THE WENSLEYDALE YORE. 127 



Wheel, in which many of the largest fish are found. 

 Trout weighing four pounds have been taken at this 

 point, and my father tells of a trout having been caught 

 here, by a Dr. Balderson, weighing twelve pounds. I 

 have not had the good fortune to kill any trout over a 

 pound in weight, but, we may remember for our encourage- 

 ment that these large fish have fallen to the rods of some 

 of our brethren. The fishing from this point to Hawes 

 is very good, the river winding through pastures and 

 meadows and being wonderfully free from trees, so that 

 it is easy work for the angler. 



Having reached Hawes at last, it will be very 

 convenient for those who intend to fish in the waters 

 of the Hawes Angling Association to stay there. This 

 little market town has many pleasing associations for the 

 writer of this paper. It was here that I was born, and 

 where I spent my early days. Many a time and oft, 

 during my boyhood, have I rambled with my school- 

 fellows up Blackburn syke, Thornes syke, and others, 

 taking all the trout with our hands, a style of fishing 

 commonly called "graaping." We were rather fond of 

 this kind of sport. There was no angling association 

 then to interfere with our youthful tastes, yet I believe 

 that the river and tributaries contained more fish than 

 at the present time, notwithstanding the fact that the 

 Hawes Angling Association have watchers, and strictly 

 preserve the river, becks, and sykes or burns. From the 

 tower of the handsome new church of St. Margaret, at 

 Hawes, a magnificent view of the country can be had. 

 Looking west are seen Widdale, Mossdale, Cotterdale, 



