PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 41 



their natural bed. Holbeck and Rical, two small streams celebrated 

 for the flavour of their Trout, enter the Rye a little below Ness. In 

 Bilsdale, and the upper portion of the Rye, Trout are very numerous, 

 but do not get to a large size ; the fishing being generally confined 

 to the minnow and worm. As the river approaches Rivaulx, the 

 stream becomes broader, and the fly-fishing commences, although it is 

 somewhat difficult on account of the banks being covered with wood ; 

 here the Grayling fishing may be said to commence. The sur- 

 rounding scenery is almost beyond description. The woods around 

 rising to a considerable height ; and the terraces of Rivaulx and 

 Duncombe Park are truly magnificent : the whole -Abbey is indeed 

 a stately ruin in a chosen spot. The fishing is strictly preserved by 

 Lord Feversham ; but a day's fly-fishing may generally be obtained 

 by application to his Lordship's agent atHelmsley ; Duncombe Park 

 being kept entirely for his Lordship's private friends. From Helms- 

 ley Bridge to Newton Wath, the stream ^is strictly preserved by a 

 party of gentlemen, through the kind permission of Lord Feversham, 

 who have formed it into a fishing Club, called the Ryedale Anglers' 

 Club ; the head quarters being at Mr. Agar's, Helmsley. I can 

 highly recommend the Black Swan to the attention of all tourists ; 

 every accommodation can be afforded, coupled with modera'te 

 charges. The good lady of the house is an excellent provider, 

 and will endeavour to make you comfortable. Gentlemen who 

 fish the lower part of the Club water frequently take up their 

 quarters at Mr. Thorpe's, Oswaldkirk : here will be found a quiet 

 snug retreat and good accommodation. The Inn is about a mile 

 from the river. 



The Club water is under the surveillance of a keeper, and no 

 fish is allowed to be taken except it measure nine inches. This 

 portion of the river is one combination of pool and stream. The 

 Grayling are more numerous than Trout, and the latter neither get 

 to a large size, nor are they of good flavour ; the Grayling, however, 

 are the largest and best I have ever caught, and may be frequently 



