Brook Trout Baptism

Here in the Brook Trout Baptism, out of the book Speckled Brook Trout with Illustrations by famed artist and fisherman Louis Rhead. The book was printed in 1902 and is filled with some great illustrations and even writings by lure maker, fisherman and outdoor enthusiast W.C Harris.

Baptism of the Brook Trout

I am Salmo Fontinalis,
To the sparkling fountian born,
And my home where is Oxalis,
Heather bell and rose adorn,
The Crystal basin in the dell,
Undine the wood-nymph knows it well,
That is where I love to dwell,

There was I baptized and christened,
Neath the sombre isles of oak,
Mute the cascade paused and listened,
Never a word the brooklet spoke,
Bobolink was witness then,
Likewise Ousel, Linnet, Wren,
And all the brownies joined amen,

Noted Oft in ancient story,
Erst from a immemorial time,
Poets, Anglers, Hermits hoary,
Confirm my vested rights sublime,
All along the mountain range,
Tis writ in mystic symbols strange,
Naught shall abrogate or change,

Thus as Salmo Fontinalis,
Recognized wide worl o’er,
In my limpid crystal palace,
Content with all I ask no more,
Leaping through the rainbow spray,
Snatching Flies the live long day,
Naught to do but live and play.

Brook Trout Baptism