SALMON ANaLIKG IN IRELAND. 9 



half of respectable fish in fair condition, and above a score of small 

 ones. 



What right or title I had to do these things, I know not. Mr. Bay, 

 in glowing language, proposed the expedition, and I went with a hazy 

 idea that something was wrong, and that I ought to have asked some 

 one or other for that leave which is so seldom refused in this kindly 

 land. 



As our river is not yet in order, suppose we pay a visit to the 

 Bride. The lady is capricious, and does not always smile when her 

 suitors sigh ; another offer can do no harm, so we will take the rod 

 and try our fortune. 



The Vale of the Bride were it not for the many Cromwellian 

 fortresses scattered over it ^has a strong English aspect. Familiar 

 home names stare at us from shop fronts ; drive in tax -carts ; and 

 own broad acres. Under the somewhat too vigorous administration 

 of the Protector, much property changed hands, and the sagacious 

 soldier rewarded those who served him. Neither life nor lands being 

 too secure, each new possessor erected a square tower to remedy the 

 difficulty, and add one charm more to the beautiful Bride. The 

 river is of moderate size and unincumbered with wood. In the 

 summer it holds grilse and white trout, at which time, it is only 

 right to say, I never tried it. To-day the water proved in good 

 order, and yielded us rather over two score trout, of all sizes, from 

 Jib. to 3oz. 



It was late when we left Tallow Bridge ; and though the Black- 

 water cider needs no praise from me, I desire giatefuUy to record 

 that a glass or two of that nectar made the long hill short and 

 easy. 



Home is a pleasant place. Within a stone's throw of my window 

 stands the Cathedral, its square tower and lofty spire rising above 

 the tall trees which sun'ound it. The strains of the organ, touched 

 by a hand of rare skill and taste, float through the room. In the old 

 limes the rooks are picking and stealing, toiling and fighting, like so 

 many featherless bipeds ; and, heedless of the turmoil, two venerable 

 bu'ds, without household cares, discoui*se gravely and sedately. Are 



