w». 
 
THE 
 
 / 
 
 HUNTER 
 
 n 
 
 AND 'f- 
 
 V 
 
 ANGLER. 
 
 ILLUSTRATED 
 
 — ^**-»— 
 
 ^ BOOK THAT IS NEEDED BY EVERYBODY WHO 
 
 TAKES PLEASURE IN THE SPORTS OF 
 
 HUNTING AND FISHING. 
 
 H**- 
 
 APS £7 1££2/ 
 
 Publishers: X.^1'0'^ WASH^^^^G^ 
 
 CHAMPION PUBLISHING CQ, 
 
■vV- 
 
 Entered a&eordiae to Let of Concress, (a the year 1881, b; the 
 
 CHAMPION PUBLISHING CO.. 
 ill the offlee et »he Llbr*rjaii of Coagreci «t Washlnffton, 1). C. 
 
INTRODUOTIOII. 
 
 In presenting this work to our readers, we de* 
 sire to benefit them mentally as well as physically. 
 
 Some one has said: *'I go to the woods for 
 game; if there is no game, 1 gather nuts or flew- 
 ers^ — and in any event I gain health.'* 
 
 There is no pursuit so well fitted to make men 
 of boys as hunting. 
 
 The more fact of being in the open air and un- 
 dergoing the necessary exercise, is so evidently 
 beneficial that we need not enlarge on it. Add to 
 this the nerve, quickness, keenness of sight and the 
 requisite exercise of all the faculties, and we have 
 all that is required for the developm^ent of the sys- 
 tem. 
 
 Fishing, on the other hand, is styled "The Gen- 
 tle Craft," and while not of use in accumulating 
 muscle, requires abilities that are conducive to a 
 perfect physical and mental development. 
 
 If we can induce our readers — by the means of 
 this volume — to engage in those sports with the 
 enthusiasm necessary to a complete acquirement, 
 we will have succeeded in helping them toward 
 that perfect health without which there is nothing 
 worth having. 
 
THE 
 
 HUNTER AND ANG-LER. 
 
 THE EIFIE A:N-D SHOT-GUN. 
 
 The riile is the "king pin " of the hunter's and 
 trapper's success. 
 
 For a timber gun, or rifle for short range, noth- 
 ing can excel the improved Winchester, model '73. 
 U is a close, clean shooter, is easily kept in order, 
 and is handily packed while in the woods, or 
 carried on a saddle. When cartridges are carried 
 in the magazine for several days, the ends of the 
 balls become battered, but they can easily be 
 trimmed with a knife or file. 
 
 For large game, and long range shooting, the 
 Sharpens and Remington rifle should be reoom- 
 mended. They both shoot close, hold the same 
 cartridges, and are of equal merit. 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 The Remington rifle shoots well, but its works 
 
 :re sometimes cranky, and it has beeu known to be 
 
 'ffected with frost so the breech-blocks would stick 
 
 :ust. When warmed, they would work well, but 
 
 vhen exposed to the air again they would soon be 
 
 Tosted. The set trigger is not to be depended on, 
 
 or it soon becomes worn in many of the clieaper 
 
 uns, and a jar will let it off. The set trigger of 
 
 he AViuchester is sometimes faulty, but it pulls so 
 
 ^asily (very much like the Colt's revolver), when 
 
 not set, that it ' • not necessary to use it set in 
 
 severe weather. 
 
 When shooting rapidly, the Sharpens rifle is more 
 conveniently loaded than the Remington, as the 
 cartridges naturally fall down into the barrel; 
 with the Remington it is often necessary to seat 
 them with the fingers. 
 
 The Maynard rifle shoots well, but its awkward 
 stock makes it unpopular with sportsmen. 
 
 The shells of long, heavy cartridges will stick in 
 most rifles when a little foul. A breech-loading 
 rifle should never be used when dirty. If you have 
 been shooting rapidly, wipe out your rifle, at the 
 first opportunity, and clean, with a greasy cloth, the 
 dust from a few of the cartridges in the front of 
 your belt. 
 
 The Needle-gun and Winchester rifle aro 
 superior to all others in throwing shells clean from 
 the barrel. The Winchester rifle will throw the 
 shells over the hunter's shoulder, and when firing 
 rapidly at running deer, at long range, a second 
 
THE HUNl'ER AND ANOLBR. 
 
 shot is often fired before the first shell strikes thf 
 ground. 
 
 It would take more space than can be given here 
 to describe all the dijfferent shot guns; and as we 
 are writing of American sports, a description of 
 American guns only will be given. 
 
 The Eemington shot-guns cost but forty-five 
 dollars. They shoot hard and close, and work ad- 
 mirably. This is the gun -'for the million," and 
 is the best breech-loader in the market for the 
 money, li 
 
 The Fox gun differs from all others, having a 
 side action when loading, thus doing away with 
 the clumsy fall of the barrels, which occurs when 
 charging other breech-loaders. 
 
 It is not so liable to wear, being unlike the 
 greater number of breech-loading shot-guns, in 
 having no hinge for the barrels to work on. ,j 
 
 The Fox gun will stand uncommonly hard 
 usage; we have seen it subjected to severe tests, 
 and have never known one to give out. 
 
 Next, we have the newly invented Baker gun; 
 it is already becoming popular, and its utility will 
 make it the deer-hunter's favorite. In this gun 
 we have a heavy, strong shooting breech-loading 
 rifle, and a fine double breech-loading shot-gun. 
 With a heavy ball in the rifle barrel, a charge of 
 loose ^^buck" in one shot barrel, and a wire 
 cartridge of buck-shot in the other, the hunter is 
 '* fixed '* for all emergencies. The sights of this 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 gun are directly over the rifle barrel, and the 
 hunter has only to calculate on the trajectory. 
 
 The shooting qualities of breech and muzzle- 
 loading guns are subjects of great discussion. The 
 imuzzle-loader shoots the strongest and best, 
 particularly with light charges. The greater 
 portion of breech-loading guns will recoil when 
 \^^ng, crimped cartridges are used, the crimping 
 appearing to make the difficulty. 
 
 The metallic shells, if properly charged, shoot 
 stronger and with ^ less recoil than tlie crimped 
 paper ones; yet the metal shells often stick in the 
 best of guns, and cause much trouble. 
 
 Many sportsmen shoot too much shot, and use 
 that which is too coarse. Equal bulk of powder 
 and shot are good proportions, except when 
 shooting very coarse shot, then a few extra pellets 
 may be added. It is necessary to use more powder 
 when shooting cartridges than when using the 
 muzzle-loader. When hunting ruffed grouse in 
 timber, in their wild, shy season, charge the right 
 hand barrel with No. 7 shot, and the left hand 
 barrel with ISTo. 6; use No. 5 shot when shooting 
 pinnated grouse on the prairies. 
 
 When selecting a gun have length and bend of 
 stock to fit, as no one can mould himself to an 
 awkward gun and do good shooting. 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER, 
 
 THE SETTER. 
 BOGS, AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS. 
 
 The setter seems to be the faTorite dog, and, if 
 good looks are a recommendation, he certainly 
 ought not to be among the least of man's best 
 friends. Rather heavy in build,' but light of foot, 
 he is ready to follow the sportsman, and wags his 
 bushy tail, and gives a dog's impatient whine, 
 when gun and game-bag suggest the day's sport. 
 With the greatest of delight he brings the game, 
 but, to liis discredit, will occasionally chew it. He 
 hunts the English snipe to perfection, and will re- 
 trieve well from water; but, as it is seldom neces- 
 sary to do so, this trait is not often brought into 
 play. He is of an excitable nature, and, failing to 
 obey a hunter's commands, often needs to be cor- 
 rected; he is also possessed of a certain amount of 
 stubbornness, which has to be overcome. 
 
 With his heavy coat the setter does not mind 
 the cold, and in hunting suffers but little incon- 
 venience from briars or nettles. He hunts well m 
 marshes, or thick cover, and may be run constant- 
 ly from the Fourth of July to the moulting season. 
 He is susceptible to heat, and often needs a cool- 
 ing bath; but, if allowed to go to the kennel with 
 
THE HtJNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 soaked coat, becomes chilled, and often sick. The 
 setter is more subject to disease than some other 
 breeds, and requires careful attention. Socially, 
 we cannot speak well of him, for he dislikes chil- 
 dren, is fractious to strangers, and often bites. 
 »-**-♦- — 
 
 HEAD OF POINTER. 
 THE POIiTTER. 
 
 The pointer, though having many admirers, 
 seems to be somewhat at a discount with sports- 
 men ; but his unusual intelligence, gentle manner, 
 and quick, yet quiet and eifective hunting, will al- 
 ways be great recommendation^in his favor. He 
 hunts carefully, gets nearer to the game than the 
 setter, and seldom chews a bird. Having short 
 and thin hair, he cannot endure great cold, or 
 come in contact with briars or nettles ; but in hilly 
 country, and open cover, he has no superior in 
 hunting grouse, and will also follow the quail 
 carefully, and bring many to the hunter's bag. He 
 is not stubborn, learns much easier than the setter, 
 remembers the things taught him, and is friendly 
 toward strangers and children. 
 
 THE SPANIEL. 
 
 Although possessing much iivtoUigeuee and 
 
10 THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 beauty, the spaniel is not as great a favorite with 
 the sportsman as the setter or pointer. His scent 
 is not keen, and he is a poor hunter, except in re- 
 trieving from water. His aptness in learning 
 tricks, and intelligence in performing them, how- 
 ever, make him a household pet. 
 
 THE HOUKD. 
 
 The stubbornness of the houud is equal to or 
 exceeds that of the mule. One real ability which 
 he has, is successful thieving; this appears to be 
 his chief characteristic. His keen nose never fails 
 to direct him to the nearest steaks or roasts of 
 beef, and they are seized without the slightest hes- 
 itation. He never knows the pangs of hunger 
 when there is venison in the camp, and is so quiet 
 and cunning that his movements are not suspect- 
 ed. He can endure the greatest extremes of heat 
 and cold, often lying by the camp-fire, where it 
 would be impossible to hold one's hand; then going 
 out in the intense cold, will hunt the fox or deer 
 through snow a foot deep. Hunters get out of 
 patience with him, and give him many butts and 
 kicks, but all to no purpose. When led in still- 
 hunting, he sees fit to ^^ give ^mouth" when the 
 twigs rebound and sting his large ears, and also 
 gives vent to his feelings when coming in contact 
 with briars. Apparently for entertainment, he 
 will cross on contrary sides of trees, and insist up- 
 on your coming around his way; and if he gets 
 under a log or fallen timber, you must either get 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER.' 
 
 down on your knees and follow, or untie the knot 
 of his cord at your belt, or remove his collar, se- 
 curing him at the same time by tlie skin of the 
 neck. Should you attempt to hold him by the 
 ear, he will draw away and pull until painful, and 
 then howl with, all his might. 
 .i The hound serves a purpose at times, however, 
 in hunting, as he will drive the moose, deer, fox, 
 hare and rabbit with great persistency, and often 
 gives bruin a good rub. He will find a wounded 
 deer when the hunter is at fault, and pull it down 
 fiercely. Hounds are clannish, and when attack- 
 ing large animals, fight savagely in a body. They 
 are not quarrelsome, but if molested by other dogs, 
 will fight as long as strength lasts. 
 
 DISTEMPER, 
 
 Young dogs are subject to distemper, and it 
 usually sets in when they are from three to nine 
 months old. It begins with a cold in the head, 
 want of appetite, and weakness in the back and ' 
 hind legs. In two or three days the dog begins to 
 snuffle, the eyes to run, and the nose discharges a 
 "greenish substance. The coat loses its gloss, the 
 legs become cold, and the whole body has a strong 
 and disagreeable odor; fits then follow, and the 
 dog wanders stupidly, trembling and disconsolate; 
 this is the worst stage of the disease, and often 
 terminates fatally. The distemper is really an 
 excessive cold, which settles ipto a Ijiiid of coiif 
 gumption* 
 
THE HTJXTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 When a dog is attacked, castor oil should be 
 given, and powdered sulphur mixed with his 
 food, or given in pills; calomel, in small doses, 
 is often beneficial. Tlie dog should be given 
 light, warm diet, and never be allowed to get 
 chilled; a warm bath, and free use of castile soap 
 or ammonia, is often very effective. The distem- 
 per is more or less contagions, and a sportsman 
 cannot watch his pack too carefully. 
 
 HUXTIXG QUAIL. 
 
 The quail is common from Massachusetts to 
 Florida, and from the Atlantic coast to the "West- 
 era prairies. They are gregarious, except in the 
 breeding season. The quail is the most prolific of 
 American game birds, often having two broods in 
 a season; small birds are often killed late in 
 November. When the young are hatched they 
 soon run about, ani grow rapidly; when grown, 
 they collect in a bevy, generally roosting in a ring 
 with their heads turned out; their favorite rest^ 
 ing place being the bottom of a swamp, or under 
 the lee side of a fallen tree or stone w^all. Late in 
 the Fall they retire to the swamps, and feed on 
 the large seeds of the skunk cabbage, which they 
 eat greedily. 
 
 Bob-white varies in his neat little dress, in the 
 different localities which he inhabits. In Texas 
 he is small and dark-colored, in Florida a trifle 
 lighter and larger, in Massachusetts, and west to 
 Jllinois, liG i§ a l^i'ge, plump, light-colored bird. 
 
THE HLNTER AND ANGLER. i^ 
 
 In October the shooting season begins, the flocks 
 are scattered, the odd birds are pot up from the 
 hedges and the margins of swamps, and shot be- 
 fore the pointer and setter. The pointer hnnts 
 more carefully than th^ setter, is mild, and mnch 
 more easilr handled. 
 
 A light double- barreled gun, loaded with three 
 drachms of powder and an onnce of Xo. 8 shot, is 
 best for shooting quail. When a bevvis suddenly 
 flushed, the hunter must not bangawav recklesslv 
 at the thickest o£ the flock, for in this way scarce- 
 ly a bird is ever killed; to make a good bag, a 
 proper distance i?honld be chosen and a bird 
 selected for every shot. Quail are generally found 
 in open country, and they need not be split with a 
 charge of shot a few yards from the muzzle of the 
 gun; unlike the snipe that go twisting about, they 
 fly straigh*: and give the be^t shots. 
 
 GEZ5E. 
 
 On the prairies, the wild geese collect in large 
 flocks on the wheat stubbles; they feed and wander 
 about, like tame ones, going to the water to rest at 
 night, and where there are large ponds or lakes, 
 the Canada goose and many of his companions 
 may often be found. On the Atlantic coast, wild 
 geese resorr to the lettuce beds of the bays. 
 
 When a flock of geese are foiind, thefr course 
 of flying must be noticed, and the hunter should 
 locate as near them a*? possible, before daylight. 
 If there is sufficient cover, <3ress a boat with grraa. 
 
14 THE HUNTER AND ANGLER, 
 
 and lie in the middle of a lake with decoys, or get 
 on some point under cover of a blind, and watch 
 for the coming light. The break of day is the 
 signal for a general dispersing of water-fowl, and 
 one can hear the *' honk — honk!" of the goose, 
 tke ** curr-r-r-ronk!" of the brant, the " quack!'* 
 of the black duck and the mallard, the plover's 
 whistle, and the sharp notes of the yellow-leg, and 
 other sandpipers. The various flocks take wing, 
 passing and repassing previous to settling tm the 
 feeding grounds, and as they come in easy range 
 of the gunner, many geese and other fowl are cut 
 down. In aiming for a goose coming straight to- 
 ward a gunner, the shot v>rill take better effect if 
 the bird is allowed to just pass by. In shooting 
 from a box, one can often let birds alight to the 
 decoys, and cut them down as they are going 
 away. 
 
 Geese collect, to dress their plumage, on sand- 
 bars in some of the great rivers of the west, and 
 while thus occupied, are good marks for the rifle. 
 Geese rival the loon in diving and swimming under 
 water, and, when wounded, a shot should be given 
 at evei7 opportunity, as Ihey will evade the gunner 
 wher^ there is cover or sea room* 
 
 pucKs. 
 
 Tbirty-foiir species oi ducfes haya baen killed in 
 North Amarfo^j apd of thai; number twerjtyrfonr 
 spei^l^l m^ r^Hpe^ous an4 oonimo^ in the United 
 nWmh MoBt Qi ifien? ar^ found on |;he Atlantic 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 border, though a few species are found <m\y near 
 the western and northern coasts. 
 
 The fresh water ducks are the best eating, the 
 mallard and wood-duck standing at the head of 
 the list. The well-kuown canvas-back, of the 
 Chesapeake, brings tlie highest price, but many 
 prefer the mallard. 
 
 Ducks are hunted in many ways, the most des- 
 tructive being to ** fire-light ** or ** jack " them, 
 and a still, dark night is generally chosen. A 
 lar^e lantern, with a powerful reflector, is fasten- 
 ed on the bow of a boat, so the rays will be thrown 
 straight ahead, leaving the boat concealed in the' 
 intense darkness behind the glare of the lantern. 
 The gunner crouches in the boat, behind the light, 
 and keeps a sharp lookout, while his companion 
 sculls him quietly along until birds are sighted. 
 The boat is then propelled silently within easy 
 range, and, as the ducks huddle, a heavy charge 
 of shot is fired into the thickest of the flock, and 
 many birds are often killed. 
 
 When first observed, the ducks appear white, 
 those of the darkest colors being the most conspicu- 
 ous. When the light is first thrown on the ducks, 
 they swim from side to side, in a zig-rzag course, 
 looking back curiously at the sti-ange phenomenon, 
 but finally slacken their speed, and huddle until 
 fired at; then some dive, others take wing and fly 
 hurriedly away. 
 
 The old squaws, or long-tailed ducks, are par-» 
 ticularly stupid at times, and can be approached 
 
16 THE HUNTER AND ANGLER 
 
 within a few yards. Many loons and grebes are 
 killed by fire-lighting, as the glare of the lan- 
 tern deadens the flash of the gun, and prevents 
 them from diving in time to evade the siiot. A 
 heavy double-barreled gun, charged with i^o. 4 or 
 No. 5 shot, is best for night shooting. The con- 
 cussion from the first shot of the first barrel usual- 
 ly puts out the light, so the second barrel must be 
 shot quickly, before the ducks have a chance to 
 change tlieir position. The dead birds, if not col- 
 lected at once, soon drift out of sight, particular- 
 ly when there is a breeze. 
 
 • Tiie box or battery is often used in shallow wa- 
 ter on the feeding grounds of water-fowl; it should 
 be long and narrow, and just large enough to con- 
 ceal a man in a reclining position. The follow- 
 ing is a description of a box which is often used 
 successfully: Sheet lead, about six inches wide, is 
 nailed on top and around the edges of the box, 
 and bent slightly upward to prevent a choppy sea 
 from slopping into the box on the gunner. From 
 the sides of the box Avings run out several yards, 
 to stop the action of the waves, and prevent them 
 from blowing in on the hunter; the portion of the 
 wings nearest the box are made of half-inch boards 
 and, connected to the box with leather hinges, so 
 they will play with the action of the waves; the 
 rest of the wings outsidC' the boards should be made 
 of canvas tacked on a frame-work of slats, to keep 
 it spread to the fullest extent. Tlie slats should 
 also be conneoted with leather hinges, so they will 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLEK. 1? 
 
 work with the water. The bow must bo weighted 
 or sunk nearly even with the surface of the water, 
 and a few solid, cast decoys will be found useful to 
 lay on the battery to assist in sinking it. When 
 shooting from a battery, one hundred decoys, put 
 out a few yards from the wings of the box, are not 
 too many, and more may be used where large flocks 
 are feeding. 
 
 A short, heavy breech-loader is most suitable to 
 shoot with from a battery, and the birds should be 
 allowed to alight to the decoys, then flushed, and 
 shot as they rise and fly, for tiie shot takes.the 
 best effect when the ducks are retreating. Early 
 in the morning, on good hunting grounds, one can 
 shoot from a battery almost as fast as a gun can be 
 loaded. A man in a sneak-boat ought to lay off 
 to leeward of the battery and pick up the birds 
 when they have drifted faraway from the gunner. 
 
 The success of a battery greatly depends on its 
 color; it should be painted a bluish-green, or it will 
 look black and frighten the ducks. A few live de- 
 coys greatly increase the gunner's sport. They 
 should be placed near the battery, between the 
 wooden decoys ami the gunner. Live herring-gulls 
 are even better than live ducks. The ducks know 
 the shy nature of the herring-gull, and will pitch 
 to stools of their own species without suspicion, 
 relying on the wary gulls to give the alarm when 
 danger threatens. The herring-gulla also ace as 
 sentinels for seals when baskin^' and sleeping on 
 the rocka, and they have often given a drove of 
 
18 THE HUNTER AND ANaLEft. 
 
 seals the alarm when being stalked tinder cover of 
 the rocks, off the Nova Scotia coast. 
 
 Stooling from points under a lee shore is a very 
 successful way to hunt ducks on a windy day. De- 
 coys are placed about twenty yards from the shore, 
 and the gunner is concealed near by in a sneak- 
 boat or blind. 
 
 Pass shooting is indulged in on rivers and con- 
 necting lakes; the gunner is stationed near a nar- 
 row channel or gut, where he keeps a sharp look- 
 out for passing birds. In favorable localities, this 
 affords exciting sport. 
 
 Sailing after ducks in a good breeze is another 
 way of hunting them in open water; the helmsman 
 beats to winuv/ard of a flock, and then comes down 
 on them witli a stark sheet. They will wait until 
 the boat is almost within shooting distance before 
 taking wing, and, as they usually start against the 
 wind, are soon within range of the rapidly ap- 
 proaching boat. When ducks are constantly hunt- 
 ed with a sail-boat, they soon become wild and 
 leave the bays. 
 
 Ducks should be drawn as soon as killed, and 
 their intestines removed with a small hooked wire. 
 
 WOODCOCK. 
 
 A crack at a woodcock is the sportsman's first 
 treat of the season. Hunting commences on the 
 4th of July, and in the sweltering heat, through 
 the thickest of cat-briars and alder-bushes, the 
 hunter takes one swale after another until boring 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGI^ER. 10 
 
 is found. In wet weather, the woodcock is hunted 
 in more agreeable cover, and is cut down easily as 
 he goes whistling over waving corn, or takes wing 
 from the cool cover of rushes. Woodcock come 
 with the April showers, and collect and mate at 
 evening. Theirs is a strange concourse as they 
 come to the openings in the sprouts, and the chip- 
 pering notes of the males, as they arise and de- 
 scend, have a significance of their own. They rise, 
 with hovering motion, vertically rn the air, to a 
 certain hight, then hang with fluttering wings for 
 a moment, and descend slowly until within a few 
 feet of the ground, when they suddenly pitch 
 downward. First one and then another ascends, 
 and as each one reaches the ground, a battle ensues 
 among tlie jealous males; but peace is declared at 
 last, and each newly-mated pair go in search of a 
 place to lay their eggs. The young, when two 
 months old, are nearly as large as the adult bird; 
 they have not the instinct to hide, like tiie chicks 
 of grouse and quail, but with faint cries of alarm, 
 wander away from tlie intjuder, and squat at a few 
 yards' distance. They are the most simple of 
 American game-birds, and their curious habits will 
 always be a study for sportsmen. 
 
 A light, short double-barreled gun should be 
 used for woodcock, charged with two and one-half 
 drachms of powder and one ounce of No, 10 shot; 
 if a gun with small bore is used, the charge can be 
 slightly lessened, The woodcock is easily killed, 
 ^ jBingJ^ §jip^ byi»^»g it down, Tb^iv fl^shi i§ 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLEE. 
 
 tender, and in hot weather heavy loads lacerate the 
 bird, and in discliarging give the sportsman ahead- 
 ache; a mutilated bird will spoil in the pocket in 
 a few hours. A small ice-box, carried in a buggy, 
 will iimply repay the sportsman in the preservation 
 of birds, and a nicely kept lunch and cool drink 
 are a treat best known to those who have indulged 
 in the luxury. 
 
 Later in tlie season the hunting becomes more 
 pleasant, the weather is cooler, and the birds are 
 found in more open woods. In the fall they are 
 found in scrub-oaks, hardwood timber, and in a 
 broken country on the south side of mountains 
 and hills. With a well-broken pointer or setter 
 the sport is exciting, as the birds are easily marked 
 and killed. There are certain resting grounds 
 where the sportsman often bags a dozen birds in 
 half-an-hour. There are several such places at the 
 foot of the Orange mountains, in New Jersey, 
 where, in the fall, after a driving rain-storm, birds 
 are almost always to be found. 
 
 In favorable cover, both the pointer and setter 
 work well, and it is a difficult matter which to 
 make choice of. In thick cover, it is well to run a 
 dog with a srhall bell attached to the collar, the 
 tinkling of which will tell where he is working. 
 When the sound ceases, he is "pointing," and the 
 hunter knows how to locate the dog and prepare for 
 a shot. Tlie bell is not necessary for fall shooting, 
 but it is well to use it in nettle cover and willows. 
 
 4s the woodcock begiii to rnouJt, the sportsman 
 
THE HTTNTER AND ANGLER. 21 
 
 say: ** There are no birds — they have gone to 
 moult; " and one might conclude they had left tlie 
 country to change their plnninge. The sportsman 
 who beats the same kind of cover the wliole season 
 comes short in calculation; but the ornithologist, 
 in his various researches, knows where to find tlie 
 woodcock at all seasons. When the moulting com- 
 mences, the birds frequent the thickest cover, and 
 do not return to the open to bore at night, as in 
 July and early August. The greater portion re- 
 tire to the mountains and hills, and moult in 
 quietude in thickets of briars, among cedars and 
 juniper bushes. When the moulting is over, they 
 return to their old haunts to recruit, and wlien the 
 fall rains begin, they scatter, and are found in 
 varying cover. As the season advances and the 
 nigiits become cold, the woodcock begin to migrate 
 southward, and make their longest flights during 
 rainy nights. They will sometimes settle, but for 
 a few moments only, taking wing again with great 
 speed, as if impatient to get as far as possible dur- 
 ing wet weather. 
 
 EI^-GLISH SNIPE. 
 
 The Wilson snipe furnish a few weeks' sport 
 in the spring, when all other game birds are not 
 hunted. As soon as the frost leaves the ground, 
 the sportsman frees his favorite setter from the 
 chain, and master and dog enter the marsh, zeal- 
 ously beating every spring hole and margins of 
 creeks, listening, as they proceed, for th^ ** gc^p? 
 i^^cftper of th^ fii'st risiqg snipfj, 
 
32 THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 In April, they are found in the salh marshes in 
 considerable numbers, yefc their favorite feeding- 
 grounds are the rich, loamy meadows watered by 
 boiling springs. A driving rain from the south 
 brings a flight of birds which migrate both 
 day and night. In rainy weather they are often 
 seen suddenly pitching from a hight in the air to 
 a marsh below, like the field or upland plover, and 
 appearing, from their direct descent, to have drop- 
 ped from the sky. 
 
 The English snipe is the most difficult of all 
 game birds to break a dog on, but in trial the set- 
 ter is preferable. Three drachms of powder, and 
 one ounce of No. 10 shot is a proper charge for 
 snipe, though some sportsmen use Nos. 7 and 8 
 sometimes, killing '* long shots," but often miss- 
 ing many birds. When flushed, the snipe takes a 
 rapid, zig-zag course low over the meadow, often 
 escaping the hunter who may be shooting from an 
 insecure bog. Snipe are most abundant where the 
 soil is most aggravating, and it requires consider- 
 able agility to traverse a quagmire. One must leap 
 from bog to bog, with the treacherous soil threat-^ 
 ening to give way beneath, and where a false step 
 would sink him half his length in the blackest of 
 mud. 
 
 The Wilson snipe is a quiet, solitary bird, that 
 comes and goes, in many localities, without its 
 presence being known; the greatest portion of 
 them bree4 in the tv^^k m^i'shes of the norch an4 
 west, and we have foun4 Ui^n wjth their yoxing^ 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 in June, in Maine and Massachusetts. They pair 
 like sandpipers, but whether the male assists in 
 rearing^ the young or not, we are unable to say. 
 
 BAY BIRDS. 
 
 Bay birds consist of the curlews, godwits, plo- 
 vers and sandpij^ers. In August the first shrill 
 notes of the small yellow-legs arouse the sports- 
 man, and shortly aftei come the little ring-neck, 
 piping plovers, and the small sandpipers. As the 
 nights grow chilly, the musical notes of the golden 
 and black-breasted plovers are heard, often in 
 chorus with the loud, clear whistle of the greater 
 yellow-legs. Occasionally the will-will-willet 
 sounds over the meadows^ and the notes of a pass- 
 ing flock of sickle-bills and jack curlews are heard. 
 As the countless numbers of waders skim along the 
 sea-shore, hastening to the south, they are contin- 
 ually cut down when stopping for a moment to 
 rest or settle to the gunners' stools. In some lo- 
 calities there are sometimes seen such perfecfc^ 
 clouds of small birds— sandpipers and ring-necks 
 — that a few shots will fill the hunter's pockets. 
 
 There is no regularity about the flight of bay 
 birds, and the first cold, driving rain sends them 
 south in hurried, scattering flocks. The curlews 
 often fly in figures, like geese, and settle on sand- 
 bars, which they boro with their long bills in search 
 of small marine animals. A heavy storm usually 
 sends the plovers inland, on corn-stubbles and 
 plowed land. All the waders can be easily whistled 
 
24 THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 ■ ■ ■ ■ ... I <■ 
 
 to stools, and in reach of the shot-gun, if the gun- 
 ner is concealed. The yellow-legs may be called 
 as far as the hunter's whistle can be heard, and it 
 is seldom they refuse to be drawn to destruction. 
 A breech-loader is of most value for shooting on 
 the coast, as rapid firing is often necessary. It re- 
 quires but little skill to kill bay birds, as a good 
 stand is all that is necessary. The stools should 
 be watched sharply, as the flight of birds along the 
 sea-shore is low and rapid. The best time to shoot 
 is just when a flocir. is about to settle; the surviv- 
 ors usually turn in the air, and immediately after 
 ** bunch," giving the sportsman a chance for a • 
 second raking sliot. The coasts of Massachusetts, 
 Long Island, Virginia and Florida seem to be the 
 best localities on the Atlantic borders for shooting 
 bay birds, as in those localities the passing flocks 
 linger to feed. Bay birds, from the hu'ge sickle- 
 bill to the tiny sandpiper, are found on the north- 
 ern prairie. They are seen in thousands around 
 the ponds and marshes formed by the surface water 
 of the plains; also water-fowl of many species. In 
 such-localities one has but to secrete himself on 
 the edge of a marsh, and send a fellow hunter to 
 stir up the flocks. In this way both gunners are 
 kept busy shooting at the scattering bunches of 
 birds as they circle about. Many species are found 
 in one flock, five kinds of waders having been 
 killed at one shot. The large curlews walk about 
 the dry prairie, like miniature ostriches, in search 
 of insects, the young following. 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 25 
 
 SHARP-TAIL GROUSE. 
 
 This bird is more generally known as the pin- 
 tail grouse, and is very common in Miniiesota. 
 west to the Rocky Mountains, and north into tlie 
 British Provinces. In the '* Whoop np" country 
 on the npper Missouri and Milk ri'vers, they are 
 found associating with sago hens in immense flocks, 
 and the startling ciicTc—cuch—cuch of the rising 
 pin-tails, is about the only sound tliat breaks the 
 stillness of the northern prairies. They are often 
 killed as far south as Clear Creek and^ along the 
 South Platte river in Colorado, and hunters some- 
 times shoot them much farther south. Pin-tail 
 grouse are usually found in bottoms where there is 
 brush, or on the prairies near the edge of woods. 
 They will tree like ruffed grouse, and retire t:o the 
 forest to **bud" in winter. Tlie best mode of 
 hunting them is with a well-trained pointer or 
 setter, and they afford more exciting sport than the 
 prairie hens. Their flesh is not as gamy as that of 
 the pinnated species, being medium between that 
 and the ruffed grouse; the young of the pin-tail 
 grcuse are excellent eating, and they make an 
 agreeable change from the dry meat of the ante- 
 lope when crossing the plains. 
 
 RABBITS AND HARES, 
 
 The gray rabbit is common in New England, 
 along the Atlantic coast, west into Rocky Mount' 
 ains, and probably to the Pacific coast. In north- 
 ern Minnesota this ppecies is seldom seen, but the 
 
36 THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 common, or Oanachan, or white hare is very numer- 
 ous. Some of the rabbits in Colorado are perfect 
 martyrs to fleas; when shot, their ears are often 
 covered with them, and their eyes sore from their 
 bites. 
 
 The best time to hunt the gray rabbit is after a 
 light snow; the runways should be manned, a 
 liound turned loose, and silent watch kept for 
 the rabbit. When started, he usually runs in a 
 circle, or, if the woods are narrow, doubles on the 
 dog, for the rabbits will hold if hard pressed, par- 
 ticularly in the winter. In the fall, when rains 
 have settled the leaves, the rabbit can be success- 
 fully hunted w^ith dogs, and his *^ cotton-tail" 
 makes a conspicuous mark for a running shot; a 
 shrill whistle will bring the rabbit to a stand, if 
 the hunter prefers a sitting shot 
 
 When still-hunting, a sharp stamp on logs or 
 brush will often bring to sight a frightened cony. 
 A light, double-barreled gun, charged with three 
 drachms of powder and one and a quarter ounces 
 of ^0. G shot, is suitable for good shooting. The 
 white rabbits or hares are becoming scarce in many 
 places; they breed slowly, having but two or three 
 young ones in a year. In the settled districts they 
 generally frequent tamarack swamps. They are 
 hunted with hounds, and the eastern hare will sel- 
 dom; if ever, hole; but in Minnesota, in severe 
 weather, the hares will often burrow, and remain 
 for the day. They are usually found in willow 
 and popple shoots, and the hunter is first attx*aoted 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 2? 
 
 by the black margins of their ears and their dark 
 eyes, as they peep from the cover of blinds. On a 
 white ground they are good ^^ bnll's-eyes *' for close 
 shooting. 
 
 Rabbits should be dressed as soon as killed, else 
 they soon spoil in pocket or game-bag, 
 
 SQUIKRELS. 
 
 The squirrel, like the cat, may be said to have 
 nine lives, for if he can fasten but one claw in a 
 limb he will not fall until perforated with shot 
 holes, or until his hold is cut loose by a crack sliot 
 from a rifle. AVhen a squirrel is treed, it is useless 
 to run about looking on every side for him, as he 
 flattens his body closely to a limb or the trunk, 
 and manages to keep the latter between the hunter 
 and himself. Sometimes he will run out on a large 
 limb and lie so close that only his nos3 is visible, 
 and the hunter can shoot in vain. It is advisable 
 to have one of a party of squirrel hunters carry a 
 rifle, for in shooting a little low, a squirrel can be 
 " lifted " from where a shot-gun could scarcely 
 reach him. When two or three excited hunters 
 are aiming to get the first shot at a treed squirrel, 
 if one has the presence of miud to select a good 
 position and stand still, the squirrel will be fright- 
 ened on to his side of the tree by the hunters op- 
 posite, and sure aim can then be taken. 
 
 The best time to hunt squirrels is when they are 
 gathering their winter store of nuts, acorns, etc. 
 They commence when nuts fall to the ground, and 
 
THE HUKTER and ANGLER. 
 
 in their eageruesa to secure a supply, come out 
 from their hiding-placea muuy times during the 
 day. Later in the season, when nuts are scarce, 
 the hunter sliouid be on the gnK)und at daylight to 
 shoot the squirrels as they come forth to bask in 
 the first rays of the sun. The habits of the fox 
 squirrel or ** red bones," are similar to those of the 
 gray squirrel, and they may be hunted in the same 
 way. 
 
 If the squirrel luinter prefers a breech-loader, the 
 Ballard rifle is the best; if a shot-gun is used, it 
 should be of small bore and solid, charged with 
 three and one-half drachms of powder and one 
 and one-fourth ounces of No. 6 shot. Guns 
 ought always to be clean, and tight-fitting wads 
 used. 
 
 TRAPS. 
 norwegia:n^ deadfall. 
 The Norwegian deadfall is easily made, and a 
 sure trap for small animals. It is a good trap for 
 mink, marten, and weasels, and rainy weather is 
 not detrimental to its workings, as it has no spring 
 polo or cords to be affected by dampness. It may 
 be made as follows: lay a large pole or small trunk 
 of a tree over a log, with the butt end fastened to 
 the ground by stakes or stones; for the deadfall, 
 place a heavier stick under and parallel with the 
 projecting pole, with one end resting against some 
 object so it cannot slip backward. Two wires fas* 
 tened to the deadfall, one to connect with the 
 
THE HUNTER ANt) ANGLER. 2d 
 
 trigger and the other to cutch the animal. Que 
 end of the trigger wire should be twisted firmly 
 around the deadfall, and the other end around the 
 trigger near the end not holding the bait, as the 
 strain must be as far away from the bait as possi- 
 ble, so it be easily raised, and the trap sprung. 
 Two short wedges, or pins, in the upper log, hold 
 the trigger in position; fasten the bait on the trig- 
 ger, and raise the lower log until the spindle can 
 be placed over the pegs, when the weight of the 
 log will hold it in position. Fasten the other wire 
 around both logs, and to the lower one by a small 
 staple or notch, holding the upper part of the 
 wire in position by staples or pegs so it will 
 not slip down the log when the trap is sprung. 
 This trap may be bnilt very light for weasels, bub 
 for larger animals, as skunks, " ' possums " or rac- 
 coons, a heavy deadfall is necessary. 
 
 FIGURE 4 DEADFALL. 
 
 The figure 4 deadfall is generally used for mmk, 
 and is'* as old as the hills." To make it, drive 
 two rows of stakes about a foot apart, using for a 
 deadfall a log that will drop loosely between them, 
 hewing one end flat and diagonally across so it 
 cannot turn; let it butt against stakes, rocks or 
 trees, to prevent its moving back when being set. 
 Use a long spindle, and let the extreme end of the 
 log rest on the trigger when set. Bait with the 
 head of a ruffed grouso or rabbit, a bird or a 
 fish. 
 
80 THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 A figare i can be set with a large flat stone, and 
 if for muskrats, bait with sweet apple or parsnip^ 
 
 GROUND 8NARE. 
 
 The ground snare is quickly set, and it is not 
 necessary to have a hedge or pen to guide the 
 game into it. Its parts are so simple that it is not 
 necessary to explain how to set it, "Waxed fish- 
 line is generally used for the ground snare, as its 
 position on the ground prevents it from twisting 
 out of shape as when suspended. Horse hair is 
 sometimes used, but it is difficult to get it long 
 enough, as a very large noose is required. The 
 lower end of the trigger should be lightly caught 
 against the spindle, so that a slight touch will 
 cause the spindle to fall and spring the snare. A 
 long, limber spring-pole is best for this snare, as 
 it retains its elasticity much better than a short 
 We, and is more successful in securing game. 
 
 HEDGE SNARE. 
 
 The hedge snare is one of the most destructive 
 known. A low hedge is built across a ravine, 
 wood, or piece of sprouts, where ruffed grouse and 
 gray rabbits resort. Small gateways are staked 
 out a few yards apart, and snares set across them. 
 Small copper wire, or horse hair, is used for 
 nooses, which are fastened to the cross-piece 
 of wood, the flattened ends of which rest in 
 the notches of the two inside stakes; the spring- 
 pole is connected to the cross-piece by a stout 
 piece of cord. No bait is used, and the snar^ 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER 
 
 is sure to take the game when passing through 
 from either side, as the cross trigger works 
 both ways, A ruffed grouse will walk a long 
 distance before attempting to cross a hedge 
 a foot high, and pass through the gates, to 
 be jerked into the air out of the reach of skunks 
 and foxes until the trapper arrives. Skunks are 
 often caught in hedge snares, and it requires a 
 strong horse-hair noose and a stiff pole to raise 
 their heavy bodies clear from the ground. 
 
 LOG SNARE. 
 
 The log snare is used to catch the young male 
 ruffed grouse, when drumming in the fall. Make 
 a gateway by crossing two long stakes over a log, 
 driving them into the ground. Set the spring- 
 pole in a deep notcli in a stake, and use a small 
 horse-hair snare. This snare can be rigged on a 
 ledge, or on any object where the grouse drum. 
 
 FIGURE 4 SNARE. 
 
 Next comes the figure 4 snare, which is placed 
 on the ground. The stake must be driven in 
 firmly, or it will become loose and draw from the 
 earth, as there is much strain on it. The stake 
 should be squared on two sides, and fitted to a 
 deep shoulder in the spindle, as it is more likely 
 to turn out of position than when used with the 
 downfall. Tie the string from the pole to the 
 upper end of the trigger, so the strain at the 
 spindle will be light, and the trap easily sprung. 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 I^his snare is mosfc successful in taking grouse, 
 gray rabbits and hares. 
 
 STOVE-PIPE TRAP. 
 
 This trap will catcli nluskrats, mink, and weas- 
 els. It is the most successful trap for muskrats 
 ever used. It resets itself when the wire door falls 
 behind a rat, and sometimes several will be taken 
 from one trap at once. The trap should be set 
 under the water, with one end in the rat's burrow, 
 or be placed in a gateway, in two inches of water; 
 a gate can be made by placing drift-wood or 
 bushes against stakes or stones, forming a barrier, 
 a small gate being left for inserting the trap. The 
 muskrats drown soon after entering the trap, when 
 it is set in tlieir holes below the surface of the 
 water. 
 
 The trap is made by hammering a length of 
 stove-pipe into a square shape; the doors are of 
 medium-sized wire, and work on two pieces of 
 heavy wire run througli opposite holes in the 
 sides of the pipe, near the top. 
 
 BOWL TRAP. 
 
 This simple = contrivance will rid a house of 
 mice by keeping it set until the mice disappear. 
 The edge of a bowl or box should rest lightly on 
 the margin of a large thimble, or bowl of a clay 
 pipe, crammed solid full of bread or cheese. The 
 mouse goes under the bowl, and when attempting 
 to eat the bait, pushes the support from under the 
 bowl, making itself a prisoner. 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 3S 
 
 TRAPPING THE WOODCHUCK. 
 
 The most successful way of taking the wood- 
 chuck is by setting a No. 1 or No. 2 trap in liis 
 iiole near the mouth; a slight cavity should be 
 scooped out to receive the trap, and its jaws and 
 spring covered with loose earth; grass or leaves 
 may be placed over the pan, but it is not necessary, 
 as the woodchuck is bound to go in and out of his 
 burrow at evening and at daylight, and often dur- 
 ing the day. When caught, the woodchuck digs 
 up tlie earth about the mouth of its hole in en- 
 deavoring to escape, but finally retires down tlie 
 burrow, the length of the chain, and remains 
 quiet. It often occurs that the hole is so ob- 
 structed with loose roots by the digging of the 
 woodchuck, tliat the chain becomes entangled, and 
 ii is difficult to drag the trapped animal from his 
 retreat; a large hook, with a long, sharp project- 
 ing point, fastened to a stick, will be found useful 
 in removing trapped animals from burrows and 
 other holes; the hook should be placed under the 
 throat, and a sudden jerk will send it through the 
 animal's head, killing it instantly, and putting it 
 out of misery. 
 
 The woodchuck usually burrows in or near or- 
 chards, or pastures. He prefers to burrow under 
 the protecting stump of an old apple tree, or un- 
 der a stone wall or rock. When cornered, the 
 woodchuck gives a low, clear, trembling whistle, 
 which can be heard quite a distance; he also has a 
 
U THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 habit of chattering his teeth savagely wJieh about 
 to be attacked. An adult woodchuck will often 
 keep a dog at bay for a short time, until he is 
 seized by the back in an unguarded moment, 
 when he is soon killed by his more powerful 
 enemy. 
 
 Clover, grass, apples and green corn, are the 
 woodchuck's chief articles of food, and, like the 
 raccoon, he becomes very fat, and hibernates in 
 the fall; he disappears early, and remains all win- 
 ter. His flesh is not unpalatable if the kernels 
 are removed from the shoulders, and his hide 
 makes the toughest of leather. Many woodchucks 
 are shot with the rifle, and their habit ot sitting- 
 straight up at the mouth of their holes makes them 
 a conspicuous mnrk. 
 
 TRAPPING THE BACCOON. 
 
 In Florida, the raccoon is easily taken with the 
 figure 4 deadfall, baited with a small fish; but the 
 northern raccoon v»?iuks his eye at any such a con- 
 trivance. 
 
 The raccoon has his regular hunting grounds 
 and crossings over fields and fences, through 
 swamps and over stone walls; he follows the banks 
 of small streams in search of frogs, insects and 
 fish; he rests and breeds in hollow trees and ledges, 
 and the trapper will find a variety of places to set 
 his traps. "When the corn is sweet bud milky, the 
 raccoons pull down the earsanddevour it greedily. 
 They have well-beaten trails leading from the tim- 
 ber to corn-fielils, and traps can be set on them, 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 35 
 
 baited with flesh, fisli, com or bread, or without 
 baits. The best place to set traps in the fall is 
 along the streams. The No. 2 trap should be used, 
 and lightly covered; a fish or frog, or the body of 
 a bird, plucked, must be Mmg over the trap, for 
 if it is put on a pointed stick they will pull it 
 down at once, and often fail to step on the trap. 
 Traps set for raccoons may be staked, as they sel- 
 dom amputate their feet; the traps, when set, 
 should be drenched Avith water, to remove the 
 scent of the trapper, as the long nose of the rac- 
 coon is very keen. 
 
 They are nocturnal ramblers, and in summer 
 wander about in search of young birds, eggs, rep- 
 tiles, insects and roots, until nuts are ripe, wlien 
 they are mostly found in hardwood timber; they 
 feed greedily on chestnuts, acorns of Avhite oak, 
 and beech nuts. In autumn they become very fat, 
 and when the first deep snow falls, hibernate in 
 hollow trees, loose rocks and ledges. They come 
 out during warm spells, and at such times wander 
 about in search of food, often changing their place 
 of hibernation. The raccoon has a curious habit 
 of rolling its food and small objects on the soles of 
 its feet, the reason of which no one seems to un- 
 derstand. In the northern United States they 
 run very large, and are dark -colored, some being 
 almost black. Their pelts make the best of robes 
 and coats, and their fat is used by the hunters for 
 shortening, and is good for greasing boots and 
 guns. 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 ANGLING. 
 
 THE ROD. 
 
 For bottom fishing the most useful rod is 
 one usually denominated the bug rod, and 
 is made of either bamboo or cane ; the latter is 
 preferable for roacli fishing, as it is botli light and 
 stiff, but not strong enough for the many purposes 
 to which the former can be applied, such as trol- 
 ling, etc. 
 
 The rod usually consists of nine joints, about 
 two feet four inches long, eight of which form a 
 roacli rod about eighteen f(^et long, fit for all the 
 purposes for which the bag rod is mentioned ; the 
 other is a strong top that fits into the sixth joint, 
 and forms a trolling rod about fifteen feet long, 
 which is quite sufficient for that purpose, altV.ough 
 it is advantageous at times to have a whalebone 
 top, about ten inches long, to fit into the small 
 joint (instead of the roach top) to use for perch, 
 or occasionally for spinning a minnow ; this top 
 is stiffer tlian the roach top. 
 
 For general purposes a rod of about twelve feet 
 in length is the most convenient; but, in wide 
 rivers, fifteen or eighteen feet rods are required. 
 
 A bamboo rod, with several tops of different de- 
 grees of strength, is exceedingly well adapted for 
 general purposes, but a cane rod surpasses all 
 others for fine fishing. 
 
 The reel, or winch, must be always looked upon 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGIiER. 87 
 
 as an important accessory to the angler ; and its 
 great characteristics are lightness, strength, and 
 plainness. 
 
 There are many descriptions of reels — plain, 
 sto]3, and multiplying ones. 
 
 The plain reel is the best, because of its simplic- 
 ity, and tlie noiseless manner with which it acts ; 
 it seldom gets out of order, and, if an accident oc- 
 curs to it, it i^ easily put to rights ; and it costs 
 little. The best reels are those in which the han- 
 dle is fixed in the side-plate of the reel-drum, as 
 by this method a very ugly crank may be dispensed 
 with. 
 
 (-**H 
 
 LINES AND HOOKS. 
 
 THE TACKLE. 
 
 The best and most serviceable lines made are 
 horse-hair, for those composed of hair and silk, 
 from retaining the water, soon become rotten. 
 
 Good lines should be perfectly twisted, round, 
 and even, and no irregularities; the color a light 
 grey, or brown, or white, which, perhaps, are the 
 most useful of colors. 
 
 The bottom, or casting line, for fly-fishing, 
 which is affixed to the line on the reel, must be of 
 gut at the top, and very fine at the dropper or bot- 
 tom, and before any flies are made upon it, it should 
 be picked and tried to see that it is of uniform 
 thickness throughout. It is never worth a lad's 
 while to attempt manufacturing fishing-lines, as 
 they may be always purchased more neatly fabri- 
 
38 THE HtTNTER AKD ANGLER. 
 
 cated, and even at a much cheaper rate than he 
 could by any possibility contrive to make them. 
 
 When preparing, fasten the line on the rod by 
 the loop of the line, passing it through the ring at 
 the top joint, carrying it over the ferrule, and then 
 draw it up to the top again, by which plan it will 
 be secured* Of liooks there are four kinds — the 
 Limerick, the Kendal, the Kirby, and the Sneck- 
 bend. Which fashion and shape is the best, is a 
 question very difficult to settle, as almost every 
 angler has a predilection in favor of one sort, to 
 the prejudice of all others. They greatly vary in 
 length in the shanks, to suit the several purposes 
 they are intended for; for worm fishing, a long- 
 shanked hook is preferable, being perfectly round 
 in the bend, so that neither barb nor point inclines 
 inward. 
 
 When fishing with gentles, paste, or any bait 
 of that description, a short-shanked Sneckbend 
 hook is preferable, as it covers best, and is the se- 
 curest. 
 
 KKOTS. 
 
 A sailor's knot is a very useful one upon any 
 emergency, but the following one is considerably 
 neater. 
 
 Cross tiie two ends between the left thumb and 
 the forefinger, pointing the end toward the left 
 lying at the top of the other; it is then bent back- 
 ward to the other end toward the body, until the 
 ends meet in an opposite direction underneath; a 
 simple hitch is made with the two ends; on pulling 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 tlie long pieces a secure knot is made, which may 
 be separated when done without injuring the line, 
 or it may be whipt or varnished. 
 
 The most secure knot is the one called the 
 weaver's. The ends are crossed between the thumb 
 and forefinger of the left hand, but the end point- 
 ing to the right in this case must lie at the top; 
 the pi-ece belonging to the opposite end is then 
 carried over the thumb, ac the back of the left end, 
 and brought between the two ends, until it can be 
 held between the finger and the thumb, and the 
 right end is passed through the loop. 
 
 angler's pocket-book. 
 The Angler's Pocket-Book is a very useful ar- 
 ticle, and is very like a tailor's pattern book, and 
 possesses, like a good coat, a variety of pockets. 
 
 angler's pocket-book. 
 When open, it will present the appearance seen in 
 the engraving. It may be had at the usual shops, 
 and of course, according to the size and articles 
 contained, varies in price. 
 
 THE PLUMMET. 
 
 This is not only a useful, but a necessary article 
 
40 THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 for the angler, as it is always indispensable to as- 
 certain the depth of the stream. 
 
 Roll a thin piece of sheet lead into the shape of 
 a cone, then uncoil a small portion, and Avrap it 
 around the hook; then carefully and silently drop 
 it into the water. 
 
 QUILL FLOATS. 
 
 Floats can be procured ready made of all sizes 
 and. prices. For small fish and sluggish streams, 
 the porcupine, swan, goose, or Muscovy duck quill 
 floats are the best; but in strong or rapid rivers 
 cork floats will be found the most serviceable. 
 
 BAITS. 
 
 The ash-grub is found in the rotten bark of a 
 tree which has been felled some time; it is an ex- 
 cellent bait for grayling, chub, dace, or I'oach, and 
 may be used all the year around. It should be kept 
 in wheat bran. * 
 
 Tlie brandling, or gilt tail, is found in old dung 
 hills, tanner's bark, rotten earth, and cow's dung. 
 It is an admirable bait for perch, tench, bream, 
 gudgeon, and indeed for almost any kind of fish. 
 
 The cabbage worm is a good bait for chub, dace, 
 roach, or trout. 
 
 The locality of the crab-tree worm is indicated 
 by its name. It is a good bait for roach, dace, 
 trout, and chub. 
 
 Flag or dock worms inhabit the fibres of flag- 
 roots in old pits or ponds. Tliey are excellent 
 baits for tench, bream, bleak, grayling, carp, perch, 
 dace and roach. 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 41 
 
 Gentles, or maggots, are bred by hanging up a 
 piece of meat until it putrefies; they should be 
 kept on flesh, and when they have arrived at their 
 full size, a little bran and damp sand may be put 
 in the vessel in which they are immured, for the 
 purpose of scouring them; they will be fit for use 
 in a day or two, and are tempting bait for all kinds 
 of fish. When putting a gentle on the hook, you 
 must insert the liook at one end of it, and bring it 
 
 PLAIN REEL. 
 
 i^or description see page 37.) 
 
 out at the other, and then draw the gentle back 
 until it completely covers the point of the hook. 
 
 The tag- tail may be procured in meadows or 
 chalky lands, after rain, or in the morning, during 
 the mont'h of March or April; it is accounted a 
 good bait for trout in cloudy weather, or when the 
 water is muddy. 
 
 White grubs or white bait, are much larger 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 than gentles, and may be found in sandy and 
 meadow lands. 
 
 Wasp-grubs may be taken from the nest; they 
 require to be hardened in a warm oven, and will 
 prove a good bait for such fish as will take gen- 
 tles. 
 
 Miller's thumbs, bleaks, minnows, dace, gud- 
 geons, roaches, sticklebacks, smelts, and roach, are 
 used as bfits for some of the larger fish. 
 
 Grasshoppers are good bait during June, July 
 and August, for roach, grayling, chub, and trout; 
 their legs and wings must be taken off before they 
 are put on the hook. 
 
 Salmon spawn is an excellent bait for trout and 
 chub; you may purchase it at the shops ready for 
 use. 
 
 GKOUND BAIT* * 
 
 Ground baiting is a most essential part of ang- 
 ling, and ought never to be omitted, as success in 
 bottom or float fishing cannot be expected, unless 
 the proper means for drawing the fish together are 
 resorted to. 
 
 For barbel, it is necessary to make the lumps of 
 ground bait large in proportion to the strength of 
 the current in which you fish. 
 
 PASTE BAITS. 
 
 When working up paste baits, be particularly 
 careful to have clean hands, and knead your pastes 
 thoroughly, so that all the materials may be well 
 incorporated. 
 
I 
 
 THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 43 
 
 . Sheeps' blood and saffron make a good paste for 
 roach, bleak, etc. 
 
 For barbel, an excellent paste may be made by 
 dipping the crumb of new white bread in the liquor 
 in which chandlers' greaves have been boiled, add- 
 ing a little of the greaves, and working it up till 
 it is stiff. 
 
 THE ROACH. 
 
 This fish is one generally considered easily taken, 
 but it is a great error to suppose so. For this fish- 
 ing the rod should be long and light, the line of 
 extremely fine gut, and the hook a No. 9 or 10. 
 
 Hold the rod so low that the end of it is not 
 more than fourteen inches above the float, which 
 should have shot attached to it, in order that little 
 more than the eighth of it may ride above the sur- 
 face, as this species of fish bite so delicately that 
 without you pay the closest attention to your float 
 you will lose four bites out of six. Use a single 
 line, and have a landing-net handy, otherwise you 
 run great risk of losing your fish. 
 
 Roach do not generally lie in rapid streams, ex- 
 cept in the autumn months, and are always out of 
 
44 THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 condition until the middle of July. Seek out a 
 gravelly bed in a soft-flowing deep stream. The 
 home of the roach is on the side of deep streams, 
 and under bridges. A paste made of a second 
 days' bread, slightly dipped in water, with a little 
 Vermillion added to it, so as to make it the color 
 of salmon, is the best bait for them. In rivers 
 they bite all the year round, in ponds only in sum- 
 mer. 
 
 THE PERCH. 
 
 This fish is a bold, voracious one, and freely 
 
 PERCH. 
 
 takes a bait. Strong tackle is necessary in ang- 
 ling for it — a gut or twisted hairline, a cork float, 
 and No. 7 hook. 
 
 Marsh, brandling, cabbage, and well-scoured 
 red-worms, maggots, and wasp grubs are excellent 
 bait for this fish. 
 
 Ground baits of stewed malt grains, or lob-, 
 worms, cut to pieces, should be thi'owu iri the 
 water. 
 
f 
 
 THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 45 
 
 Perch lie nenv bridges, mill pools, dnd locks in 
 navigable rivers and canals, and in other streams, 
 near rushes, dark, still holes and eddies, and 
 gravelly parts of rivers. 
 
 They spawn in February and March, and may 
 be fished for from April to October; but the best 
 time for them is during April, May and June. 
 
 THE JACK OR PIKE 
 
 Resembles no other fish in form or color; the 
 head is flat and hard on the top, the jaws large, 
 and full of sharp, strong teeth, as are likewise the 
 throat and tongue, which, inclining inwards, 
 renders it impracticable for any other animal to 
 escape from its angry fangs; the color of its back 
 and sides is grey, mottled with large, irregular 
 spots of a sandy green hue; the belly is lighter, 
 approaching to white. 
 
 This fish is one of the best-flavored and highly 
 esteemed of the fresh-water tribe. 
 
 It spawns in March or April, and although gen- 
 erally reckoned good from midsummer to the end 
 of the year, it is in its prime in September and 
 October only. 
 
 They are numerous in many rivers, canals, lakes, 
 ponds, etc., and are commonly caught up to 
 eight or ten pounds in weight; some grow much 
 larger, and have been known to reach thirty or 
 forty pounds, and when so large they are called 
 pike. 
 
 The baits used in fishing for it are roach, dace. 
 
46 THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 gudgeon, minnows, chub, bleak and young frogs. 
 A bait ought to weigh from one to four ounces. 
 
 It is a most voracious fish, and when on the feed 
 bites eagerly, being seldom lost from any other 
 cause than not allowing it sufficient time after it 
 runs with the bait to gorge it. 
 
 In its food it is not at all particular, as it will 
 take anything down, from a young duck to a leaden 
 plummet. 
 
 There are several methods of trolling for tins fish, 
 namely; with a gorge-hook, which is loaded on the 
 shank with lead; with the siiap-liooh, either spring 
 or plain, composed of three hooks joined together, 
 and numerous others well adapted for the purpose. 
 
 THE TROUT. 
 
 This fish is the grand object of all anglers' am- 
 bition, especially those who delight in fly-fishing. 
 
 TROUT. 
 
 It is a fish highly valued in all nations; it is a 
 clean, aristocratic fish, that revels not in mud and 
 dirty streams, but loves those that leap and rush 
 over a clear, gravelly bed, and when the verdant 
 spring comes out in her daintiest apparel. Master 
 Trout comes out with her; when the daisy peeps 
 out and the violet perfumes the air, then does 
 
♦THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 47 
 
 Master Tront show his speckled body in the shal- 
 lows and rough streams; but duriog the heat of 
 Slimmer, he runs into deeper water and shady 
 pools. At times he frequents the sharpest riversj 
 water-falls and mill-falls; then he will feed upon 
 insects, worms and flies, or Tery small fish, which 
 he pursues with such rapidity as renders it impos- 
 sible for them to escape. 
 
 TROUT FLIES. 
 
 The wing of the woodcock, with a single 
 turn of red hackle or landrail feather, dressed with 
 yellow silk freely exposed on the body; but, for 
 fishing in dark-colored waters, dress the fly with 
 scarlet thread. 
 
 The ear of the hare, bony, with a corn 
 bunting, or wing of a chaffinch; the wing of the 
 woodcock will also do, if made of a small, light- 
 colored feather taken from the inside of the wing. 
 
 The wing the same as the last fly, with a 
 single turn of a soft, black hen hackle, or a feath- 
 er from the starling's shoulder, dressed with dark- 
 colored silk. 
 
 THE CARP. 
 
 This is a very cunning fish; indeed, from its ex- 
 treme craftiness, it has sometimes been styled the 
 water fox. It may be found in lakes, ponds or 
 rivers, and frequents the quietest and deepest parts 
 of the streams, especially holes near flood-gates 
 and beds of weeds. It spawns in May, June and 
 July, and is in season in March and April. The 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER, 
 
 best time to angle for this fish is either very early 
 or very late, as it seldom bites in the middle of the 
 day, unless a soft shower of rain happens to fall. 
 
 Use a iong, light rod, with a reel, and let the 
 line be of the finest description; the hook, if worms 
 be employed as bait, should be Nos. 5 or 6; if mag- 
 gots. Nos. 8 or 9; and if wasp-grubs. No. 7. 
 
 THE GUDGEON. 
 
 The gudgeon is a very bold-biting fish, and gives 
 much amusement to the angler. It is in season 
 from April to October, and may be taken at any 
 time of the day, particularly in dull weather. The 
 best bait is a blood-worm, and the tackle should be 
 a fine gut or hair line, light cork float, and a No. 
 9 or 10 hook. 
 
 Gudgeons frequent the shallows, where the river 
 is free from weeds, with a gravelly or sandy bot- 
 tom, which must be often stirred with a rake made 
 for that purpose. 
 
 Allow your bait to touch the ground, and before 
 you begin, plum the depth of the stream. 
 
 THE BREAM. ' 
 
 The bream is principally found in lakes and still 
 rivers. It maybe taken in the spring and summer^ 
 but, as it spawns during June and July, it is best 
 to angle for it in May — when it is in its prime— 
 and from the end of July to the end of September; 
 and in these months from sunrise till eight o'clock 
 in the morning, and from five o'clock till dusk in 
 the evening. 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 49 
 
 Use a gut line, quill float;, and No. 10 hook, and 
 let; the bait touch the bottom. The baits necessary 
 are well-scoured red-worms, maggots, flag-worms, 
 and brandlings. 
 
 Use lob-worms cut in pieces, and grains as 
 ground baits, before you commence angling. 
 
 The angler should be very silent, keep from the 
 edge of the Avater as much as possible, and strike 
 the instant the float is drawn under the surface of 
 the water. 
 
 THE DACE. 
 
 The dace is found in most rivers. It is a hand- 
 some fish, and is generally accounted light and 
 nourishing food. 
 
 The hook should be a size larger than for roach, 
 but in all other respects the tackle may be the same. 
 Use a ground-bait of bran and clay mixed, and 
 throw it into the water frequently while angling. 
 
 Dace will take red-worms, maggots, wasp grubs, 
 greaves, and a paste made of cheese and honey; 
 they are partial to red-worms in the spring, and in 
 the summer, if you use gentles, put two at a time 
 on the hook; a small piece of sjreaves with a gentle 
 is also a very good bait. 
 
 You may begin fishing for them in March, and 
 they continue in season till October; after that 
 time they seldom bite unless the weather is very 
 mild. 
 
 THE GRAYLING. 
 
 The grayling is an extremely beautiful fish, and 
 inhabits most of the clear, rapid rivers which have 
 
30 THE HUNTfiR AND ANGLER. 
 
 a sandy or gravelly bottom, and its favorite haunts 
 are the sides of the stream. 
 
 A light rod, cork float, fine hook, and running 
 tackle are necessary; and when you observe a bite, 
 strike the moment the float descends. Handle 
 your tackle skillfully and gently, as the fish's mouth 
 is exceedingly tender, and easily gives way with 
 the jerk of the hook. 
 
 The grayling will take caddis, marsh and dew- 
 worms, flies, both natural and artificial, and white 
 grubs. The principal months in which to angle 
 for it are September, October and November, when 
 it is in its best condition. 
 
 Wlien fly-fishing for this tenant of the stream, 
 it is necessary to have a fine gut, and smaller fly, 
 and be more ready with hand and eye than when 
 angling for trout. 
 
 MINNOWS. 
 
 These fish seldom grow above two inches in 
 length; they rank high as a bait for trout or perch; 
 use the silvery bright ones in preference to the big- 
 bellied yellow ones. To catch them you must place 
 your float so as the bait may pass on or near the 
 ground, then drop your bait in gently on the shal- 
 lows near mill tails, or any other eddy where there 
 is a gravelly bottom, and strike the moment they 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 51 
 
 bite; put them in your kettle as soon as caught, by 
 which means you may keep them alive till you want 
 them for bait. 
 
 THE TEKCH. 
 
 This fish is generally of a dark color, approacli- 
 ing to black on the back; it generally reaches to 
 three or four pounds weight, and by many is pre- 
 ferred in eating to the carp. In some places these 
 fish are so abundant and ill fed, that a large num- 
 ber of them may be taken in a day^s angling. 
 
 They generally feed from daylight till nine 
 o'clock in the morning, from May till August, and 
 from five until dark in the evening. 
 
 The bait they like best is a well-scoured marsh- 
 worm, not too large, with a No. 7 hook. 
 
 The tench thrives best in ponds where the bot- 
 tom is composed of mud or clay, but at times they 
 may be caught in rivers. 
 
 They will take the same baits, and be found in 
 the same haunts as the carp. They will bite freely 
 in the summer months, especially when the days 
 have been dark, warm, and muggy, after fine mild 
 showers. They spawn in May, and the best timo 
 to angle for them is early in the morning and latC 
 in the evening. 
 
 The tench, like the carp, will live a long time* 
 
53 THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 out of the water. The angler should learn the 
 haunts of the fish ere he angles for them. 
 
 He should know the depth of the water, and 
 whether the bottom is a clayey, muddy, or gravelly 
 one, for he must fish an inch or two from the 
 bottom, and suit his ground bait to it. 
 
 They are not easily met in rivers, except where 
 they are preserved. In ponds, however, they are 
 plentiful enough, and afford good sport from April 
 to October. 
 
 EELS. 
 
 The eel can always be found in the mud of the 
 river or pond; the bottom fisher seldom troubles 
 himself much about them, but they are to be 
 found more or less in every ditch, river and pond. 
 
 Every angler knows the haunts of the eel, how 
 he hides under big stones, in holes, under bridges, 
 by half -sun ken timbers, under the roots of trees, 
 and hosts of similar places. 
 
 Bobbing at night for them is a very favorite 
 amusement. It is done by stringing large lob- 
 worms completely through with a needle, and 
 tying them in the links with a stout piece of whip- 
 cord at short intervals. 
 
 These are thrown into the water from a selected 
 spot, and the end being held, the person soon feels^ 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 63 
 
 the sharp nip of the eel, who bites so hard and so 
 tenaciously, that he submits to be pulled out of 
 the water sooner than lose his hold. Gradually, 
 he uncurls and allows himself to be pulled out. 
 
 The moment he is safe on shore, clap your foot 
 upon his body, and with your knife decapitate him, 
 which will speedily put a stop to his contortions 
 and twistings. 
 
 THE BARBEL. 
 
 This fish takes its name from the peculiar 
 beard or wattles which hang from its mouth. It 
 is not reckoned a very choice fish for the table, but 
 is much sou gilt after by anglers, in consequence 
 of the sport it affords. They swim in shoals, and 
 are fond of the deep currents of bridges, weirs and 
 locks; they love to lie and feed on the insects borne 
 'down by the current. 
 
 THE SALMON. 
 
 We shall now treat upon that noble fish — the 
 king of rivers — whose age exceeds not ten years; 
 but then his growth is very sudden and quick. 
 Soon atter he gets into the sea he rises from a sam-. 
 let, not bigger than a gudgeon, to be a noble sal- 
 mon, in as short a time as a gosling comes to be 
 a goose. 
 
54 THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 The salmon does not stay long in the same place, 
 as trout will, but ns always coveting to get nearer 
 the sj^ring-head, and does not lie near the water- 
 side or bank or roots of trees, but swims in the 
 deep or broad parts of the water, and usually in 
 the middle or near the ground. 
 
 A salmon rod should be from sixteen to eight- 
 een feet long; a twenty-foot rod is rather tiresome 
 and wearying. 
 
 The winch may be one with a weak spring, 
 or what is called a spring-washer. 
 
 The fly cast should be of the strongest single 
 gut, well tested, and selected with great care. 
 
 The running line should be of plaited silk, and 
 the casting-line of the strongest silk. 
 
 Of the- salmon flies we give two. 
 
 One is made of a yellow mohair body, ribbed with 
 gold twist and black hackle, long, yellow floss silk, 
 tipped with gold tail, a small topping blue jay at 
 the shoulder, turkey tail-feathers for the wings. 
 
 Use for this No. 6 hook. 
 
 The other is made with a black silk body, black 
 hackle, bright and gaudy wings, and in other re- 
 spects similar to the first. . . 
 
 Fish the water well, and be not dismayed if ^t- 
 
THE HUNTER ANt) ANGLER. 55 
 
 first your attempts are not rewarded ; perseverance 
 will soon be crowned with success. 
 
 There is great deal in knowing the haunts of 
 the salmon. They, as a rule, lie on stony hot-- 
 toms, and avoid smooth, muddy, and even gravelly 
 bottoms. 
 
 THE OHUB. 
 
 The chub in summer delights in scours, tum- 
 bling bays, and deep and rapid parts of rivers; 
 and, in the autumn and winter, in the little holes 
 under banks, where the streani is sheltered by 
 overhanging willows. 
 
 It is a bold, biting fish, and may be caught all 
 the year round; in summer it bites during the 
 whole of the day, but best in the morning and 
 evening; it may also be taken in the night time. 
 
 The baits adapted for chub are maggots, red- 
 worms, gentles, bullock's brains, and pith from 
 the backbone of a bullock. 
 
 Use running tackle, gut line, quill float, and 
 No. 8 or 9 hook; strike the instant you perceive a 
 bite, and let the fish run, giving it plenty of line, 
 otherwise it will break loose, as it usually darts 
 furiously away to the opposite side the moment it 
 iSi struck. 
 
66 THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 THE RUDD. 
 
 This fish is held in little esteem for the table; it 
 very much resembles the roach in shape and color, 
 and thrives best in ponds. It will take red-worms, 
 paste, and gentles, and the tackle requisite con- 
 sists of a gut-line, quill-float, and No. 10 hook. 
 Let the bait touch the bottom, and strike the mo* 
 ment you see a bite. 
 
 THE RUFFE 
 
 Is a fierce-looking, bold biter, and resembles a 
 small perch. They may be caught during the whole 
 of the summer months, and afford excellent sport 
 to the young angler, and, wherever one is caught, 
 be sure there are plenty more. 
 
 THK LOACH 
 
 Is not a pleasant fish to look at. He has a bullet- 
 head, and his heavy shoulders give him a clumsy 
 look. This fish will bite freely at a worm, and 
 will not despise gentles. 
 
 THE LAMPREY 
 
 Belongs to the eel tribe, and is caught ma similar 
 manner. The gut of a fowl, or other garbage. 
 
THE HUNTER AND ANGLER. 
 
 57 
 
 may be substituted for the worm. A small lam- 
 prey is a good bait for several kinds «f fish if put 
 on the hook with the worm. 
 
 fisherman's luck. 
 
T H S 
 
 CHAMPIONJJBRARY. 
 
 Out Every Saturday in the Year! 
 
 BOYS, THIS IS JUgr WHAT YOU HAVE LONG WANTED! 
 
 THE BEST LIBRARY FOR THE PRICE 
 EVER PUBLISHED, 
 
 READ THE TITLES: 
 
 1 TIGER-HEART, THE BOY CHIEF OF THE 
 
 SEMINOLES. By ZACH BREWSTER 
 
 2 THE WITCH OF SNAKE HOLLOW. 
 
 By JIM JARLEY. 
 
 3 FRONTIER FRED. By " TEXAS JOE." 
 
 4 THE SKELETON SENTINEL. 
 
 By LIEUT. E. H. KELLOGG. 
 
 5 CAPTAIN CROSSBONES, THE TERROR OF 
 
 THE SEAS. By ROB RATLIN. 
 
 6 THE QUEEN OF THE ROAD. By MAJOR MOHAWK. 
 
 7 DADDY BRUSH; OR, TAKEN IN AND DONE 
 
 FOR. (Comic.) By NICODEMUS DODGE. 
 
 8 SHAMUS O'BRIEN, THE BOLD BOY OF 
 
 GLENGALL. By LIEUT. CARLTON. 
 
 9 DAN THE DANITE. By " TEXAS JOE." 
 
 10 HAPPY JACK. (Comic.) By " PICKLE.'' 
 
 11 BOSTON BILL; or, THE MAD MOUNT- 
 
 AINEER. . By COL. DIMON DANA. 
 
 13 FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC 
 
 IN A BALLOON. By MARK BRADLEY. 
 
 13 TOM TITT. (Comic.) By NICODEMUS DODGE. 
 
 14 THE MAN IN BUCKSKIN; or, THE CACHE 
 
 OF GOLD. By COL. DIMON DANA. 
 
 15 SHAWN THE VAGABOND. By LIEUT. CARLTON. 
 
 16 OUR LUNATICS ON THE WARPATH. 
 
 (Comic.) By RHINE AS BUDGE. 
 
 17 KIT LIGHTFOOT. By PHIL SHERIDAN. 
 
18 THE BRIGAND'S SECRET: or, THE AD- 
 
 VENTURES OP TWO IRfSH BOYS 
 
 IN SPAIN. By LIEUT. CARLTON. 
 
 19 THE ROYAL KANGAROO SOCIAL CLUB. 
 
 (Comic.) By'* PICKLE." 
 
 20 BLOODY-HAND; or, THE REIsEGADE 
 
 CHIEFS OF THE SIOUX. By PHIL SHERIDAN. 
 
 21 DASHING NELL. By MAJOR MOHAWK. 
 
 22 THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE. (Comic.) 
 
 By NICODEMUS DODGE. 
 
 23 $1,000,000; OR, THE CAVE OF DEATH. 
 
 By ZACH BREWSTER. 
 
 24 MEXICAN MAT. By PAUL PRYOR. 
 
 25 TOM TRIX. (Illustrated Comic.) By NICK NIPPf R. 
 
 26 THE JAGUAR SLAYER; OR, THE SPIRIT 
 
 OP THE WATERS. By LIEUT. CARLTON. 
 
 27 THE MYSTERY OF ONE NIGHT. 
 
 By POLICE CAPTAIN HOWARD. 
 
 28 THE TRADDLES TWINS. (Comic.) By " HARRY.' 
 
 29 HOTSPUR HARRY; or, THE TEXAN 
 
 TRAILERS. By ARTHUR F. HOLT. 
 
 80 GALLANT SARSFIELD; or, THE YOUNG 
 HERO OF LIMERICK. 
 
 By CORPORAL MORGAN RATTLER. 
 31 PADDY MILES' BOY. (Illustrated Comic.) 
 
 By NICK NIPPER. 
 
 PRICE 5 CENTS PER COPY. 
 
 1 ITear, $2.50 in advance; 6 Mos., $1.25 in advance. 
 
 SPECIAL NOTICE:— For 25 cents at one time we will send 
 any six (6) numbers you may wish to select fi-om the above li.<t 
 
 THE 
 
 Champion Library 
 
 is for sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent from this oflflcf, 
 postage paid, on receipt of price, 5 cents per copy. Address 
 
 Champion Publishing* Co., 
 
 23 and 24 N, WILLIAM ST. , NEW YORK CITY. 
 
HAND BOOKS 
 
 PRICE 10 CENTS EACH, 
 
 — ♦-**-f- — 
 
 BALL AND BAT.— ^^^C^^riJ^rjei).— This volume is a complete hand- 
 book ot Ijase-ball and oricket, contaiiiing everything? necesaary to know in re- 
 gard to those games: Diagrams of the field, all the positions in batting, taking 
 the ball, etc, and a record of the game for the past year, including all the 
 notable performances. The rules alone are worth many times the cost of the 
 book. Trice 10 cents. 
 
 OUT-DOOR SPORTS.-ILLUSTRATED.—A Compendium of instrue- 
 tinnK for playinij many of the most popular gumeafor OHt-o/-d(-«o»'s.--Thi3 is a 
 book that should be in the hands or every youth. While it contains full de- 
 aeriptioiisof all the old, well-known games, it also describes many new ones, 
 and 1^ iUustrated iti such a manner as to enable the reader to understand at 
 sight. The occasional monotony of the play-ground can be alleviated by the 
 volume, and endless amusemejit found in its pages. Price 10 cents. 
 
 THE WAY TO WRITE LETTERS.-'T/ie Pen is Mightier than 
 the Sword." Do you wane to write on any subject! If you do, and are in any 
 doubt as to what you can appropriately say, you should not fail to obtain one 
 of these valuable and instructive little works, wliich is of equal merit with the 
 other popular hand-books of the " Champion " scries. The Way to White 
 Letters furnishes models on every subject— Love — Matrimony— Business- 
 Duns for Money— Replies to Duns for Money— Forms of Introduction by Letter 
 —in fact, you can inquire within its covers for models of letters of every kind. 
 Only 10 cents per copy. For sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent from this 
 office, postage paid, on receipt of price. 
 
 THE WAY TO DAHCE.'-ILLUSTRATED.-"Containtng clear diree- 
 tions hoio to call out the figures of all the square dances." This little volume is 
 issued as one of the excellent series of " Champion Dime Hand-Books," and is 
 worth ten times its price to those who wish to leai'n how to dance, and even to 
 those who may consider themselves au fait in all that pertains to the Terpsi- 
 chorean art. It does what no other book on dancing has ever .accomplished— 
 actually teaches one how to dunce irithout the assistance of a dancing-master. 
 This is due to an entirely new feature— the introducing of Illustrations show- 
 ing every position necessary to make a graceful dancer of yourself. Price 10 
 c«nts. For sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent fi'om this office, postage 
 paid, on receipt of price. 
 
 THE YOUNG ELOCUTIONIST. -^itcrsriZ^r^D. -A book of in- 
 calculable value for everyone. The instructions contained in this little volume 
 will enable any one possessed of the organs of speech, no matter what his nat- 
 ural disadvantages, to become an accomplished speaker. It tells you how to 
 acquire ease and self-possession in the presence of an audience, gives illustra- 
 tions of positions, typifying all the emotions of the mind, and besides this, 
 contains selected reoitatious on many varied subjects. Price 10 ceQt& 
 
THE WAY TO MAKE LOVE.-"W»« tht RuUng Pmaion <if our 
 Lives." Old people and raarried people mav have no use for this elepant and 
 Instructive little worit, but to tlie young of eitlier sex it comes as a friend that 
 is indeed a friend. It ISta out the whole secret of how to make love successful- 
 ly— of how to make yourself attractive to the opposit* sex— of how to speak 
 ana what to sav, and how to act in order to win the love of the opposite sex~ 
 besides which, it is the most concise and lucid hand-book of etiquette in gen- 
 eral tliat has ever been published. It tells you how to comport yourself oii all 
 occasions— in the ball-room— in the theater— in the chui-ch— in private parlors 
 —In public places— beside youh- own hearthstone— beside the hearthstones of 
 others— In short, how to comport yourself anywhere and everywhere. Don't 
 fail to become the happy owner of one of these little books. I rice 10 cents. 
 For sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent fiom this office on receipt of price, 
 10 cents per copy. 
 
 THE WAY TO SKfiiT^,-ILLUSTRATED.-"TreatinQ of Roller Skat- 
 ing as well as Skating on Ice." This book will prove itself invaluable both to 
 practiced lovers of the elorious and graceful art of skating, and to these who 
 may, for the first time In their lives, be about ro put skatts on their feet. Its 
 excellent illustrations explain at a glance what It would take many pages of 
 di y and prosy reading to make clear. It contains a brief history of skating, 
 and near the close is a valuable compendium, showing the fastest time made 
 on skates for all distances from a hundred yards to more than that number of 
 miles. Only 10 cents per copy. For sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent 
 from this office, postage paid, on receipt of price. 
 
 THE WAY TO DO WH^CXC-ILLUSTRATBD-^y^vy bov in the 
 
 land should be the haopy owner of one of these instructive little books, by 
 means of the instructions contained in which you will be enabled to astonish 
 and delight your friends and relations by the performance of manyappai-ent- 
 ly wonderful things, which are, however, simple enough when you once pos- 
 sess the secret. Thk Wat To po Magio puts you in possession of the secret, 
 and it costs you only 10 cents. For sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent 
 from this office, postage paid, on receipt of price. 
 
 CHAMPION RECITER No. I.-Under this title has been collected a 
 large number of the most popular poetical pieces for reciting and for declama- 
 tion. For the price, it is, witnout doubt, the best book of the kind ever issued 
 from the presses of any publishing house in the world. It is a standard book^ 
 andeTsryuue who reads this shoHld send for oue. Price 10 cents, post paid. 
 
 FOR SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS, 
 
 Or Sent Pi-om This Office, Postage Paid, on Receipt of Price. 
 ADDRESS: 
 
 ChampionPublishing^GoM 
 
 22 and 34 N. WILLIAM ST. , NEW YORK CITY. 
 
The 
 
 Way to do Magic! 
 
 ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 , THE WAY TO DO MACIC— ILLUSTRATED.-Erery 
 
 boy in the land slioulci be tiie Jiuppy owii^r of one of tliese 
 Instructive little books, by means of the instructions con- 
 tained In which you will be enabled to astonish and delight 
 your friends and relations by the performance of many 
 apparently wonderful things, which are, however, simple 
 enough when yon once possess the secret. Thk Way To do 
 Magic puts you in possession of the secret, and it costs you 
 only 10 cents. For sale by all newdealers, or will be sentfrom 
 this oflice, poBtage paid, on receipt of price. 
 
 Address: 
 
 CHAMPION PUBLISHING CO., 
 
 194 William St., New York City. 
 
 s^^ 
 
 BJE)-a7 
 
? 
 
THE 
 
 Boys' Champio 
 
 IS THE BEST BOYS' PAPER PUBLISHED. 
 
 OUT EVERY SATURDAY, 
 
 AND FOR SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS. 
 
 The followiiigj talented and popular authors write exclusively fo 
 coiuiniiij; 
 
 PAUl. BRADDON, HOWARD DE VERE, 
 
 NICODETIUS DODOE, CLEW FIIVDER, 
 
 ]^ARL.II^E I71ANLY, ]?I4RK BRADIiEY, 
 
 ORRIIV OOBIiE, "PICKL.E," 
 
 MAJOR I?IOIIAl¥K, JAMES BROUOHAM, 
 
 "TEXAS JOE," BERNARU ^VAYDI 
 
 liEOIN liElVOIR, PHIL SHERIOAIV 
 
 FRED HAZEL, ZACH BREWSTl 
 
 PRJCE 5 CENTS PER COPY. 
 One Year, $2.50, in advance; Six Months, $1.25, in advai 
 
 LEON LEBOY'S 
 
 NEW YORK BOY£ 
 
 " Young America's Favorite Journal ! " 
 
 OUT EV^RV W^EDIVESDAY, 
 
 AND FOR SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS. 
 
 The staff of this Deserved I. v Popular and Widcly-Read Journal for the Y< 
 ' is Second to None Otner, and Antoiig Other Well-Known and Pop 
 
 Auth(M-.s We Name the Following: 
 
 PHINEAS BUBC^E, POLICE CAPTAIN HOWAR] 
 
 LEON LEISOY, HERCULES ROBINSON, 
 
 FREDERICK LEE, FRANK DtJMONT, 
 
 PERCY PAKTO>, TERRY GLYNN, 
 
 PAUL PRVOR, "HARRY," 
 
 L'HOMME QUI RIT, LAUNCE POVN'J 
 
 PR8CE 5 CENTS PER COPY. 
 
 One Year, $2.50, in adTrance; Siz KConths, $1.25, in advai 
 
 If the above jomnal.s cannot be vetrulai ry obtained from your newsdcali r, Hk \ 
 be sent from this office, postaj^e paid, ou receipt of price. Address: 
 
 CHAMPION PUBLISHING CO., 
 
 22 and 24 North William St., New York City 
 
t 
 


 ..OOBBSBROS. , ^^ 
 
 LianAHr ■inoin« '* O 
 
 AUGUSTINE^* ^Ov-. -^^*^^^; ^^^. 
 
 ^S^ 32084