HIGHLY EDUCATED TROUT 231 



generally, though not always, indicates that the 

 hook is not firmly fixed. When a spring is made 

 it behoves the angler to be as careful not to check 

 it as it would be for him to slacken his hand on a 

 rearing horse. The least touch, and grief must 

 ensue. I am acquainted with a portion of a cer- 

 tain river, well known to fishermen, where the 

 trout run large, and are extra cunning and lusty. 

 They will look at nothing but the smallest of flies 

 on the finest of tackle. They contrive, by jump- 

 ing when struck, to smash the gut with their tails. 

 These trout are highly educated in fact, they 

 know a deal too much. Perhaps the existence of 

 a Board School may be the cause. Anyhow, they 

 have often broken my heart, and my casting-line to 

 boot. I confess they are altogether too much for 

 me, especially when they have become fat and in- 

 solent with high feeding during the mayfly season. 

 I could, if I chose, tell some extraordinary tales 

 respecting these trout, and well -authenticated 

 tales, too ; but, as I have no desire to be accused 

 of being parsimonious regarding the truth, I will 

 forbear. 



When a fish is exhausted, and it is desired to 

 land it, the net must be placed quietly beneath it, 

 and gently drawn out of the water. I have pur- 

 posely made use of the word drawn, because, 

 unless a fish is a small one, if an attempt is made 

 to lift it out of the water, the strain may pro- 



