The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-06-11

| pared for the invalid and a roaring fire
kindied close by He would not listen 10
| the suggestion that he be taken to a farm
house. insisting that he felt better In camp:
| Meanwhile the two runaway canoes had
been recovered and tied up TO the bank.
| Now they were righted and account OF stock
was taken. Itwas found that the blankets,
which had been wrapped in oilcloth and
slight wetting where the water had pene-
trated the folds Of the wrapper. King
waterproof bag. containing his clothing and
some small articles, had fioated and been
recovered, but he had lost a fine revolver
and a pair OF gold-rimmed. glasses. Ways
canoe had carried a large share OF our pro-
visions, which were lost or hcpelessly. dam
aged in the upset. and his paddle had foated
away. Altogether IL was a costly adj
venture. Way had soon recovered from his
extreme exhaustion and had been able to
take some part I'm the work of camp max
ing. Kirg remained very weak all day, but
could not refrain even so from perpetraung
characteristicaly bad jokes, declaring, for
example, that he had had enough OF the
''tippy canoe and would not go father IN
less its equilibrium were guaranteed. At
night when he desired greatly TO go TO
sleep Milton and Hayes became engaged In
grammar Con a vacation outingD Finally
the former turned to Hing and asked: say,
Rex. which is ~it-vulgus stultissimus or
Yulgus stultissimum? Instantly the answer
came: NUNS the word" and mum 1t was
for the rest of the night.
A THREE WEEKS REST.
For three weeks we loitered along the
beautiful stream, starting late and camp
ing early, with long stops at noon and
sometimes a whole day in camp. Each morn
ing. on waking. we rolled out CT bed. e.,
our canoes-into the water for a bath, and
each evening a monster fire lighted and
warmed our camp. The element OF danger
and daring adventure, of course, was want
ing. but as a complete change from the
monotony of school or business life such a
trip as this has strong attractions. Its
advantage over a fixed camp lies in the fact
that there is constant change of scene and
incident and greater opportunity for genuine
'roughing it." The small expense involved
is another item in its favor for some whose
purses are not too deep.
Fishing III the Tfppecanoe, like some other
things, is not what 1t once was. Spear
ing or "gigging," SEEMING and dynamiting
have done their part toward exterminating
the fine bass that used to swarm in its
waters, but, If We are to believe the testi-
mony Of the fishermen we met, the thing
which has contributed more than all these is
the introduction of the carp. We could see
myriads of these water hogs" as we foated
along. but they will not take fly or bait. as
thankful. They will sometimes nibble at a
hook baited with soft grains or corn, but
In the main, like the sucker, they go roofing
about In the bottom, and are said to devour
the spawn of other fish. especially bass, and
thus cheek their increase. We were told,
but failed to verify the statement, that the
carp were not placed in the river by author
ity. but had been kept in a private pond
near Norway until the owner, tired Of this
kind Of pet, opened the gates and turned
them all into the Tippecanoe. However
they came there. they are doing their best
to ruin the fishing and even to make the
water "roily' by keeping the sediment
stirred up. The same is said to be true of
the Kankakee.
The Tippecanoe flows into the Wabash
a few miles above Lafayette, not far from
the historic battle ground where the chief,
Tecumseh, met his fate. At Lafayette one
can ship his canoe in almost any direc-
ton within a few hours after his arrival
and take train himself for home. If he so
desire he can continue his journey by
beat down the Wabash, but after the first
few miles the muddy water, clay banks
and monotonous scenery grow wearisome,
especially as there is no good fishing. For
canoeing one wants a narrow, rapid stream,
not too much frequented, and, If possible,
Astounding in fish. Its banks should be
clean and its bed rock or sand. The farther
from civilization the better, yet tolerable
canoeing can be found even so near home
as the Tippecanoe.
Our party returned to books and collars,
tables and beds. with genuine regret, and
"Pap's" valedictory ran thus: Il tell you,
fellows, my idea of an evening in the hap
by hunting grounds is a grassy island, a
big fire, a blanket and a pipe; the moon
Just rising, round and full; the air filled
with the scent of wood and the sound of the
rushing water, supper done. the dishes
washed and everybody happy"