BLAGDON 283 



where are ditches, dykes, a submerged lane or so, with 

 occasional little pools and pot-holes marking the spots 

 once occupied by duck-ponds or depressions in the 

 fields. One result of this is that anywhere one is 

 likely to come upon an unexpected bit of deep water 

 subtly disposed even in a shallow corner, and, of course, 

 in such a place one expects to find a big trout lurking 

 secure, but willing, if one can but put a fly before him. 

 Another result is that the bank angler is tempted to 

 take plenty of exercise, for beyond every bend he hopes 

 for some of that variety which is so calculated to lure 

 him on. There is something particularly tempting 

 about the Blagdon ditches, dark blue or olive ribbons 

 stretching out across the yellow or brown of the 

 shallows. 



On my first visit the lake was quite full, and its cir- 

 cumference was a mighty thing some seven miles, I 

 should say, taking all the bays and corners into con- 

 sideration. Part of the distance is heavy and moist 

 going (knee-boots or wading-stockings are a wise pre- 

 caution), and the man who desires to fish all round it 

 in the day needs good legs and the " merry heart." A 

 few energetic souls make the round without apparently 

 regarding it as a matter for pride. One or two, whose 

 hearts can hardly be able to contain their merriness if 

 Shakespeare is right, do it before breakfast, and turn 

 up smiling about 5 p.m., having done it again. But 

 the ordinary out-of-condition mortal will find one 

 circuit in the course of the day as much as prudence 

 dictates, while the cautious one will only attempt to 

 cover so much ground as can be done without undue 

 fatigue and with due regard to return. This last point 



