42 HINTS ON ANGLING. 



spot. In the hot and dry summer of 1826, we observed a 

 large fish about four pounds in weight, who for ten weeks 

 never moved out of a small but rather deep stream. We 

 tried him at intervals both early and late with fly, worm, 

 and minnow; but all to no purpose. Soon after, a flood 

 came down the stream, and we saw him no more. 



It is by taking cognisance of these holds, or haunts, that 

 an angler who knows a river well possesses such a decided 

 advantage over a stranger, however skilful and expert. 

 The former knows to a certainty where the fish are lying ; 

 and if he be unsuccessful on one occasion, he is almost sure 

 to succeed on another. 



Trout pair at the latter end of June and in July, 

 and are invariably both of the same size. They roam 

 together, feed together, exist together, and seem to delight 

 in each other's society. We have sometimes fancied that 

 they express feelings of commiseration and affection for 

 each other in times of peril and danger. This notion is 

 founded on the following circumstances, which have 

 occurred to us over and over again in the course of our 

 experience. 



In fine, clear, still water, during bright hot weather, 

 and under shady groves, we have discovered two trout 

 which have paired, and with a worm, carefully dropped 

 before their noses, have succeeded in hooking one of 

 them. As the only way to kill a fish in such a situation 

 is to hold him tight, and depend on the strength of the 

 tackle, we have seen his companion sail round him, when 

 struggling at the top of the water, and appear to be 

 sensible of his danger. Even when the fallen fish lay 

 panting and prostrate on the surface, we have known his 

 mate come up, as if to assist him, and almost, in her 

 affection, lay herself by his side. After the fish was 



