36 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 



average of size is more frequently from half a pound to 

 one and a half pound. During the breeding season, 

 they may be seen swimming in shallow water, and only 

 move off very slowly into the pool when disturbed ; 

 being at all times a much bolder fish than the Trout. 

 They are more particular than the Trout in taking the 

 fly, and will frequently " rise short" at it, much to the 

 annoyance of the Angler, for a whole day together. 



Having briefly described the habits and habitats of 

 the Grayling, I shall proceed to notice the three Rivers 

 intended by the Author. And first as to the Yore, or 

 Ure, which rises hi the mountainous district on the con- 

 fines of Westmoreland and Yorkshire ; and in its course 

 towards Hawes in Wensleydale, is joined by three or 

 four small streams from Shunner, Widdale, and Dodd 

 Fells. From Hawes to Bainbridge, it is a small stream, 

 but is here increased by the addition of Semmer-water ; 

 below Bainbridge and Askrigg, the river contracts, and 

 has a more rapid current ; at Aysgarth, there is a con- 

 siderable cataract, below which it receives the stream 

 from Bishopdale ; it then passes along to Bolton Hall ; 

 thence to Wensley, where it continues its course to 

 Middleham ; a little below this place it receives the 

 Cover ; it now passes East Witton, and thence to 

 Jerveaux Abbey, where Wensleydale may be said to 

 terminate. Here the river widens arid continues to 

 Clifton Castle a lovely spot ; the property of Timothy 

 Hutton, Esq. Here the river becomes a magnificent 

 stream, and the scenery remarkably picturesque and 

 beautiful: it next reaches Masham, a neighbourhood full 

 of interest to the tourist, bounded by the property of 

 O. V. Harcourt, Esq., who resides at Swinton Park, a 



