36 ANGLING REMINISCENCES. 



and moves out into deep, unobstructive water ; but he is 

 not nearly exhausted, as you may see by that fling of his. 



May. 'Tis right vigorous and methodical, and had 

 nigh proved a swamper. Saw you not how he 

 aimed with his broad tail at the line, or rather threw 

 himself plump upon it, in order to try its strength ? 



Leister. He did so, and might have succeeded 

 in breaking it, had I not been aware of his design, 

 and kept in readiness for it by slackening the reins. 

 But now he confesses himself baffled ; his efforts to 

 escape become weaker; he turns in three or four 

 directions, and is scarcely able to face the current. 

 I have wheeled his head round, and lead him cau- 

 tiously along with the stream ; and here he comes 

 to land; run, Bill, and secure him. 



Otter. A goodly fish, but somewhat big-pated 

 and black. I have seen trout more to my fancy ; 

 but this is an old boy, and tough-leathered. 



Leister. He measures in length about nineteen 

 inches, and weighs short of two pounds. Ha! look 

 you what the lean, gluttonous cannibal has dis- 

 gorged ! one of his own species, entire and fresh : 

 another half-digested; two small eels; and a singu- 

 lar concoction of worms, beetles, and leeches. A 

 hearty meal has he made of them, as you may no- 

 tice. Lay him in your creel, May-fly, we shall do 

 likewise in part upon him. And now, take the 

 trouting-rod, and angle carefully over the next 

 pool ; there be some prowlers out scanning the 



