234 TROUT FISHING 



Another trouble, frequent on the chalk streams 

 though less met with on other waters, is weeds, 

 both on and below the surface. The miseries 

 inflicted by weeds floating down the Test or Itchen 

 on fine fresh mornings of May and other months 

 could inspire a whole series of penitential psalms, 

 with a supplement composed of versified objurga- 

 tions. Though no poet myself, I would gladly 

 contribute to the volume. 



There is perhaps no problem of the chalk streams 

 which produces more heart-burnings, more abuse 

 of one's neighbours, than this, unless it be mudding 

 carried on at untimely periods. There is one real 

 remedy for it and only one — ^that every fishery should 

 take out its weeds as it cuts them. When the 

 Hampshire rivers adopt this system — it is enforced 

 by the conservators on the Thames and its tribu- 

 taries, which include several chalk streams — 

 the first weed trouble will to a great extent have 

 disappeared. The system of course involves some 

 extra expense in labour and in the provision of 

 weedracks, fixed or movable, but considering how 

 valuable chalk stream fishing is and how short 

 its season I think the outlay ought to be worth 

 while. 



The other w^eed trouble is caused by the fish, 

 which like their weeds thick and strong and handy. 



