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the number of rods be limited, I think in a few years it 

 will be impossible for even a first-class angler to get a 

 brace. To show what a change has taken place in this 

 respect, I may mention that sixteen years ago, with my 

 floating drakes, I killed thirty pounds of trout in one 

 afternoon, several being over two pounds. The last good 

 day I had on this stream was in June, 1871, when I first 

 introduced my " Multum in parvo " fly rod ; and that 

 day's sport I shall never forget. I was staying at the Bull 

 Inn, and sat down to luncheon with a nnmber of 

 gentlemen anglers, who were talking about minnow fishing, 

 the best tackle for the real minnow, and the best artificial 

 baits. A gentleman asked me if I had one of my devil 

 killers with me. I told him I had one in my portmanteau, 

 and he wished me to show it to those present. I 

 did so, upon which a gentleman exclaimed, " That 

 thing kill fish ? why it will scare all the fish in the river !" 

 The remarks annoyed me, and I said : " Gentlemen, I 

 will make a bet that I go to the stream and get a fish at 

 the first throw." " What will you bet ?" said they. " Not 

 much," I replied, "say half-a-crown." Nearly a dozen 

 gentlemen accepted my bet at once. I had then to ask 

 the landlord's permission to use the killer, as they were 

 not allowed on that stream. He said under the circum- 

 stances I was quite welcome. I informed the gentlemen 

 of the fact, and the time was fixed for two o'clock. I 

 had every confidence, as I well knew where to find fish. 

 I put my waders on, and with my little eight-foot "Multum 

 in parvo " rod in hand, waded up to the arch of the 

 bridge, from which there were a number of people, 



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