298 FISHES AND FISHING. 



I think this instrument may be very much im 

 proved, and intend endeavouring to do so. 



Fly-fishing in the Ganges. 



II The science of fly-fishing is completely set at 

 defiance, and rendered comparatively futile, in many 

 parts of the Ganges; for instance, at the junction of 

 the Soane. Fancy a noble river like the Ganges, fed 

 by the everlasting snows of the Himalaya, and the 

 countless streams which add their silvery tribute from 

 every glen and ravine along its course. Picture this 

 impetuous torrent, after being fretted into foam 

 amongst the rocky chasms of its native mountains, 

 leaping joyously into liberty and light, and roaring 

 triumphantly as it bursts from its long confinement, 

 and flings its glittering spray through its romantic 

 gorge of Tapabund, hurrying along tumultuously to 

 the open sea ! Fancy a twenty-eight pound marseer 

 at the end of your line, where the Soane (itself also 

 a river) mingles its waters with the heavy billows of 

 the Ganges. The fish makes directly across to the 

 rapid, where the best boat that ever stemmed a tide 

 would be shattered into a thousand splinters ; there 

 is a sweeping bay to the right, which totally prevents 

 your moving from the spot. 



" The marseer is a gallant fish ; and an active one 

 in prime condition. Rebellious at the trick you played 



