6 A DAY'S FLY-FISHING. 



road, leading from a certain town, which still lies 

 buried in the mist and smoke behind them, to a 

 tributary of the main river, a mile or so distant. 

 This they mean to fish down to its mouth (for the 

 distance is short), and afterwards continue fishing 

 the main stream downwards, as far as their in- 

 clination may lead them. No solitary, selfish 

 anglers are they, as is manifest by their going 

 in company, and by the presence of a couple of 

 canine favourites, who are evidently accustomed 

 to the sport, for they partake of their masters' 

 excitement, and withal are admirably " behaved." 

 Our anglers are well caparisoned, without being 

 encumbered. No superfluous landing-nets, huge 

 books, and other gear, which usually betoken 

 " the pretender," can be found on them. They 

 have only necessaries. Their rods and baskets 

 are the only outward and visible signs of their 

 craft, and small side pockets suffice to contain 

 their stores of " glittering glories." You can see 

 at a glance that they are worthy disciples of our 

 patriarch, evidently "slaughterers" of the first 

 degree, and enthusiastic, from the gusto with 

 which they relate and listen to old exploits, and 

 anxiously and joyously trudge on. 



At last they arrive at their ground. Their 

 tackle is very soon arranged ; and now they are 



