96 ANGLERS' EVENINGS. 



and when, by chance as it were, you do hook a fish, it is 

 basketed without a struggle, as if it were sick, its 

 behaviour resembhng that of a trout hooked in 

 mid-winter, or after spawning. The only reason I can 

 suggest is, that it is possible the road-washings which 

 enter the river, and which contain a large quantity ot 

 lime, affect the fish. If the water is in a milky 

 condition, it is indeed a sad state of things for the 

 angler. If this reason be the right one, it will partly 

 account for the fact of the best fishing being when the 

 water is low and clear. 



Should the fisherman be so unfortunate as to meet 

 with the conditions referred to, he should put on two 

 large bumbles (or, say, the dotterill fly), stand at the head 

 of a deep pool, and sink and work the fly exactly as in 

 fishing for salmon. Possibly these flies have a resemblance 

 to insects creeping on the bottom, and hence tempt a fish 

 or two. This is a hint from an old fisherman ; I have tried 

 it, and found it to be successful. 



An October day amongst the grayling may be followed 

 by an October night round the hospitable board of the 

 " Rutland." The very mention of this calls up visions of 

 delight. What tales of adventure by flood and fell ! what 

 fraternal interchange of experiences ! While music lends 

 her aid, the calumet of peace is enjoyed, ambrosial 

 pleasures abound, and the spirit of our Father Walton 

 prevails. 



