The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-07-14
sunday ." the Forest Of J0hn's Tract-A
large Trout.

In bis last letter to the Albany Journal
Mr.. Dawson thus describes Sunday 10 the
forest -
The holy day dawned auspiciously; and
all seemed DESTROYS of maniiesting their re-
spect for its sacred hours. The rougher
habiliments OF the woods were thrown as
side-a few shaved-some encased them
selves in dress coats-one or two put on era
vats, and all allowed their rods and reels to
lie untouched. Books and newspapers were
in demand, and conversation turned upon
subjects associated with the day.
1t was given out on Saturday that there
would be religious services on the Sabbath,
and beautiful spot had been selected for
that purpose-a delightfully."- shaded knoll,
which overlooked the lake and the surround
Ing forest, and which seemed every way fit.
ted for the purpose. Nearly all 10 camp
could sing, and the majestic hymn, begin.
ming with the words, "Before Jehovah's aw.
ful throne was copied and distributed. At
the appointed hour, all in camp land two or
three who had come twelve miles TO Join in
the exercises) took their position on pulpit
knoll to listen to the first sermon ever
preached on John Browns tract. The &C.
casion and the majestic surroundings were
well calculated TO impress the mind and
probably very few Of US ever entered con-
secrated temple with feelings Of deeper rev.
erence than we experienced as we stood In
this temple Of nature TO worship the Great
Author Of all tie grand beauty which en-.
circled US. Messrs. Foster, Scholefeld, Ow.
en-, Morgan, and others sang the elected
hymn with fine effect. Rev. Mr.. Cox off,
ciated. His prayer and address were 10 ad-
mirable keeping with the occasion and his
words o. counsel, admonition and exhorta-
tions He'll upon the ears OF an attentive and
well pleased audience.
Many other things connected with our
month 10 the woods may be forgotten, bat
the impressive solemnity Of these services
never will be. God was acceptabIy wor-
shipped in this temple mot made with
hands !" and all seemed pleased that the day
had been signalized by an event 70 unsual
here, and 80 becoming those who were enjoy.
ing so fully the unpurchasable physical bless
ings which muniicent Providence showers
upon all who seek recreation and health in
these magnificent forests.
The event of the last three days was the
capture Of three pound brook trout by
Mr.. Brooks, Of New Yook. I had been
with him on prospecting tour to the Sew.
enth lake and its inlets. In returning, we
stopped TO make few casts in the Fifth lake
inlet. On the first throw b. struck large
fish tn the rapids. In attempting to reach
rock from which he might more convenient
ly "play him." he lost his footing, got his
line twisted round sapling, sank was it
deep into boiling pool, tried in vain to dis.
entangie his line found his landing net
suarled 10 his creel was in too great furry
to untangle or adjust it. despaired Of ever
capturing the monster which was struggle
ing TO free himself from the hook which had
fastened him, but finally, long after be had
forfeited the fish, succeeded in scooping him
out OF the water in manner so unsp0rts-
manlike that be confessed himself undeserv.
ing 30 rare prize. never saw more
beautiful fish, although had seen and TAX.
en- larger one killed by myself in the inlet
between upper and lower Chateaugy lakes,
weighing three pounds and quarter, and
another, killed by Duncan Pell, Esq, IN the
same waters and at the same time, which
weighed five pounds and quarter. This
latter was the largest brook trout ever
saw, although have heard Of hem larger.
My friend Brooks, upon this occasion, did
not seem aware Of the magnitude Of his
achievement. And yet it is not at all prob
able that larger trout will be caught in
any waters the present year.