TROUT AND ANGLING. 361 



disputandum,) but it does not follow that his feet, 

 though cold, are wet, being protected by his imper- 

 vious india-rubber leggings, in which, after some 

 hours' pressure of the water, there is not the least 

 appearance of moisture, except what arises from 

 the natural exudation from the skin. 



Even as early as February, the trout may be 

 taken in this and other places, and as before ob- 

 served, are in high perfection ; but the cold, at this 

 season requires to be guarded against, and the an- 

 gler is consequently supplied with a pea-jacket, as 

 it is called, among his other defences ; his dress, 

 in fact, is regulated according to the season, March, 

 April and May being the most favorable months. 

 Though by no means giving it the preference, he 

 likes the fishing because he likes the fish, and 

 more particularly, for its novelty, being the first 

 fruits of the season. 



His other gear, as varying strictly from fly-fish- 

 ing, are these : the rod should be rather longer 

 and stouter, though, well managed, the fly-rod 

 may be used without danger and with still greater 

 convenience. 



Casting lines may be used or not, at pleasure, 

 but a single shot of the size called B. is absolute- 

 ly necessary. A very minute swivel is used for the 

 double purpose of spinning the bait and preserving 

 the line from snarling. Several spare hooks, already 



