352 Fly-rods and Fly-tackle. 



We have seen many sights, and have passed through 

 many scenes together well calculated to stir the most 

 languid blood, but now, for the first time in our long 

 intercourse, did the even balance of his mind seem dis- 

 turbed. 



I looked, and upon a sight such as I had never before 

 seen. Off the end of the snags, about two feet below the 

 surface of the water, and not more than fifteen feet dis- 

 tant, a school of trout appeared not three or four, or 

 even half a dozen, but I believe at least twenty in num- 

 ber. Through the clear water their great white-edged 

 fins glistened like silver, and their vivid colors were al- 

 most as striking as though we had them in our hands, 

 fresh taken from the water. 



For years it had been our constant practice and amuse- 

 ment for each to estimate the weight of our larger fish 

 when they rose, during their struggle for life, and finally 

 when ready for the net; and then at last to compare our 

 estimates with the indications of the spring-balance, to 

 see who had most nearly approached the truth. We had 

 thus acquired no little proficiency in this respect, and a 

 close coincidence between the real weight and that as 

 finally estimated was almost invariable. 



Unless we were deceived, not a single fish was in that 

 school which did not exceed two and a half pounds in 

 weight. Some, though we could hardly believe our own 

 eyes, we could not place at less than five, while four- 

 pounders were plenty. 



Almost breathless we watched them slowly cruising 

 about, apparently w T ith utter indifference to the canoe, 

 now not five feet from them. 



I could not stand it. "John, . I must have just one 

 more out of that crowd." And so the canoe was with- 



