SEA TROUT. 105 



PoiET. — It is very small and very gaudy, 

 I believe made with humming bird's feathers. 



Hal. — No. The brightest Java dove's 

 hackle ; kingfisher's blue, and golden phea- 

 sant's feathers, and the red feathers of the 

 paroquet. There was a fish that rose and 

 missed the fly — a sea trout. There, he has 

 taken it, a fresh run fish, from his white belly 

 and blue back. 



PoiET. — How he springs out of the w^ater ! 

 He must be 6 or 7 lbs. 



Hal. — Under five, I am sure; he will soon 

 be tired. He fights with less spirit; put the 

 net under him. There, he is a fine fed sea 

 trout, between 4 and 5 lbs. But our intrusive 

 brother angler (as I must call him) is coming 

 down the river to take his evening cast. A 

 stout Highlander, with a powerful tail, — or, 

 as we should call it in England, suite. He is 

 resolved not to be driven off, and I am not sure 

 that the Laird himself could divert him from 

 his purpose, except by a stronger tail, and 

 force of arms ; but I will try my eloquence 

 upon him. " Sir, we hope you will excuse 

 us for fishing in this pool, where it seems you 



