126 Rambles ivit/i a FisJdng-Rod. 



is the fact that only a few common features in 

 the mere outward lives of the people are ob- 

 served ; and even of their habits but few can 

 really be properly gleaned by the passing tra- 

 veller. The self-inflicted melancholy and un- 

 fortunate reserve of most English travellers is 

 also a strong barrier against familiar inter- 

 course with foreigners. The English tourists 

 who flock to the spots where their countrymen 

 congregate, have not yet fully acquired the 

 secret of enjoyable outing, and often get but a 

 poor return for their money. Certainly modern 

 travellers would do well to notice how Words- 

 worth, for instance, and his sister Dorothy, 

 associated with those among whom they tra- 

 velled ; how Dr Johnson would talk as readily 

 with a gillie as he would argue with a Presby- 

 terian minister. 



"Whilst the most imperfect fisherman hardly 

 ever sets out for a holiday in Scotland or Ire- 

 land without his trout-rod, the keenest angler 

 generally leaves his tackle behind him when 

 he departs for Germany or France; yet for 

 the pleasantest and most satisfactory fishing 

 tours these latter countries are the best. To 

 enjoy Scotch or Irish fishing one place must be 



