number of its splendid
pools. My first two seasons extended from July 10 to August 10; and
they are seasons which will be for ever remembered with delight. I did
not deem it possible that I should ever experience any higher pleasure
this side that "pure river of water, clear as crystal," which fills so
large a place in the entrancing picture of the bright hereafter. My
catch exceeded my highest expectations, the sport from first to last
was magnificent and kingly, and the river, and the scenery, and the
surroundings embodied so much of beauty and grandeur, that my cup of
joy was filled to overflowing. If I had left the river with no other
knowledge than I then possessed of what had been and of what might be,
I would have lived on content with the happy impression that I had
experienced the highest possibilities of the gentle art. Every hour was
an hour of sunshine--whether casting, or striking, or killing--whether
slowly ascending or swiftly schuting the rapids--whether shouting in
very ecstasy of delight or quietly discoursing of the pleasures of
angling, around the camp fire, grateful to a kind Providence which had
"cast my lines in such pleasant places," and filled with devout
thanksgiving that time and opportunity had been given me to understand
why the good men, and the thoughtful men, and the simple wise men of
all ages had written so enthusiastically and sung so glowingly of the
gentle art.

But, while thus pluming myself upon what I had achieved and
experienced, fancying that I had reached the highest pleasure
attainable from the art of angling, I learned that while I had done
well I could do much better earlier in the season. And so I found; for
by a combination of circumstances as fortunate as they were gratifying,
my third season gave me the first "run" and such experience and sport
as will for ever remain a golden memory.

III.

With a companion as venerable in years and as full of enthusiasm as
myself, we set our faces toward the bay of Chaleur on as bright and
beautiful a June morning as ever gladdened the world. Hitherto the
journey had been tedious and circuitous--by rail and steamer. But, like
the world in general, the Provinces are progressive, and on this
occasion an "all-rail" route enabled us to do in two days what it
formerly took six to accomplish, and the 10th of June found us encamped
in a beautiful valley encircled by magnificent mountains, with a
majestic river at our feet grandly march