1 8 ROD AND RIVER 



never cut weeds because there are no weeds to 

 cut, and where sheep-washing does not mar one's 

 sport ; but such streams are for the most part 

 rocky, small, or shallow, and the fish in them are 

 insignificant specimens. Where, however, the 

 stream is strong, even though the trout be small, 

 they can afford no little fun on light tackle ; and it 

 requires some careful handling to land so small a 

 fish as one of only a quarter of a pound, especially 

 if the banks are wooded, for such troutlets jump 

 and tug hard in the rough water-way, and can 

 make a stiffish rod bend as much as would a two- 

 pounder in a more placid river. Such trout, too, 

 are brilliant, healthy little fish, and the very best 

 of good eating ; they have to work hard for their 

 living, and are quick to seize every opportunity of 

 obtaining it, and so, if the fisherman can keep out 

 of sight, and cast his fly deftly over them, they will 

 dash at it and hook themselves almost before it 

 has reached the water. 



No trout are, perhaps, more beautiful in colour 

 and form than these liliputians, and the weather 

 must indeed be unsuitable for fishing when an 

 experienced hand cannot secure several brace of 

 them, not including those which he may return 

 to the river as being too small to retain. Now 

 and again a fish of half a pound, or even one 

 of a pound weight, may reward his efforts. Such 

 captures, are, however, by no means frequent, and 



