The Portland daily press., 1884-11-24
IN TIE MAINE WOODS.
Shooting the Nimble Deer in Washington
COuuty,
We find in the Machias Union the following
which we suspect is from the pen of we'll
known member of tle Cumberland bar:
CAMP MILES SrANDIsH.l
Nov. g. 1884 [

Kr Editor. wv y A'o@'
1t has been suggested that your readers would be
in an account of of the most successful
hunting parties OF the season. and it has fallen to
my 10! 70 write brief sketch of our most delightful
LARRY IN Lne ,~loospess. The camp where write is
rounded BY forest trees III eear wafer sur
winds and driving storms. do i0s-oind sa1; 10
you for the guidance of brother sportss s~yians ~
is situated northeast by easthalf-east H. s"s ~ ~
pleasant village Of Harrington, and the distss@an @
depending always on the state of the roads and
weather, is about twenty miles as the crow Rice
For this last information l am indebted to tie
veracious mariners who are members of the part
and who accurate in their statements as they
are deadly with their rifles
In this secluded place, in a comfortable csmp,
supplied with all the necessaries and many of the
luxuries of ife found party of as genial gentle
men as it has ever been my COED fortune to meet.
Leaving behind them all cares of business-but re-
tanning all the kindly amenities of life, merry,
knd-hearted and full of innocent fun, they seem
ed determined to make the most of their vacation
and vie with each other in promoting the general
jollity. And such hosts they are! Since have
been their gussG am sure no effort has been spared
to promote my comfort and happiness, and have
not single doubt that as one after another has
succeeded in bringing TO earth the splendid speci-
mems which have hung in front of the camp from
the first day of the hunt to the present each huntor
regretted that it was himself rather than his guest
who was the fortunate possessor of the prize. All
of them are well known business men, but when
the days tramp s ended and they gather ON the
"Deacon's seat'' in the camp, when The supper is
over and the pipes are lighted, they unbend and
mirth rules the hour. 1t would take too much of
your space to recall the humorous stores the witty
salles, the quick retorts which pass the time until
the hour of sleep. These would fill volume. Mel
aneholy is banished, and in its place is
"DIirth which wrinkled Care derides
And Laughter holding both his sides.
The portly form of the gentleman from Addison
shakes all over with glee and his pleasant face is
zone vast substantisl smie." The mild voice of
the excoleetor is lost in laughter that verify be-
HeVe could be heard mile or less. The grave cap
tains rejoice in merriment that would outdo a
moderate north-wester. The sober ship builder
laughs all over at some unusually clever practical
joke or funny story. and even the taciturn guide
reaxes his sedate features at the fun.
The good fortune of the Camp has been without
drawback. 1t was pleasant sight that greeted
my eyes on the third morning after my arrival.
-Four noble deer were hanging in front of the camp
and since that time, two more have been aided to
the number. Ii we get no more this good fortune
realizes it, the scene which up to this hour have
only known In guide books and advertisements of
sporting goods.
But what shall l say of the beneficial results of
such life so lar as health is concerned This free
dom from care these glorious tramps over barrens
and through forests under these bright autumn skies
bis pure, lnvigorating air. this delicious fatigue
that SO invites reposs this forest fare upon which
wait both appitite and good digestion this excite
meet, which always attends the pursuit of these
forest sports. all may be experienced but cannot be
described. Altogether il has been one of the most
agreeable vacations it has ever been my good for
| tune to enjoy.
In closing this somewhat extended letter wish to
| say enc word in favor of the game laws which so
many oppose,
All over the United States the large game is rap
idly disappearing and it is only the beneficial oper
alton of our game laws which prevents the saugh-
ter at unreasonable times and makes the forests Of
| northern Maine the paradise of true sportsmen.
Each year the hunting grows better and the mon
ey spent by tourists forms inconsiderabe reyen-
to the good people of the State 1t is to be hop
ed that the enforcement of these salutary laws will
| not be relaxed or suspended in the future. They
have rendered possible this most delightful relaxa-
| tion which am certain will make US stronger and
better fitted to perform such duties may deVolve
| upon US the year to come,