A merican Game-Fishes 



large ones. Pass it : the stream below is 

 better. Its right bank is wooded ; but on 

 the other you may come to it across the 

 meadow, and screen yourself behind tall 

 grasses, clethras, azaleas, and other brook- 

 side things. One fish picked up here gives 

 more pleasure than a dozen from the 

 swampy pond. There is one pool below 

 (still with its steep side and its meadow 

 side, for the stream has clung to the curve 

 of the low hill) which I should like to 

 fish myself, for old time's sake. In the 

 pond below you will find abundant good 

 fish. Take what you will, and then Til 

 show you the way home. 



One dislikes to pass by the grayling, 

 " the lady of the streams ; " but in our 

 country its habitat is relatively so restricted 

 that it must remain, even to most anglers, 

 a book or aquarium acquaintance. Its re- 

 pute as a game-fish varies greatly. But it 

 should be borne in mind that those who 

 know it best hold it highest ; and it seems 

 altogether probable that the slight esteem 

 of others is due to their having fished for 

 the grayling in summer. It is in full sea- 

 son only in autumn, after the holiday time 

 for most busy men is over. Whatever 

 may be thought of its fighting qualities, 

 there is no dispute about its beauty. Its 

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