Group V. Diversions from Nature FISH STORIES ALLEGED AND EXPERIENCED WITH A LITTLE HISTORY NATURAL AND UNNATURAL BY CHARLES FREDERICK HOLDER 454783 COPYRIGHT, 1909, BY HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY Published February, 1909 THE QUINN & BODEN CO. PRESS RAHWAY, N. J. PREFATORY NOTE A FISH story needs no apology; and no affidavit nor string of affidavits can add anything to its credibility. The highest authorities in ethics have indicated the angler's privileges. It is agreed that "It is better to lie about your great catch of trout, than to make it." Furthermore, the greatest authorities in science agree that the trout lies in the bottom of the stream, even as the truth lies at the bottom of a well. It is therefore fitting that men should lie about the trout. "Tusitala," the one who talks lengthwise, is the Kavaname of the greatest of modern story-tellers. "Talinoa i faiva," one who tells fish-stories, is the more modest Kavaname given likewise in Samoa to one of the authors of this book. But for reasons which will appear, it would be more appropriately bestowed on his present associate. In further evidence of the truth of the tales here set forth, we may only note that both authors are Californians. Those interested in distinguishing the work of the individual authors may apply the well-known rules of the Higher Criticism. D. S. J. |