20 SPORT IN NORTH AMERICA. 



■were carpeted with moss, blue periwinkle, and 

 orchids. The surface of the water was constantly 

 disturbed by fish coming up to breathe the air, or to 

 snap up an insect. By the orders of Mr. P., lines 

 had been brought to the place, with several hinds of 

 nets. We all first of all tried our skill with the 

 artificial fly, but I must confess that I was-too much 

 occupied Avith watching America to pay much atten- 

 tion to what I Avas doing. She, however, set about 

 her task in earnest, and the trout were soon heaped 

 up at her feet, in a reservoir net which she arranged 

 herself at the margin of the basin. 



Mr. P. had gone on to try another pool, Avhen 



America said to me : " I see the line-fishing wearies 



you. Let me show you how to use the casting net. 



I elect you my boatman ordinary and extraordinary.''^ 



" You use the casting net ? " 



" Certainly, and very well too. E voi vedrete la 

 mia abilita." 



" That I can well believe, and yet '^ 



" Well, get into the boat, and row it gently down 

 the stream. Make as little noise as possible." 



There was an elegant little canoe, which we both 

 entered, she standing at the prow with her net 

 thrown over her shoulders, and presently (svTinging it 

 two or three times) she threw it into the water 

 in a circle — no practised fisherman could have 

 done it better. The cast was so successful that I 

 had to come to the assistance of my joyous com- 



