A Spring Ramble in Normandy. 87 



pecker, messieurs." But it was unfortunately 

 a jour de fete, and consequently all the dains 

 in the river seemed to be discharging their 

 waters : it was fully a foot and a half above 

 its usual height, and somewhat muddy into the 

 bargain. However, before long two small trout 

 were taken, and then I moved over a half-built 

 wall into the next field, where I was confronted 

 with a hard-featured old peasant, who vouchsafed 

 the information that it was his property ; and 

 apparently his dignity was so much injured by 

 the mode of entry, that he would in no way 

 budge from his obstinate " Non, nonf" The 

 next cottage being empty, the following one 

 was tried, and here another blue-eyed matron 

 kindly vouchsafed her leave, and also went to 

 the part belonging to the empty house, which 

 belonged to her brother-in-law, and I was soon 

 joined by her husband, a handsome and kindly 

 peasant proprietor. Presently one trout, which 

 was, however, less than a quarter of a pound, 

 was landed ; and in the meantime, much con- 

 versation on all subjects, from angling to 

 politics, took place. The main gist of the 

 political subjects was that, before all else, 

 Frenchmen desired peace. And then a small 



