120 THE COMPLETE ANGLER 



make the wonder seem yet less, that hares change sexes, 

 note, that Doctor Mer. Casaubon affirms in his book of 

 credible and incredible things, that Caspar Peucerus, a 

 learned physician, tells us of a people that once a year turn 

 wolves, partly in shape, and partly in conditions. And so, 

 whether this were a salmon when he came into the fresh 

 water, and his not returning into the sea hath altered 

 him to another colour or kind, I am not able to say : but 

 I am certain he hath all the signs of being a trout both for 

 his shape, colour, and spots ; and yet many think he is 

 not. 



VEN. But, master, will this trout which I had hold of 

 die ? for it is like he hath the hook in his belly. 



Pise. I will tell you, scholar, that unless the hook be 

 fast in his very gorge, 'tis more than probable he will live ; 

 and a little time, with the help of the water, will rust the 

 hook, and it will in time wear away ; as the gravel doth 

 in the horse-hoof, which only leaves a false quarter. 



And now, scholar, let's go to my rod. Look you, 

 scholar, I have a fish too, but it proves a logger-headed 

 chub ; and this is not much amiss, for this will pleasure 

 some poor body, as we go to our lodging to meet our 

 brother Peter and honest Condon. Come, now bait your 

 hook again, and lay it into the water, for it rains again : 

 and we will even retire to the sycamore tree, and there I 

 will give you more directions concerning fishing ; for I 

 would fain make you an artist. 



VEN. Yes, good master, I pray let it be so. 



Pise. Well, scholar, now we are sat down and are at 

 ease, I shall tell you a little more of trout fishing, before 

 I speak of salmon, which I purpose shall be next, and then 

 of the pike or luce. 



You are to know there is night as well as day -fishing for 

 a trout, and that in the night the best trouts come out of 

 their holes : and the manner of taking them is, on the top 

 of the water, with a great lob or garden-worm, or rather 



