PRELIMINARY NOTES 29 



have worked down. Some are better than others, 

 especially such as are deep and still above the 

 mill, but many of them would not repay fishing. 

 The next point is the brook itself. In early 

 spring, say March, a month which I would gladly 

 see prohibited by law for trout-fishing, there is, 

 in normal conditions, plenty of water down. 

 Stickles, glides and pools will, though full, be 

 well defined, and the whereabouts of the trout 

 more easily ascertained than at any other time. 

 They are now recuperating after their spawning 

 operations, and though weakened by this and 

 other natural causes, are sufficiently recruited to 

 be able to contend with all moderately-flowing 

 runs, in which they shake off parasites, pick up 

 food, and gradually gain strength and condition. 

 How often does one read of catches made in 

 March said to be in excellent condition ! I have 

 never known this to be the case, and it would be 

 rather surprising if it were true. All violent 

 rushes and torrents, and still deeps, which will all 

 be harbourages later on, may now be passed over, 

 and attention concentrated on the tails of rapid 

 runs (termed ' the hang ' in Scotland), all glides, 

 and the broken water of easy flow and moderate 

 depth. From April, with increasing strength, the 

 trout are working into stronger currents, and the 



