The American Fly Fisher

In Memoriam

the trout of the Reaverkill and the Bsopus. I t was an the Esopus he met klewitt and it was there in the Catskill Mountains he came to know his beloved M i d g rod. From then on the Gingich way of fishing was with the lightest of bamboo. the finest of leadcrs and the smallest of flies. He became a 20120 man - limiting hirnscIf to a 20 foot leader and a fly no larger than size 20. Ire was considered one of the greatcst

Eng. I I e read Walton once a year and thcrc was no one mure knowlerlgeabIe concerning the ancicnt angling classics. His many artides and books en t l ~ e s~tl>ject attcst t o his lcarning and scholarship. Undoubtedly, this sensitivity to Iiterature caericcl over to ksqrtirt.. In

Arnold ah thored 9 books including those on fishing. For ovw two decades he willingly pave to the

causes of conservation serving as a Dircctor and Trust- ARB O CD GINCRIClil ee of such organbations as the Theudort: Gordon Club December 5, 1903 - July 9, 6916 of New York and the national Federation of Fly Fish-

a m e n . At the annual mcctings of thcse societies, and President of The Museum of American FZy Fishing our own Museum meetings, no onc scrvetl more ably

1974 - '1976 and with such charming gracc as a Master of Cerc- monies. Arnold Ginpich was the weU tempered

No words can convey the sense of loss due to the angler. Perhaps his coining of the phrase was prophct- passing of a good companion. Arnold Gingrich served ic for in the ending of his book of the same title, be us wcll, with devotion and selfsacrifice, first as a wm te: Truwee charting the course of a beginning Museum, "Actually though being well read is part of the then as our third Prcsiden t. llis inspirational lcadcr- process, an anglcr is tcrnpmed chiefly by practise ship gave rhc Museum a hcsrt beat which was strong, and expcriencc, by learning and attempting: to reach steady and vibrant, sounding loud and clcac whcrcver the successively higher goals of his sport, and thus ac- f ly fisher's gathered. quiring through any amount of* disappointment and

In time all great men have their biographers and frustration, the satisfaction of knowing that he i s do- Arnold Cingich will have his. They will begin with ing thc simplest thing in the hardcst way possible. his birth in Michigan, his early love of reading and Tlren, be hc never so churlish, short in his patience, music, his graduation as a Phi Beta Kappa from UM hateful to his kids, mean to his mother, no matter at Ann Arbor, and then the editorship of Apparel what - as an angler at Ieast and at last he is well temp- rlrts . Most certainly the biographers who write of his ered. business carcer will ernphaqizc the founcting of Es- " 5 0 saying I will arise and go now. giving you the

I quire magzinc and his part in its development. Over fair warning of that long lust little book, ' l%e Arre ojj' ,the years, he turned what was a magazine far gentle- A n g l r ? ~ ~ , 'Well, if you hae not apace, I will be at thc men interested in t h e sartoria1 arts into a literary pub- River hefore you.' May we be we11 met there, and fish lication whose stable of authors included such greats together long and well, until at last we can intone in as Heminpay, Falkner, Steinbeck, H. L. Mcnken, unison with Andrew Lang: Dorothy Parkcr, Sinclair Lewis, Tennessee WiIliarns and the many others who were the leading writcrs of "Girdling the grey domain of Death their day. The spectra1 fishes come and go;

The biographers who will emphasize his love of The ghosts of mout flit t o and fro, fishing will relate the seemingly stFangc circumstance Persephone, fulfiIl my wish, of a boyhood without fishing. The fair rewards start- and grant that In the shades below ed out of Chicap in 1925 with plug and spoon fish- My phast may land the ghosts of fish!" ing for bass. Then camc tEic fly rod and the catastro- And may the deep pools and riffles be flecked phic years as a suffering beginner. Ile notes he was al- with sunshine.

Cl~arles Ritz, Arnofd? old friend met him nt rbe River on July 1 I tb. He was 84.

A n Arnold Gingricb Memorial fs now in the plaa- ning stages. Gifts of rne~~torabilia and donations ate invited.

I

The American Fly Fisher Published by The Museum of hmerimn FIy Fishing

for the pleasurc o f the mernbcrship.

I SW;ZliMF:l< 19fh Vol, 3., No. 3

ADVlSOKY HOARD

~ltrnolcl G inprich New York, N. Y.

Dr. A l v i i ~ Grove Snntc Col lcg~, Pa.

Ih i r r l Iiall Ilydr Park, Vt.

11s. r):ivid R. hcrilic Middlebury. Vt.

JO~II +r. Orrcllc Sllcrwo{)d, Oregon

Leigh I I . IJcrkirls ,?lar~cItcstcr, Vt.

Stvr c Kayrilr~itd Sc:httlc, \\'asliingrt>n

Xlrs. Aniw Secur :\rlirigtctn, Vt.

II~I~I:I~LI Zal~itcr Ih~rsct, Vt.

Austin S. Hogan Can~brirlp, Mass. Kesewtrch Rc Liaison

TABLE OF CONTENTS

RESEARCH Dean Sapc - Part I11 - Thc Years at Canrp Irarmony by David R. Ledlie F. 2

ARTICLE Trnuting on Jcssup's River by Charles Wilkins Wehber - 1852 P- 4

WOMEN'S STUDIES My Love Affair with Fishing by Nan Emory p. 13

CLUBS Chicago and thc West - The Blackhawk Club of

Lakc Koshkonong by Emerson Hough p. 14

I CAMPING AND TRAVEL

'1'111+: r\,lllllZICr\N FLY F IS I I I ~K , thu rriagaxino of 'THE rMU5EU.W OF AMERICAN F L Y FISIIING, Er p ~ i h - listrrtl t ~ i sa r tu r l~ 11.y thc hl USE U,M at llanchcstcr. Vcrn~ont 05 251. Subscription i s Srcc with p:rymcnt of rnc~iillursliip clues. Al l ct)rrcs,,untlcnce, let rcrs, tnan~~scripts. photographs ant! 11ixtcrial5 shut11 J bc forwarded carr ,,f t l l ~ C1lr;rtor. >1LISlr~I,\ l and MACAZlN E arc not rcsponsihle for ~~nsu[ ic i rmI ~na~it~scri[rrs, rlt-aw- ings. ~ditjtographs, nlatcrials ur nlcrllrtrabilia. T t ~ e Mr~scum cannot acccpt respunsihility f o r ctateii1ent5 and i n t ~ r ~ r c t a t i r l n s \vE~icfi arc \\.Ilr,lfy tllc at~tlicbr'r. Unsolicited rnantlscripts cannot he rctitrned unlc~s postagc ii.: ~wt~virlccl. I l un t r i l ~u titrnr to TI3 1. AA1EKICAN FLY FISltIiK arc to bc consi~lered gratuitous and bccomc thc prupcrcy o f the hluscum unlcss uthcrwisc reqimc~ted t,y thc uon~ributor. I'ublication dates arc J a n ~ ~ a r y , April, Jrl!? and Oct~~bc r . Eritcrutt as Second Clnsr mattcr at the U. S. Post Qfficc, !ilanclicrtcr. \'crrr~onr.

@ Copyright 1976, 'I t 11:. AMEIIICi%N FLY ITISIIEK. hianchestcr, Vermont 05251 . Origiilal matcriat all- pccr i i~g rliily not hc r c l ~ r i t ~ t c d n itltr,ttt prir>r pcrn~issir>tl.

C1< 1I)ATS : .Z~~ISCLII I~ yhutos t,y Dar id R. Lvdlic. Drar\'ings by Austin S. Hogan, Curator. Printing Iry 'Chru\ipwr~, Inc., hklrtchcstcr Center, Vcrnlont

I

Camping the Teton Basin by W. F. Raillie-Grohmao - I882 p. 16

I h HTICLE

The Anglcr's Tournament - IS89 p. 2 0

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR p. 2 3

MUSEUM AFFASRS p. 24

SPECIAL ISSUE - F A L L 1976 PREVIEW lnsidc Rack Covcr

Dean Sage Part 111-TheYears At Camp Harmony (1879- 1902)

by David B. Ledlie

- SarA P. Sage playing a salmon. The guides

r (from left to right) 1 are Alex Marchand and Jacques Vicaire.

According to a letter written by Dean Sagc to David Deug- Iasl , (dated July 29, IS78) Sapc again visited the Kistigouche in 1878.

"I have, according to the custom of men, been taking a pleasure trip. lcaving my wife at home to enjoy the company of the children. M y expedition was to thc Ristigouchc Hiver in Her Majesty's late Province of New Rrunswick where 1 passed a fortnight in the best salmon fishing I ever had."

and in the same letter: "The Ri~tigouchc is one of the most beautiFu1 rivcrs 3 cvcr

saw and secms to my prejudiced eye to surpass the river Aine in thc wild grandeur o f i t s surrounding sccncry. We ascend it in birch canoes, each poled by two Indians much Fonder of whiskey than of scalping but who gcncrally, with proper treatment, do very well, and are ardent sportsmen. Their

Between 1877 until his death in 1902 Dean Sagc rarricd on an extensive and lively currespondence with David Douglas of Edinburgh, Scotland. Douglas, a buuk pubIisher of somc rc- putc, was to publish 7 ' 6 ~ Kistrgouuhe t t~rd 11s S(?lrnon I:isbrtt.q in 1888. The Sage-Douglas letters werc presented to Sage's widow in 1909 by Douglas. Thc fate of the ori~inal letters i s unknown to us; however, transcripts of the originals were made by t l ~ c family at some point and these were pcncrously made available to us by Mrs. David McAlpin.

cooking, howcvcr, is nprn to criticism. a< an English noble- man whom I met on rhc rivcr a yrar o r two apt) evidently thought, as he took with him in addition to a valct and ctrrrb closet (a handy inlplc~ncnt ft)r thr. wt~ods) a French cook. The latter's hat1 rhc first of his genius sn much subjr~ed after 2 or 3 days of black flicr, midges, and rnr~squitues, which happened to he very had just rhcn, that I heard l ie had to re- sign his office in favor of an Indian, and his Lordship st~ffer- ed so much from thc sarnc callsr that hc made his valer do the fishing and dcsucndctl rhc rivcs after a $hart stay mud^ disgusted with thc sport and thc cuunrry." This i~ the first rccord wc have o f vagc's rcturn tu the Risti-

gouchc since thc "first trip" in 1875. Wc arc confident, however that Dean Sage did not r~~ i s s thc opportunity to rcturn fur the fishing of 1876 and 1877. Sagc ~ncnt ions ill Chapter I 1 of Tl>r K irf~golrchr arzd I t s Sn1111on I , r s b i n ~ that prior ro thc construct- ion uf Camp klarmuny, his cntotrrape "canipcd out" whcn visit- ing the Ristigouche and that apparently this was thc modus op- crandi for several scasons. As Harnaony was crected in the Spring of 1879, the "scvcral scasons" allt~rlcd to would incIudc thc summers of '36, '77, and '78. Thc date of I-larrnony's con- struction Es firmly estab[ishcd by a lctter from Sage KO E)ougEas and i s included below.

"There arc two of us rlp here in a pcrrnancnt camp we had built this spring on a hcautiful and clcvatcd point at the

junction of the Ristigouche and Upsalquitch Rivers. Our house consists of one large room with a fireplace and two smaller ones which we use as bedrooms, divided by partitions of birch bark. Our Indians have a bark shanty outside in front of which one of them does our cooking in a rather primative style, but now it is so easy to get almost any kind bf food put up in cans that we fare quite-well. The river is so large that we fish from canoes, each manned by two Indians. We have been here ten days and the fishing thus far has not been good owing to high water and very cold weather. Now, however, it has suddenly turned hot and I write by the dim light of one candle and half stifled by the smoke of a "smudge" which we have burning in a tin pan in the middle of the room to get a temporary relief from the flies and mos- quitoes which attack us in swarms. Our largest fish is 36 lbs. but we have killed several above 25 lbs. and none below 19 lbs. The Duke of Argyle, his son, the governor general with his wife and several others went up the river last week for a fortnight's fishing. We hear they are having fine sport as the fish take better where they are, 35 miles above here, in high water than lower down. Besides having more fishing they also have more flies and I doubt if the ladies will feel like staying out the proposed two weeks. The day after they passed here a very rummy looking man came up in a canoe and stopped at our camp. He turned out to be a newspaper reporter from the Toronto Globe going up to join the vice-regal party, and by invitation. I suspect he was too drunk to accompany them the day before. The authentic account of their adventures is to appear in his paper. I am so glad I can have this to bring up when anyone alludes to the hankering of our great men for newspaper notoriety.

"I wish I could send you a salmon of 30 Ibs. I killed yes- terday, a short thick fish, bright as burnished silver, with a head almost disproportionately small and a broad powerful tail which came near bringing my tackle to grief before I got the fish out of the heavy rapid where he took me after 45 minutes work about it." (Sage-Douglas letters, Camp Harm- ony, June 22,1879).

Camp Harmony was named after Julia Harmony Twichell, the wife of "Uncle Joe" Twichell. TwicheU, the eminent Congre- gational clergyman of Hartford, Connecticut who accompanied Mark Twain on the trip described in A Tramp Abroad, was a close friend of Sage's and according to members of the Sage family frequently fished at Harmony prior to 1895. We have not been able to firmly establish this latter point; however, we offer evidence which indirectly implicates ~wiche l l a s a fisher of salm- on.

In addition to his salmon fishing on the Ristigouche, Sage angled for salmon in Galway, Ireland (1877). The trip is describ- ed in a lengthy letter to Twichell, entitled, Salmon Fishing in Galway, Ireland, and is dated April 4, 1877. A major portion (nearly two-thirds) of the communique deals with the intimate details of Sage's angling experiences on the Galway River - de- tails of which would only have been of interest to a fellow salm- on angler. We suggest that a close friend of Sage's who was an angler to boot would have, at the very least, received an invita- tion to partake of the sport fishing on the Ristigouche.

We include below an excerpt from the letter in which Sage described to Twichell the method of prawning for salmon.

"1 hastened to find Nicholas Brown, the fisheries guardian who was expecting me and had secured me a rod on the Gal- way River. I found him on the bank near his cottage, and not only him but five or six of the English officers, most of Tayl- or's regiment, who were engaged in fishing the only pool of the three on the river now in order, and which is rather more than half as large as the Upsalquitch pool we camped on. Nicholas professed himself glad to see me and the Britons greeted me with civil frowns. They were fishing the pool with shrimp bait - which is done by using a boiled shrimp, or two, on a hook attached to a heavily leaded line, then casting up- stream and letting the shrimp roll along the bottom the length of the cast, and then recovering. There is a most de- lightful uncertainty about it, as you may for two hours or longer let your shrimp pass unheeded before the nose of a fish; and at the end of that time he will take - consequently a

The waterborne floating home owned by Col. Oliver H. Payne. The vessel had a sitting room, bedroom, galley, and servants' room. In the background is the "new" Camp Harmony shortly after its completion in 1896.

Page 3

On the porch of the original Camp Harmony. From left to right: C. F. Law- rence, J. M. Hamilton, H. M. Hanna, Dean Sage, and Marshall (an Indian). Note the bear cub.

Frank Ellis with a brace of salmon. Salmon at Harmony.

From left to right: Dr. A. L. Mason, W. H. Sage, F. H. Ellis, W. 8. Dicker- man, unknown, H. M. Hanna, J. M. Hamilton, Dean Sage at Camp Harmony.

Indian workmen who constructed the new Camp Harmony in 7896. The camp was designed by Stanford White.

person may fish from t h e same stand all day, and as there have been nine rods, the full number allowed, daily since I came the fishermen who are shrimping, are not further than 25 o r 30 feet apart. When one strikes a fish the others must all clear o u t t o give him a chance t o play him, bu t if any fish- erman leaves his place with a fish o r for any other reason, anybody else has a right to go and take it. No shrimp fishing is allowed before 9 a.m., now and as the season advances the time is still more restricted t o make way for the fly fishing. About 300 feet below the t o p of the pool; which is formed by a dam, is a bridge across the river and when a fish goes through it the line is cut; and the fish hand played from a platform put up for the purpose just below. You have t o pay 151- per day for t h e privilege of fishing besides getting a gov- ernment license good for a year, which costs 201- and you have 113d of the fish you kill. They give you for this 113 now 21- per Ib., so if a m'an is lucky; he pays a considerable part of his expenses. This river though hardly W mile in length under this management, and the netting a t the mouth, and at the weir yields an annual income to its owner of about,£,3000. What would the Connecticut return; if the state would bu t assume its control in respect of the fisheries, instead of let- ting such a source of wealth and amusement be entirely lost. I saw one salmon of 1 6 Ibs. killed that afternoon; and bought of Nicholas a fine rod for £,2-5, a reel for 181- and line and flies in proportion (I paid kbbey in N. Y. $75 for a rod and $27.50 for a reel, neither of them as good as my last pur- chase), and engaged for my attendant Mike Brown, a bright young Irishman of 1 9 - already prominent as a leader in the temperance cause here." The ownership of Harmony was shared with Sage's good

friend, Charles F. Lawrence of 1 4 9 Hicks St., Brooklyn, New York. According t o t h e Brooklyn Directory of 1875, Lawrence was a banker with an office a t the corner of Nassau and Fulton Streets in New York City. In addition t o the camp, Sage and Lawrence owned nearly 5 miles ( 6 pools) of prime salmon water. Sage describes the quality of fishing a t Harmony in a let- ter t o David Douglas dated July 23, 1883.

"It is naw a week since 1 returned from my holiday of the year, and a delightful one it has been. I am daily suffering a t the thought of 'Camp Harmony' standing vacant o n her breezy point, t h e rippling pool in front whispering its music day after day with n o appreciative listner, and the mighty salmon disporting themselves in the crystal depths watching

in vain for t h e illusive fly which has tempted so many of their comrades t o a glorious and honored demise. Directly in front of the camp ledge of rock projects into the stream and a t the point of the ledge for three years past a very large salmon (we thing the same one) has made his home. Others have been there, and big ones, and have been caught, bu t this veteran, although be will rise occasionally, does so merely t o amuse himself and show how big he is. Once this summer when Mr. Lawrence had the pool and was fishing over our friend in the perfunctory way we have come to do, he rose, and I presume misjudging his distance, took the fly. We can't think it was o n purpose. Lawrence was so agitated that some- how the handle of his reel became caught in a buttonhole be- fore t h e fish had taken five yards of line and he escaped with part of the casting line. We feared it might kill him and felt quite sad over it bu t a t evening one of the Indians came in t o tell us that 'His-kong-a-blamo' as they had named him (big salmon) was i u m ~ i n g again in his old place, and going o u t we soon had the pleasure of seeing him apparently as well as ever. We rose him a number of times again before we left but al- ways short and were on the whole glad to leave him in poss- ession of his rocky seat when we broke camp.

"From some unaccountable reason and contrary to the general expectation the run of fish in the Bay of Chaleure has been this year almost unprecedented as t o numbers and size. In the nearly 5 miles of river belonging to Mr. Lawrence and me we killed during our stay of 3 weeks 175 salmon weighing

4216% Ibs., an average of 24 Ibs. apiece. This score might have been materially increased had it not been for the annoy- ance caused b y the drive of timber coming down which near- ly filled the river for a week and made it impossible to fish b u t a very little each day. This was just a t the time the heav- iest run of fish was going u p and it was during this week that a party of 4 who were above the logs took 54 fish in three days, nearly all of them o u t of one pool, 'Ned Bank,' where not more than two could fish a t once. Captain Sweny. a friend who went with us, took his boy aged 16 and I my Henry, a year younger. They were to confine themselves to the t rout bu t begged so hard that we let them try for salmon in the poorest places. They managed to kill one or two and then o n the invitation of a gentleman who has 2 fair pools 6 miles u p the river they went there for 2 days. They returned with 1 3 salmon. Henry's seven averaged 28% Ibs. including one of 35 Ibs. and one of 37 Ibs. It was too good a time for boys of 1 5 and 16. Of course, they had men with them, but hooked and brought all their fish to gaff without assistance. They were both good trout fishers before." The guides at Harmony were Mic Mac Indians (our Algon-

quians) about which Sage made the following comment: "Although lazy and generally worthless a t any rcgular lab-

our, they are indefatigable in avocations containing an ele- ment of sport." ( T h e Kistigo~lcbc und Its Sali?zon I:ishi77g, Chapter 11)

The head guide a t Harmony was Alex Marchand (see photo) who apparently had an excellent sense of humor and was given t o waxing eloquent especially with tales of the tall sort. In fact, Sage carried a note-book for the purpose of recording Alex's stories. Other guides a t Harmony included Alex's son, Peter Metallic, Jacques Vicaire, and Alexis Vicaire.

While an at tempt was made t o preserve a rustic atmosphere at Harmony, the accoutrements at this typical Ristigouche fish- ing camp provided a more than adequate existance for its gucsts. T h e Log Hook o f Camp Alba??.y published as part of Rcrollc~.t- ions - Abraham 1,ansing (1909) provides us with glimpses of the life style of the American sportsman in the wilds of Canada. (Lansing, an Albany lawyer, and his friend Dudley Olcott own- ed Camp Albany which was located approximately 1 0 miles up- stream from Harmony; the camp was built, we believe, in 1883).

"Camp Harmony was very trim and orderly, fine as silk, an example to the whole river. Swept and garnished well, said it was for Sunday and for us. From the beam which reaches from behind the eaves from side t o side, swing ycllow bags of ham and bacon; lengthwise at the sides ncar thc main parti- t ion spread the table, long, ample, hospitable, with its bench- es and neat new rubber cloth. Out from the side rooms and about the spruce-bough beds peered new crisp tarleton and mosquito bars; on the walls the old familiar pictures which His Grace the Duke of Reaufort placed there and others more recently. No display of kitchen ware or crockery; a kitchen outside (and a stove, alas, a stove) and a scrvant to look after it - an accomplished citybred and city trained servant - - - -. ( T h e Log Rook o f Canzp Albu~m.y, July 6 , 1884).

and "It looks as if Dean Sage might be left alone to combat

t h e warfare o n discomfort and to sigh for Arcadian simplic- ity. Well, Dean sighs and scolds, too, they say, but beneath the spacious porch of Harmony thc wcll-filled larder bursts its plethoric sides, and salmon fishing is almost an incident to the genial hospitality which reigns there the season long, and is elaborate enough for dukes and lords." (7'11(~ I.og H o o k of Canzp Albany, June 11, 1885) Women were not allowed in camp until the first of July and

their company was not always appreciated "in June and July I passed a month on the Ristigouche, dur- ing a fortnight of which I had my wife and Susan, our eldest daughter, with me. The latter, through the misguided kind- ness of her mother, appeared at Camp Harmony with her

Page 6

banjo, not, of late, an uncommon accompanylnent [sic] of young women, on which shc played with Inore fluency and persistence than skill for a few days until it was suppressed." (Sage-Douglas letters, September 28, 1884) It was customary for the ladies at Harmony to repair to the

powder room en mass on completion of the noon day's repast. While the reason for the sudden disappearance of the fairer sex was quite obvious to the gentlemen of the camp, Victorian eti- quette dictated that this was a subject which was never t o be touched upon and for a lady to be seen entering, leaving, o r even in the vicinity of the camp's comfort station was unheard of.

Dean Sage, a master practitioner of the practical joke, o n sev- eral occasions (we are told) took advantage of this daily femin- ine ritual. According to our source, he would wait for a very hot day and after the powder room was filled t o capacity; he would camp on the porch steps cleaning his gun - a process which could be drawn ou t for as long as necessary. As the porch steps were directly in line with the door of the powder room, the ladies attired in the many layered costumes of the day were forced to remain in the hot , none too roomy comfort station until Dean decided his gun was thoroughly clean.

With the completion of the Intercolonial Railway t o Mata- pedia it was possible for Sage and his friends to reach Matapedia directly by train, rather than the more circuitous steamer, train, steamer, wagon route that was previously employed (see "first trip"). The Sage party would (typically) board a 1:00 p.m. train from Albany which arrived in Montreal a t approximately 1 1 : O O p.m. Rooms were taken for the night a t the Windsor Hotel and a train for Matapedia was taken a t 10:OO p.m. the following day. The trip from Montreal t o Matapedia took nearly twe-nty-one hours. The round trip fare for the entire trip cost about $30 (1884).

Salmon angling on the Ristigouche was not permitted o n Sundays; there were, however, no restrictions placed on t rout fishing. If a salmon was taken while angling for t rout on a Sun- day, it was to be released. As the story goes - Fierce Dean was casting his flies for t rout on a Sunday afternoon a few hours prior to the party's departure for Albany on the Sunday evening train. A salmon was landed but Sage for some reason neglected t o release it. Apparently Sage apprised the party of his illegal fish and they a t once seized upon the opportunity t o get even with the inveterate practical joker. On boarding the evening train his friends told him that a game warden had just come a- board in search of a man with an illegal sallnon. They convinced Siige that he should hide in the wash room until "things died

down." The minute Sage stepped into the wash room, the door was locked and he was forced t o spend the night there.

In 1895 the Camp Harmony Angling Club w;~s formed. Ac- cording t o Abraham Lansing:

"Mr Sage still remains at Canip H a r ~ n o ~ i y . You know that Mr. Whitney (W. C.) and Col. Paync have purchased the waters and premises fornicrly belonging to Captain Swcney [Sweney was a friend of Sagc's from Albany and had dicd the previous year. His camp was directly across thc Upsal- quitch from Harmony.] from Mrs. Swcney this last winter; they have formed what they call the Camp Harmony Angling Club, combining with Sage and Lawrence, thc owners of Camp Harmony, the fishing of the two properties." ( ' l ' l ~ i ~ 1 . o ~ Book o f C a m p A l b a ~ i ~ ~ , June 23, 1895.2) A new camp was erected in 1896 by the angling Club above

the original camp. The second or "new" C a ~ n p liarmony was de- signed by Stanford White, noted a rch~tec t and crcator o t the Night Hawk salmon fly. Both Sage and White were nicmbers of the Players Club of New York. It is probably that this is where Sage first made White's acquaintance.

Listed in the Camp Harmony log books were guests who suc- cessfully battled wl~?zo salav between the ycars 1895 and 19023. Among them were F. W. Ayer, thc foi~nder of one of America's first advertising agencies and later president of thc Merchants National Bank o f Philadelphia; Watson B. Dickerman, New York Stockbroker and President of the Ncw York Stock Exchange (1890-1891); Eugene Hale, U. S. Senator fro111 Maine (1881-1911); Herman Mclville Hanna, brother of Mark Hanna; H. 0. Havemeyer, owner of the American Suaar Kcfining Com- pany; Charles McBurney, a world rcnowncd surgetjn; Col. 0. 11. Payne, once treasurer o f the Standard Oil Company and o\vncr of the Aphrodite - the fastest, largest, and most I i ~ ~ ~ ~ r i o i ~ s I y ap- pointed steam yacht in the country; and the inimitable poet. preacher, author, university professor, and angler - Hcnry Van Dyke. Van Dyke fished a t Harmony during thc last week of June 1898. He landed fivq salmon; the largest of' \vhich \vas a 24% pounder that succumbed to a Fiery Brown.

Shortly before noon on the 23rd of June 1902, Ale\: Mar- chand anchored the birch bark canoe in the current and motion-

* Lansing neglected to include W. H. Sage as one of thc ori- ginal incorporators according to Sage's grand ncphe\\, I)cwitt Sage.

3 The log books of the Camp Harmony Angling Club were graciously made available to us by Dewitt Sage.

Col. 0. H. Payne (left) and Frank Ellis on the bow of Pa yne's house boat.

ed to Dean Sage's right. A large salmon had just shown his silv- ery sides. Sage caught a glimpse of the noble fish as it returned to its lie, and immediately cast. The salmon missed the fly on the first a t tempt but, o n the second was firmly hooked and soon brought t o gaff. It was the third fish of the morning (they averaged 2 1 Ibs.) and

"in joyous high spirits over the success he had met with, [he returned t o Harmony] and a te lunch cheerily among his companions.

"An hour o r so later, the rest of thc party, all but Mr. Sage and onc other who lingered behind with him, dispersed to their afternoon fishing.

"It was not till 4 o'clock or thereabout that Mr. Sage spoke of feeling a pain, yet made little of it, judging that the cause was indigestion. Presently, however, the pain contin- uing, he went t o his room and lay down, and in a few min- utes, while his cornradc apprehending no more than himself any occasion for alarm, was trying by sirnplc remedies to relieve his discomfort, suddenly; without a struggle, without

- -

a word, he expired. "That such is the issuc of an incurable malady, sclorocis

of the arteries, fixed upon him, which though it had restrict- cd, had at no time interrupted his active habits, was not unlikcly to be thc end with him when it came, he had a good whilc known. But thcrc had becn nothing to warn him of its ncar approach. The sensations with which, as recalled froni their sport, the gentlemen of his party - all old friends, one of them his brother - reassenibledin the camp and faced the appalling reality there confronting them, can be only imagin-

ed. During the night a casket was brought froni Matapcdia, between six and seven miles below; and the nest morning Mr. Sage's body laid upon two canoes fastened together was borne down the stream over the flowing waters bctwccn the leafy banks long so familiar t o him and celebrated by his pen, on its way honie. An impressive scene t o contemplate is that of the first stage of the sad journey, and not without beauty." (Joseph Twichell, "Hartford, Courant.") The next installment will deal with the angling library of

Dean Sage as well as the details of production, publication, and sale of America's most sumptuous angling tome, 7'l.w Risf i - gauche tznd Its Salnzon Fishing.

Flies which took salmon at Camp Harnlony bctweeri 1895 and 1902. The most popular fly was thc Jock Scott.

Admiral Black Dose Klack Fairy Black Palnier Blue Doctor Krittania Brown Fairy Butcher Canary Causopsical Coach nian

(:ock Robin 1)onkcy Dun Wing Dusty Miller Ficry Brown <;ray Grey Fly No. 8 Jock Scott Lady of Merton Mic Mac Mitchell

Ncpisiquoit N iggcr

Po~>Iia~ii Ranger

Silvcr Doctor Silvcr Grey

T and 1, T ~ P P Y

Wilniont Wilkinson

Whitc Miller

Camp Harmony - - the original camp.

l'agc. 8

Trouting on Jessup's River

by Charles Wilkins Webber

1852 We could not remain quiet long at a time, for my restless

friend had not yet had a fair trial of the "flies" a t trout. After all, laugh a t Piscator's violent passion for it as I may, the sport which lasts longest, is the most abundant, the most admired, and most practiced by the frequenters of the Lake country, is that of taking the speckled o r brook t rout with the rod!

The larger lakes afford good trolling grounds, when resorted to in the right season; bu t the trolling season, which begins in March, is too early for the majority of anglers, who cannot leave their spring business for mere sport. But when summer comes, business is over; then t h e rejoicing anglers, like children broke loose from school, scatter abroad over the mountainous places of the land, literally gasping with panting bosoms for fresh air.

To such it makes little difference, when they reach here, t o find that the fishing-grounds for t rout are not close a t hand, bu t that they must go yet farther from five t o thirty miles, among the rough wild hills, to fresher streams, amidst valleys deeper than these. It seems strange, t o be sure, and very provoking t o them, if they go without a proper knowledge of the season - t o find that these wide clear sheets, with all their inlets and outlets are but so much dead water to them - affording no sport after the tenth of June, worth notice. But they are soon over this, for the mountain breezes are very inspiriting; and with expanding chests they look towards the blue ridges with emulation, and brace themselves up t o meet the rude exigencies of a "tramp" and "shanteeing out" for a few days, amidst storm or sunshine,

as the evening heavens may send! "The Bridge" a t Jessup's River, is well known to sportsmen,

and t o this point we made our first fly-fishing expedition. The eyes of Piscator glistened a t the thought, and early was he busied with almost hasty fingers through an hour of ardent pre- paration amongst his varied and complicated tackle. Now was his t ime for triumph! In all the ruder sports in which we had heretofore been engaged, I, assisted by mere chance, had been successful - b u t now the infallible certainty of skill and science were t o be demonstrated in himself, and t h e orthodoxy of flies vindicated t o m y unsophistic sense.

The preparations are simple, and were early completed. The tidy housewife soon had ready the huge loaves of fresh nice bread - the can of yellow butter, and other minor appliances of a feast in the woods - the main condiments and dishes of which we were expected t o supply from our own sharpened appetites and skill. Then the cooking apparatus, which was primitive en- ough t o suit the taste of an ascetic, as it consisted in a single fry- ing pan. Then the blankets, with the gun, ammunition, rods, etc.

These were all disposed in the wagon of our host, which stood ready a t the door. It was a rough affair, with stiff wooden springs, like all those of the country, and suited t o the mount- ainous roads they are intended t o traverse, rather than for civ- ilized ideas of c o m f ~ r t . We, however, bounded into the low- backed seat; and if i t had been cushioned to suit royalty, we could not have been more secure than we were of luxurious

Page 9

comfort - a fanciful illusion which it took bu t little time, how- ever, to dissipate in an astound, as we found ourselves rumbling, pitching, and jolting over a road even worse than that which brought us first t o the lake. I t seemed t o me that nothing bu t the surprising docility of the pretty span of glossy black ponies which drew us, could have saved us, strong wagon and all, from a sudden return t o our original atoms. I soon got tired of this, and sprang o u t with my gun, determined t o foot it ahead, in the hope of seeing a partridge or red squirrel.

The wagon, with its thundering rumble, was soon left behind, and for several miles I tramped o n alone through the oppressive stillness of those old spruce and hemlock forests, which line the road upon the hill-side and down steep shaded valleys. It was then I observed the extraordinary stillness, which I found char- acterized the woods there, in whatever direction I had penetrat- ed.

I wondcred for some time what was the cause, and what it was I missed so much, until I discovered t h e almost total ab- sence of the different varieties of squirrel. Then I understood a t once.

These creatures are the great enliveners of forest scenery, and we unconsciously as much expect t o hear them rattling over the dry leaves - their rustling leap from bough t o bough - the patter- ing nuts they are unhusking overhead - their saucy chattering and defiant bark - or t o see their graceful forms leap across the path - dart up and around the standing trunks o r along the dead logs, as we do, to see the trees themselves, or hear the winds murmur through their leaves. Every where, except in t h e tropics they are ever-present and more essential t o the complete char- acteristics of forest scenery, than even the birds themselves. This is particularly the case a t the north, where the varieties of the birds are neither so abundantly musical o r large as in the Middle States. I never saw woods before through which you might walk all day, from day to day, for weeks, and most probably not see o r hear the sound of a single squirrel.

I had spent much time in the woods, and had no t been able t o reconcile myself to this strange want, which impressed me, even before I heard the cause, with something like a funeral de- solation - with the shadow of a feeling like that which we would have in walking through the echoing streets of a plague - depop- ulated city. I was greatly surprised when I found how analogous the case really was. O n inquiring among the old hunters, I heard from them the reason.

In the first place, the chickaree, or common red squirrel, is the only one, except the little chip squirrel, they have there a t all as a resident variety - for although the gray squirrel has oc- casionally made its appearance for a little while, the black mart- in, which is very abundant, is said to enter its hole and destroy it, before it has time t o breed much, while the hole of the chick- aree is too small for it to gain admittance. Well, about twenty years ago, the country was literally over-run one summer by a plague of red squirrels, curiously enough, too, accompanied by great numbers of the little deer mouse o r jumping mouse. The two united, destroyed nearly the whole of the standing crops of grain, and swarmed over t h e outhouses and even the dwelling- house themselves, and along t h e fences by the roadside, and in- deed through the woods everywhere.

The people were alarmed by the apprehension of great loss, and even a partial famine, when suddenly the curse was swept away in a most singular manner. The squirrels all a t once began t o act strangely; they were observed t o drag themselves slowly along t h e ground across the roads, so that the people could crush them with their heels. Those o n the fences would mope and stagger along the rails, o r falling off, would be seen in doz- ens hanging by one claw, until they dropped dead to the ground. They could be killed by hundreds, with a small stick, and the very air became impure with the stench of their dead bodies. On examination, it was found they were literally cover- ed over their whole bodies with warty and vermillion-colored pustules, which looked very foul and angry. The mice were visit- ed in the same way, and nearly all, if not 1711, died off ; since, for several years after, not a creature of either kind was t o be seen,

and t o this day they have remained remarkably scarce. This story seemed very strange t o me, bu t one day I shot a

young red squirrel, the first I had killed since I came - for lack of opportunity - and I found it covered by'this same warty dis- ease, which had been described as causing their extermination so long ago. The pustules were quite small upon it, and not so thickly placed as in the time of the plague, when they were as large as a pea of good size, and there was not t h e space of a pin's head anywhere between them! This accounts for their not hav- ing increased more rapidly - since t h e fact shows that the disease continues to linger with them, preventing, as I suppose, their ar- riving a t maturity, in t h e majority of cases.

But I have gone a good way aside from my theme t o narrate these curious facts, and must get back to the 'Bridge' again, a t which we arrived about the middle of the afternoon. There we found an old field just across the bridge. I t was called Wilcox's Clearing, and like all such places I had seen in this fine grazing region, was still well sodded down in Timothy, blue grass, and clover. Our luggage having been deposited in the shantee, which consisted nearly of boards torn from the old house, which were leaned against the sides of two forks, placed a few feet apart, we set off a t once for the Falls, a short distance above. This was merely an initial trial, to obtain enough for dinner, and find the prognostics of the next day's sport in feeling the manner of the fish.

At the Falls the river is only about fifteen feet wide, though its average width is from twenty-five t o thirty. The water tum- bles over a ledge of about ten feet, a t the bot tom of which is a fine hole, while o n t h e surface sheets of foam are whirled round and round upon the tormented eddies - for the stream has con- siderable volume and power.

We stepped cautiously along the ledge, Piscator ahead, and holding his precious flies ready for a cast, which was most artist- ically made, not without a glance of triumphing pity a t poor me who was preparing t o d o the same with the humble angle-worm. The 'flies' fall - I see the glance of a half a dozen golden sides darting at them - but, b y this time, my own cast is made, and I am fully occupied with the struggles of a fine trout.

What a thrilling sensation it is! - the bite of the first trout! - renewed each season, too, in all the strength of novelty, when you, perhaps, for the fiftieth time after the weary interval oth- erwise employed, feel again the electric shock of its pull, com- municated through your arm t o all your frame - the heart bounds as gladly, and the eyes gleam in as wild a n ecstacy of de- light, for the moment, as o n your boyhood's first capture. But the 'black flies' swarmed b y this time with such a wounding, maddening buzz into my eyes, nostrils and mouth, behind my ears, and "p my sleeves,-that no mortal enthusiasm could stand it any longer.

"Here, George, in heaven's name take my rod! My veil! - where is it? I have forgotten it!"

"No, here it is - I thought of it!" and he drew it from his bos- om. How 1 blessed t h e fellow! It was o n and adjusted in a n in- stant - and then I had time t o draw a long breath and look a- round me.

"Hey! seven trout. What, did I catch all those in this little while?" I exclaimed, in a surprise not very complimentary to Piscator's 'flies.'

"I caught one of 'em!" growled he - while he perseveringly whipped the foam with his flies. I turned towards him, and through my green veil his forlorn, despairing face looked jaun- diced. I was moved t o pity.

"Try the worms, good Piscator - here they are. This is not the right time of day for them t o take the flies in this river, I judge!"

He was soothed, and eagerly improving the door of escape thus opened t o him, took off the flies and used worms with im- mediate and brilliant success, which brought back the placid smile to his face, and he would not and then as calmly brush a- way the distracting swarm of flies from his face, as if they had been mere innocent motes. He had only taken the one with his flies a t the first instant of his cast - and afterward, not a single t rout would rise t o them. But later that evening came a tempor-

ary triumph for Piscator. The hole at the Falls was soon ex- hausted, and we moved on down to gleam the fipples. It was nearly sundown, and here the pertinacious Piscator determined to try the flies again. He cast with three, and instantly struck two half-pound trout, which, after a spirited play, he safely landed. Never did I see so proud a look of exulting triumph as that which glowed upon his as he bade me "look there!" when he landed them.

"Very fine, Piscator! a capital feat! but I fear it was an ac- cident! You will not get any more that way!"

"We shall see, sir!" said he proudly, and commenced whip- ping the water again, but to no avail, while I continued throw- ing them out with great rapidity.

I carefully abstained from watching him, for I had no desire to spoil his evening sport by taunting him, to contbue his ex- periment. I soon observed him throwing out the fish with great spirit again. I merely shouted to him across the stream - "The

I angle-worm, once more, Piscator? " "Yes! " with a laugh.

I As the sun went down, the black gnats began to make them- selves felt in their smarting and infinitesimal myriads, and we forthwith beat a hasty retieat to the shantee. ~ h e s e creatures, which are the most diabolical pests that ever haunted the air and water-side, are, I think, identical with the sand fly in Texas - where it is the terror of all low, sandy, bottom lands, and val- leys below the sea range. It follows the black fly, which is about half the size and a good deal the shape of the common house fly. About an hour aftPr its appearance in the afternoon, and its coming is considered the universal signal for retreat from the fishing grounds, as no heroism, not even that of Piscator, could long withstand their assaults.

We had taken about ten pounds of trout; and the first pro- cedure, after reaching the camp, was to build a 'smudge,' or smoke-fire, to drive away these abominable gnats, which fortunately, take flight with the f i s t whiff of smoke - and the next was to prepare the fish for dinner, though not till all had been carefully dressed by the guide and placed in the cold current of the little spring stream near that they might keep sound.

Now came the rousing fire, and soon some splendid trout were piled upon dishes of fresh pealed elm bark before us. They were very skillfully cooked, and 0, ye deluded Epicureans! let me tell ye! ye know not, on your rich and massive plate, the true flavor of this rare morsel for the Gods to smack their lips at, that I took up in my fingers from the bark dish - no, the ripe,

I high color of the flesh - the sweet, melting, luscious, glorious 1 1 titillation of the palate by which I was exalted there in that rude

shantee, to the highest heaven of the sense, you cannot know! The exquisite aroma has passed away before it reached you, fad- ing with the splendid colors of the skin, and ye cannot catch it! Not all your wealth can transport it in the season, delicious as

we had it. You can get them so in the winter, when it is cold enough to freeze them instantly on coming from the water, but not otherwise.

The feast being over, then to recline back upon the fresh couch of soft spruce boughs, and with a cigar in the mouth, watch the gathering 'night-shades' brooding lower and more low upon the thick wild forest in front - far into the depths of which the leaping flames of our crackling f i e go, darting now and then with a revealing tongue of quick light - and listening to the owl make hoarse answer to the wolf afar off - to think of wild pass- ages in a life of adventure years ago amidst surroundings such as this; with the additional spice of peril from savage and treacher- ous foes, and then, as the hushed life subsides into a stiller mood, see the faces of loved ones come to you through the darkness, with a smile from out your distant home, and while it sinks sweetly on your heart, subside into happy and dream-peo- pled slumber! "This! this is bliss!" the bliss of the shantee to the wearied sportsman! a bliss unattainable to the sluggish and jaded gourmand of the citv! w

We were on foot with the sun next morning, and after an- other feast, which we appreciated with unpalled appetites, we set off for some deep spring holes nearly a mile-above the Falls. The morning set cloudy, and rain fell piteously for several hours. During this time we had reached the neighborhood of the holes, after an abominably rough scramble along the mountain side; and here George set to work to construct a raft of the de- cayed spruce which stood around. This completed, it was launched with great labor into the stream; and as the day was beginning to clear off, Piscator so far conquered his horror of getting wet, as to agree to start. We pulled noiselessly up to the spring hole, and found it very deep, and quite large for the gen- eral size of the stream.

The instant my hook was in the water, a f i e trout was hung, and even Piscator, who still perservered with the flies, was suc- cessful the first cast, as usual. But as no further notice was taken of the flies by the trout, and I continued to pull oyt the noble fellows as fast as I could throw my hook in, he changed very quickly again to the worm. The sport was now magnificent, and all the time, one line or the other was singing through the deep water to the struggles of a trout, and often both at the same time. We found the raft very convenient, for having no landing net, while they were playing vigorously, we would take them on a spring upward through the water, and by a quick movement, adding to their impetus, would land them on the raft. We took several of that most splendidly beautiful of all trout, the "red- bellied" - for their bellies are as if of burnished gold, heated to a red heat, while the spots upon their sides fairly glitter, while their fins are black, bordered with white.

The moment they were hooked, we could see their sides flash up from the depths of the hole like the gleam of an angry

Page 11

blaze, and they shot like fiery meteors through the air as they leaped from it. We moved on slowly down the stream with our raft, after they ceased to bite here, and took from one to two and four pounds from every hole we passed, until I became weary of the sport, and even Piscator confessed himself for once to have had enough of trout fishing. The time had come for our return home, a n d now the interminable rain set in again more violently than ever, and our guide, who had fifty pounds of trout upon his shoulder, shrank from clambering back over the mountain with such a burden, and we landed on the opposite side of the river, to return by a new and longer though more level route.

Of all the dismal and exhausting walks ever taken, this seem- ed to me the most so. A violent west wind had set in, dashing on its cold current the.colder rain into our faces. We were chilled and wet in an instant after starting. Much of the way led through a deep tangle of elder and raspberry bushes, which were as high as our heads, and bent with the burden of icy rain drops. So this gave us a double bath. We managed - or, our guide did for us! - to get lost in the bargain; had five miles to tramp through the thick pine woods, plunging through swamps, and stumbling into deep holes, over roots, dead trees, and rocks. There was one comfort before us, at least, the prospect that we should find our host waiting for us at the bridge with the wagon.

On we staggered bravely - splash! splash! drip! drip. Above us, under, and on every side, the gelid rain! As is an incessant shower bath, far more exhausting than a protracted plunge - so was this wading through wet bushes beneath the pitiless pelting rain. I am sure that it abstracted a greater amount of vital heat and strength from us than wading the same length of time in cold water would have done. At least, I never remember to have been more utterly exhausted than when we reached the bridge, and found, to ou; great joy, the wagon in waiting.

Fortunately, our host had been prudent enough to bring blankets with him, and wrapping our shivering bodies in these, we hurried off on our return. It was no use going to our shantee for comfort - the fire was out, and the rain had set in for a week to come, and it was a poor affair at best. Though it was a break- neck road, I urged him with chattering teeth, to drive faster; but the immovable Piscator quietly suggested that I should "take it easy!" I stared at the man, for I was excessively nervous and irri- table, politely wishing him in a warmer place with his philoso- phy. He only laughed, and as that made me still more angry, I was soon nearly warmed up again.

Strange as the remedy may seem to those who are not famili- ar with the miracles of bathing, I took forthwith a bath of very cold water on reaching home. This warmed me instantly and thoroughly, and then the flesh brush and dry clothes completed the magical process of immediate transfer from the arctic to the tropics, which my sensations underwent, without the aid of fire or sun.

I never felt more delightfully than I did when I sat down to a fine dinner that evening in the old Tavern, and very much of this pleasurable feeling of entire comfort I attributed to the prompt use of the cold bath. I have mentioned Piscator's hydro- phobia, so far as the external application of cold water was con- cerned, and the fact, that when we met at table, he appeared, in spite of his philosophy, far from refreshed or cheerful, I could not help attributing it to his neglect of this precaution. Poor Pis- cator, with all his puisance in 'flies,' his appetite for that deli- cious trout dinner failed him.

from Wild Scenes and Wild Hunters by C. W. Webber

Philadelphia 1852

Upon receipt, all contributions o f tackle are carefully weighed, measured and recorded in the Museum Workshop by the Registrar, David Ledlie, (left) and the Curator. Appraisals of donated items are avail- able on request as the Internal Revenue Department does not place a time limit on deductions. The de- duction does not have to be made during the year o f donation.

Page 12

WOMEN'S STUDIES

My Love Affair with Fishing by

Nan Emory

It was one of those perfect Sep- My husband is a fishing nut and tember days. The air was crystal truly thinks fish; sometimes, I think clear, the sky was bright blue, and I only fish. Thus, right from the start felt at ease with the world. Here we of our married life, I began to go were at Wasson Bar Camps for the fishing. First, Martin made me a rod last week of the season's salmon from Orvis components, then some fishing. We have been coming up flies, and finally the rudiments of here for the past five years so it was fly casting. And before I knew it, I like old home week for us. Of found myself wading in the West course, there were Ted and Betty Branch of the Croton, and I loved it Crosby to greet us, and Sarah to even though my fly was in the trees cook those wonderful meals when more than on the water. My first we came in from the river, famish- trout was caught there and was sort ed. And then there was Sterling of a mistake as I had let the fly stay Ward, our guide, who has been with motionless at the bottom of a small us every time we have fished at pool while enjoying the beautiful Wasson Bar and for whom we feel such downstream reeling in whenever I could. scenery. But I was hooked from then on a great deal of affection and whose corn- The fish never did show itself, but I un- and I just love my fishing. pany we enjoy so much. There were al- derstand the very big ones rarely jump From this point on, I really took a SO other sports who came to Crosby's out of the water like &lse and small great interest in fishing with the fly. The camp at the same time we did every salmon do. Sterl was as calm as could be solitude of the lovely surroundings of year, so they were old friends for us to and that was reassuring. this type of fishing together with the see. And for me a very special thing was We did have some challenging and serious interest one must take to try that here I had all the time in the world hazardous experiences such as wading a- and put the correct fly over the fish all to just "go fishing" . . . no chores at cross the rapids at Victory Channel add up, I think, to one of the grandest home, no family to be concerned about, where the water comes through like a sports on earth. for that week spent on the Miramichi. chute, and the rocks are very slippery. I'm writing this story in hopes that

Well, as I was saying, the weather was One time there was an elderly man fish- the wives of fishing enthusiasts will read just a beautiful, scintillating September ing on the other side of the river, and this and take note. Throughout our mar- day. I was fishing with my nine foot we worried that my line would get ried life, my husband and I have had Winston using a Vye Terror fly (a fly in- tangled with his. Another time the fish some wonderful times in sharing our vented by Whit Vye of Massachusetts, was heading towards some wire mesh fishing experiences together. We have who swears by it, uses nothing else for that had been deposited in the river gone to different fishing camps and have salmon fishing and catches his share of from the previous Spring thaw, and we had the fun of trying different rivers fish). were fearful that the line would be cut and enjoying different scenery. It's al-

I was at the bend of the pool at Tayl- if the fish went towards that area. Sterl ways a thrill to get out on a river and or Shore, a beautiful stretch of fast ran into the river and headed the fish experience the beauties of nature with flowing water where we all have killed off from going in that direction. Well, its tranquility and restfulness. Also, we salmon at various times. I cast out and we did land that fish one and a half have met such wonderful people who let the fly swing around. Then suddenly miles from where she was hooked and share the same interests, many of whom there was a very big boil where my fly one hour later. It was a beauty, twenty- have become our dearest friends. had been, and I could feel the line tight- two pounds, four ounces! It was a prize My husband is the truly knowledg- en up, and I waited. Sterl calmly said catch for that year as I placed third in able one of this duet, but I have a lot of "You've hooked a good one," and I the Field & Stream Atlantic Salmon fun being the accompaniment. I have trembled. It really was a thrill I would contest. learned one does not have to be the not have wanted to miss for anything. We brought the fish back to camp, longest caster in fly fishing to catch fish. The fish wentaown to deeper water and weighed it and stuffed it into our little The fish can be anywhere. But once you just sulked and remained there for a few ice box having to bend it almost double get interested in casting, you want to minutes. The excitement and suspense to close the door. And that evening improve and perfect your technique. were unbearable. Then suddenly the fish when the other fishermen came back That's all part of the fun of fly fishing. took off downstream, the singing of the from the river, we had such fun opening Everyone is always very helpful and reel was music to my ears, and my rod the little fridge and watching their eyes friendly, and that makes for very con- bent like a bow. Sodii I was way down pop. That fish today is on our wall a- genial surroundings. in my backing and wondering when the bove a fireplace and is there to remind And one must not discount the value fish would stop running and getting very me of a most cherished memory of, a of being on a river for the benefit of concerned. I started to walk, then ran very happy experience. (continued o n page 15)

Page 13

CLUBS

Chicago and the West The Blackhawk Club of Lake Koshkonong

by Emerson Hough

In 1836 the unfortunate chieftain, Blackhawk, led north stream. So delightful a trip does it offer to the canoeist and ang- through Wisconsin the inglorious pursuers who figured on one ler that I cannot help commending it for a run, beginning at F t . side in that most inglorious "war." He passed far above Lake Atkinson, passing through Lake Koskonong, and ending at the Koshkonong and was captured, we are told, near where Portage Mississippi near Rock Island. This stream was used as one of the now stands. But Blackhawk formerly lived on beautiful Lake water trails between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi in thc Koshkonong, and even today there remain traces of his resi- old Indian and fur trade days. Let summer tourists not forget it. dence there. The island formed by Rock Ri+er, at the head of It is a beautiful stream and it has fish in it, in spite of the fool- the lake, is known as Blackhawk Island. Over on the big bluff, a ish Wisconsin law which holds back the construction of the Wis- mile from there, the wandering hunter can still see the odd consin fishways until after the Illinois fishways have been put knobby little hills, thrown up by the squaws who labored in in. This is a sisterly sort of law, or more properly, and old wo- Blackhawk's cornfield, and he can easily find old settlers who man sort of a law. There has been no run of fish up Rock River can remember seeing the cornstalks still standing in these hills. for years, by reason of the Illinois and Wisconsin dams, among All over that great and beautiful bluff, which looks out over as which are the Indian Ford, Janesville, Monterey, Beloit, Rock- fair an inland picture as any in a thousand miles of travel, young ton and Rockford dams. There are eight in all. Catfish are no trees have now grown up thick and

---- longer taken in that stream near Kosh-

strong. Yet the settlers can remember , - _ _ _ ,-- - konong. Its supply of bass and pickerel when all that slope was cleared, save for comes froin prolific Koshkonong, and a few great oaks, and when all its sur- the rapacious pot-fishermen are draining face was covered with the curious at that source as hard as they can. Last mounds of the forgotten Moundbuilders winter fifty. tons, mostly game fish, and the later groves of the Indians. were taken through the ice by market- These mounds exist today, and today fishers. Lake Koskonong is four miles you can see upon the highest point of by eight at most, and averages not 8 ft. the great bluff the old signal mound, in depth. Yet the wise men who live up- which in days before History flashed its on its shores, men born with the joint bale-fires in the great signal system run- butcher-miser instinct, tell us placidly ning north and south across the country. today that this does not affect the fish

. . - - - - . - Today, were the timber cleared from all --

-- ---- - --- - - - - . -- -- - -=- . -- - -- supply, and that winter fishing will not

the eminences, white men could do as -. -- - --.-. . diminish it. Such rot is not good non- former possessors of this country did Blackha wk Club House sense. Look at the story of great Winne- and send a message, fire answering to Lake Koshkonong bago. Eighty barrels of fish shipped per fire, and pillar of smoke speaking to day at Oshkosh alone. They won't do other pillar, from the shore of Lake Superior far down the Illin- that now, even with miles of illegal twine. Today the Winnebago ois River and perhaps nearly to the Ohio. Blackhawk may have robbers are beginning to squeal. Later on, the Koshkonong rob- used this chain of signals, and doubtless did use part of it. The bers will also snivel and cry out that the poor man has no show. "Blackhawk Trail" still runs over these hills, faint, but legible as The Koshkonong poor man needs some one to think for him, when Gen. Atkinson wound up it to 'found Fort Atkinson, and to anticipate his future whine. Today he is eating his own which exists today, a sleepy and contented village, unused to cake and everybody elses too. war's alarms. You get off here when you take the C. & N.W., We counted eight shanties and one big cabin boat as we drove for the Blackhawk Club of Lake Koskonong. For it is matter of on down to the club house. In each of these were two or three fact and matter of course that there is a shotting club on Kosh- down-trodden market-fishers and hunters waiting for the lake to konong, and that its name is the Blackhawk Club. freeze. These folks are called "rats" by the sportsmen of the

The writer was sent up to this club on the investigating trip, lake. They made a living formerly by legal or illegal "floating" through the courtesy of Mr. John L. Stockton of this city, one of canvasbacks, legal or illegal netting of fish, and a side line of of the members, to whose pains and foresight much of the pleas- rat trapping. Mr. Wentworth has broken up their "floating" and ure of the visit was due. This was on Nov. 23, and the shooting netting, and today they must restrict themselves to weeping for season was officially declared closed and the club house aban- the old days, to fishing through the ice, which is idiotically legal doned for the winter. Nevertheless a telegram or two mitigated and to plain rat catching. Poor, poor unfortunates, born too tir- matters, and I was met at 10 p.m. by Mr. W. Y. Wentworth, the ed to do an honest day's work! Earth has not more pitiable a superintendent of the club, who on the following morning gave creature. For their comfort it may be said, however, that the me a seat in his buggy for the frosty ride of six or eight miles numerous rat houses about Koshkonong this fall bespeak a crop down to the club house. that would delight the soul of a fur trader. We trust there will

Our road for the greater part of the distance lay along the be no further violation of "rat" etiquette in the premature tear- Rock River, which is here a very amiable pleasant stream and, ing down the houses and spearing the muskrats, of which an thanks to the long efforts of Mr. Wentworth, who is game ward- over-anxious "rat" was lately guilty, much to the horror of his en of the southern district of Wisconsin, also a very good fishing associates. There should be honor among these honorable men.

Page 14

We found the big and comfortable club house standing just upon the bank of the river, whose edge was now some thirty yards from the front stoop. The river is now lower than it has been for twenty years. In one springtime the water rose four feet deep over the club house floor; so that the members lived upstairs and went to bed out of their boats.

Mr. Wentworth's son was within, he had a fire started. We passed through the house, finding it to have eleven good sleep-

Steps are now being taken to get possession of additional shore territory, up to and including the point further up the shore line behind the club house. It is desirable also that the club should join upon the other side with what is known as the Peck pre- serve. This latter amounts in all to something like 500 acres, and runs out well on the flat that lies opposite the club house across the little island. If this was accomplished, there would be a con- tinuous preserved strip clear about the best part of the lake, and

ing apartmeits, while the down floor held the usualgun room, controlled by sportsmen whose interests are practically identi- sitting room, dining room, etc., and a large and very well furn- cal. In the matter of executive protective measures it can not be ished kitchen. In the latter department Mrs. Wentworth, the said that the Blackhawk men have been very active or earnest. stewardess, is ruler. She allows no liquors on the table and no They once hired a patrol for the river mouth point for a while, games of chance on Sunday, and otherwise generally rules the but for work of this sort Koshkonong Place contributed $50, boys with a rod of iron; but from her domicile beside the club much more in proportion. The men on the bluff have always range, she sends forth such culinary compensation that they bear their subjugation meekly.

Through the house there passes a stream of living water from the great artesian well, 330 ft. deep, which the club had sunk to assure a good water supply. This well also throws a stream into the great fountain-tank in the front yard. In the pool thus form- ed, holding several hundred barrels of nearly ice cold water, the members keep their fish alive as in a live-box. There were twenty or thirty fish in this pool that had been there for several weeks. This is the best fish box on record, and I shall later testi- fy to the excellency of its product.

There is a good barn on the place, and there are two boat houses, one holding the big sail boat belonging to some of the members, the other being devoted to the hunting boats. Under tarpaulin outside was the sailboat belonging to the sons of some of the members. The wreck of a steam launch held a flower bed, and all about and on the water front were either remnants of boats, or boats in actual use. There were some live-boxes in the water near the boat landing, and Mr. Wentworth, Jr. had some rods set from the end of one of the boats. As we sat by the stove and talked we could watch the rods through the window, and in this way we caught a perch and three pickerel, one of which weighed four pounds. The river at this point is not very wide, but low as the water was, we found it 10 or 12 ft. in depth.

The club house is up the river a little way from the main lake but the shore of the latter sweeps around behird the house, and a few steps through the woods bring one to it. The club owns 50 acres on the island, and controls the river and lake front clear a- round on both sides the point, making about 387 acres in all.

been very active and efficient in protective work, both in and out of the Legislature, and they are the best of neighbors for the Blackhawks.

There are forty-three boats now owned by the club, among which are several different styles, although the above are the in- teresting ones. There was a light cockle shell of a varnished can- oe, capable of being carried under the arm, belonging, I believe, to a son of Mr. Geo. W. Peck, the Milwaukee SLII? man, who is a member of the club. Mr. Peck will be remembered as the author of the Bad Boy papers. There was also a long, double-ended boat, flat-bottomed, heavy and sharp, practically the same as the logging batteau of t h e North, and a-model copied in lighter and shorter form in the Tolleston marsh boat. Then there were just plain boats, snub-nosed or otherwise. I have spoken in a pre- vious number of the Nee-pee-nauk boat, smooth skin, made of strips nailed one on top of the other. Here on the Rock River I sai Duane Starin using a wide and open fishing boat, made of built up strips just in that way. That was the boat we used when we went out after the wild celery seed.

Blackhawk Club is fifteen years of age. Its membership was at first limited to 25. It is now limited to 50. The membership fee is $100 and the annual dues are $10. Mr. Wentworth has been superintendent of the club for eleven years, and has seen it grow to its present proportions. When he went into his place there were but seven boats owned in the club. As above stated, there are now 43. The club house of today is also a material im- provement over the old form it had.

FOREST A N D STREAM, January 16, 1890

My Love Affair with Fishing (continued from page 13)

one's health. My nerves always seem to be "put in place," so to speak, after one of our fishing trips. Whatever problems there have been seem to be put into their correct perspective, and I come home with a new lease on life.

Also, I might add, that at every camp I've been to the accommodations have been good; some more rustic than others, but always pleasant and com- fortable, and the food delicious, whole- some, and tasty, especially after having spent hours in the great outdoors. What could be better!

Our experiences have been very vari- ed according to where we have gone. We fished for salmon at Balnagowan where we had the most elite type of fishing and accommodations. We fished differ- ent beats on the Oykyl and Carron, nev-

er fishing the same place twice in tcn days. We hobnobbed with the old guard of English nobility enjoying trifles for dessert and coffee in the small drawing room, while our friends Lord Basing and Captain Matthews wrote postcards to every person in Gillingham, Dorset al- most every evening.

Then in Newfoundland on the Grand Codray, our living quarters were not so elegant . . . primitive but comfortable. The fishing here was very exciting with awe inspiring scenery. We crossed water- falls in heavy rain a most frightening ex- perience and sometimes we travelled miles on foot through the woods before coming to the stream.

I remember the Brodhead at Henry- ville where we fished for trout. om- fortable accommodations here, and a lovely stream where the fish were hard

to catch. One of the highlights of this trip was the time when Martin and I were fishing not far from another at a pool with a large overhanging branch of a tree opposite. Now I'm sure you fish- ermen and fisherwomen can guess what comes next. I caught my fly in the over- hanging branch, and being that I could wade out to it, decided to do so. Know- ing that would spoil the fishing there for the time being, I still didn't want to lose the fly. When I arrived at the branch, I discovered a bonanza . . . flies in abund- ance which other fishermen had lost there. I called Martin over, and for a half-hour we had a picnic collecting flies . . . that was almost as good as connect- ing with a nice trout.

These are memories I cherish, and I hope to continue in the future to go to more places for these happy cxpcrienccs.

CAMPING AND TRAVEL

Camping The Teton Basin by

W. F. Baillie-Grohman 1882

The following morning we crossed the Snake at one of the upper rapids,' where two of us, and several of the horses, gpt sound duckings, and the dogs and one colt were swept down- stream, amid considerable commotion, for quite a quarter of a mile. An hour's ride across the level brought us to the banks of one of the two larger lakes I have spoken of, and where, as the sequel will show, I had some unique fishing.

Let me say a few words o n the topic of old Walton's gentle art in the Rockies.

The light in which the Express-wielding Englishman, in quest of sport in the Far West, appears t o the frontiersman, the rough- and-ready resident of those equally rough-and-ready regions, is sufficiently quizzical t o establish in their eyes our national claim t o something more than oddity. Still more incomprehensible to the Western "boy" is, however, t h e Englishman who visits those districts for fishing, or, t o use names by which that art is known t o him, for lining, poling, bug-hooking, and a series of other equally unflattering designations. Most English shooting parties visiting the United States fo r s p w t take back with them trophies

though the question frequently asked of me, "How much them ar' hides and headgear b e worth over in the old parts," proved t o me that it would be useless to try to dispel the deeply rooted suspicion that my much-treasured bear skins, wapiti, and big- horn heads were intended for vulgar sale and mart; they are nevertheless "something that shows," something that in another world and among another people may possibly be worth a cer- tain, if limited, number of dollars.

Much worse does the fisherman fare who visits the semi-civil- ized home of those intensely practical roving forerunners of civilization. The fisherman, poor fellow, has nothing more tang- ible t o take back t o his home than pleasant recollections and an astonishingly big score, both about balancing each other for ut- ter valuelessness in the frontiersman's eyes, both betraying, in his opinion, about the same degree of lunacy in a mild shape. No sane man, argues the free bu t dollar-hunting citizen of Uncle Sam's empire, rich enough t o pay for the men, horses, and stores of the outfit, could possibly act so strangely; leave his

of the chase, more or less numerous according to the means of transportation employed b y them while o u t in the wilds. These heads, horns, and skins are a t least something tangible; and

1 Deep rivers are best crossed where there are shallows or rapids if they are no t deeper than will allow footing to the horses.

"tony" house, discard the luxuries of civilization - "turning his back on whiskey," is his own expressive phrase for similar con- duct - put up with all the discomforts and hardships of camp life, which to him have, of course, long lost all charms; and all this - after travelling five or six thousand miles, and spending enough money to start a silver-mine - for what? To stand all day in water knee-deep and "line" fish!

So thinks the Western man while he gladly pockets the guide's fee, or the hire for the horses and mules that have carried you and -your belongings to the scene of your big bags. His quizzical gaze rests upon your elaborate fishing tackle; the five-guinea rod, or spy-glass pole, as 1 have heard it called, is to him as wonderful an instrument as your parchment book of flies the pride of your art, is of mysterious use and purpose. Landing net, reel, and all the numerous etceteras usually to be found hovering about the person of Walton's disciples, are not less puz- zling to him; and when finally he sees you issue forth from your tent; arrayed in all the brand-new finery of your West-end out- fitter, his mouth puckers up more than usually as he squirts from it a stream of tobacco juice. He will not say much, for the Western man is apt to keep his impressions to himself; but he will think all the more. His fishing has been done in a different style. A change of diet becoming desirable, his ponderously heavy Sharp's rifle or the keen axe - its shape and make a c h e f d'oeuvre of practicalness - is laid or flung aside, while the next patch of willows furnishes him with a rod, not as long or as straight as yours, but strong enough to handle a five pound trout, or a lazier salmon of twice that weight. His line will not break - of that we can be assured, for it is a very cable among lines, being fine-cut buckstring (cut from 1nd;an-tanned buck- hides); while the hook, fastened to one end by a knot nearly as big as a pea, is of home manufacture, old horseshoe nails, well hammered, being favourites for the purpose.

For bait, the Western fisherman is never at a loss; if a "bug" - all insects go by that name, grasshoppers and crickets being favorites - cannot be found, a piece of raw meat, the iris of the last deer he killed, or a minnow will do. If the time of%day be propitious, the sky clear, and no ripple on the water (these con- ditions I have found to be of the greatest moment), the native angler will land in half an hour as many trout as he can conven- iently carry. If bugs are scarce, he will cut thin long slices from the first fish he catches, the glittering scales being, after insect bait, the most deadly for the finny tribe. Often have I watched such fishing on lake, river, and creek. The gigantic hook, duly "spiked" with an equally huge green or black "hopper" - both so large that I once wagered (and won) I could pick off the bait with my rifle at a distance of thirty steps - splashes down into the circling eddy, and often before it has time to reach the bot- tom a two-pounder will be testing the strength of the buckskin line, which, if the "pole" does not give way, would hold a fish ten times his weight.

I am no fisherman;2 in fact, all the trout I have ever caught up to that period could be easily stowed away in the pockets of my shooting-coat; so before I write any further, and betray my ignorance on some vital point, as I assuredly should, I am de- sirous of impressing this fact upon the reader.

When leaving Europe I found that a light fishing-rod that had been knocking about my gun-room, unused for years, could be crammed into one of my rifle cases; and passing down Oxford Street on the day preceding'my departure, I favoured the owner of one of thg many fishing-tackle-making emporiums ,in that thoroughfare with a general order to put up ten shillings' worth of line and trout fly hooks. This personage, more astonished I

2 With very few exceptions, good trout fishing can only be had on the Pacific slopes of the main chain of the Rocky Mount- ains; though I have.frequently heard of English fishing parties visiting the different parks in Colorado, where, as I am told by one who knows, comparatively poor sport rewards the traveller. Twenty-four hours' railGay journey further West would enable them to get some of the finest trout fishing that can be had.

suppose at the nature than pleased by the meagre extent of my did so in the most business-like (i. e. prompt) manner

never deigning to lose a further word upon such a customer. I was glad of it at the time, for had he asked me any one of

the ninety-nine questions regarding details - which I believe are necessary to define the exact nature of the fly you want - he would have been, no doubt, shocked beyond measure by the ex- tent of my ignorance. Subsequent events, however, made me re- gret my carelessness in the selection of the tackle; for my very first day's fishing demonstrated to me in the most convincing manner that in my unskillful hands the line was far too light, the flies useless, and the hooks themselves hardly strong enough to hold a half pound trout. At a rough calculation that day's fishing cost me nine shillings and elevenpence worth of tackle; for at the termination I found myself minus most of my hooks, the greater part of my line, and the two top pieces (the spare one being one) of my rod snapped in two; and of the countless fish that had risen to my bait, none landed but the very small- est. Fort Washakie, the last human habitation we had passed, was 180 or 200 miles east of us; and where to get a fresh supply of line and hook nearer than that post, I knew not.

Game just then was very scarce; the Bighorn were still high uo on the mountains, and Wapiti had not yet come into the Basin, so that we had been out of meat for one or two days; and the long faces of my men when, on my return from my f i s t day's fishing, I informed them that I had sacrificed nearly all my hooks and part of my rod, put a hungry aspect on the matter, our "grub outfit" being then of the very lightest description. My pocket tool-box - a very essential commodity, as I found out, without which nobody ought to travel in those regions - had un- fortunately been cached with some extra stores and the tent a week or so before, and hence we could not metamorphose horseshoe nails, of which we had some few with us, into fish hooks. But the instinct of practical self-help, so strongly devel- oped by Western travel, came to the rescue,. and by the end of a couple of hours' work, aided by the bright light of a huge camp- fire. we had comoleted three verv deadlv instruments. One was a landing net m d e of the top o i a pine tree bent into a hoop, with an old flour sack laced to it with buckstring, half-a- dozen holes being cut in the canvas to let out the water. This was a triumph in itself; but what will the reader who is probably an expert fisherman of long experience, say when he hears of the other two? I had just six hooks left, and the broken top pieces of my rod (I must plead ignorance of the technical name of the component parts of a rod) furnished the necessary thin thread wire to make two hooks out of the six, by fastening three together, their points diverging grapnel fashion. The torn pieces of line were carefully twisted into a stout hawser, the strength of which we tested by fastening it to the collar of a Newfoundland pup., and lifting him clear from the ground.

The next day was a warm balmy September morning - not a cloud was to be seen in the sky of Alpine blueness. I returned to the same spot on the banks of the lake - the scene of the wholesale robbery of hooks on the preceding day, and on my way thither filled a small tin canister with "bugs" in the shape of remarkably lively crickets, of large size and jet black colour, that could be found in thousands on the open barrens. In an hour, I had landed about forty pounds of trout, mostly fish about two pounds in weight. All the larger fish - and I must have had at least three times the number on or near my hook - broke away; while the very large ones - of which 1 saw quite a number, and some of which must have scaled six pounds or seven pounds - snapped up the bait en passant in the most dexterous manner.

My favourite spot for the sport was, as I have said, at the out- let of one of the lakes (Jennie's Lake it is called on the latest Government Survey map), and the time an hour or so before sunset, when, after a long day on the rocks and in the dense tim- ber, I would have returned to my old horse and got on my way back to camp. Highly fantastical, not to say demented, must I have appeared to an Old World angler, as, wading old Boreas into the water where creek and lake joined till it reached to within a foot,or so of the saddle, he would stand perfectly mo-

Page 17

bG A RAFT

tionless till I had filled the two capacious Stalker's bags slung one on each side of him with the speckled beauties3 Sitting well back in the saddle, with both legs dangling down on the same side, my rifle slung over my back - the landing net when not in use hung on one of my steed's ears, the only handy place for it - I plied my grapnel with never-failing success. Fish after fish, with hardly a quarter of a minute between, would gobble up the bait, generally still alive, and if the fish was not of large dimensions, would be jerked out of the water, and safely en- scounced in the folds of the flour sack.

As I have said, I usually began fishing "an hour by sun" - the trapper expression for an hour before sunset - and, with only one exception, I succeeded in filling the two bags with twenty- five pounds or so of fish (while proper tackle would have ac- complished it in a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes) before the long shadows of the tall pine trees growing down to within two or three feet of the water's edge would fall across the smooth, glassy surface of the tranquii mountain tarn. The sun once off the water, the fish would vanish as if by word of com- mand, and I do not remember to have caught a single fish in that lake after sundown. Resuming my usual seat in the saddle - a signal well understood by trusty Boreas, and with a yelp of de- light from the young Newfoundland, who, intensely interested in the whole proceedings, would sit, all attention, on the bank fifteen or twenty yards off, restrained only by my word from keeping up constant communication between me and the shore - I would turn my horse's head campward. Once, and only once, did serious disaster threaten me - it was when a more than com- monly vigorous two-pounder snapped the three-fold gut. But luck stood by me, and the second throw with my spare grapnel landed the very criminal, the hook still in his jaws.

Has the reader ever eaten salmon trout (for I believe this is

3 Speaking of receptacles to place fish in, one can often, if not provided with sufficiently large bags, be placed in a dilemma concerning means of transportation. An experience in Port's life gives a useful hint. He once was fishing in the Columbia; and when it was time to return to camp, he found that the empty flour sacks, wherein to carry his fish, had been lost from his saddle, and nothing whatever at hand to take their place. But Port is a Western man; so, divesting himself of his nether garments, he tied up the legs at the bottom and filled the whole with his fish, fastening the top in a similar manner; and seating the fish-filled unmentionables on his horse, in front of him, _he brought his take safely into camp.

the proper name of the fish I caught in the Teton Basin) fried in bear fat, with a bit of beaver's tail simmering alongside the pink mess? If he has not, I venture to say he knows not what makes a right royal dish.

Three times a day did six big frying pans full appear on our primitive greensward dinner table, and never did fish taste nicer, and never did four men and two dogs eat more of them. Hardly credible as it sounds, thirty pounds a day was hardly sufficient to feed our six hungry mouths; and when, towards the end of my short stay in the Basin, great economy in flour became im- perative, forty pounds vanished in a similar wonderfully speedy manner.

Two ludicrous little incidents happened to me in the Teton Basin; and though I took, to use Western parlance, a back-seat in both, I shall narrate them. The f i s t one occurred in this way; I had filled an old tin to the brim with hopper-bugs, and was crossing the outflow of the lake, seated, or rather crouching, on Boreas's back, with legs tucked under me so as not to get them wet; when right in the centre of the stream, with the water up to the saddle, my steed took it into his head to come to a dead halt. My impressive "Git up!" was in vain, and considering my ill-balanced position, and that my hands were filled with the "pole," landing-net, rifle, and bug-tin, while the reins were hang- ing knotted over his neck, it was not the easiest thing to enforce these words by more active measures. Just below me was a large deep pool, and as Boreas had a wonderful faculty of doing the most unexpected things when left to his own free-will, I dread- ed a dousing in the limpid depth at my side. Tucking my rifle under my left arm, clutching the rest of my outfit in the same hand, and the landing-net in my teeth, I began to belabour his plump back with the thing most handy, i. e. the bug-tin. One whack, two whacks, and with a click out flew the bottom of the canister, and for the second it rained black bugs. Nearly all, of course, fell into the rapid-flowing stream, and the next instant were whirling for a brief second over the surface of the limpid pool. That moment, reader, I saw more fish than I had ever seen before or ever will see again.

The other little mishap was quite as ludicrous. I must men- tion that these bugs are lively animals. They jump, dodge about, and creep out of your way with astonishing rapidity, and the only manner I could stalk them successfully was to throw my limp felt hat at them with sufficient force to stun without squashing them. Even this requires some quickness and undivid- ed attention. Well, one of two days preceding the above incident 1 was out on my usual preliminary bug game, my whole attent-

ion being fixed upon my occupation, I reached a clump of dense service-berry bushes. I had just delivered a successful throw, and was about to stoop to gether in the prize, when out of the bush- es, as if growing from the earth, there rose - a grizzly. Rearing up on his hind legs, as they invariably do on being surprised, he stood, his head and half-opened jaws a foot and a half or two feet over my six foot of humanity, and hardly more than a yard between gigantic him and pigmy me. The reader will believe me when I say he looked the biggest grizzly I ever saw, or want to see, so close. It would be difficult to say who was the more as- tonished of the two, but I know very well who was the most frightened. My heart seemed all of a sudden to be in two places; for had I not felt a big lump of it in my throat, I could have sworn it was leaking out at a big rent in the toes of my mocca- sins.

Now grizzly shooting is a fine healthy sport - I know none I am fonder of; but there ought to be neighbouring trees to facil- itate centralization t o t h e rear, and above all I must be handling my old "trail stopped" - and that moment I was here on a tree- less, barren, en face with one I "was not looking for," or "had not lost:" and yonder, 100 yards off, lay that famous old rifle - Boreas in the distance putting some spare ground between him and that noxious intruder. Fortunately the Old Uncle of the Rockies had more than probably never had anything to do with human beings, for I saw very plainly that he was more puzzled as to my identity than I was regarding his. His small, pig eyes were not very ferocious-looking, and first one, then the other, ear would move; expressing, as 1 interpreted it, more impatience than ill-feeling. I do not exactly remember who f i s t moved, but I do recollect that on looking back over my shoulder I saw the old gentleman actually running away from me! On regaining possession of my rifle, which on this quite exceptional occasion I had allowed to get beyond my reach, as it interfered with my "buggings," I felt considerably braver, and spent the rest of the day in a vain endeavour to resume our acquaintanceship on more satisfactory terms. But the old gentleman evidently thought he had frightened me sufficiently, and so kept out of my way:

This is not the only bear story I could tell, but as none have the slightest claim either to originality or sensational adventure,

I will not weary the reader's patience with what has been told so often, namely, that grizzlies want no fooling.

A very cursory examination of Jackson's Hole ripened in us the determination of wintering in the Basin, notwithstanding that we were quite alive to the fact that once a passage over the Main Divide was made impassable by the deep snows of winter.4 (we had twice to cross the great backbone at altitudes over ten and nearly eleven thousand feet), escape from the basin was im- possible for eight months, till the following July or August, for the two meat rivers we had to cross are. on account of the melt- - ing snow, quite impassable during the spring.

It was very fortunate that ultimately we were prevented ex- ecuting this plan. I subsequently heard, too, from a trapper - the only human being who, so far as I could learn, had ever winter- ed it - that owning to the sheltered position, enclosed on all sides by high mountains, and the altitude of the Basin itself (nearly 7000 feet), the snow remains lying, and is not blown off as on the equally elevated plains, by the high winds. He told me - and I have every reason to believe him, for we found sufficient evidences that snow lies there very deep - that for three months the roof of his log cabin was flush with the white pall, and that he fed his three pack animals with elk meat, and bark of the cot- tonwood trees boiled to a pulp.5

4 There is a considerably lower pass, if you approach from the north. As we were not at all acquainted with these densely timbered districts, it would have been most unwise for us to risk getting lost, with the snowstorms of winter threatening us. Very different are they to those of autumn.

5 Dutch George - the name of this old pelt-hunter - was, as he always is, quite alone; and when finally the snow on the mountains melted, the creeks and rivers were so high that he was imprisoned in his mountain-girt basin till the end of July. He had left the last settlement in the preceding September, and had not seen a single human being, not even an Indian, for more than ten months.

C A M P A M O N G T H E W A H - S A T C H M O U N T A I N S .

Page 19

The Angler's Tournament

The seventh annual anglers' tournament of the National Rod and Reel Association was held at Harlem Mere in the Central Park, New York, on Thursday and Friday last. On both days the sun was toiling away a long way to the south of southeast be- fore the first fly raised bubbles upon the surface of the wind- rippled Mere.

Perhaps city life is not conducive to early rising, or the fisher- men had to tramr, in manv a wearv mile from the remote wood- sy rivulets and sequestered lakes where the trout love to hide; but be that as it may, the only meeting which took place on the grounds at 9 o'clock was between your reporter and the secre- tary of the Association, who until then had the field to himself and his henchman, who was assisting him in laying out the line of floats.

The position of the platform on the east shore of the Mere admitted of the line being laid out nearly due north and south, but with very little variation from that course, and if the wind had been blowing anywhere north or south of west, the line might have been so laid out as to insure a favorable wind or ex- tending the casting lines, but the wind was due west, and was blowing pretty strong too; still it came in puffs succeeded by momentary lulls, leaving each contestant to hope that if he did his best, fortune might favor him with a propitous wind eddy at the right moment.

About half past nine the contestants and officers of the Asso- ciation began to put in an appearance, and after the f i s t cordial greetings had been exchanged, each in turn proceeded to anathe- matize the wind, but it was all done very genially and philosoph- ically, as becomes the br~therhood of the angle. This word genial is very properly applicable to fishermen. One found evi- dences of it on all hands as one after the other reached the ground and saw the gladness of his own heart reflected in the beaming countenances of his friends. In the younger men the geniality of expression was sufficiently characteristic, although its more pronounced phases were evanescent; but with the older fellows the genial look had become stereotyped; with use it had become second nature; the countenances were but the reflection of the souls within, perfected by long culture of the angler's many virtues. Why, there were two or three old boys at the tournament whom we delicately forbear to name, whose faces beamed with geniality. Perhaps if we could penetrate the secret of this sublime content with themselves and with things as they are, we should find that not a little of it is due to the simple faith with which the chronicles of their wonderful fish stories has been received by all but a few constitutionally incredulous people. Nature has her compensations, and every man who reaches 60 years bears on his countenance the stamp of the emotions he has most indulged.

There was a goodly but not a numerous gathering - the kind and courteous president of the Association, Henry P. Wells, with a score or more of vice-presidents and members of committees, all decorated with ribbons of the Association, and Mr. Poey be- ing the most noticeable. As the wind could not possibly be more unfavorable than it was for the direction in which the measured line was extended from the platform south, the only course open to the committee was to extend the line to the north. This was done, and although it made matters no better, it left the of- ficers of the Association in the enjoyment of the satsifaction that they had done all that mortal could do, in and about the premises.

By 10 o'clock most of the competitors were on the ground, but it was 10:30 before the entrees were closed for the first

Fred Ma ther

third, silver medals; fourth and fifth, bronze medals; sixth, sub- scription to Forest and Stream or other journal.

SINGLE-HANDED FLY-CASTING - Class A (Amateur), -- Judges: C. H. Mauri, Rev. H. L. Ziegenfuss; referee, Capt. Wm. Dunning. Open to amateurs, under Rule 2. Rods not to ex- ceed 11 ft. 6 in. in length. Scale of points - Distance actually cast, and accuracy, 40 points. (If a contestant cast 60 ft. and is awarded 15 for accuracy, his score will be 75 :)

Length Weight of Rod of Rod -- Ft. In. Ozs.

P. C. Hewitt 10 05 8-314 Jas. L. Breese 10 10 10-114 G. Poey 11 00 8-114 W. E. Rlackford 11 01 10-112 R. B. Lawrence* 11 OQ 10

Distance Cast

Accu- Feet. racy T*

7 3 27 100 71 2 0 94 7 1 19 90 71 10 8 1 54 10 54

*Lawrence withdrew before his time .was up. The wind was blowing strong and tolerably steady, but not

without occasional variation of a few points. At one moment it would veer a little to the south, and afford an opportunity to the contestant to extend his casting line, the next moment it would veer to the northward, and catching the half extended line, would cause it to fall in a great circle with the tail fly with- in perhaps thirty feet of the caster. The difficulty of recovering the line after such a cast, and extending it backward to secure proper vantage for the next cast is familiar to the initiated. It

Page 20

was a mishap that fell no t once, bu t frequently to each contest- ant in turn, in this and subsequent contests, and in their several modes of meeting the difficulty, they afforded fair tests of the measure of their experience. The least experienced, recognizing that time was short, made strenuous but vain efforts to recover their line, wasting both time and effort without effect, while the more experienced either recovered their lines by a dexterous twist, or failing, drew in the slack, and crept upward again de 1 2 0 ~ 0 . But o n the whole, t h e casting was very good. The style of most of the contestants was high for amateurs. P. C. Hewitt es- pecially handled his rod with skill and address.

The casting for accuracy was little better than a farce, the wind occasionally catching a dropping tail fly and whirling it from 5 t o 10 feet aside, even t o the extent of baffling the eyes of the judges, who, losing sight of t h e fly, would excitedly ask each other, "Where's that?" But in spite of all this, and the ele- ment of chance in casting due t o variations of the wind, the re- sults reached afforded a pretty fair test of their best work under favorable conditions.

S.ALMON FLY-CASTING -- Judges, John A. Roosevelt, A. N. Cheney; C. R. Miller, referee. Open t o all. See Rule 14. No limit as to rods. Distance only t o count.

Length of Weight of Distance Rod Rod Cast

Ft. In. - Ounces Feet R. C. Leonard 18 00 37 112-112 P. C. Hewitt 18 00 3 7 105 J . L. Breese 18 00 37 101 Archibald Mitchell 18 00 37 97 T. B. Mills 18 00 37 94 Ed. Eggert 15 09 32 86

In this event, Leonard took the lead, distinguishing himself by the address, with which he husbanded the strength of his sinewy arm for the critical point of t h e cast, instead of distribut- ing it over the whole action. Eggert was outclassed. The other contestants all got in some very good work, in spite of baffling winds, but the average of the casts was very low. Hardly one of them came within 10 feet of his maximum half a dozen times in the course of this allotted ten minutes.

SINGLE-HANDED FLY-CASTING - Expert -- Judges, Fred Mather, Dr. Geo. Trowbridge. Referee, Dr. S. M. Nash. Open t o all. Distance only t o count. Rods not t o exceed 11-112 feet in length.

Length of Weight of Distance Rod Rod Cast

Ft. In. - - Ounces Feet P. C. Hewitt 1 1 03 10-314 8 3 R. C. Leonard 1 1 05 10-314 82-112 T. B. Mills 1 1 00 10-114 75-112 Archibald Mitchell 1 1 00 10-114 67 Ed. Eggert 1 1 06 10-114 66 G. Poey 1 1 00 8-1 14 64-1 I2

The wind was very strong and puffy during this contest, so that the performance offered n o fair criterion of the relative merits of the contestants. This ended the programme for the first day.

The second day was all that the contestants could wish for as regards the weather. It was almost a dead calm a t 9 o'clock, and throughout the day i t never exceeded a light breath. The direct- ion was still nearly from due west as o n the preceding day. There was some delay in getting t o work as o n the previous day, a delay in this ease partly due to time lost in the effort t o draw out amateurs for the opining event. The jousts of the first day's event had disqualified most of the performers for further ap- pearance as amateurs, and there being but one entry, the worthy president, anxious t o provide for the greatest enjoyment of the greatest number, took counsel with his officers and substituted an open-for-all contest, as in the following programme:

SINGLE-HANDED FLY-CASTING - Open to all --Judges: E. G. Blackford, Hon. H. P. McCown; rcfcrce, Hon. Daniel O'Reil- ly. Rods not t o exceed 11-112 feet.

Length of Weight of Rod Rod

Ft. In. - - Ounces R. C. Leonard 10 11 9-314 P. C. Hewitt 11 00 10-314 T. B. Mills 11 00 10-314 Jas. L. Breese 10 11 10-1 12 R. B. Lawrence 11 00 10 W. E. Blackford 1 1 00 10-1 12 Ed. Eggert 11 00 10-1 I4 G. Poey 11 00 8-1 I4 A. Mitchell 10 11 9-314 R. F. Mayhew 11 08 11-314

Casting off tie: J . L. Breesc 96, T. B. Mills 100. Poey agreed t o decide theirs in black bass fly class.

Distance Cast Feet

97-112 96 90 90 8 9 85 7 9 79 7 6 68

Eggert and

This event brought ou t ten competitors, six of whom made a very creditable exhibition of their skill. Of these Rreese and Mills tied a t 90 feet., and in throwing off Brcesc reached 96 feet and Mills 100 feet. A better test of skill would have been af- forded by limiting the leaders to 9 ft. With the light breeze on the quarter it was only rarely and by chance that the 18 ft. lead- ers could be extended.

Early in this contest Judge Blackford's heart was warmcd and his eye kindled by the very creditable performance of his son, who showed himself a worthy chip off thc old block, standing fourth in the order of casting. He laid down his rod with a very respectable lead, but there wcrc strong casters to follow, and one by one the judge saw thc five mcdals disappear, but the more practically valuable prize of a year's subscription to I:orcv.st and Streanz was saved from the general wreck of his hopes.

Charles Hallock

SINGLE-HANDED FLY-CASTING - Light Rod Contest -- Judges: R. F. Mayhew, W. J. Cassard; C. H. Mauri, referee. Open to all. Rods not exceeding 5 oz. in weight nor 11-112 feet in length. All rods with solid reel seats allowed 112 oz. Distance only to count:

Length of Weight of Distance Rod Rod Cast

Ft. In. Ounces Feet K. C. Leonard 9 09 5 90 T. B. Mills 10 00 5 86 J. S. Breese 10 00 5 86 P. C. Hewitt 10 00 5 85-112 R. B. Lawrence 10 00 5 8 5

Casting off tie: Mills 82-112 feet, Breese 80 feet. FLY-CASTING FOR BLACK BASS -- Judges: L. Dinwiddie

Smith, A. P. Van Gleson, D. D., Dr. James A. Henshall; Wm. C. Harris, referee. Open to amateurs under Rule 2. Single-handed rod, not to exceed 11-112 feet in length. Only one fly required, to be furnished by the committee, and to be tied on a No. 2 sproat hook; distance only to count:

Length of Weight of Distance Rod Rod Cast

Ft. In. Jas. L. Breese 11 00 P. C. Hewitt 11 00 R. B. Lawrence 11 00 A. Mitchell 10 11 Ed. Eggert 11 06 G. Poey 11 00 Dr. S. M. Nash 11 02

Ounces 10-314 10-314 10 9-314

10-114 8-1 14

10-112

Feet 90 87 8 3 81 80 77-112 7 7

This ended the seventh tournament of the Association, which as a social gathering was eminently successful. The officers were untiring in their efforts to make the meeting a success, and the contestants were cordially appreciative of these efforts, and ani- mated by a spirit of generous rivalry toward each other, such as is rarely exhibited other than by the angling fraternity when en- gaged in contests of skill.

The public evinced no unusual interest in the meet. Hundreds perhaps had seen the announcement and let memory fondly conjure up the features of some bygone outing, including a mental photograph of the reader in appropriate fishing costume with basket at back and rod in hand. but the business of life claimed them and they went on their several ways to the haunts of Mammon. But the Mere was not wholly deserted of all save

Wallace E. Blackford

the members of the Association; before the first day was well advanced a crowd of men and boys had assembled sufficient at any rate to block the water front, and in the afternoon a num- ber of nurse maids with their charges endeavored to thread their way through the throng.

The crowd appeared very deeply interested in the proceed- ings, although by no means well informed as to the objects of the meeting. One thing appeared evident to them, that the men who severally went on the platform and commenced whipping the waters, were very much in earnest about the work in hand, whatever it was, and gradually it was whispered, and spread from mouth to mouth, that they were trying to hook the meas- uring floats with the highest numbers on them.

Perhaps the general public was not much benefitted by the meeting -- who knows? but for the contestants, at least, it was a period of unalloyed enjoyment. To the president and secretary, and other officers of the Association, although the proceedings may have been wearisome, they were followed by a comforting sense of duty done, and of the achievement of the desired ends without friction or shadow.

Forest and Stream, M a y 30, 1889

Two notable early reels in the Museum's Collection. Above a punch pressed Follet, derived from the wire Billinghurst Reel, a first patent. ( 1 859)

Letters to the Editors Davenport, Iowa July 26th, 1875

Editor Forest and Stream: I take a special interest in anything relating to the use of arti-

ficial flies, or the making of them, having used them for half il century, and for the last forty-five years made thousands of them. The article under the above caption in a recent number of the Forest and Stream, by Thaddeus Norris, was quite to my taste, and especially so as the writer evidently understood what he was writing about. Mr. Norris thinks that Mr. Pennell "runs the thing into the ground" by reducing his variety of trout flies to the number of three. I am strongly inclined to agree with Mr. Pennell, if he will allow me to vary the size of each of these three flies so as to suit wind and water. I should not rear to compare baskets with those who want a different fly for every month. Some old practical trout fishers in Scotland would dare to curtail the varieties from three to only one, viz., a lark wing and hare's ear body, (for a small fly), with which I have heard them say they could kill through all the season; and I have no doubt of it. Experience and observation have demonstrated to me that on certain streams to be successful you must use a small spare fly of sober color, while on other streams you will kill better with a larger and fuller made fly of gayer tints; for in- stance, on the River Clyde, in Scotland, above the falls, the above f i s t described fly is essential to success, whereas on the West coast, in those streams that come from the highlands and run right into the sea, you will be more successful with a fly two or three times the size of the former; or on any of the small lakes which abound in that country, the most of which contain trout, a good sized fly is not objectionable, regulated always by the roughness or smoothness of the surface of the water. The little experience I have had in fly fishing in the West for trout has been in small brooks in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and near to the Mississippi River, and that experience has lead to the con- clusion that the trout in those localities are not so nice about either the size or color of the fly offered to them as those I was accustomed to fish for in my early days elsewhere.

In reference to flies for bass fishing, I doubt not there are dif- ferences of opinion among anglers as to what is the best colors to use. I presume all who fish for bass with the fly will admit that a large fly is what is wanted. I will state, however, that the first good take of bass I had with fly was with small flies; they were some I had used for sea trout in Scotland, and they were not more than one-third the size of those 1 now use. As to color, 1 am not very particular; I would, however, prefer always having more or less bright red in them. I have been successful with a bright yellow body and light gray drake wing and red hackle. Anything that you will make a good show will not fail if the bass are at all disposed to bite. For the information of the less experienced anglers who read Forest and stream I would state that the bass is not the only (though the principal) fish we take in this locality with the fly. During last Summer, from this time of the year till cool weather set in, I caught four varieties of bass -- black, Oswego, white or striped, and rock bass -- the last one not plenty, the three former very common; also pickerel, wall-eyed pike, and sun fish, and, for a variety, can't help hook- ing a gar sometimes. To all who desire to enjoy angling to per- fection, strive to acquire the art of fly fishing for any fish that will take a fly. It has a great advantage over bait fishing, especi- ally fishing on the bottom, where you are liable to get fast to stones, roots, and other matter, which is very annoying. Then you can always have your lure at hand - a few flies in an envel- ope in your pocket, (unless you wish to carry a regular tackle book). You are saved the labor and trouble of carrying a bucket of water with ydur minnows, and sometimes when you want to go fishing minnows are not convenient to be had; and a further recommendation to many is that it is a great deal more genteel.

Wm. Gray

Editor Forest and Stream: In reply to your inquiry regarding the winter habitat of the

tarpon, I can only say that I cannot furnish information of a re- liable character. It is a warm-water fish, and when the in-shore water becomes chilled it is probable that it seeks off-shore water or the edge of the Gulf Stream, to return when the water in the streams and lagoons is heated by the sun of lengthening days. Much has yet to be learned regarding the winter home of the tarpon and its spawning grounds. At an early day I expect to make a marooning trip around the peninsula to Bay of Biscayne and shall endeavor to collect information regarding the home of the tarpon during December, January and February.

By the bye, my friend, Senator Quay, should be credited with the capture of the first tarpon with rod and reel in Charl- otte Harbor. On his return to Jacksonville he exhibited the head of the fish and was so elated by the capture that he presented me with the rod, reel and line used on the occasion; and I have treasured them as a momento of the first capture of a silver king by the use of a rod and reel.

Grouper fishing is exciting sport and seldom engaged in by visitors to Florida. At almost any point along the Gulf Coast, where the water is from two to six fathoms in depth with a rocky bottom, this excellent fish can be captured in great num- bers. Off the Anclote Keys and on the easterly side of Egmont Key, this exciting sport can be enjoyed.

A notable fishing resort has, to a great extent, been overlook- ed. I refer to Lake North, south of Jupiter Inlet, on the eastern coast of Florida. During the winter months bluefish from 2 to 7 Ibs. are found in the lake in countless numbers. They will eager- ly appropriate a squid or other movable bait. Fly-fishing can be enjoyed in the capture of cavalli and sea trout. If the sea is calm (which is usually the casc) fishermen can pass out of the inlet of Lake North, and capture sea fish on the reefs off, but near the shore.

Anglers visiting Florida should carry with them a 10 to 12 oz. fly-rod, 12 ft. long, with a supply of large flies. If they in- tend engaging in the capture of ravallia the hooks should be snooded on fine steel wire, or else flies and fish will be lost, and language unworthy of a fisherman indulged in. As a rule the hooks upon which flies are mounted are too light for Florida fishing. The best flies that I have found are the small spoon-fly bails made by Hall & Co., of Grand Rapids, Mich. The feather portion is large and gaudy, the spoons small, and the hooks of large size and of extra quality. The smallest baits, No. 1/2, 1, 1-112 and 2 are best adapted to fly-fishing in Florida. In using the artificial fly in salt-water fishing in Florida it should be al- lowed to sink a short distance beneath the surface before an ef- fort is made to bring it home. I would advise intending fly-fish- ermen to use a heavy fly-rod, a large reel and at least from 50 to 100 yds. of line. I prefer a 12 oz. split-bamboo rod 12 ft. long, the finest Cutthunk line and an Abbey & Imbrie quadruple multiplying reel. Such an outfit is necessary to capture cavalli and ravallia ranging from 10 to 20 Ibs., and channel bass weigh- ing from 5 to 30 Ibs. . / I / ,

Forest and Strearn, Jan. 16, 1890 I-, A1 Fresco

Page 23

MUSEUM AFFAIRS

Alex Marchand, head guide at Harmony.

EXHIBITS The Museum exhibits are located in the Orvis Showrooms a t

Manchester, Vt. Three rooms displaying many hundreds of rari- ties are open to the public every day, all year. Rods, reels, flies, books and other related items can be viewed without charge. The rooms are air conditioned, well lighted and comfortable. Regrettably all the items owned by the Museum cannot be ex- hibited at one time because of lack of space but displays are changed frequently so that over a period of two years, members, donors, and the general public have the opportunity to view all contributions.

MAGAZINE The American Fly Fisher, free to members, is published

quarterly. Back numbers are available at $2.00 each with the ex- ception of Vol 1, No. 1 and Vol. 1, No. 2.

FOR SALE Ogden Pleissner's Lye Brook Pool, one of the artist's most

colorful and lovable water colors . . . reproduced on the finest papers..Limited Edition $400.00, unframed. Of this $380.00 is tax deductible.

A Check List of American Sporting Periodicals by Austin Hogan. A prime reference source over ten years in the writing, $5.00.

Where the Pools are Bright and Deep by Dana S. Lamb. A limited offering. Autographed. $8.95.

Send check to the Treasurer, Museum of American Fly Fishing

Manchester, Vermont 05254

To date, the Bicentennial Year has brought to the Museum several fine collections, and single contributions far to numerous to mention. In our next issue we will describe in detail the Theodore Gordon angling library acquired in June and donated by William Naden of New York. This is one of the most desire- able collections known to the literary world of fly fishing for the reason that the bulk of Gordon's library was destroyed by fire and these are the only volumes remaining. They will be placed on permanent display.

Jack Cunningham, of the New England Aquarium, has turned over to us the Henry P. King collection of salmon rods, reels and flies, all leather cased, originally the gift of Mrs. Mary Parker King. This is an exceptionally fine selection dating to the early 1920's and of good historic value. The late Mr. King was a noted salmon fisher and sportsman. Mr. Cunningham's efforts in be- half of the Museum &e appreciated.

The Museum Catalogue (II), planned for publication this year is being held in abeyance due to the high cost of publishing, (it is estimated at $1200.00). The circumstances are regrettable as our Catalogue establishes a public record of Museum holdings and reflects the generosity of contributors.

The Annual Meeting has tentatively been planned for Octo- ber at Manchester. Increased interests in the details of Museum operation suggests this year's get-together will result in extend- ed activity and participation by the Trustees and the member- ship. Magazine policy will be discussed in relation to fund rais- ing for special purposes and increasing the membership.

Trout Unlimited, Manchester, Vermont Chapter has been al- located a showcase directed to promoting their efforts toward preserving the Battenkill, one of the finest trout streams in the country. Some 25,000 visitors to the Museum will get the mess- age. Ways and means by which this type of service, assisting national and regional associations toward their goals, should be continually explored by the membership. Emphasis is placed on the historic aspects as they relate to the Battenkill display and such should be the prevailing guide line.

Details relating to the Annual Meeting will be forwarded. Please plan to attend as the signs indicate a pleasant and enjoy- able fly fisher's holiday. More next issue.

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

THE AMERICAN FLY FISHER is but one of the many benefits received by participating in the Museuni affairs. Also in- cluded with your membership are the information publications, free research services, a direct line of communication to experts in history, literature and technology, free appraisals for donors of materials and an opportunity to individually promote a new movement in the field of fly fishing that is completely unique. Your dollar supporr becomes far more than finanical help. It is the keeping of an unspoken promise to future generations. A brochure will be forwarded on request.

A tie tac is presented with each membership of $25.00 or more.

Associate $ 10.00 Sustaining $ 25.00 Patron $100.00 and over Life $2 50.00

All membership dues, contributions and donations are tax deductible.

Please forward checks to THE TREASURER, The Museum of American Fly Fishing, Manchester, Vermont 05254 with your NAME, ADDRESS and ZIP CODE; type of membership desired and a statement of the amount enclosed. Upon receipt, a magazine and membership card will be mailed immediately.

Page 22

Special Issue Fall 1976

Go1 the

THEODORE GORDON'S LIBRARY 4 discussion and review of the books referred to by .don along with a list of his books recently acquired by Museum.

WOMEN'S STUDIES Carrie Stevens . . . New Patterns for Pleasure in a Modern

;e by Susie Isaksen.

A NEW HISTORY OF EARLY AMERICAN FLY PATTERNS AND THEIR ORIGINATORS

4 plates of flies . . . in full color by Austin S. Hogan.

Members may reserve extra copies of the Special Fall Issue @ $2.50 each. Send checks to the Treas- urer stating name and address of gift recipient.

.. . ' 8 ' I".. "SY

8 , . -. 8 .- .

TO AN OLD FRIEND

The end draws near again, and very near, The first few fluttered beech leaves fall and gleam- Light skirmishers that dog the dying year- But still 1 see you down below the weir, A shadow in the stream.

Here have you lurked since spring-in sportive guise, Rallied the meadows to young April's rout, Here fist I marked the marvel of your size, Here wooed you with each fleeting season's flies- 0 alderman of trout!

Here, when the madcap cuckoo makes his mock And the rathe wild-rose blushed in earliest June, The day the mayfly hatched above the lock- You nearly had it, didn't you, old cock, Save that you stopped too soon?

Here have I watched as the dawn spread high Hoping in vain the prejudice o; pique - That makes you-obviously-reject the fly 'Would send you hurtling through the startled fry To g a b a proffered bleak!

Here likewise have my steps at eve been drawn And, as the moon made way behind the wood, (The same old moon that watched the hunting Faun) I've found the lobworm garnered from the lawn Did just as little good!

And now the end is near; we part a space You to your mud and I to mine-in town; May Easter find us at the trysting place There where the dancing bubbles spin and race To meet the first March Brown!

PATRICK CHALMERS Green Days and Blue Days