ON THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE COLN 175 



which is worse. But in certain circumstances (a brace 

 of fish acquired early in the day, for instance) these 

 drawbacks become merits. They present themselves 

 as pleasing difficulties to be overcome rather than as 

 grim causes for despair. That brace of fish makes all 

 the difference on any water. In size the Bibury trout 

 are rather less than those of Fairford ; a fish of one and 

 a half pounds on the Swan water is a big one, and any- 

 thing over that a triumph. But the sizeable three- 

 quarter-pounder is numerous. 



Part of the hotel fishery is, as has been said, bounded 

 by the road, and at first it is rather nervous work cast- 

 ing over the low wall before spectators, and taking care 

 not to catch the passer-by. After a bit, however, one 

 loses all sense of shame, and in any case, if one has 

 ever fished " Chalkley's " at Winchester, one is used to 

 publicity. For those who prefer to blush (or glare) 

 unseen, there is water secure from the public both at 

 top and bottom. The top part consists of about half a 

 mile of mill-pound and a side-brook. The latter holds 

 some good fish, but in the summer is very weedy, and 

 has no open spaces for trial casts ; the fly must fall to 

 the inch at the first essay. The mill-pound is sluggish, 

 and the fish cruise about under trees in a rather discon- 

 certing fashion. But by letting the fly remain on the 

 water till a fish sees it one can generally get a rise. I 

 would not advise an angler to go to Bibury after the 

 Mayfly for big baskets, but for interesting fishing it may 

 be commended. In July and August the trout rise 

 more or less all day, and the ordinary red quills, 

 spinners, etc., in small sizes are sure to move some of 

 them. 



