248 THE TROUT ARE RISING 



overlooking the river from a height, the Mooi 

 shaped itself like a horseshoe : and there was 

 constant music from its rapids. When we reached 

 our destination at midday, luncheon was sug- 

 gested, but this seemed an encroachment on 

 valuable time with such trout water before us. 

 The younger farmer decided to have two or three 

 casts, just to soak his gut, and almost immediately 

 a bright-hued trout was leaping in the water. The 

 angler kept a tight line on him, and a beautiful 

 fish bordering on two pounds was presently landed. 

 Luncheon, always good by the riverside, was soon 

 dispatched, and the attractive fishing was con- 

 tinued. That day the host got six trout weighing 

 eight pounds, the younger farmer seven weighing 

 ten and three-quarter pounds, while I came last 

 with three of three and a half pounds. My third 

 trout, too, was caught in the last few minutes. 

 The rise had almost ceased, and then " Cotswold 

 Isys's " words about the coachman fly came to 

 mind, viz. : 



" But if vainly for trout you strive, 



At gloaming never despair, 

 Call on your coachman to give them a drive, 

 And he will not want a fare." 1 



Accordingly, a coachman was substituted as 

 leader fly, and a fare was soon forthcoming, this 

 trout being one pound and a half. The host 

 called it a bad day. A good day there must be 

 worth having ! A ride back across country brought 

 us to the farmstead where a Colonial welcome, 

 typical of the whole visit, awaited us ; and you 



