairie-dog earths were numerous,
and apparently untenanted, or else the whole popula-
tion had turned in for their afternoon siesta. These irre-
gularities of the surface afforded an abundance of shelter.
A few minutes* crawling, and I was within easy range,
when springing to my feet, the game commenced their
succession of buck-jumps, which they invariably prac-
tise before settl'-^g to their regular stride. Pitching my

THE PRONG-HORNED ANTELOPE.

231

gun to the shoulder, I drew sight upon the leader ; over
he went ; while my second shot, fired too hurriedly,
sent its bullet harmlessly ricochetting, its course being
marked by a puff of dust where the missile each
bound hit the soil. The fall of the leader turned the
remainder of the flock, and with the velocity of falcons
they rushed past Broomstick ; up went his tail and
down went his head; half-a-dozen violent struggles,
and the hobbling broke. For a moment he stood, then
threw his mane recklessly about, turned round and gave
his dead load a sniff, and breaking into a succession of
buck-jumps, finishing with kicks, divested himself
of his burden, and in spite of all I could shout, with
the most perfect disregard for consequences, started
for home at a pace so unusual and so corky that I
vowed if ever I laid leg over him again he should give
me a specimen of the same gait for my gratification.

I do not think I ever felt more savage in my life.
Two or three times I hesitated whether I would try the
effect of a leaden messenger after him ; if so long a
journey to civilisation had not been before me I believe
I should, but finally satisfied myself with the hopes
of speedy revenge. After spending half-an-hour in
dragging the game together, and possibly as much
longer in ruminating over the awkwardness of my
position, and the mutability of human and horse

I'!'

^•'i; G

233

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SrOIlTS.

Il '!

aflPairs, debating the pros and com whether to return
to camp or remain where I was, to my intense satis-
faction I saw one of my comrades coming directly
towards me with the now-submissive Broomstick cap-
tive, and looking as if any pace faster than that of a
funerc^ procession was entirely beyond his powers of
exertion. My friend had spied the truant making
straight for camp. After an exciting chase, he had
succeeded in capturing him, when by taking the
reverse direction from which my nag was seen to
come, he happily tumbled across me, much to my
relief; for, after all, the little shelter afforded by
timber, where you can always have a good fire, is
infinitely preferable to a smouldering smudge of buf-
falo-chips, with the wind playing at hide-and-go-seek
round your shirt tails. On reaching the settlements I
parted with Broomstick for a fair price. The pur-
chaser was a character; and, judging from the manner
he mounted, had never been outside of a horse before.
However, he was one of those hawk-featured men that
would be about the very last that you would select to
trifle with. If he and his horse had not numerous
misunderstandings, and if the latter did not get well
paid off for the several scurvy tricks he practised on
me, I will at once acknowledge that I am no judge of
character.

.il

D return
ise satis-
directly
ick cap-
hat of a
lowers of

making
, he had
king the

seen to
li to my
orded by
d fire, is
e of buf-
d- go-seek
llements I

'he pur-
^e manner
|se before.

men that

select to
umerous
get well

[ctised on

judge of

CHAPTER XV.
PINNATED GROUSE.

{Tetrao eupido.)

Scarcely can I sit to write of this prince of game
birds without longing for the delightful weather
of September, and the verdant, smooth, undulating
prairies of the Western States. The associations con-
nected with this class of shooting are to me delightful,
recalling vividly the society of friends and re- unions,
the result of sincere friendship. Then it is the advent
in America of the shooting-season proper : the gun,
which, in many instances, has been shut up in its cell-
like case, smothered with tow and grease, has a fresh
nativity ; the new setters or pointers, reared and
broken perhaps far from the owner's eye, have to
make their debut, and not improbably a new sporting
suit, fresh from the skilful hands of some reputed
clothier, is to have its maiden lustre first dimmed.
Every disciple of the chase, if he lives within reach, or

234

ACCESSIBLE FlEl.U SPOUTS.

has tho means wherewith to visit the sacred haunts
of these noble fowl, looks forward with as much
pleasure to tho longed-for period and tho anticipated
sport as ever did city belle to courtly /(^/^, or expectant
children to the morrow, which is to announce what the
ubiquitous Santa Glaus has left for their future amuse-
ment. The 12th of August and tho Ist of September
have for ages been venerated in our tight little island,
and been made trysting days as solemnly to be wel-
comed by the sportsman as has ever been sacred fast
by recluse or holiday by gourmand ; and although
the first legal fixture does not here receive so much
attention, the day chosen for each individual's first essay
of the season does. The English have long been dubbed
a nation of shopkeepers , the Americans, with more
justice, might be called a race of traders: for while the
former, who are fortunate enough to have the means,
invariably tramp down the golden stubble or scatter
the purple blooming hea'^her upon the advent morning
of shooting, the latter, though possessing the where-
with, have more frequently to wait for days or weeks
till press of business or respite in the rush of trade
will sanction their absence from the dingy walls or
mouldy books of counting-room or oflfice. Again,
the acknowledged day in America — the 1st of Sep-
tember— to commence operations on the prairies, is

PINNATED GROUSE.

235

SO early in the season that the birds are invariably
not full grown, incapable of more than short flights,
and the heat is so intense that both Ponto and
Juno have had enough quartenug and pointing in a
couple of hx)urs to satisfy theni for that day ; so that,
if the sportsman has the constitution of a locomotive,
with the disregarfl to heat that is credited to the sala-
mander, if desirous of further replenishing his volu-
minous skirt pockets, he has to perform not only his
own part of the programme, but that of his now half-
foundered canines. It has long been a great desire
of mine to see one more month granted for these
splendid birds to enjoy, uninterrupted^ their family
cares — a lengthening of the close season which would,
not only in many ways be advantageous to both
pursuer and pursued, but can have no possible objec-
tions, on the other hand, to be urged against it.

The best prairie-chicken shooting I have ever had
was in the month of October ; and although September
had been both wet and boisterous, yet the birds had
not packed, and lay well. Day after day I killed from
twenty brace upwards, and this in the northern
portion of Illinois, with a fourteen-bore, light-made,
twenty-six-inch-barrelled gun. I have little hesitation
in saying, that if I had had a ten-bore, which I now
always use for general shooting in America^ my score

m'I

i- i'

! I

1 '

236

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

would have bec^n at least double. As it was I saved
nearly every bird, for in the numerous shipments
which I made to a wide circle of acquaintances I
did not hear of one arriving at its destination unfit
for the table. Now, in September, this would have
been impossible, though hours had been spent over
each packing-case, and the expected hamper contained
at starting as much ice and a little more sawdust than
game. Some knowing hands profess that by imme-
diately drawing the fowl upon being knocked over,
and stuffing a wisp of grass in the cavity, putre-
faction will be delayed ; but what an agreeable opera-
tion to have to perform! Fancy stopping in the
middle of a covey, with dogs standing, to perform
the functions of the kitchen-maid ! — the humanity or
refinement of the proceeding, the afterwards loading
and handling your handsome breech-loader with your
well-daubed hands ! or, perhaps in a fit of desperation,
caused by the attack of some bloodthirty mosquito
giving your nose or forehead the benefit of their
friendly intervention ! But it is too horrible to think
of. All these drawbacks can be warded off or pre-
vented by not shooting till the weather is suitable ;
or, better still, not permitting shooting till such a
date as we have reason to. expect a sufficiently cool
temperature ; making it actionable for game-dealers to

') i

PINNATED GROUSE.

237

expose for sale tlie temporarily forbidden treasures be-
fore the termination of the close season. Gentlemen of
America, if you wish to keep game abundant and near
home, and to increase and preserve the fine feelings that
should imbue the breast of every true sportsman,
devote a little attention to this important point.

Like the deer, bear, and sundry varieties of American
game, which once were to be found in abundance in
almost every section of the countiy, so was the
prairie chicken ; but as civilisation and population
have increased, in such a ratio their numbers have
diminished. In Kentucky, forty years ago, they
abounded ; it is more than doubtful thtjt this day
one can be found in that State. All along the Atlantic
seaboard, from Virginia to Maine, they were once to be
found ; while now, save a scattered few on the scrub
plains of Long Island, Martha's Vineyard, and Mount
Desert Island, not a single specimen will be seen.
The pinnated grouse has abandoned its old haunts, like
the Indian, and removes every season farther to the
westward, to avoid the society of the pale-faced inter-
loper. Fortunately, all game does not thus dread the
stranger's presence, for as civilisation increases so does
the partridge, and the familiar call of Bob White will
soon entirely supplant the deep, musical, but strange
booing of th'?. prairie fowl east of the Ji^ri jsissippi.

238

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

J rim

' '1

1^ M

-rJ

rl-

To get sport now- a- days, the ultimate western edge
of Indiana and the State of Illinois, for the eastern
sportsman, are undoubtedly the nearest points ; but
even after having travelled thus far, if you desire
results commensurate with your trouble, rest not near
the track of the iron horse, but pursue, to the right or
left, your course till you find people who still talk of
the cars* as seven-day wonders, and report as a marvel,
that one still night, a month ago, Hans or Jacques
heard them whistle. When such originals have been
found, call a halt, unpack carefully your traps from the
waggon and your private store of edibles.

The prairie chickens are very erratic in their habits,
and the situations in which they abound one season may
be almost entirely deserted the next. It has often
puzzled me to account for this strange uncertainty in
their choice, and I have thus far failed to satisfy my
mind, unless the burning of the grass or inundations, to
which the western country is particularly subject, can
be accepted as a reason. About two years ago a low
prairie close to my dwelling was most amply stocked
with prairie fowl, so much so that I used to limit my bag
to one dozen and a half, and seldom did it take more
than an hour to obtain this number. Last year, on the
same land, not one solitary bird was to be found. Now,

* Railroads.

PINNATED GKOUSE.

239

this prairie had not been burnt, although others in the
vicinity had undergone the operation. Early in the
season, before the young have attained maturity, and ere
the cold and boisterous winds of autumn have caused
them to pack, the sportsman must indeed be a bad
shot who cannot tumble them on nearly each discharge,
for they are easy of approach, lying very close, and
rising and flying slowly, without making much of that
disconcerting disturbance so apparent in the flushing
of partridge and of ruffed grouse. Again, the ground
in which they are found is open and clear from inter-
ruptions, affording an abundance of time for the most
precise and formal to take aim ; but after the autumnal
equinoctial gales have whistled over the unprotected
landscape, and the sharp night frosts have changed the
verdant lea\;"i to a vermilion or golden hue, rapid and
precise shooting is required, for not only will tliey rise
at long range, but take hard and fair hitting to bring
them down, and instead of finding the quarry on the
sun-warmed, open, grassy slopes, the dense tall corn
will be more frequently selected as their chosen retreat.
Of course, the farther you proceed "West, till you reach
the ultimate extremities of civilisation, the greater will
be your prospects of heavy bags, and more particularly
80 late in the season, as the population being sparse,
and the intrusion of cattle, sheep, and dogs less fre-

Is i!

■r «

!i;:!

240

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

qiient, the birds still continue comparatively tamer
than in the more densely settled quarters. However,
it is not convenient for all, nor even would many choose
to sacrifice every comfort for the sake of slaughter, and
turn a pleasure into a labour and a pursuit of discom-
fort ; for living in a squatter's hut is scarcely, as an old
friend used to say, " What it's cracked r.p to be :"
besides, what can you do with the results, a very small
portion of which will satisfy your own demands ;
for my part, give me from eight to ten brace daily,
with means of using them, to the most tremen-
dous bags, if they are to be thrown away. Not over
two years since, when travelling through a remote
and unfrequented section of the State of Illinois, I
came across a party of young men who were daily
destroying from twenty to thirty couple per gun, and
as the season was warm, and the connection with the rail-
road difficult and uncertain, when asked by .he tavern-
keeper what they intended doing with their game,
they laughingly responded, " Throw it in the hog-pen,"
and for upwards of a week they continued this das-
tardly behaviour. Can it then be wondered that game
rapidly diminishes, when persons are to be found
capable of such disgraceful conduct ; the only check
that I can see, is the organisation of proper game-
laws, prohibiting the birds from pursuit excepting

PINNATED GROUSE.

241

tamer
Dwever,
' clioose
ber, and
discom-
3 an old
bo be:"
ry small
jmands ;
se daily,
tremen-
Not over
1 remote
llinois, I
jre daily
gun, and
1 the rail-
e tavern-
lir game,
log-pen,"
this das-
hat game
be fomid
ily check
Dcr game-
excepting

at suitable seasons, the violation of which should be
punishable by heavy fines, the whole or greater part to
go to the informer.

The pinnated grouse are very capricious in choice
of sites on which to place their nests ; solitude and
vicinity to favourite food or other causes, of which
an outsider can know but little, must be accepted
as the probable reasons. However, I have generally
observed that a preference is shown for those places
where the prairie is covered with bunch-grass, par-
ticularly if the subsurface is moist, and the neigh-
bourhood not overstocked with cattle. This grouse
is easily caused to desert her nest, whether the in-
trusion be committed bv man or beast ; on such
occasions a new nursery is chosen and a second lot
of eggs laid, but if misfortune should deprive her of
her brood after the young have left the ^^%, all
idea of raising a second family is laid aside, and the
chickless mother joins company with the first simi-
larly-situated unfortunate she may chance to meet.
Odd hen-birds, when found by the sportsman, are
frequently supposed to be barren, but in nine instances
out of ten, I am satisfied that some luckless cur dog,
mink, or weasel deserves the onus for the poor bird's
chickless lot. Towards the € id of March or early
in April they commence pairing, the first indication

8 1

.1 1

'■ 1

iti'i

242

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

)(

p ^i!

ii.i

mi'.i

Kr-i

being the booing of the males, which may be heard
for upwards of a mile, if the weather is still. This
sound, which is very peculiar and melodious, much
resembles the lowing of a bull, and has frequently
been mistaken for it. The noise is made by the cocks
forcing air out of the two inflated air-bags which are
to be found on either side of their necks.

Then the large flocks begin to break up and divide
into parties of twenty or thirty, each detachment
selecting a knoll on which to exhibit their fasci-
nations to the fair sex and select partners. On the
first indication of day the males utter their war-
cry, and either wait to receive their rivals in love or
swiftly wing their way to accept the challenge of
some distant gallant. The fiercest battles now ensue ; *
nor is it only between two, for sometimes a dozen may
be observed engaged in the mtleey each fearlessly
attacking his nearest neighbour, rising and striking
with the wings and feet much after the manner of
domestic poultry, when feathers fly and severe and
numerous injuries are received, till the weaker,
finding their strength inadequate to the trial, reluc-
tantly retire, and some old veteran alone remains,

• Until a late date I believed these battles were a description of
tournament, in fact, all for show. However, this is not the case, and
numbers of the combatants get severely injured.

PINNATED GROUSE.

243

heard
This

much
[uently
e cocks
ich are

. divide

ichment

T fasci-
On the

3ir war-

L love or
3nge of
ensue ;*

»zen may
arlessly
striking
lanner of
vere and
weaker,
al, reluc-
remains,

3acription of
;he case, and

exhausted and war-stained, to make selection of his
future mate. Often have the birds been found, after
these contests, so exhausted that they were scarcely
able to rise off the ground or avoid the traveller's feet.
And well do the hawks know their enfeebled condi-
tion, and are not slow to avail themselves of the ad-
vantage and pounce upon the imfortunate conquerors,
who, but for their prowess and now-exhausted condition,
could easily have beaten oflf the relentless destroyer.
As soon as the victor has made his choice he retires.
The same scenes are again and again enacted till all
are mated. ..-^:•■.' :„-„. ,,, ■.:■".,/ ■'*.-,■'-,,:,.,'■'':,..•,;..■■■:„/'■:■..•;■■.:•

Like the turkey-cock and domestic pigeon, when
making love they ruffle their feathers, drop their
wings and tails, and strut about with more pomposity
than ever did city beau.

The nest, which is generally placed upon the top of
a hillock amorg the long grass, in shape is irregular,
but on examination it will be found carefully con-
structed of leaves and interwoven grasses. The eggs,
which seldom exceed twelve, are a trifle smaller than
those of the domestic fowl, and are of a dull, yellowish
colour, much resembling, those of the ruffed grouse,
lu eighteen or nineteen days they are hatched, and the
chicks leave their nest immediately afterwards. From
this period the female is deserted by her m,ate, and

i : I

•i'

244

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

■i:i

tt-

: I

until severe weather causes them to pack, the old males
and females are not found again together.

In crossing the prairie, I have often come across the
hen engaged with the charge of her diminutive family,
and the anxiety and courage she will display if sud-
denly surprised, is truly amusing. But the young
are seldom in danger from man, for their powers of
concealment are wonderful, and unless aided by a
dog, it is impossible for a human being to find their
retreat. On several occasions I have jumped off my
shooting-pony, confident of success, but never succeeded
in their capture, unless on such occasions as one of my
setters was in company.

By the first week in August they are capable of
short flights, when they do not much exceed our par-
tridge in size, and if shot thus early, which is too
frequently the case, it is difficult to imagine more
delicious food; but they will not bear keeping, and
sooner taint than any other game-bird I am acquainted
with. In October they have attained full strength of
wing, becoming more difficult of approach daily till
severe weather has caused them to pack, when they
will seldom lie, either to dog or gun, unless when
feeding in tall corn or dusting themselves at mid-day
if there should chance to be a strong sun.

Although the pinnated grouse seldom leave the open

PINNATED GROUSE.

246

males

088 the
Pamily,
if sud-
young
vers of
L by a
id tlieir
. off my
icceeded
.6 of my

pable of
our par-
h is too
ne more
ing, and
iquainted
'engtli of
daily till
hen they
iss when
mid-day

the open

country, yet if winter be excessively severe they will
frequent the edges of the timber, roosting on the tallest
trees, more particularly girdlings or those destitute
of small limbs. Under such circumstances they are
exceedingly wild, and the most successful deer or
turkey-hunter may practise all his cunning and most
cautious methods of approach with signal failure in
getting even within rifle range ; however, in a snow-
storm, by putting white clothes on, or a night-gown
over your attire and tying a towel around your head,
at feeding- time, when they are seated on the fences or
corn- stacks, you can easily get within ten or fifteen
yards of them.

When flushed they invariably utter several separate
clucks, but after they have succeeded in placing a safe
distance between themselves and the intruder they
continue their course in silence ; nor if when on the
wing they should chan»e to fly over a sportsman do
they repeat their note of alarm.

Their favourite food is buckwheat, corn, oats, wheat,
and grass- seed, the buds of fruit trees and the seed of
the sumach.

Their size is eighteen inches long by twenty- seven
inches across the wings ; bill short, stout and curved,
with the upper mandible considerably overlapping the
lower J legs feathered to the an!^le; feet of ordinary size;

!l!|i

II, '^1

) ' '

\l '■: i ■

24G

ACCFAMini,l5 FlteLD SPORTS.

toes covered above with niimeroxis small scales ; hind
toes very short ; claws moderately long, curved and
concave beneath ; feathers compact, those of the head
and neck long and flexible, with a continuation taper-
ing to a crest on back of head ; on either side a tuft of
line long hackles, covering a bare portion, which is
orange coloured in the males and dull brown in the
females; the wings short and much rounded; pin feathers
hard and short ; tail short and fan-like, composed of
eighteen broad feathers ; bill dusky ; iris yellow ; toes
dull yellow ; claws bluish ; the neck and upper portion
of back dark brown, mixed with grey, getting lighter
beneath ; tail dirty brown, tipped with white, except the
middle feathers, which are mottled with a deep brown ;
and a dark line from mandible to eye, thence back
to neck, and a beautiful patch of soft slate- coloured
feathers under each wing, invaluable to the fly-tier, —
is a correct description of their ajjpearance.

; hind
d and
c liead
taper-
tuft of
bich is
in the
eatliers
osed of
V ; toes
portion
lighter
cept the
brown ;
ce back
olonred
-tier, —

^ CHAPTER XVI.

TROUT* FISHING IN MAINE.

As the seasons roll past in rapid succession, and each
year appears to flit by with more velocity than its
predecessor, the same pleasures, the same sports recur
to our memory, always with the appetite more sharp-
ened for their enjoyment by the lapse of the close
season, in which the true sportsman would not enjoy
his favourite pastime, even if law and weather were
not both adverse. Age, if not accompanied by infir-
mity, in few instances reduces the enjoyment of field-
sports, if they were in our youth our all-absorbing
passion. A few pleasant spring-like days have their
effect upon the angler ; he that is skilled in flies and
rods, — he that well knows the resorts of the speckled
beauties of the brook, their habits, and their device'^ to

♦ {Sahno fontinalis.) Live specimens of these fish, which I procured
last winter in America, may now be seen alive at Mr. Buckland's
Museum of Economic Fish Culture, Royal Horticultural Gardens, South
Kensington.

t i

; i

248

ACCESSini-E FIELD SPORTS.

J; I

,1 yi ' ■ ■

4. Xi..,„

escape tlio landing-net, after the insidious, treacherous
hook has pierced their mouth, — commences living
in anticipation, and, doubtless with faithful and well-
tried friends, plans numerous and stolen visits to
;;avourite streams or well-stocked rivers.

Rods, lines, flies, and reels, which have for months
rested in dusty closet or well-secured packing-case,
again see the light of day and undergo careful
scrutiny, that neither break nor flaw may be un-
repaired; rings which were lost the previous season
are now replaced ; frayed wrappings of silk ha^ r been
stopped, a drop or two of oil has been donated to the
sonorous reel, and, doubtless, the moths have had
sundry imprecations hurled at them for wholesale
destruction of gaudy feathers, which have cost many
a pound, or sundry hours of labour to procure,
and whose deficiency has got to be replaced before
the outfit can be deemed perfect. Of all field
sports, there is none that requires more particular
attention to all the many details ; every portion must
be kept in perfect repair, for the probability is, that
the very first time you are caught wanting you will
have reason to rue it for the balance of the season.
Strange as it maj'- appear, we have invariably found it
80. If v*^e were scant of tackle, or our outfit had
become injured, and unreliable, we were certain to

TROUT FISHING IN MAINE.

249

lerous

living

well-

lits to

lontts
T-case,
jarcful
)e un-
season
r been
to the
ire had
lolesale
many
rocure,
before
field
icular
must
, that
ou will
season,
fund it
it bad
ain to

hook a heavy fish, such a one as required tho utmost
skill and attention under favourable circumstances to
master. Of course, as might bo expected, tho wreck
was completed by a break, and the foe made good his
escape. However, it invariably happens that the angler
considers those that escape much larger than any that
have succumbed. A day or two since, having some
business in that portion of the town where many of
the elite of the disciples of dear old Izaak congre-
gate, I came across two whose prowess and skill had
been well tried by long experience, and whoso success
as anglers is probably second to no others. After the
usual greetings, the sine qua non, the nc plus ultra of
their pleasures were broached, and the prospects dis-
cussed. May we say that it was with feelings almost
akin to selfishness that we listened to the numerous
delightful distant visits arranged, where well-stocked
murmuring brooks or rapid rivers pursue their erratic
and picturesque course to the ocean, far, far away from
the busy haunts of man, where the wild duck and deer
rear their harmless young, and where the lordly,
silver-sheened salmon leaps in sportive plunge over
the foaming crest of the headlong rapid? But no
such trip is in store for us. Pens, ink, and paper have
to be our companions, and the monotonous and well-
known walls of a city do duty for a rural landscape.

250

ACCEGSIJLE FIELD SPORTS.

i ■ i 1

if , .It ! .

■'i

IH '

1 ;:'!

Of all the localities where trout fishing can be
enjoyed in perfection,, the State of Maine in North
America, in our opinion, is the most deserving of
notice, for not only can the fisherman here capture
immense numbers, but occasionally a giant, whose
efforts for liberty will imbue the angler with a due
appreciation of the power and perseverance of the
monarch of the brook. The scenery also in this State
is truly magnificent, being as diversifiea. by wood,
mountain and water, and that in such close proximity
and rapid succession as must please the taste of the
most fastidious connoisseur. Supposing that the fisher-
man, say about the middle of May, should choose to
visit these haunts, it may be a saving of considerable
trouble to know the most convenient method of rer^ch-
ing the homes of the speckled beauties. "We are aware
that a Raih'oad Guide is always one of the most
intricate and mysterious books to the uninitiated, and
would, therefore, in the cause of humanity, save you
the unsatisfactory task of hunting over Appleton's,
(the Bradshaw of Ambrica), or others of these far from
lucid works, for the requisite information. Moreover,
it is well for a fisherman to arrive at his destina-
tion in an amiable frame of mind, and at peace with
all men, which we consider morally impossible if he
fail to make connections in the railroads, or is

TROUT FISHING IN MAINE.

251

bullied by officious conductors, or left shivering in some
out- of- the- way situation where nought can be done but
smoke and court Somnus in a railroad wrapper. To
avoid all these troubles, and, probably, a great many
more, if New York be your starting-pi ?ce, take steam-
boat thence to Portland, — a delightful short cruise of
from thirty to thirty-six hours, — and if you should
experience bad weather, especially if it results in sea-
sickness, the ulterior eLi'ects will be beneficial, terra firma
will be more appreciated, and your appetite stimulated
to an unusual extent. Besides, the scenery, in those
places where land is visible, is pretty, while fleets of
fishing and trading crafts will be constantly in sight.
The steam- vessels on this route are very comfortable aud
sea- worthy, and under the command of most able officers.
Having arrived at Portland, and enjoyed a good
meal and rest at one of the numerous hotels, the ter-
minus of the Grand Trunk Kailroad will have to be
reached, where you will procure your ticket for Bethel,
Oxford County. The scenery through which you will
now rush, dragged by the iron horse, is magnificent,
alike suited to the taste of artist or sportsman ; but
one thing is certain to cause a regret, viz., that the
numerous beautiful rivers and brooks that so frequently
will be seen or traversed, are now destitute of _"sh, — at
loast 80 I was informed althoUi::h I could not learn

m v..

:!(s '■

252

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

the reason. Visions of mill dams, without fish-ways, and
tons of sawdust floating in islands, hovered before me,
and, probably, whispered a true cause of the destruction
of the thousands of fish which doubtlessly swarmed
here before genus homo, with his devices and march of
improvement, had defiled these formerly pure, pellucid
brooks. Bethel, who^e you leave the train, will be
found a model village, which, for cleanliness and neat-
ness, it would be impossible to surpass. As you pro-
gress along the principal thoroughfare, the pretty
dwellings, overshadowed by handsome shade trees, re-
mind you of some of Longfellow's beau ideal New
England homes. The hotel, also, is very coLufortable,
and Mr. Lovejoy, the proprietor, can give good in-
formation and instruction as to your future proceed-
ings. He also will supply you with a conveyance to
take you to Upton, distant about twenty- seven miles,
over a road far from good; but if the weather be
fine, you will be so delighted with the beautiful
panoramas of wild and magnificent scenery that time
will slip by rapidly, and luts and jolts will be totally
forgotten. For the first five or six miles of your drive
you pass along the margin of the grand Androscogan
Kiver, exhibiting a succession of pools and rapids, so
eminently suited for retreats for salmon, that you
cannot fail to regret that ^hese uoble fish are debarred

TROUT FISHING IN MAINE.

253

s, and
re me,
uction
armed
ircli of
ellucid
^rill be
I neat-
>u pro-
pretty
3es, re-
al New
ortable,
ood in-
)roceed-
ance to
n miles,
tber be
»eautiful
lat time
totally
ur drive
'oscogan
pids, so
at you
ebarred

from visiting this choice water. A few miles farther
your course winds by a beautiful mountain brook
well stocked with trout, and in which a good basket
can always be taken. We will now suppose you
have reached the half-way house, a pretty little
road-side tavern, where the horses are baited, and the
traveller, if he chooses — we would strongly advise
you not to fail to— may make the acquaintance of
mine host, a worthy man with a wonderful fund of
information on various interesting subjects. The
allotted half-hour having expired, and the inner man
been refreshed, forward is again the word, and more
beautiful becomes the scenery. Wild, irregular hills,
with bases densely covered with timber, but stony and
irregular towards their summit, frown over your head ;
precipices, clifls, and yawning chasms alternately vary
the prospect, throwing, for grandeur, the choicest
wilds of Scotland in the shade. Only an able poet,
with a romantic turn of mind, is wanted to immortalise
by soul-stirring lays these stupendous mountain fast-
nesses, accessible alone to the wild denizens of the forest,
or to him who is gifted with the nerve, steady foot,
and reliable eye of the chamois hunter of the Alps.

Having at length reached the upper portion of the
village of Upton, an entire change comes over the land-
scape; far beneath your feet, lies nestled, in all ^ho

!;
Il

fi.

1, i

254

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

Uli-\

5 • '

Bplendour of luxuriant timber, with irregular and
changing outline, the lovely sheet of water, Umbagog,
thickly studded with innumerable islands of every
form, size, and outline. On first beholding this scene,
Loch Lomond was vividly recalled to mind, and the
more frequently we beheld this .picture, the stronger
was the impression of the striking "amiilarity. Again,
this lake will have additional charms to the sportsman,
for here trout abound in immense numbers. But sup-
posing you started from Bethel after breakfast, the
sun must now be near dipping the horizon, when you
have reached thus far, so that you had better hurry
forward and gain the hospitable roof-tree of Mr.
Simeon Frost, the hotel proprietor, ere night envelopes
the earth with her sombre mantle of darkness.

Being met on the porch by the honest, straight-
forward Simeon, you may safely resign yourself to his
care, which would be dangerous in this locale in many
other hands, as some of the hosts are peculiar in
their belief, and strongly adhere to a sinister inter-
pretation of the words, " I was a stranger and ye took
me in." But once marshalled under the banner of
Mr. Frost, you will be safe from their philanthropic
designs ; and further, you will be well fed and housed.
If you be an epicure, fail not to ask for a bonne houche —
which we relished among iiicde pine-clad hills — viz.,

TROUT FISHING IN MAINE,

255

tiii' ii

trout stewed in cream. The white-bait of the Londoner,
the canvas-back duck of Delmonico's, and the green
turtle-steak of the City Fathers, are all tlirown in the
shade by this delicious dish. You have but to scent it
in future to make your mouth water, and visions of
epicurean feasts float before your eyes. Now, if you
will only place yourself in my hands — and well I know
the smooth water and rocky shoals, the pleasures and
disappointments that beset the stranger in this beautiful
but inhospitable region — I will keep your feet free
from pitfalls, and your purse safe from too-frequent
incursions. Having eaten your evening meal, and
retired to your room, send for your host, and learn
from him all particulars necessary to guide your future
steps. Wherever you go you will catch fish ; sometimes
the fishing at Errol* is so good as to well deserve a
visit ere you go up to the dam where the Androscogan
River leaves Lower Richardson Lake. Supposing the
season to be the end of May — the time we should
advibO to be selected for your visit — delightful brook-
fishing may be obtained beneath the dam in the Little
Cambridge River, which flows within fifty yards of the
hotel. Many and many a morning and evening I have
taken here three or four dozen beauties, some of them
over a pound, and all game to the last. I know no
• A village a few miles distant from Upton,

ti ii

! -.
1.1

i i"

256

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

river better suited for the increase of trout, and doubt-
less at the present time it would swarm with thousands
all along its course, but that seme selfish being projected
and erected a dam about twenty feet high, to collect
water to drive a mill ; and worse, had the inhumanity
not even to leave a fish-way ; consequently, Izaak
"Walton's disciples have to walk many a wearisome
mile up this brook before fish can again be found
abundant, and then they are so poor and badly fed that
they are almost unfit for the table. Now, the difierence
between those beneath the dam and those above, is
doubtlessly caused by the unfortunate denizens of the
upper water being prevented from making their annual
1* d to Lake Umbagog to recruit, or enjoy the cool
retreats afibrded in its deep waters, at that portion of
the season when the summer sun pours down its
refulgent, heated rays upon the unprotected water.
Persons who resided in this locality years ago, informed
me that before this impediment on the Cambridge was
made, trout swarmed all the way up to the source in
ten times the quantity they do now. But why grumble
or find fault in this particular instance? Are such
shameful structures not to be found in every section
of this and my own land, a glaring example of want of
forethought, or selfishness, or worse ? But, thank good-
ness, such abuses in America are about to be stopped ;

TROUT FISHING IN MAINE.

257

.oubt-

Lsands

jected

3ollect

aanity

Izaak
risome

found
ed that
lereiice
30ve, is
; of the
■ annual
jhe cool
rtion of

wn its
water.

formed
IWe was

State legislation has taken the matter in hand, and is
determined to enforce such severe penalties, that we
hope, ere long, to see the temporarily-deserted retreats
of the spotted, brilliant-hued trout again teeming with
their numbers, and the placid, sheltered pools, now still
and tenantless, boiling with their breaks and rises, as
they either roll over in sport, or rush headlong to the
surface after the dainty and fragile ephemera.

A lady, who formed one of our party, frequently
of an evening, without moving from the bridge, took
a dozen fish in an hour or so, plainly proving that
even the uninitiated can here be successful, for Madame
previously had never seen a trout captured in her life.
The flies which we should recommend for this stream
are about the same in size as those in use on Scotch and
Irish rivers, and of the same colouring, black and red
tackles being preferable. We also found a fly con-
structed as follows most killing : wings from the tail
of the ruffed grouse, with a few strands of scarlet ibis,
brown cock's hackle under wings, body of ground hog's
fur, plucked off* the stomach, with a couple of strands
of guinea-fowl feather for tail. If the water should
have been discoloured with rain, substitute a little of
the golden-pheasant topknot for the termination, instead
of the guinea-fowl. By coming here early in the sea-
son, as above advised, you will moreover escape the

)^ \

258

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

iii

i 15

attacks of those confounded pests, the black flics, which
generally make their appearance the second week of
June, when woe betide you ; for if you are compelled
to submit to their persecutions, your tortures from the
results might turn your hair grey in a night, or drive
you crazy for the remainder of life. No one can
sympathise with the unfortunate Egyptians so well as
he v^ho has visited the Maine fishing-regions in the
fly season ; getting rid of the Israelites, if they took
the plague with them, was under any circumstances
most desirable.

Eefore leaving Upton for the "Wilds, as by this name
your future resting-places may well be called, we would
revert to the practice of throwing sawdust that comes
from mills into the water. Now, although some may
not be aware of it, there is nothing more destructive
to trout and salmon than these minute particles of
timber. The fish, as they rest head up stream, imbibe
them into their mouths, whence they pass into the
gills and stomach, ultimately causing disease and death.
When this is known to be the case, would it not
be well to insist that this debris should otherwise
be disposed of, which may, without much labour or
inconvenience, be accomplished by fire, after trans-
porting it to a suitable distance. Hendrick Hudson,
the first explorer of the magnificent river which bears

TROUT FISHING IN MAINE.

259

i, whicli
,veek of
mpelled
rom the
or drive
[)ne can
3 well as
s in the
hey took
instances

;his name
we would
|iat comes
lome may
estructi\e
rticles of
01, imbibe
into the
md death,
d it not
otherwise
labour or
,er trans-
Hudson,
ich bears

his name in America, speaks of that river as swarm-
ing with salmon ; but where are they now ? Gone,
never to return, unless repopulated by artificial means ;
in fact, expelled by dams and sawdust, and such like
accompaniments of the human race. As with the
Hudson, so it would be everywhere, if preventive
measures were not adopted to stop these abuses, so
glaring and unjustifiable, that every well-thinking
man can scarce fail to anathematise the short-sighted
policy that has formerly marked the advance of civili-
sation. But it is not only fish in America ; game has
also thus ruthlessly been dealt with, till forests and
farms cease to re-echo the musical, plaintive notes of
the partridge, or the sonorous, drumming call of the
rufied grouse. For our part, the most picturesque
walk, the most delightful rural drive, if not graced
with the presence or note of the feathered warblers,
the cooing of the dove, or the flight of birds, loses
half its fascinations, half its enchant ^nts, and conse-
quently half the pleasures it would otherwise afford.

Supposing that you have passed a few days at
Upton, and enjoyed, with that relish which is so
natural to a sportsman, the manifold pleasures of a
country excursion, we should advise your now leaving
civilisation and revelling in the solitude of the pathless
wood, where man seldom intrudes and nature remains

1^ )|

260

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

.1!

andefiled or deformed except by the assaesm hand uf
the axeman. If you be a good pedestrian, we would
recommend your feet as the most enjoyable and natural
method of gaining the portage where the upper An-
droscogan has to be crossed ; but as you may not be
experienced in woodcraft, and all the sciences that
teach the solitary hunter to surely follow a blazed
path, procure the services of Collins, an agreeable and
obliging man, to perform the duty of guide ; and if he
still possesses his noble dog, the jaunt might possibly
be diversified by the treeing of a bear, for Mr. Bruin
here roams at large, undisputed master of a gigantic
demesne. At the same time, care must be taken to
ascertain that a boat is available to transport you
across the river, for thus earlv in the season the
water will be found too high and too cold for fording or

swimming.

But if previous confinement and sedentary habits
have relaxed the muscles and made the feet tender,
get Mr. Frost to negotiate for the services of the
steamboat,* taking care that a direct understanding as
to charge is made before embarking. In fact, go not
to the dam ; do nothing till you are certain what will
be the cost ; for once you are caught sleeping, if away

♦ By whiat other name to desigate tliis extraordinary piece of
mechanism I know not, hut he advised while on hoard always to keep
the wood bunkers hetween you and the boiler.

TROUT FISHING IN MAINE.

261

hand v..f
e would

natural
per An-
j not be
LCC8 that
a blazed
sable and
and if be
t possibly
^Ir. Bruin
I gigantic

taken to
sport you
eason the
fording or

iry habits

let tender,

3es of tbe

[anding as

let, go not
what will

|g, if away

lary piece of
Iways to keep

from Mr. Frost's protecting influence, you may, on
awakening, find your molars gone, or your strength,
if it consists in the length of your purse. To be
forewarned is to be forearmed, and now if you fall into
the snare, blame not the writer.

The voyage by water, distance fourteen or fifteen
miles, is charming ; after leaving the place of em-
barkation you proceed about two miles down the
Cambrid^re, which is here dead and sluggish,* till you
reach th3 entrance to Lake Umbagog, when your
vessel's prow is pointed for distant hills fringed with
giant timber. On either side, islands after islands dot
the bosom of the water, while verdant mountains and
primeval forests stretch far, far beyond the limits
allotted to vision. The two or three hours which are
taken to cross the lake will flit by rapidly, if you have
appreciation of what is sublime, of what Nature in her
grand conceptions formed, and the impressions in-
dented on the tablets of your memory will doubtlessly
be permanent. It matters not how sceptical and un-
believing some may be, place them where the giant
works of the Creator are visible, and how insignificant
for ever after must they view the puny eflbrts and cor-
structions of their fellow-beings, and cease to disbelieve
that there is One above omnipotent and all-powerful !

Fail not, on reaching the centre of the lake, to face
♦ Once a favourite haunt for moose.

'^ ! 1

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0

I.I

1.25

Uit2A |25

■tt Ui2 |2.2

iu u^ ■■■

^ 1^ 12.0

^^%^

<^ >1

"»

262

ACCESSIBFE FIELD SPORTS.

about and look for the White Mountains,* and if the
day is clear, aniple will be your recompenee, for,
towering high above all other contestants, they frown
gloriously over the landscape, softened into a dreamy
reality by distance, and furrowed on their summits by
lines of virgin snow, reflecting a thousand brilliant
prismatic colourings. But the irrevocable pace of
time glides on, and pleasure flits with rapid stride.
Our primitive boat now appears to head direct on
shore, and so we advance till, when within a few
yards of the rocks, the helm is put hard down, and we
quickly turn to the left and enter the Androscogan, up
whose waters a most charming vista is beheld, the
drooping limbs of the trees on either side playfully
kissing the rippling stream, and the irregularly formed
rocks splitting the water, and, diverting its course in
tangent lines, making many a miniature whirlpool
or gurgling eddy, the haunt and breeding-place of
innumerable trout. If the river is sufficiently high
you will be able to proceed, without leaving the steam-
boat, as far as the commencement of the portage ; but,
should it be otherwise, your baggage and self will
require to be transferred to boats, to be propelled up
stream by pole and paddle in the skilful hands of some
of the proficient backwoodsmen.

• Mount WaBhiugton is six thousand feet high.

TROUT FISHING IN MAINE.

263

The trip up the river is worthy all the distance you
have travelled. The view is ever changing and ever
beautiful : now you float over some still, dark pool ;
next, with laborious and slow progress, ascend some
seething rapid ; one time the centre of the stream only
is navigable, the next moment the brush and branches
on the margin grate against your boat's gunwale. A
solemn stillness reigns around, only broken by the
murmuring of the water, the occasional shrill cry of
the fish hawk, or the laborious, incessant hammering
of the industrious woodpecker. Again, as you ad-
vance, many a wild duck or merganser, on rapid
wing, will whistle past, or flutter over the rippling
stream, followed by a numerous, inofiensive brood,
perhaps but the other day divested of the egg-shell,
yet, thus eurly, proficient in aquatic exercise — all
adding peace to the scene and suitable figures for
foreground to the picture.

From this point, where you leave the boats, a port-
age of four miles occurs, which has to be traversed on
foot ; however, the walking is not bad, although too
rough for driving. The path is well defined and
erratic, one moment pointing direct for the impene-
trable woods, the next following the margin of the
river. Some persons have christened this portion of
the Androscogan " Mad River," a name far from inap-

204

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

propriate, as for more than a mile it is one succession
of grand rapids and miniature cascades, boiling, surg-
ing, and rushing for the placid bosom of Lake Umba-
gog. Good fly-fishing can be obtained at low water
all along this portion close to the margin, where the
water forms many miniatuio eddies, but woe betide
your tackle if you should chance to hook a heavy fish,
whose gallant spirit dictates a rush for the turbid
centre stream ! no rod or line on earth could possibly
hold, and the shores are too rough for the angler to
follow downwards.

It will be well to have a gun with you in taking
the tramp across this portage. The first time we tra-
versed it we saw a young bear, and the last time one
of our party came in such close contact with an old
lady bruin as to be frightened almost to death, if it is
admissible to judge from his appearance rather than
from his description.

Having progressed a little over half the distance,
a pretty fishing- shanty, the property of a Bostonian,
most opportunely offers itself as a resting-place, while
the panorama from its porch fairly earns the eulogy of
sublimity. Above, below, and in fronc seethes the pre-
cipitous river, white with foam, while in the distance the
placid surface of a miniature lake, unpoetically dubbed
** the Pond," recalls to memory the stories of our child-

TROUT FISHING IN MAINE.

265

hood, in which naiads and nymphs, with the enchanting
Lurline for their sovereign, prominently figure.

The Pond, at some seasons, affords splendid sport,
especially at the entrance and exit of the river, which
flows through it, but it cannot be fished except from a
boat, which can be brought down, if desired, from the
dam above, — no easy task to be performed, but fre-
quently accomplished by the expert lumbermen, who
appear equally at home in handling the axe or shooting
rapids in their flat-bottomed punts.

Having rested sufficiently to recruit, and probably
imbibed a small glass of something stimulating, diluted
with water that trickles from a neighbouring spring —
which is always cold as ice however warm the weather
may be — as scarcely more than a couple of miles are
before us, we may just as well hurry on. The walk
now leaves the river and becomes much more hilly and
enclosed ; one time crossing a deep boggy ravine, the
next, threading its erratic course along the summit of
some stony hill- side. The timber here is very beau-
tiful, much superior to what we have formerly met,
and the graceful, silvx^r birch prevails — a tree than
which no prettier or more beautiful exists. Although
the road, in some places, must be quite half a mile
from the water, still the deep rumbling of the nume-
rous rapids is distinctly audible — the neighbouring

!^'!

fill

■ ',|

''■■it: f

2G6

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

portion of the Androscogan River beiug wild and
broken in the extreme.

We have scarcely ever threaded this part of
• our journey without seeing ruffed grouse, and fre-
quently Canada grouse, one of the most beautiful of
the indigenous birds, and resembling more closely than
any of the American family the red grouse of Scotland ;
the deep scarlet iris, the rich, dark chestnut colouring
of both are similar ; but they are totally opposed to one
another in habits of life, the one preferring the open,
heather-covered mountain slopes— wild as a hawk,
unless when engaged with family cares — the other,
thoughtless and careless of danger, and never seen
away from the densest retreats of the woods. So tame
are the Canada grouse that, during my residence
in Maine, I knew one of the hotel proprietor's sons to
catch an old cock-bird, by slipping a noose, attached to
the end of a stick, over its head. But our promenade
is near an end. The woods appear less dense as we
advance, and soon the flag, that floats over the shanty
which is to be our future dormitory, appears in view,
with the placid waters of Richardson Lake close by,
while numerous irregular hills, all clothed with pine
timber to the summit, form the background.

Generally this beautiful lake is smooth as glass,
without a ripple, excepting what may be caused by the

TROUT FJSHING IN MAINE.

267

Id and

Dart of
od fre-
tiful of
Ay than
jotland ;
)louring
d to one
tie open,
a hawk,
e other,
p-er seen
So tame
•esidence
sons to
ached to
omenade
36 as we
e shanty
in view,
close by,
ith pine

as glass,
3d by the

break of fish, or sudden appearance or descent of the
great northern diver, whose wild weird notes have not
unfrequently startled the uninitiated, brought a cold
shiver to their system, or vividly recalled stories of
ghosts, sprites, panthers, and wild cats. You are at
last fairly in the wilds, miles from man's habitation —
if you except a couple of fishing shanties only occupied
a few weeks yearly. You may strain your eyes up
and down, no snow-white, smiling cottage will greet
your iion. This country is the same still as in the
daj's when the red man knew no superior, and owned
every inch of soil from the Atlantic to the Pacific, save
it be that the cruel axe of the lumberman has culled
out the choicest giant monarchs of the forest. But
having done a pretty good day's walking, we may as
well lay up for an hour or so, before making our debut
on lue Androscogan ; moreover^ the trout in the
middle of the day do not rise so freely, and a couple
of hours' work in the evening, if the weather is pro-
pitious, will afford as many fish and as much sport as
the most exacting can possibly desire.

In the spring the best fishing is to be obtained under-
neath the dam — which is built across the river a few
hundred yards below where it debouches from the lake,
and formed for the purpose of gathering a good head of
water to assist in shooting the lumbermen's logs. In

ifc'i

I i

268

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

autumn, however, it is the reverse, for above the dam
the greatest numbers and the heaviest fish are found.
Why trout should, at the various seasons, select dif-
ferent resorts, is still a matter of surmise ; our opinion
is, that in summer all that are able leave the river and
betake themselves to the locality of the springs in the
bottom of the lake, or lie down in such deep water as
has not been rendered tepid by the rays of the sun ; but
as the season advances, and becomes proportionably cool,
the fis^ take themselves to the streams, either for the
purpose of spawning, or becauee the rapid water is a
more suitable residence during the severity of a northern
winter. This migration, if such it may be called, has
a great resemblance to the movements of salmon, ex-
cept that the latter have the choice of the ocean instead
of the land-locked lakes. From the above, our readers
will see that midsummer is not the season to select
for a visit to this picturesque neighbourhood, even sup-
posing that the flies and mosquitoes were less numerous;
but even if the sport was then to be enjoyed in perfec-
tion, the assaults of the insatiable pests would render the
most fascinating pleasure of fly-fishing a perfect labour.
Turning from the house,, a foot-path, suflBciently
clear to permit you to carry your rod ready for
work, leads off" to the right, and soon you reach the
river, tumbling with a headlong, impetuous rush

TROUT FISHING IN MAINE.

269

[Q dam
found,
ict dif-
opinion
ver and
i in the
rater as
in; but
bly cool,
: for the
ater is a
aorthern
lied, has
fnon, ex-
1 instead
readers
;o select
iven sup-
merous ;
perfec-
snder the
it labour.
Ifficiently
|eady for
leach the
tUB rush

through several flood-gates and a shoot. ^ . The river
above and below the fall is lovely, yet almost the
opposite in effect. Looking towards the lake the
water is placid and calm, with islands and bays,
covered or sheltered with trees, reposing in quiet
peace, while beneath the fall, from the effects of the
descent, a broad course of white foam-water rushing
with headlong speed, first striking one margin, then
ricochetting towards the other, — now divided by abrupt
rocks of irregular outline, or swaying round in real
whirlpools, — descends oi. its uncontrollable route. The
best stand to fish from, foi those who object to wet
feet, is a rock about the size of a waggon, thirty or
forty yards beneath the falls, on the right-hand side.
From this place a person may work for hours with con-
stant success. However, if the visitor be of an adven-
turous disposition and fears not to wade, the opposite
shore is well worthy of attention ; but as the bottom
is extremely rough and irregular, and in some parts
the current very strong, care must be taken not to
make a false step or stumble, as fatal results might be
the consequence. I should advise the constant use
of the handle of your landing net to feel and guide
your steps, on no account permitting the excitement
of hooking a large fish to make you lose your head.

* A smooth incline, down which the logs are floated.

270

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

Hi: i M t

A couple of hundred yards beneath the dam is a
splendid pool, diflBcult to fish and difficult of access,
but your perseverance will be amply rewarded.
Scarcely in the memory of a long fishing career have
we ever enjoyed such a couple of hours' sport as fell
to our luck the first time we wetted a line upon its
well-stocked surface. On the first cast not one but
half a dozen of the spotted beauties rushed to the
surface, so that we were ultimately compelled to reduce
the number of flies we were using to a solitary speci-
men. For two hours we confined ourselves to this
pool, with the simple change of altering situation or
cast, and even then only desisted, not from want of fish,
but for fear the constant strain would wear out the rod.
yjn this occasion the results were nearly four dozen,
and none under half a pound, many reaching as high
as three and even three and a half. The guide, whom
I have previously mentioned, was my companion, and
Tuoat satisfactorily he did his work, although on many
occasions he was compelled to wade up to his middle ;
in fact, I never met a more obliging person, or one
more fearless in entering water, or better skilled in
handling a landing net.

The flies I would advise for use are the same in
size as those generally employed for sea-trout fishing,
but less gaudy. However, if the water should be

TROUT FISHING IN MAINE.

271

very clear and low, it would be well to use smaller.
On every occasion not more than two flies should be
employed at the same time, as in this portion oi the
Androscogan fish are abundant and sometimes very
large, and you may chance to impale a couple of gentle-
men that will give you more to do than desirable.
Having spent as much time here as you feel inclined,
I "woidd advise your proceeding to the upper dam,
fifteen miles farther on. The sail is pretty and pic-
turesque, particularly through the passage denomi-
nated the Narrows, which connects upper and lower
Richardson Lakes. If adverse winds do not oppose
your progress, five or six hours will be sufficient to
transport you to your destination ; but if they should
set in, your patience will be severely tried, and a tem-
porary encampment for the night, in some well-
sheltered valley, be found preferable to buffeting on the
lake.

During our sojourn a steamboat was spoken of to
ply between these two points, for the better accommo-
dation of visitors ; of course, if it is built, much
time will be saved and considerable inconvenience.
The table and accommodation at the Upper Dam are
very good, considering its isolated position ; more-
over, the employes are civil and attentive — which
cannot be said for those at the lower establishment.

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272

ACCESS1BI,E FIELD SPORTS.

Charges are not nearly so exorbitant here as at the
Lower Dam, although all the provisions supplied by
the proprietor have to be transported a greater distance.
The same flies as used before will here be found to
answer equally well, and the weight of the rish to
range higher. During my stay, I heard of a Bos-
tonian killing two trout at one time, each weighing
nearly seven pounds, but such a performance as this is
rare ; in truth such an essay should form an era in the
lifetime of any of the disciples of Izaak Walton.*

• These lakes are known by the extraordinary Indian names of
Moonluckmaguntic and Mollcchunkamunk.

at the
lied by
stance,
lund to
nsh to
a Bos-
eighing
8 this is
a in the
I.*

I names of

CHAPTER XVII.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPORTSMEN.

There are no classes of society who are more apt to be
doubted in their assertions than travellers and sports-
men. I will not deny that they are occasionally given
to exaggeration, but frequently the excitement under
which they may have laboured, at the period of
beholding what is strange and novel, causes them
unwittingly themselves to be deceived.

When Gordon Cumming's narrative of sporting
events first made its appearance, the majority of readers
were inclined to doubt the veracity of his statements,
more particularly in reference to the countless herds of
wild animals that could be seen frequently in a day's
ride. Poor Bruce, one of the greatest of African ex-
plorers, > " er years of toil and research spent in his
country's service, enduring fatigue, hunger, and thirst,
had the mortification to find himself entirely disbe-

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274

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

lieved on his return to his native land, J»nd not till
lately has proper credit been given to this patriotic
man, years after he has mouldered to dust, because not
till lately did research confirm the truth of all he had
stated. Not caring whether or not I am believed, for
the ignorant are ever the most sceptical, I state that
more buffalo will be sometimes seen in a day's ride
over the gigantic western table-lands of America than
ever spectator beheld of domestic cattle in the best
adapted region for growing stock.

Kind reader, fancy yourself transported from the
busy haunts of man, far, far beyond the turbid waters
of the giant Mississippi, to the rolling uplands that
border the vertebrate chain of mountains which longitu-
dinally intersects the western continent : the season,
spring of the year, when tender, succulent grasses com-
mence to sprout, and if you have the fortune to strike
the chosen route selected by these superb and matchless
animals, you will behold a migration, which for
numbers appears to equal the dense flights of the wild
pigeon or innumerable phalanxes of duck pursuing
their biannual journey to and from the sterile north.
And for grandeur of effect, all other sights iall far
short of this to the sportsman's eye, the surface of the
ground being frequently obscured, and nought but a
dense, uncountable surging mass of dark, tawny hides,

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPORTSMEN.

275

not till
)atriotic
luse not
he had
3ved, for
ate that
ly's ride
rica than
the best

from the
3id waters
ands that
h longitu-
le season,
asses com-
e to strike
matchless
}yhich for
)f the wild
pursuing
•lie north,
ts fall far
■ace of the
ghthut a
ny hides,

whose tramping and lowing can be heard for miles,
offering itself to view.

At one period the buffalo was to be found almost all
over the American continent, from the St. Lawrence to
Florida, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific ; but culti-
vation and emigration have done here their usual havoc,
and not a single specimen can now be found in many
localities where fifty years ago they swarmed ; and if we
look into futurity, say fifty years hence, it is more than
probable that but few of these lordly animals will exist.
Like the poor red man, their days are numbered, and to
future generations nought will remain but the remi-
niscence or literary mention of these races. This animal
forms the principal resource of the Indian — his food, his
covering, and his amusement ; it is even the constant
topic of his conversation, and the two, that are thus
closely associated, are doubtless destined to make their
final exit from the world about the samo date.

"While these animals exist in numbers, and travellinsr
is so easily accomplished, it is surprising that more
of our gentlemen do not visit their resorts, to enjoy
with uninterrupted freedom a sport which is at the
same time exciting and healthful; true, to be a pro-
ficient requires many qualities, such as a firm seat
on horseback, a quick eye and ready hand, decision
and capacity to act on an emergency, with a consti-

;!!:■ '.

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276

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

tution and physique capable of bearing fatigue and
hardship. But still, although you lack some of the
above, you may have ample sport, a thousand times to
repay you for both outlay and loss of time ; for few
ever return whose health has not been benefited by
the trip ; the pure unadulterated air and wholesome
primitive diet suffusing the cheek with the ruddy
glow of health, and imparting an energy and strength
only too often wanting in those whose callings con-
stantly incarcerate them in over-populated cities.

For those contemplating such an excursion the
experiences of one who has trod the path aro not vi 'th-
out value, so that I will endeavour to impait my know-
ledge. First and foremost, take as little baggage as it is
possible to do with ; let your horse or horses be as good
and well bred as you can procure, — mules being pre-
ferable to carry baggage, — and your ammunition and
arms of the best quality, always taking care of the
latter yourself, and never leaving camp without them ;
for remember, you are in a country where scalps are at
a premium and life deemed of little value, skulking
hostile redskins only kept civil through intimidation,
and rascally whites (even more to be dreaded) by
knowing that the odds rre against them if they should
attempt any liberties.

"Why I prefer thoroughbred horses, or those nearly

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPORTSMEN.

277

le and
of the
imes to
for few
ited by
olesome
i ruddy
strength
igs con-
es.

sion tlie
aot v» -tli-
ny know-
ye as it is
ie as good
;ing pre-
ition and
^re of tlie
»ut them ;
lips are at
skulking
imidation,
iaded) by
Ley should

lose nearly

so, is that speed is one of the great desiderata required ;
and again, they are generally pleasant er in their paces
and cleverer on their feet. Moreover, I am inclined to
believe they can stand hardship and even work better
than half-bred brutes ;* at the same time I would par-
ticularly caution you against a headstrong, nervous
devil, who gallops with his head in the air as if he was
star-gazing, or one whose mouth is so hard that it
requires constant exertion to keep him under control, for
out of such you can never expect to make a good buffalo-
runner. Small horses T also prefer to big ones ; it may
only be a fancy, but I always think that they are more
generally well made and are tougher. Few nags at first
will be got to range alongside your quarry, but after a
few essays, if practised judiciously, this objection will
be overcome. For shooting buffalo when running them,
as the range is only a few feet, a large-bored breech-
loading pistol will be found the most convenient, as
it can be rapidly loaded by placing the stock under
your left thigh and between it and the flap of the
saddle, and does not require capping, an operation which
on horseback can scarcely be performed without using
both hands ; and where the riding is rough and irre-

* During the Crimean campaign I frequently remarked how much
better the wellrbred horses stood the h^dships than those of common
lineage.

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278

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPOPTS.

gular, particularly if your horse is blown, relinquishing
the hold of your nag's head will not unfrequently
eeriously incommode your animal, and sometimes cause
Ooth him and the rider abruptly to become acquainted
with the surface of the soil.

A good rifle and shot-gun will also find abundant
work, for besides the grand buffalo, abundance of other
game will be found, such as deer, antelope, bear, and
wild fowl, all welcome additions to the fare of the
hungry hunter. In selecting a rifle for this purpose
it should not be small in the bore, an error that too
many make, oiiginating doubtlessly from the pioneers
and trapp- rs who first visited these distant regions
being compe ' ^d to use such weapons, from the saving
of ammunition, and the comparatively trifling injury
a small bullet would do to the hide. Doubtless, a
small bullet properly placed will do all that is neces-
sary, but should your projectile deviate the slightest to
the right or left, you may have the satisfaction of
seeing your game go off for parts unknown, or have
the felicity of being placed in juxtaposition with a
wounded, dangerous customer; whereas, if the ball
had been a large one, the paralysation that would have
resulted to the animal's svstem from the concussion,
and the haemorrhage that would ensue from the size of
the wound, would at once incapacitate the stri<jken from

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPORTSMEN.

279

further exertion. I am aware that my ideas on the
above point will have many adversaries, more par-
ticularly among Americans, but I feel certain, after
years of experience, that I am right, and that con-
tinued adherence to the old theory of using small
bores is but the result of custom and obstinacy,
examples of which we can see every day in the tenacity
with which the old muzzle-loader was upheld in the
army, or still more so, in the years that elapsed before
sportsmen could be induced to resign the antiquated
flint- gun for the more modern percussion.

An addition to a hunting cortege, which may be
difficult to obtain, but worthy of any amount of
trouble, for they will afford you more real sport than
anything I am aware of, is, a couple or more large
rough greyhounds, such as are known familiarly as the
Scotch deer-hounds ; but as this breed is scarce, an
admirable substitute can be obtained by the follow-
ing cross, — three-quarters greyhound and one-quarter
mastiff or foxhound, the former preferable. They are
the only dogs that can catch and kill a wolf, and many
is the pleasant hour you may enjoy pursuing these
prowlers. Deer, when you can get them in the open,
will be easily overtaken by these dogs ; they will also
be found no small protection for your camp at night,
for all the greyhound family are gifted with remarkably

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280

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

irit

quick sight and hearing, and when crossed, as above
advised, have an abundance of courage.

Their method of attacking formidable anii ^als is their
protection ; for, instead of laying hold like the bulldog
and terrier specios, they only snap, and from the power
of their enormous jaws, cut deep and severely at every
essay. Over and over again I have laughed myself
uncomfortable, to see the skill with which they would
exhaust a wolf; their speed being very great, they
would overhaul the prowler, and the first warning
he would have of their vicinity would be a severe snap
in the loins or hams. The wolf would then show fight,
and as he would dash at one (which would nimbly
avoid him), the other would make his tusks acquainted
with the foe's flesh. On the approach of the hunter.
Lupus would again make off", to be halted in the
same peremptory and uncourteous manner, till the
unfortunate wolf would be compelled to yield to cir-
cumstances and want of speed.

The only animal that these dogs are unsuccessful in
overtaking is the antelope. The large hare of the
plains [Lepus Toicnscndii), familiarly known as jackass
rabbit (if unable to gain cover), will seldom go over
three hundred yards before being picked up.

Although I never had a chance to try these hounds
on a grizzly, there is no doubt but they could divert

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPORTSMEN.

281

that formidable gentleman's attention, so as to afford
the sportsman unusual opportunities for administeriug
the coup de grace.

For hard and fast riding I would recommend the
common English hunting- saddle, although for tra-
velling long distances, and carrying game or weighty-
additions, the American saddle is preferable. It would
be well, therefore, to be provided with both ; and as it
can always be carried on the back of an unused animal,
it will be seldom found in the way.

The exact locality to be certain to find buffalo is a
difficult matter to say, as they are so erratic in their
habits that a place where they have abounded one season
will be found almost deserted next — the progress of
vegetation, the severity of the weather, and the vicinity
of war or hunting parties of Indians, having doubtless
much influence ; still, if I were about to revisit these
sporting Elysiums, I would take myself to St. Louis,
and go on board one of the numerous steamboats that
start each spring on trading excursions for the Upper
Missouri. There are i^w parts of the upper river where
a landing cannot easily be effected, and your horses, by
this means, can be placed fresh and in good condition
where their labours are about to commence ; independent
of which a supply of grain can be taken along that
will be invaluable in keeping your nags in good iieart.

282

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

The vicinity of many of the forts is much to be
recommended, foo you will there have opportunities of
making the acqaaintauce of numbers of the officers of
the United States regular army, whose society, like that
of all educated gentlemen, will do much to dissipate
ennui and the monotony of camp- life in bad weather ;
moreover, there are many first-class hunters among
them, and they are proverbial, as a body, for their
hospitality and good social qualities, while from the
numerous attaches that surround the forts, the most
authentic and reliable information can always be ob-
tained of the movements and locale of game.

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE MUSK SHEEP OF ARCTIC AMERICA.

Why this animal should be designated ox is to me a
mystery. Plainly do its appearance, habits, &c., desig-
nate it as a member of the Ovis family, instead of the
Bos. However, Blainville, a naturalist of good repu-
tation, to avoid censure, boWly seizes both, and
designates it Ovihos, thereby claiming a distinct stand-
ing and title to the honour of its representing a new
genus by adopting the sobriquet of two old ones.
Audubon does likewise, and heads his chapters on
these animals with the title of " Genus Ovibos." As
an authority on American natural history, the latter
is entitled to the highest consideration. At the same
time I cannot help feeling that the name adopted is a
shuffling pretext to prevent controversy, and the pos-
sibility of making a mistake that in future years would
require to be corrected.

284

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

I have just returned from a most delightful party,
the lion of which was a gentleman who for upwards of
ten years had shut himself out of the civilised world,
by residing upon one of the numerous lakes of North
America, that are situated on th j extreme edge of the
Kocky Mountains and the barren lands in sixty-four
or sixty- five degrees north latitude. Here the musk
sheep (for I must call it so) is found occasionally, but
when he progressed farther to the north-west it was
no uncommon occurrence in a day's march to see
several herds ; in fact, they were so numerous that the
camp was always well supplied with them for food.
Their flesh he pronounces ei^cellent and nutritious
when fat, but quite the reverse when, by a long pro-
tracted winter, they become thin and attenuated. The
flavour is much the same as that of venison, although
much coarser in the grain, and is entirely free from
any musky odour, except in very old males, and during
the rutting season. The ground which they principally
frequent is the same on which is found the small
cariboo — immense stretches of rolling, rocky steppes,
most sparsely supplied with vegetation, except where
an occasional brook winds its solitary course towards
some giant river, rapidly hurrying on its northern
course to the Arctic Ocean. Their principal food is
the various mosses, the leaves of stunted brush, and

THE MUSK SHEEP OF ARCTIC AMERICA.

285

the fine velvety grasses that sparsely crop up in wet
localities.

For animals so unwieldy in shape and appearance
they are wonderfully nimble, making always for the
roughest grounds when pursued, leaping with agility
from rock to rock, and scaling the faces of slopes so
perpendicular that the hunter, with hands and feet
brought into play, finds it almost impossible to follow.
Their hearing and sight are very acute ; at the same
time so suspicious and cautious are they that, although
always assembled in little parties of from ten to twenty,
sentinels are regularly told off for duty, which place
themselves in the most commanding positions, ready
to whistle the signal of alarm on the slightest suspicion
of danger, accompanied by the usual sheep-like stamp
of displeasure, which summons the herd to assist in
inspecting the supposed intruder before they shift their
feeding grourds for haunts that previous experience
has taught them are more secure.

From the high latitudes in which they are found,
Captain Parry, the celebrated voyager, classes them
among the dwellers north of the Arctic circle ; and well
might he or others do so, for so well are they pro-
tected by nature from the inclement weather of the
inhospitable regions which they inhabit, that the most
severe snow and frost little interfere with the routine

286

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPOUTS.

of their life. Their wool is remarkably soft, long, and
densely close ; so that at a small distance, if they are
walking over irregular-surfac '^d soil, their feet are
scarcely seen, the body of surrounding fringe giving
the observer the impression which would arise if you
saw an animal surrounded with a petticoat. Their
colour is much the some as that of the buffaloes of
the plains, possibly a little darker, and at a distance
they might easily be mistaken for them ; but on closer
inspection the delusion cannot continue, for their out-
line of form, sheep-like movement and figure, at once
corrects the error. In height they stand from eleven
and a half to twelve and a half hands, the males
being the largest and most cumbersome in appearance.
Their legs are excessively short, and gifted with great
muscular power, while the track of their hoof is about
the size of a two-year-old steer's, but straighter and less
pointed. The head is ornamented with handsome horns
which almost unite at the base, and taper off with grace-
ful, handsome sweeps to sharp points, which are gene-
rally in the mature animal on a level with the eyes.
The nose is covered with soft downy hair, and the eye,
which is large and full, gives the physiognomy an in-
telligent look, which would induce the belief that no
great difficulty would occur to prevent their domesti-
cation. If such could be effected, great benefit might

THE MISK SHEEP OF ARCTIC AMERICA.

287

g, and
ley are
et are
giving
if you
Their
does of
istance
I closer
sir out-
at once
I eleven
) males
3arance.
h great
L8 about
and less
le horns
1 grace-
e gene-
le eyes,
he eye,
an in-
hat no
omesti-
|t might

result from the introduction o'' their wool into our
markets, as from its extreme length, elasticity, and
fineness, it could bo manufactured into the most supe-
rior claas of cloths.

Their rutting season occurs at the breaking up of
!;he autumn, when the cold an 1 fitful winds of October
o >mmence to warn us that warmth is gone, and snow
and ice arc coming. The male, who generally is very
inoffensive, unless he chance to receive n wound inca-
pacitating him from escape, becomes now most quarrel-
some and vindictive, attacking with the greatest fury
whatever provokes his displeasure ; and woe be to the
white man or Indian who then meecs him, if away
from a place of escape or unprovided with fire-arms.
At this time furious engagements take place among
the males, which sometimes continue till one or both
of the contestants are so much exhausted that they fall
an easy prey to the Indian's arrows or the tusks of
the northern large grey wolf.

In May the female produces a single lamb, over
whose welfare the mother shows great solicitude. The
young, ontil three or four weeks' old, are unable to
follow the parent, but are hid away in the manner
usual with deer ; the old lady, however, on such occa-
sions never wanders far from her offspring's hiding-
place, and on the least suspicion of danger rushes to

\ '

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288

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPOR, i.

Wi-

her lamb, prepared to do battle with all intruders,
whatever may be their size or appearance. The
droppings of these animals, with the exception of their
size, exactly resemble those of sheep.

I will here relate two anecdotes told by Mr. McNabb,
illustrative of the chances of accident that will occa-
sionally occur to the sportsman, even when in pursuit
of animals which are generally deemed harmless ; and
clearly proving how necessary presence of mind and
decision of character are to the person who adopts wild
life, or hopes to return safely from a trip to the com-
paratively unknown tracks of the great north-western
portion of the American continent.

" The ice had just disappeared from the rivjrs ; the
wild duck had already arrived in immense numbers,
so that our table daily had been graced with the choicest
varieties, when a thought struck me that an alteration
of fish for fowl would be most acceptable to the palates
of the encampment. About a couple of miles distant,
where the river, contracted to one-fourth its usual
breadth, rushed into a noble pool, I had on the pre-
vious year been most successful ; moreover, it was a
pleasant pool to fish — no overhanging bushes, but
gently sloping, gravelly banks nearly the entire length
of its margin. In an hour I had secured more trout
than I felt disposed to carry; so, work being over,

{

THE MUSK SHEEP OF ARCTIC AMERICA.

289

bruders,
s. The
of their

IcNabb,
11 occa-
pursuit
;as; and
lind and
>pt8 wild
the com-
-western

T'iYS ; the
umbers,
choicest
ilteration
e palates
distant,
ts usual
the pre-
it was a
|hes, but
e length
ire trout
ng over,

I treated myself to a pipe. While enjoying my
baccy, a wader of a description I never before saw lit
close to me. It was so tame that I threw several stones
at it, almost with success, for the distance was not over
ten or fifteen yards, before it took to wing, and went
farther down the stream. Anxious to procure a new
specimen, I followed till almost a mile lay between me
and my fish. To save distance in returning, I deter-
mined to cut across the angle formed by the bend of
the river, and had progressed about half the way when
I saw a female musk-sheep coming after me. When a
lad in the Tlighlands I had got dreadfully punished by
a tup, and the remembrances of the event had not yet
been forgotten. A mountain ram is a small beast
compared to my present pursuer, and he was able to
do enougn mischief. The ground was very roughly
sprinkled with boulders, some of great size, and for
the mowt inaccessible of those I made the best speed I
could muster, and only succeeded in gaining a place of
safetT when the ewe . horns were within a foot or two
of my hurdies. For over an hour she kept watch on
me ; and, worse than all, when I got back to my fish
some vermin or other harl carried all the best ones off,
and it was getting too lite to hunt up its nest. When
at home the Indians soon explained the reasons of this
unprovoked attack, and proved the correctness of their

290

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

assertion by shooting the mother next morning and
bringing the lamb home, which we were unable to
keep alive for over three days, much to the regret
of all."

The second adventure is a repetition of the inex-
cusable folly of not immediately loading your gun be-
fore approaching wounded game. " In stalking some
barren cariboo, eight musk sheep crossed directly be-
tween me and the deer. I was well hid at the time,
so that they came unsuspiciously within thirty yards.
In a moment I gave them both barrels. To the f .-.i
shot an old buck dropped, and rolled into a raviu. ;
the second barrel crippled a three-quarter grown sheep
so badly that I knew less than a mile would lay her up.
In my hurry to secure the old one, without loading I
hurried to the ravine. There he was, as I thought, in
the last struggle. Down I jumped into the hollow,
which was about ten feet deep ; but no sooner did he
see me than up he got, and, head down, charged. I
turned tail, and fortunately scrambled out a wiser man ;
for, deil tak' me, if ever I gang near any o' them with-
out powther and lead baith in my gun."

The average weight of the full-grown male is about
four hundred and fifty pounds, while the female is
general' f' from fifty to seventy-five pounds less. The
Indians state that they live to an immense age, which

THE MUSK SHEEP OF AR(TIC AMERICA. 291

belief is probably caused by their venerable and ragged
appearance at the time they cast their coats.

So little is known of this animal, and there are so
very few who have had any experience of its habits,
that I trust the readers of " Accessible Field Sports "'
will excuse my writing from the experience of others
instead of from my own.

CHAPTER XIX.

SNIPE SHOOTING ON ILLINOIS PRAIKIES.

Who that is a sportsman, if he has time and means,
can remain immersed in town or mercantile pursuits
in this most prolific season of the year for field sports
— spring? Consider only the contrast of winding
your course along the solitary brook, bubbling and
leaping with impetuous energy over its rocky course,
and singing lullabies of soft music so soothing to the
mind, while Nature, as if revived from her winter's
rest, sends forth odours so suggestive of returning
summer ; or, on the other hand, wandering over the
boundless prairie, drinking into your very soul the
invigorating breeze surcharged with vitality and
health, instead of being seated with the constant pens,
ink, and paper before you, the incessant hum caused
by toiling life grating on your ears, and the everlast-
ing mental excitement of the busy world resting upon
vou.

SNIPE SHOOTING.

293

Last season but one, on the prairies, I shot snipe
day after day, till a surfeit might nave been expected,
and only desisted when the advancement of the season
proclaimed the approach of the period for breeding ;
and, though some might imagine such a lengthened
campaign would have sufficed for coming years, before
twelve months had slipped past I stretched my arms,
looked at the sky, observed the wind, all three of
which being favourable, anathematised, perhaps, the
destiny or fate that compelled me to accept more
sedentary town occupation.

With that intuitive feeling that tells the swallow
when to migrate, the fish a change of weather, or the
cattle the portended storm— we feel certain that all the
south--n prairies of Illinois are now alive (March) with
snipe, that they are lying well to the gun, and that
heavy bags are being made. We can even shut our
eyes and imagine that we are just approaching some
favourite spot either bordering on a slough or stream,
or rich-loamed dip between swelling slopes, and that
the game is flushing right and left, as we cautiously
pursue our course down wind, while our trusty and

well-tried gun rapidly responds to

our aim. Again

and again we fill and empty our blood-stained pockets,
till the body, from fatigue, calls " Hold, enough ! " or
we return, with waning day, tq our little bald-faced

294

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

pony, ever ready with k neigh to welcome his master's
re-appcarance. Though to revisit these secluded haunts,
to re-enact these scenes, may not be my lot, why should
they not be the reader's ? If you have courage to dis-
charge a gun, you will find abundance to shoot at. If
you are a proficient in the art, you will make such a
bag of snipe as an English sportsman scarcely ever
dreamt of, embellished with numerous duck, teal, and,
possibly, curlew ; and if you are a true disciple of the
virgin goddess, you will enjoy more real pleasure than
probably ever was your fortune. Go, by all means
— do not stop to hesitate — and I will guarantee you
an amount of sport that will induce many a future
return.

Those gentlemen who live in the cities that surround
these sporting localities, are well aware of the excellence
of the shooting at this season upon the prairies, and
make up large parties to have a week or so at the Wilson
snipe, erroneously called Jack snipe. In the course of
a day's shooting I have met visitors from Louisville,
Cincinnati, and St. Louis, marching like companies in
skirmishing order, and keeping up a regular fusillade.
But so great is the extent of hunting-ground, and so
numerous the game, that in each day over the same
beat, no visible diminution can be observed. "We do
not mean to say that no English sportsman ever made

SNIPE SHOOTING.

295

master's
. haunts,
Y should
e to dis-

at. If
I such a
ely ever
eal, and,
le of the
jure than
,11 means
ntee you

a future

surround
xcellence
iries, and
le Wilson
course of
iOuisville,
Danies in
fusillade,
i, and so
the same
We do
ver made

a trial of these western haunts, but we are thoroughly
impressed that the excellence of these grounds is far
from as widely known as it deserves, and that many
persons possessed both with means and inclination are
unaware that within thirty-six hours' journey of New
York they can have such snipe shooting as is to be
enjoyed in no other portion of the globe.

As to all the haunts of snipe, the visitors must go
well prepared with a good supply of water-proof boots,
for the walking is always damp, sometimes wet ; also
a good stock of flannel clothing wil) be found indis-
pensable, for at this season the weatner is frequently
so variable, that although noon may be oppressively
warm, sunset and the hour of the tramp home — espe-
cially if your feet are wet may be found sufficiently cold
to chill the warmest blood. As the ground frequently
is very destitute of cover, the birds will not lie for a
dog to set them ; nor does this matter, the snipe being
so abundant ; but a good retriever, who will keep well
to heel, and is under perfect control, will be useful.
Moreover, few days will pass without several duck
which you have killed or disabled falling in the
adjoining sloughs, which, without a retriever or a
wading escapade, would inevitably be lost.

In our opinion, there is no kind of field sport in
which the breech-loader so plainly shows its superiority

296

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

over the old muzzle-gun as in snipe shooting. From
our experience of the past season, unless compelled, we
should never use any other for this description of sport.
The rapidity with which they can hoth be loaded and
cleaned, dispensing with the ramrod, which is always
difficult to handle in cold weather, being able to load
without placing the butt on the ground or in the mud,
and the non-necessity of using caps, are advantages in
all sporting, but in none more decided than in snipe
shooting.

At first when the snipe arrive, they are poorer
in flesh, and wilder than further on in the season ; but
if the day should be mild and the sun warm, they will
almost lie to be tramped upon, and when flushed only
fly a few yards before lighting. In fact, you will fre-
quently have trouble to get them to take wing if the
cover chance to be good. But for cho'^e, the snipe
generally prefer the bare ground which has been burned
over during the fall or winter, or has been overflowed
by the rising of some neighbouring river, the allu-
vial surface deposit apparently suiting them better to
bore in.

As an estimate of what may be considered ,a good
day's sport at this season of the year on these grounds,
we will recur to our own experience, and only state
facts. An acquaintance, who was a good shot, killed,

SNIPE SHOOTING.

297

From
^Ued, we
of sport,
ided and
i always
3 to load
the mud,
[itages in
in snipe

e poorer

»son ; but

they will

shed only

will fre-

ng if the

the snipe

m burned

verflowed

;he allu-

Detter to

d a good
grounds,
nly state
)t, killed,

to our certain knowledge, nine dozen snipe in seven
hours, and we ourselves have frequently killed from
seven to eight dozen in the same time. The first day's
shooting of my last season, over indifferent ground, and
very difficult to walk upon from its inequality of sur-
face, in five hours I to my own gun bagged four
dozen, and but that the birds were extremely wild,
would possibly have knocked over fifty per cent,
more.

Where we should advise the shooter commencing
snipe shooting in spring would be at Vincennes, on
the Ohio and Mississippi railroad. From here you
can have sport in every direction, and when you feel
desirous of change of scene, the prairies, which begin
here and continue north almost uninterruptedly to the
great lakes, will be found abundantly stocked from the
date of the arrival of the first flight of the migratory
hordes. Of one thing we should like to caution the
novice; viz., the using of too large shot. No. 9 will be
found the best. A snipe requires but little hitting to
bring him down, and then his body is so small, that at
the distance of forty yards, although your aim may be
correct, if you shoot large shot, it is far from impro-
bable that the game may fly through it. Of course,
it would be well, particularly when using a breech-
loader, to carry a few cartridges of No. 5, in case you

298

ACCKSSIH'^K FIELD SPOUTS.

come across duck, for the facility with which you can
withch'aw one charge and substitute another, is one of
the great points of excellence which tlie new gun
possesses over the old pattern. Moreover, when your
day's work is over and your domicile reached, if you
are careful of your ammunition and dislike throwing
away a couple of charges, you can extract your car-
tridges in a moment. Persons residing in the country
often deem it necessary to retain at least one gun in
the house loaded, for the reason, that if you should be
suddenly called upon to shoot some marauding hawk
which is decimating the hen-roost, the delay of loading
would be fatal to any chance of killing the bloodthirsty
scoundrel. Still, at all times, particularly if there are
children about, loaded guns are most objectionable ;
but if you chance to be possessed of a breech-loader,
this is obviated, for the gun can be loaded almost
instantaneously. It is of such frequent occurrence
to read in our public papers accounts of frightful
accidents, resulting from strangers or youths playing
with loaded arms, that we should feel thankful that at
length such an invention has been perfected, as will at
least reduce, if not totally abolish, these heart-rending
misfortunes.

If your frame be cast in that iron mould which
nature has bestowed on some, and you are consequently

SNIPE SIIOOTINO.

290

urrence

capable of bearing, without inconvenieuco, fatigue and
exposure, and are, at the same time, desirous of making
as heavy a bag as possible, while shooting over your
snipe beat, pay particular attention to the water-
courses and sloughs, and when you become satisfied
that you have found a spot where the ducks are in the
habit of spending their evenings, which may be ascer-
tained by the down- trodden weeds and muddy appear-
ance of the water, mark the place, for when it becomes
too late to continue peppering the snipe, you can
return and lie in ambush for the web-footed gentry.
Duck, from flying high when on the move, can be
seen much later than small game (which, being flushed
on the ground, head away from you, parallel to it),
more particularly if watching for them, as you can fre-
quently get them against some clear spot in the sky.
Frequently, I have killed in half an hour half-a-dozen
of that prince of birds and epicurean dainties, the
mallard, in. this manner, when it was so dark that,
after they had dropped, but for the sagacity of my
retriever I was scarcely aware whether I had correctly
aimed. If the evening should be dark and loomy,
with indications of change to cold weather, and a high
wind blowing, it will be unnecessary to wait as late as
sunset before visiting the feeding ground of the duck ;
for, under such circumstances, we have known them

300

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

to come in fearlessly early in the afternoon. How-
over, you cannot practise tliio work successfully with-
out some kind of screen, which will require to be
larger and thicker if your clothes do not in colour
closely approximate the hue of the ground.

Brother sportsmen, let me once more advise you to
take this western trip, and on your return I know
I shall receive your thanks for being the means of
introducing you to sport that cannot fail to rejoice the
heart of every true lover of the dog and gun.

How-
ly with-
e to be
a colour

3 you to

I know

leans of

ioice the

CHAPTER XX.

HINTS FOR AMERICAN SHOOTING.

No breed of dog combines so thoroughly as the setter
the following three important points: speed, endu-
rance, and beauty of form. The greyhound may be
more swift, but he lacks the endurance ; the foxhound
may be as lasting, but he falls far short in personal
appearance and sagacity.

Some sportsmen prefer the pointer; for general
purposes, give me the setter; for hard work and
constant shooting, in America I would have no other.
If you are the happy possessor of a pure, good breed,
you will seldom or never know the annoyance of
sore feet, and the frequent consequent loss of a good
day's sport, as their paws are well protected against
the sharp wire grasses of the pra.'ries by the quantity
of hair growing between their toes, and around their
pads. In briers, thorns, and thick covers generally,
he again shows his superiority, owing to his being

302

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

defended by the thickness of his coat, enabling him to
penetrate thickets that a pointer will scarcely look at.
For a person who shoots but seldom, and that over a
smooth country, the pointer is good, on account of his
less high-strung disposition ; but for the hard-working,
indefatigable sportsman, who finds a variety of game
upon his beat, where a retriever, both by land and
water,. is sometimes necessary, the smooth-coat'^d dog
cannot be compared to his feathered brother. With
regard to which of the two has the best nose, the
balance of opinion will be found in favour of the
pointer ; but this idea has, in a majority of cases, been
hastily adopted. It has, no doubt, arisen from the
greater inclination which the pointer manifests to
point, and from over docility dwelling on places which
birds have left some time, and which a setter will
scarcely notice. This circumstance, however, causes
me to think quite the reverse, the superior scenting
powers of the latter informing him that the gfime has
gone. The better, and, perhaps, the best method of
determining this point is, to observe which has the
superiority on bad-scenting days, or in retrieving a
wounded bird ; but in England setters and pointers
are not broken to retrieve ; in America no dog is con-
sidered perfect without these qualifications.

I am aware that meny are as ardent supporters of

HINTS FOR AMERICAN SHOOTING.

303

» him to

look at.
it over a
it of his
working,

of game
and and
at'>d dog
•. With
lose, the
? of the
ses, been
rom the
ifests to
es which
tter will
r, causes
scenting
rp!.mb has
lethod of

has the
ieving a

pointers
g is con-

oriers of

the pointer as I am of the setter, but I speak not from
Lastilj.formed opinions, but long experience, having
owned both ; in fact, once I thought the opposite to
what I do now, but at that period I did not as con-
stantly shoot, being only occasionally able to get a
few days in the field at a time, and then the adage of
" once broken, always broken," so frequently npplied to
the pointer, was verified, while the setters, from want of
work and exuberance of spirit, would, during the first
half-bour, perhaps, behave badly, and require rating
both Tvith voice and whip, causing annoyance and the
probable loss of one or two shots. But then look at
the performance of both on the second or third day.
Master Bon, the pointer, walks at heel sore-footed and
crest-fallen, while Beau, the setter, ranges indefati-
gably both far and near, neither deterred on his beat
by rough ground, briers, nor marsh.

All the prairies of the Western States are well
stocked with pinnated grouse, familiarly called Prairie
Chicken, but they abound principally in "Central and
Korthern Illinois, Iowa, and Northern Missouri. They
feed on berries and the tender tops and seeds of grasses.
They pair early in the spring, and the female lays
from eight to fifteen eggs, in a very primitive nest on
the ground. The young leave the nest almost as soon
as hatched, and continue to follow the hen, till the

304

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

frosty nights in autumn set in, when they unite in
packs of frequently as many as a hundred brace.
They continue thus packed in the greatest harmony
till the approach of spring, when amorous feelings
assert the mastery over social amity, and fierce
battles ensae between the males, seldom resulting
in the wounding and maiming of either of the com-
batants. On one occasion, while riding over some
burnt land on one of the southern prairies of Illinois,
on my way to a slough to kill some ducks in the evening
flight, I observed two chickens engaged in fierce com-
bat ; they permitted me to approach and capture both,
thoroughly exhausted, but unmarked by any wound.
The care and assiduity of the female for the protection
of her young are truly wonderful ; if she sees danger
approach her brood, she will throw herself on the
ground, screaming and manifesting an apparent in-
capacity of escape ; but when she has drawn the enemy
a sufficient distance from her chicks, she leaves the
astonished intruder to follow her only with his eyes.

Chicken shooting is laborious, requiring both judg-
ment and experience to be eminently successful, parti-
cularly when you happen to be a stranger in the
locality ; and the season being generally the hottest
in the year, September, it is absolutely necessary to
be clothed in the lightest attire. A flannel shirt and

HINTS FOR AMERICAN SHOOTING.

305

drawers are undoubtedly indispensable, as this material
is a bad conductor of heat, and if habituated to it you
will experience no increase of warmth ; at the same
time it will most effectually absorb the perspiration, and
prevent your catching cold. Long boots up to the knee
should also be used, as they will effectually guard you
against snakes, of which there are no scarcity among
the long, rank grass, through which j'^ou have fre-
quently to walk. To those who may be troubled with
tender feet I would advise a little tallow rubbed on the
joints before starting in the morning, and a foot-bath of
strong salt and water on their return. This method I
have never known to fail when strictly attended to.
On no account should the sportsman drink the water
lying in the low grounds, as fever and ague are in every
draught ; but cold tea, or a weak dilution of whiskey and
water, will be found a good and serviceable beverage.
The former I particularly recommend.

Immediately after feeding in the morning, and about
the time the dew leaves the grass, the birds go to
the low and damp grounds, soon afterwards is the
proper time to commence the day's L^ort. From that
time, on the edge of the streams or wet ground, till
the extreme heat of the day comes, good shooting may
be obtained, and also from three o'clock, when the birds
again revisit the low grounds, to an hour before sun-

306

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

set, at which time you should make the utmost speed
to the wheat stubbles, where you can generally
shoot till so dark that you have difficulty in dis-
tinguishing your game. If you are disinclined to lose
the meridian hours, and feel strong enough to stand
the oppressive influence of a noonday sun, the rolling
high grounds, or barren, loose-soiled places, where
moulding and scratching d la tame fowl Cv.n be enjoyed,
will be found the locale ; but I would advise all, if they
have no regard for themselves, to have some considera-
tion for their canine favourites, for, remember, for one
mile you tramp they go ten, and if they feel exhausted
with their morning's work, they are incapable of ex-
pressing their fatigue.

In hunting any description of game in which you
make use of the dog as an assistant to find it, be
careful to give him the wind, and never hurry or force
him forward when he shows an indication of winding
birds; remember he knows infinitely better than
you do, and that he has some cogent reason to act
as he does ; and fiTther, that he has not learned the
diplomatic art of lying, although his accomplishments
may be numerous and varied. The sportsman who
beats his ground slowly and carefully will invariably
kill more than he who is always hurrying on as
if he were the wearer of the time-hcnoured seven-

HINl'S FOR AMERICAN SHOOTING.

307

b speed
aerally
in dis-

to lose
) stand

rolling
where
3njoyed,
, if they
insidera-
, for one
shausted
.e of ex-

lich you
. it, be
or force
winding
er than
n to act
rned the
ishmeiits
aan who
ivariably
on as
Id seven-

leagued boots. On one occasion, when in company with
a city friend, our dogs kept drawing, and occasionally
pointing across a stubble, both of us following close
behind ; when we reached the opposite fence, he pro-
posed, in a manner that would not brook contradiction,
to go to some birds we had previously marked down.
He went, while I continued to beat the lower angle of
the field, which had so far been neglected ; the result
was that I killed eleven, while Mr. Obstinate only
got a wild shot as a recompense for his haste and
want of perseverance. '

On finding a pack, the old birds are generally the
first to take wing. Kill them if you can, and the
remainder will be easily accounted for. Without the
knowledge and trickery of mature years, they will
remain when marked down almost to be kicked from
beneath your dog's nose, and, in nine cases out of ten,
flush singly. , * / •

No country takes more out of dogs than the prairie ;
therefore I should strongly recommend that two
brace be provided, the one couple to be hunted in
the forenoon, the other in the after part of the day ;
by changing them thus, they will be sufficiently strong
and fresh to do good work as long as you can walk
to them.

Burning the prairies, when performed in the spring

308

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

i^ii

is very injurious and destructive, for by this means
numbers of nests are annually destroyed ; yet the
practice will be continued, on account of the benefit
derived by the owners of the soil, as the ashes manure
the ground, and cause the pasture to come in early
and luxuriant. As a general rule, you will always
in the commencement of the season find the prairie
fowl in the vicinity of stubble fields, where they
invariably feed night and morning. Frequently they
perch upon fences or stacks of grain, and will often suffer
the sportsman to approach within easy gun-shot ; but
he that would avail himself of this ignoble means of
swelling his bag, should be avoided by his fellow mortals,
and condemned to wander the remainder of his days in
a terra incognita swarming with mosquitoes and black
flies, bed bugs and snakes. Late in the season, when
the birds have packed and cease to lie well to the dog,
the only time that you can hope to be successful is when
the sun has reached his greatest altitude and strength ;
t}len, on the grassy slopes directly facing his genial
rays, they often appear, for an hour or two, to become
indolent or reckless of their safety, remaining so close
that they will flush within easy gun-shot, or early in
the morning, or late in the evening, when, if you hide
yourself in a fence corner, you will get frequent shots
at them as they wing their way to corn-fields to feed.

HINTS FOR AMERICAN SHOOTING.

309

s means
yet the

benefit
manure
in early
. always

prairie
re they
bly they
en suffer
lot; but
tieans of
mortals,
} days in
id black
3n, when
the dog,
I is when
trength ;
is genial
3 become
; so close

early in
you hide
ent shots
3 to feed.

I remember in the month of November, in Newton
County, Indiana, killing over a dozen in this manner,
in less than an hour, when waiting for wild duck. Pot
hunters and game dealers' emissaries have numerous
and successful ways of destroying this noble bird all
the year round ; but with their shameful practices I
have nothing to do, hoping that all who pretend to or
appropriate the name of sportsn^eA in America, will
show their disapproval of such outrages by hunting
from a neighbourhood, wherever they have influence,
these ignoble slaughterers, who will, more than aught
else, tend to ultimately banish from the accessible
grounds one of the handsomest and largest of the
grouse family.

»i

CHAPTER XXI.

SHOOTING IN MISSOURI.

{

According to advice, my friends and self tried Brook-
field, on the Hannibal and St. Joseph's railroad, in the
State of Missouri, three years ago, and found the locality
as represented. The hotel at the railroad station is well
kept, and if the culinary department does not suit its
visitors they must be very fastidious. Moreover, there
is not a house of public entertainment that I know of,
in America, where there is a more evident desire on
the part of employer and domestics to do all in their
power for the accommodation of their guests, and to
render them comfortable. Game, I am assured by those
who reside there, is unusually abundant this year
(1869), and they attribute as a reason that, during the
war, guerillas were so numerous that few had the hardi-
hood of risking the loss of their guns, or, possibly,
being roughly handled, whatever their love of field
sports might have been, so that little shooting

SHOOTING IN MISSOURI.

311

. Brook-
1, in the
! locality
n is well
suit its
Br, there
mow of,
esire on
in their
and to
by those
lis year
'ing the
le hardi-
)ossibly,
of field
ihooting

was then done. But, fortunately, those days are
over, and the peaceful sportsman can wander about at
large without the slightest fear of molestation. Besides
the usual game birds, on my trip I killed several deer,
and if I had previously known that they were so
numerous would have paid them t»n earlier visit. A cir-
cumstance occurred to me the third day after arrival,
which, I think, all will say is unusual; at least, in my
long experience, I cannot remember having seen the
same, viz., wild turkeys lying to a dog. A large hawk
was hovering in the neighbourhood at the time, and to
his unwelcome presence I attribute this piece of for-
tune. With hounds admirable sport could here be
obtained, for the greater portion of the ground is ride-
able, and the land covered with brush, neither too
thick nor tail to impede the progress of a good horse.
However, let me call attention to an abuse which exists
here, as well as in many more of the Western States
— the capturing of partridges with the net. American
gentlemen ought to do something to stop this barba-
rous practice, — one which, in a few years, if continued,
will ultimately ruin their finest shooting grounds. To
attempt to curtail what the people here deem their
privilege is no easy matter ; however, such people as are
guilty of this heinous offence are, in nine instances out
of ten, worthless village loafers, too lazy to work, and

312

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

earning a precarious existence by supplying city mar-
kets with their victims. Shooting, I insist, invigorates
the frame, strengthens the mind, and is, without doubt,
a most harmless pleasure, encouraging persons to good-
fellowship and unselfish intercourse, inducing all the
good traits of character to be enlarged, and the baser
to be depressed ; therefore the facilities for legitimate
shooting should be encouraged, and game protected,
by such wholesome laws as will enablo future gene-
rations to enjoy this superlative pleasure.

CHAPTER XXII.

A LONG DEER HUNT.

To kill deer, if you come across them, is easy enough,
or to knock them over if they are driven past your
stand is \That any schoolboy can do, provided he keeps
cool ; but to stalk deer with success, alone and unaided,
requires as much practice, twice the experience, and
four times the cuteness and observation requisite for
any other description of field sport.

I once knew a man who was pretty nearly master of
this art, and he could as well discriminate a good day
for deer stalking from an indifferent one as he could
a thoroughbred from a mustang. " No use going out
to-day, Cap.," he would say, in answer to an inquiry ;
"the woodpeckers have got their heads up, and the
deer are lying : best stop at home ; " and best it always
was. Now, after acknowledging myself not to be an
expert, I hope the reader will deal gently with me, as
I am desirous of relating a little episode that took place

314

ACCESRlllLE FIKLD SPORTS.

\':m:i

when my experience was fur from being as gnat as
it is now.

As deer in the Eastern States of America are nearly
exterminated, my friends will have, at least in imagi-
nation, to believe themselves transported to the grand
and luxuriant West, to no less a locality than the
Wabash Valley, in Southern Illinois, where the soil is
rich and fat, the timber heavy, and corn sometimes
reaches fifteen feet in height ; where the atmosphere is
redolent of miasma and fever ; where the inhabitants
shake half the time with chills, and their complexions
resemble yellow ochre, with a little of its brilliancy
extracted ; where, half the year, floods cut you off from
the rest of the world, and you are compelled to become
a boatman or a Robinson Crusoe, whether you like it
or not. However, good fellows, with big, kind hearts,
are to be found here ; and if anything in this world can
compensate, which I doubt, for loss of health, I am
inclined to believe that it is the bon camerade of a
genial spirit. But times are changed since the date
I name ; the skilful, good, kind, little doctor of the
district — a host in himself — has departed for the land
of gold ; the hunter, my companion — a Dutchman by
name but not by nature — retired, possibly, to his
favourite Yazoo bottom, in Arkansas, to re-awaken its
extensive woods with the echo of his deadly rifle, and

A LONG DEER HINT.

315

•Lut as

nearly
imngi-
grand
an the
) soil is
letimes
here is
ibitants
)lexions
illiancy
off from
become
like it
hearts,
)rld can
I am
ie of a
ne date
of the
Ibe land
man by
to his
aken its
fle, and

cheer the many-spotted pack to their prey with his
musical stentorian voice. By-the-bye, one remains — a
German gentleman, whose convivial habits and good-
ness of heart, with courteous behaviour, will always
endear him to those persons who can appreciate such
praiseworthy traits. The better to enter ini ^ the spirit
of the thing, I will transfer you to the neighbourhood
— Vincennes, Indiana, — so that you may learn the
characteristic features, and if, the first time you are
travelling westward by the Ohio and Mississippi line
of rail, you look out of the carriage window, after
rumbling over the long Wabash bridge, and take a
good view of the surroundings, know that this is the
locality over which Ubique once hunted.

It was in the month of December or January, I
cannot precisely state which, but on rising from my
bed, to my surprise I found ihe ground covered with a
few inches of snow, just Sufficient, and none to spore, to
track a deer wi*h a degree of certainty. Now, I
was hungry for venison, and such a chance was not
to be let slip. From a habit which is unaccountable
among many when they go from home, I had a
morning cocktail brewed, and with a glass in each
hand sought the dormitory of my Yazoo friend, and
over the drinks we both discussed the prospects and
our plan of campaign.

316

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS

^il

I i'lii

,rf- ■

The horses were ordered to be in readiness after
breakfast ; buck-shot and bullets were hunted out,
shooting boots greased, and 'baccy and pocket pistols
loaded to the neck and stuffed in our saddle bags. A
hard day we knew to be before us, so ample justice was
done to our meal ; for, gentlemen sportsmen, rely upon
what I say, nothing so materially assists to withstand
fatigue and cold as an ample breakfast.
• A ride of about five miles took us to our ground,
but our horses were fresh, and we impatient to be at
work, consequently the distance was soon traversed,
and we dismounted in a grove of saplings, well suited
to hitch to and shelter the i^ags from the *vintry
blast.

While we are performing the necessary operation of
loading, a description of our armament will not be
inappropriate. Will, or so I'll call him, had an old,
uncouth rifle, which, althoi^gh possessed of no finish,
could shoot ** plumb centre," with the old-fashioned,
double trigger, the second to set the hair-spring, — an
invention I had seldom previously seen and never
used ; while I myself had my trusty double-barrel
ten-bore, which, from long experience and association,
I was aware had only to be held straight to do correct
vvork.

A large swamp, about half a mile off, was a favourite

I )

A LONG DEER HUNT.

3] 7

J after
d out,
pistols

gs. A
ice was
y upon
tlistand

around,
o be at
iversed,
L suited
wintry

ition of

not be

an old,

0 finish,

shioned,

g,— an

. never
e-barrel
Dciation,

correct

'avourite

resort for deer, and to it we directed our steps ; but
before we had gone half the distance, we came across
numerous tracks, so fresh that we kept a sharp look-
out in all directions, hoping every moment to be grati-
fied with the sight of some antlered monarch. Failing
m this, we changea our tactics, friend Will posting me
on the margin of a branch of the swamp, with my back
against the butt of a tree, with instructions to remain
still and keep a sharp look-out, while he would take a
t^ur around, and possibly drive some stragglers across
the run which my stand commanded. Slowly, after
Will started, the time passed ; the forest appeared per-
fectly deserted ; not a squirrel or bird showed itself to
break the monotony, except an angry, squabbling
family of woodpeckers, who appeared to ha> some
serious disagreement in reference to the possession of a
hole in the trunk of a dead giant tree. Wet feet are
never conducive to comfort, and much less so when you
are prevented from taking exercise ; besides, it was
bitterly cold. First I stood on one leg, then on the
other, after the manner of geese, which birds I began
to consider I much resembled, till at last the inaction
became so unendurablo that I was very nearly taking
up my gun and starting in pursuit of my supposed
recreant friend.

As I was about to put my resolution in practice, I

318

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

I .. ;

tliought I heard a voice, and on looking in the direction
from whence it proceeded, I was surprised to see a
couple of hunters with a cur dog passing my retreat,
about a hundred yards off. He who has shot much in
the timber, well knows that if he remains quiet the
possibility is great that those moving about may make
the game start towards Mt retreat. And well it was
I did so ; for ere five minutes had pasred a grand old
turkey, head down, and going like a race-horse, shot
by ; but turkey was not deer, so I let him go, pre-
ferring to be without turkey to braving the wrath of
Will for firing at illegitimate game. How often
patience and forbearance receive their reward ! and so
it was in this instance, for scarcely had the gobbler
gone by when a fine large buck hove in sight. From
his manner he was evidently alarmed, for every now
and then he would stop, snort, and continue his route.
Unfortunately, he was heading so as to pass too far off
to afford a good shot, and the ground was too clear to
permit me, with any prospect of success, to better my
position ; so I had almost made up my mind not to
shoot. However, I changed my resolution, for as soon
uo he came abreast of me, he halted, and looked around.
The temptation I could no longer withstand ; so,
pitching my gun with due elevation, I let drive the
first barrel, but with no apparent result, for the deer

A LONG DEER HUNT.

319

irection
D see a
retreat,
nucli in
aiet the
ly make
. it was
•and old
rse, shot
go, pre-
^rath of
iw often
! and so
gobbler
From
ery now
lis route,
o far off
clear to
etter my
[ not to
' as soon
around,
nd ; so,
rive the
he deer

only threw up his head and trotted off. The second
barrel I quickly determined to put in, and holding well
in front and high, had the satisfaction of seeing his
lordship make a tremendous bound and drop his flag,
a certain indication that some of the shot had taken
effect, but the distance was so great that successful
results could scarcely be expected.

Nothing is so difficult as to obtain a gun that throws
buck-shot well. I am inclined to believe that gun-
makers have not paid the same amount of attention to
discovering the proper internal construction of barrels,
so as to obtain the greatest range and closeness in
throwing this description of projectile. Generally, at the
distance of one hundred yards, the side of a barn would
be none too large a target to be certain of hitting ; and
again, occasionally a barrel will make an unusually
good pattern at one discharge, while at the next it
will be quite the reverse, so that hitting a deer at a
hundred yards I consider more the result of luck than
good guiding, if charged with buck-shot.

After waiting for nearly a quarter of an hour I was
joined by my friend, who at once Ua juired what I had
shot at ; but when I told him the distance, he only
laughed one of those peculiar, little dry laughs which, as
plainly as words, said, " You're a fool if you expect to
eat any of that carcass." Nevertheless, we together

320

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

inspected the track, and I had not even the gratifi-
cation to find blood. Well, Will was for giving it up,
but I wanted to follow it out ; and after using all his
powers of persuasion and argument in favour of his
views, my friend succumbed, and consented for once
to be dictated to.

For over a mile we followed our game. The line
was straight and the tracks distinct ; moreover, the
gait was steady, if one could judge from the regularity
of the impressions ; and there was nought to indicate
that we might not with as great propriety follow any
animal in these bottom lands that had never had a shot
fired at him. Will was going ahead, leading, and your
humble servant bringing up the rear, when the former
suddenly halted and turned round. From the expres-
sion of his face I knew something was up, but was
scarcely prepared for the information he gave. " Look
here," said Will ; " you have hit that deer, Cap.,
tolerably badly, and I suspect we shall get him yet ;
his fore leg is disabled, and he can't travel far without
our overhauling him." On inquiring how he gained
his information, he pointed to the tracks ; and sure
enough the off fore- foot, instead of making a clean im-
pression, cut the snow for nearly a foot both before
and after. " You see," said he, chuckling, " he don't
use both alike, for it's all he can do to get this one

A LONG DEER HUNT.

321

1 gratifi-

[ig it up.
y all his
ur of liis
L for once

The line

jover,

tlie

regularity
to indicate
follow any-
bad a sliot
5, and your
the former
the expres-
ip, but was
Ive. "Look
deer, Cap.,
|ethim yet;
far without
w he gained
Is; and sure
a clean im-
both before
" he don't
get this one

clear of the ground." There was no gainsaying such
conclusive evidence, and with renewed ardour we
sharpened up the pace of pursuit, alternately changing
places, one being constantly on the look-out while the
other tracked. Once or twice we got sight of the deer,
but too far off, or for too limited a, period, to shoot ;
but the view was always cheering. Forward we
pressed, exultingly hoping that each minute would
finish the hunt ; but the deer thought otherwise, for
he was of a most unaccommodating disposition. Soon
it became appu^ent that the confounded brute was tra-
velling the same circle, and that, unless we altered our
plans, we might be kept going till dark ; but as we
were not disposed to work harder than necessary, it
was agreed that I should drop behind and take up my
stand beside the most eligible place, while Will con-
tinued the pursuit with the hope of driving our wily
foe past my ambush. Though the plan was well de-
vised, it failed in execution ; for after an hour's tedious
delay my companion rejoined me, disgusted and dis-
pirited, heaping anathemas upon the foe, pronouncing
him to be one of the very ugliest brutes he had ever
come across. After all our trouble, it would never do
thus to be defeated ; so I proposed doing the track-
ing while he took a stand, at the same time changing
guns at his request.

322

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPOBTS.

i!f»

■f.v

Full of hope, and animated with the desire of
distinguishing myself, I pushed forward with re-
newed energy. At first the trail was tolerablj'^ clear,
but, after some time, it led and twisted in every
direction through innumerable hog paths. Never
was I so sorely puzzled to keep correct, but with per-
severance and care I managed to carry the track almost
across to clear ground, where I suddenly lost all signs,
and was completely brought to a stand-still. I was
aware that all dodges were practised, more particu-
larly when deer feel the effects of increasing weak-
ness and incapacity for further exertion; so, hoping
that fortune would favour me, I determined, like a
skilful foxhunter, to make a cast completely round the
disturbed ground. After the loss of twenty minutes I
fortunately again struck the trail, which, to my sur-
prise, led in a reverse direction ; clearly indicating that
the deer had retraced his steps probably in the same
track, and thus, by this cunning device, almost suc-
ceeded in eluding his pursuers. The trail of the animal
now became more irregular, and the tell-tale track of
the wounded limb greatly assisted me in distinguishing
his footsteps from those of his fellows, which on every
opportunity he selected; huv, all having failed to
throw me off so far, the deer adopted a new ruse,
which under other circuip stances would have been

A LONG DEER HUNT.

323

desire of
with re-
3ly clear,
in every
Never
witli per-
ck almost
all signs,
1. I was
e particu-
ng weak-
30, hoping
ed, like a
round the
minutes I

0 my sur-
lating that

the same
Iraost suc-
;he animal

e track of
inguishing

1 on every
failed to

new ruse,
lave been

eminently agreeable to the sportsman, but in this in-
stance made me so savage that I would have indulged
in the amiable weakness of breaking the gun-stock
over the nearest tree, if it had not been that my friend
might not see the joke of his gun being thus treated.

So intent was I in watching the tracks that I did
not observe the exhausted deer had halted. Becoming
alarmed by my near approach, and deeming it advisable
to make a fresh effort to place distance between us, he
again put forth renewed energy. The brush, unfortu-
nately, was so remarkably dense, that although I got
several glimpses of his tawny hide, stiU never for suffi-
cient length of time to get a fair chance to shoot, and
I was unwillingly compelled to keep tracking. About
fifty yards from where I stood a small river, not over
ninety feet across, named the Ambaras, wound its
sluggish, peaceful way towards its parent stream, the
Wabash, and direct for the nearest part of this river
the deer had gone. Still I could not bring myself to
believe that a buck at this season, with plenty of ice
in the water, would hazard an aquatic performance ;
but my doubts were soon solved, for on reaching
the margin, with surprise I saw the deer upon the
ledge of ice attached to the bank struggling violently
to keep his footing, the disabled leg, which appeared to
hang powerless, evidently now causing serious incon-

324

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

venience to his progress over the slippery surface.
Such an opportunity to finish my work was not to be
neglected, so cocking the rifle I pitched it forward and
drew a bead, but still no report, followed. All my
power and exertion could not pull the trigger. Again
and again I looked at the lock, and essayed another
effort, but with the same result. At length, in despair,
I desisted, and the deer, having altered his mind, came
ashore and disappeared through the tangled brake.
Of course, to examine the gun and inform myself what
was wrong was my first thought. My surprise may be
well imagined when, with all my endeavours, I could
not get the hammer down ; there it would stand, not a
particle of compromise was in the confounded thing.
All my skill in mechanism was called into play, all
my past experience put to use, and not until my
patience was nearly exhausted did I discover the
use of the second trigger. Discouraged I was, but
whether most at my own stupidity or want of luck I
know not. Still hoping for another chance, I followed
on in no very amiable frame of mind.

Time fled and the long shadows of the trees told
of the rapid approach of night, still not a sight did I
further get of the buck ; and to add to my troubles,
the tracks a second time led through ground that hogs
had lately fed over. Never was I so sorely puzzled.

A LONG DEER HUNT,

325

surface,
lot to be
ward and

All my
•. Again
1 another
n despair,
lind, came
[ed brake,
yself wbat
ise may be
rs, I could
tand, not a
ded thing,
play, all

until my
Iscover the
[I was, but
It of luck I

I followed

trees told

sight did I

Ly troubles.

Id that hogs

ely puzzled.

Back and forwards I searched, my eyes nearly strained
to bursting, till at length I was compelled to give up
the chase. On looking round to find out as nearly as
possible my situation, the better and more directly to
return to my horse, I espied a splendid wild turkey
busy feeding not over thirty yards off, and still un-
aware of my presence. Sheltering myself behind a
fallen log, I took sight along my barrel, determining
inwardly to have some reward for my labour ; but,
although this time I worked the trigger correctly,
nothing but the explosion of the cap took place ; in
fact, the rifle had missed fire. The turkey, frightened
at the noise, lowered his head, ran about twenty yards,
then stopped, and looked around, still ignorant of the
cause of his alarm. Substituting a new cap and again
taking sight, was but the work of a few moments, but
still the gun refused to explode. I now sprung my
ramrod and placed on the nipple another cap, but the
result was as before, and the turkey having become
conscious that he was in a dangerous neighbourhood,
sought safety in flight. How often a day's shooting is
one tissue of bad luck from morning till night ! and so
it was in this case. First, the game had passed too
far from my stand ; secondly, changing guns had
lost me the deer ; and thirdly, the carelessness of my
friend in not sheltering his gun from the damp was

326

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

the reason of my not having turkey for a future day's
dinner*

Tired, hungry, and bad tempered, I struck off direct
for my horse, expecting to have little more than a
mile to walk ; but with surprise, aft^r having tra-
velled that distance, I found I was turned round and
lost. Already it was sunset, half an hour more would
make it dark, and the bottom land which I was now
wandering through, was as intricate, densely covered a
swamp as ever was inhabited by wild cat. The season
of the year, moreover, was not exactly the one to be
selected for making your Couch on the surface of
mother earthj and visions of a good dinner, comfortable
fire, and dry clothes floated before me. Hark ! what
is that — a dog barking? And so it was. Forward I
pushed to the sound, and in doing so came across a
road, which, on inspection, I recognised as one we had
traversed in the morning. The rest of the programme
for that day was plain sailing. I found my pony
where he was left, my friend's horse being gone ;
so, concluding Will had made tracks for home, I
mounted my fiery little nag, and with a sufficiently
tight rein to guard against accidents, rattled home,
almost at racing pace. It was nearly two hours after-
wards that Will turned up wet and exhausted — down
upon his luck and deer in particular — vowing that

A LONO DEER HUNT.

327

ire clay's

off direct
3 than a
dng tra-
)und and
)re would
was now
covered a
he season
►ne to be
urface of
imfortable
rk ! what
forward I
5 across a
le we had
rogramme
my pony
ng gone ;
home, I
ufficiently
Led home,
ours after-
ed — down
iving that

he would be up with the sun in the morning, and not
return till he could boast of not having been beaten
by a broken-legged deer, when there was enough snow
to track. My defeat had similarly operated on myself,
so that we mutually agreed to devote the morrow, blow
or snow, to re-establish our tarnished honour. The
morning was well suited for our task, still and clear,
with just sufficient frost in the atmosphere to give zest
to travelling. The track was easily found, my back
track being taken as the guide to where I had my
adventure with the turkey.

In ten minutes we again had our game afoot, but
without getting a shot, the animal having doubled
round before lying down, and, consequently, rising
behind us. The bed where he had passed the night was
soiled with blood, and other indications were such as to
justify us in hoping early success. Although perseve-
rance is generally rewarded, it was not so on this occa-
sion. Hour after hour slipped by, the game appeared
to moderate its pace in accordance with ours, just
keeping sufficiently far ahead to be out of range.
The badness of the walking (for a thaw had com-
menced), the continued disappointment, and the diffi-
culty of following through the bush, commenced
to operate upon our spirits, and, but that we struck
a more open range of country where the travelling

328

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

was better, doubtless we wouM have f^iven up.
However, as we were in the vicinity of our ponies,
we determined to continue the pursuit on horseback,
hoping to get a view, in crossing some opening,
where we could give the buck a run of a few minutes,
with the expectation that a sharper gait might
break him down ; but luck continued adverse. Time
was rapidly gliding by, a few hours more would bring
on night, and, as far as we could see, the pros-
pect of a termination was as distant as ever. Want
of success or fatigue made us careless, and as we
slowly wended our unthankful way — first one in front,
then the other, unsportsmanlike on such occasions,
talkinj^ aloud, deploring our misfortune, and paying
but little attention to the surroundings — my pony (for
I was in front) suddenly shied, turning almost com-
pletely roimd, and at the same time bringing me
excessively near getting a spill. And what do you
imagine was the cause of this want of propriety in so
experienced a steed ? Simply this : the deer had lain
down, and we had almost ridden over him. To wheel
round and try to bring my gun to bear was the work
of a few seconds, but all my exertions and rapidity of
motion were thrown away. The pony would not stand
still; he had evidently been frightened, or perhaps
was still in ignorance of wha,t caused the alarm.

A LONG DEER HUNT.

'629

iven up.
r ponies,
oraeback,
opening,
minutes,
t might
B. Time
lid bring
he pros-
. Want
d as we
in front,
iccasions,
I paying
)ony (for
38t com-
ging me
do you
ety in so
had lain
'o wheel
he work
Didity of
lot stand
perhaps
! alarm.

Moreover, my manoDuvring so directly intervened
between my friend and the deer that, for fear of pop.
pering me, he dared not fire. To turn round and look
at one another, first sulkily, but afterwards to burst
into a roar of laughter a^ the absurdity of the wliole
thing, was the result, each agreeing that the buck had
well earned his safety, and that two such awkward
devils had no right to a feast of venison resulting from
that hunt, and, therefore, we had better acknowledge
that we were beaten handsomely, a»d that by a buck
on three legs, . ; .

Chapter Xxiii. .

i n h- f

i !

I I

J 111

THE SPLIT BAMBOO FLY-RODS.

KeadeRj have you evet* had the misfortune to be caught
in a provincial town, where you have no acquaintances,
by such a wet day as confines you, nolens volens, to the
limited accommodation of your hotel ? Such has been
my luck twice, and the minutes, seconds, and hours on
each occasion appeared at least double the length of
those of ordinary times. Such a miserable ordeal was
almost forced upon me a month or two since ; in fact,
I had almost made up my mind to spend the interven-
ing time between lunch aid dinner with a book and
pipe, when the constant interruptions I suffered from
the impudent, obtrusive servants drove me to a state of
desperation, so, seizing my hat and umbrella, I sallied
forth, scarcely knowing where to direct my steps to
obtain a few hours' peace and amusement. Suddenly,
I was struck with the idea, — Why not go down to
Messrs. Clerk and Co., Maiden Lane, and see what

THE SPLIT BAMBOO FLY-RODS.

331

e caught
intances,
IS, to the
has been
bours on
length ol
deal was
; in fact,
nterven-
)ook and
sred from
a state of
I sallied
steps to
juddenlv,
down to
see what

progress they are making with the split bamboo fly-
rods my piscatorial friends in England are looking so
anxiously forward for. Acting on the impulse of the
moment, I jumped into a street car, and soon reached
my destination. A fishing-tackle establishment has
always been to me a place of great attraction. True,
I had been at this one several times before, but never
with sufficient spare time to overhaul and examine the
numerous objects of interest that there, on every hand,
surround you, with that attention and care that each
deserved. And as the proprietors had always been
civil and kind on previous visits, I doubted not that
they would pardon my prying curiosity. Reach-
ing the front of the establishment, which has its
specialite well marked by an immense rod projecting
over the pavement, a show-case filled with flies of
every size and colour, artificial baits so numerous that
they must be nameless, reels, flies, books, &c. «&c., and
a window crowded with piscatorial attractions, of which
not the least attractive is a six-pound trout, I turn
the handle and enter. Before me extends an immense
room, about a hundred feet long, the upper portion
enclosed for an office, while the long walls on either
side are stored with every machination the fertile brain
of man evf^r invented to entrap the uuwary inhabitants
of the liqui.L element.

332

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

As I turn to tlie left, and lean upon an immense
show-case, standing detached and filled with attractive
lures, I find myself at the elbow of Michael, one of
the attachh of the premises. Here I must come to a
halt for a moment. I cannot without a good word pass
an old friend, and he one of the most expert fishermen
and most perfect fly-tiers I ever met. And more than
that, Michael comes from a neighbourhood I know
well. Until a year or two since, he lived near Fermoy,
and was a constant attendant on the officers of that
garrison. There is not a hole, a stream, a stretch of
dead-water within ten miles of that town, whether it be
on the Blackwater, Bride, Phuncheon or Araglen, that
he is not acquainted with. Before him, as he sits, are
ranged gut, hackles, golden and European pheasant
feathers, hooks, silk, and wax, for day after day, unless
he takes a holiday, his deft fingers are tying salmon or
trout flies. As soon as Michael sees me, he clears a
seat, and, at his request, I sit down and go to work,
just, as he says, to keep my hand in. Of course the old
jountry, and the neighbourhood of Fermoy, and the
gentry, are the staple of conversation, with an occa-
sional inquiry after old military acquaintances, whose
cicerone he was wont to be.

When abroad, how pleasant it is to talk of home !
how the warm blood of affection rushes to your heart

THE SPLIT BAMBOO FLY-RODS.

333

nmense
tractive
one of
ne to a
ird pass
bermen
re than
[ know
'ermoy,
of that
'etch of
er it be
m, that
sits, are
beasant
, unless
mon or
ilears a
» work,
the old
md the
1 occa-
, whose

home!
r heart

when the thoughts wander back to the land of your
nativity ! But Doctor Clerk has seen me enter, and
here he comes with a good-natured smile on his face,
which I know predict,^ an invitation to lunch ; if I had
eaten ten previously that day I will accept it; for
from the Doctor I shall learn more of salmon fishing, as
well as of the habits and peculiarities of Mr. Salmo
Salar, than from any one I ever met. The Doctor,
who is quite a naturalist, has killed salmon from his
own native Scotch stream to the rivers that enter the
Pacific ; of late years he has wandered less, still no
season passes without his finding his way to Nova
Scotia, New Brunswick, or Labrador. Report says that
he can beat all comers at throwing a long and light line.
I know that few, very few, can tie such a perfect
salmon- fly. After the Doctor and self have greeted
one another, we pass on, taking a casual look at what
appears most attractive. American reels, of which
there appears an immense btock, excite much my
admiration, they are all so superiorly finished. One
that I am shown, but is not for sale, and is the first
ever made, is constructed out of pure aluminium ; the
mechanism is perfect, the weight is a mere trifle,
and there is no amount of exposure will cause it to
corrode.

The Yankees are wondrous smart fellows ; their wits

334

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

appear never to be at rest, and the number of arti-
ficial baits that have emanated from their brains is
truly surprising. Buell-spoons, kill-jacks, phantom-
minnows, and, and — but their name is legion, and
certainly many are very deadly.

Boxes of gut, feathers, hooks, lines, rods, lie ranged
around ; the farther up the store you advance the more
you see, till the brain becomes mystified, in wondering
what portion of the earth did not assist in supplying
a portion of the collection. Through the credit of
Messrs. Brown Brothers and Go., of New York and
London, the Clerks import direct the well-known bam-,
boo of Calcutta, and the more tough and tapering
bamboos of Japan. India and Japan furnish their
silk lines, and the tropical climes of both continents,
are ransacked to supply them with feathers.

An hour has already flitted past, still not le- tenth
of the curios have been seen, — but here comes the
junior partner ; his oye is sharp and keen ; you may
bet that he can strike quick and certain when a trout
rises at his fly. It is so ; and not a brook near New
York has not over and over again yielded her brilliant
beauties to fill his basket.

On reaching the office at the top of the store we find
the head of the firm, who is not one particle less genial
than his confreres. From him I learn that the split

THE SPLIT BAMBOO FLY-RODS.

335

' of arti-
brains is
jhantom-

lon.

and

e ranged
the more
ondering
upplying
credit of
^ork and
»wn bam-
tapering
isli their
ontinenta,

le- tenth
omes the
you may
n a trout
lear New
• brilliant

e we find

ess genial

the split

bamboo fly-rods are finished, and one of the clerks
is ordered to produce them for inspection. Gently,
handle them gently, for never did fair woman merit
kind treatment more than these treasures at the hand
of one who knows their use and value. Each one is
put together, each joint fits as close as the cylinder
of a steam-engine, and turn them as you will no warp
or cast can be seen ; twelve feet long is each, not
over six ounces in weight, and a four-pound trout, if
drawn out by the hair of his head, would not break
them.

Their balance on examination proves perfect, and the
only regret that creeps over me is, that I have not a
cast of flies on, and am situated by the margin of a well-
stocked stream. Yes ! they are worthy of the friends
for whom they are intended, and more than worthy of
all I have said in their praise. But to lunch No. 2
I must go; the Doctor is impatient, and I wish to learn
a new wrinkle in taking salmon. Before I get out of
the door, however, I am asked if I would not like to
see another floor. "Another floor ! " I internally ejacu-
lated; "no, I thank you," — sotto voce. By Jemminy,
if I did, I should dream of fish and fishing, hooks,
feathers and gut, every night for the rest of the
week. If any of my readers chance to be in New
York, rain or sunshine, frost or thaw, if they be dis-

*'B

tl J

336

ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS.

ciples of old Izaak Walton, if they want information on
affairs piscatorial, whether they require tackle or not,
let them visit the hospitable firm of Messrs. Clerk &
Co., Maiden Lane, for well am I aware that they will
never think the time thus spent thrown away.

THE END.

VIBTVE AKO CO., FlilMXiiRS CITY BO^D, LUKUOIT.

nation on

e or not,

Clerk &

they will

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