IRELAND. 321 



the " Green Isle;" and the trout, in point of quality, arc, 

 upon the whole, superior to those which are to be found 

 even in the most favoured waters of England or Scotland. 

 Nothing can exceed the richness and delicacy of the^e 

 fish, when fresh caught in some of the lakes and rivers in 

 the west of Ireland. They are as red as the finest salmon, 

 and as firm and luscious as it is possible to imagine. 



On many accounts, Ireland is a delightful country for 

 the purposes of the angler. It is, like Scotland, com- 

 paratively free from preserved waters ; and the wandering 

 brother of the craft must be unlucky indeed, if he en- 

 counter any serious obstacles in his peregrinations through 

 the country. This absence of restraint is itself a source 

 of intense pleasure to the thoughtful and contemplative 

 mind. In addition to this, moreover, the rambler, whose 

 conduct is that of a fair sportsman and a gentleman, will 

 experience the kindest treatment, and the most unbounded 

 hospitality, from all ranks in this land of warm hearts and 

 witty heads. It will be his own fault if his sojourn in 

 the " Green Isle," be other than a happy and a merry 

 one; and when, after the lapse of years, he looks back 

 upon the perished enjoyments of the past, he will feel- 

 ingly acknowledge, that his short visit to the " first gem 

 of the sea," was more replete with merriment, with real, 

 downright, hearty fun, than all the other passages of his 

 life put together. 



The angler in Ireland must, on no account, omit to 

 pay a visit to the county of Gal way; for in this district 

 will be found in rich and varied abundance all that the 

 most enthusiastic sportsman can possibly desire. Trout and 

 salmon nock about the water in countless shoals ; and the 

 fine sparkling streams wander through the most beautiful 

 and romantic country imaginable. 



y 



