CHAP. V. THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 195 



Ven. But, master! will this Trout which I had hold 

 of die ? for it is like he hath the hook in Iris belly. 



Pise. I will tell you, scholar ! that unless the hook 

 be fast in his very gorge, 'tis more than probable he will 

 live : and a little time, with the help of the water, will 

 rust the hook ; and it will in time wear away, as the 

 gravel doth in the horse-hoof, which only leaves a false 

 quarter. 



And now, scholar! let's go to my rod. Look you, 

 scholar ! I have a fish too : but it proves a logger- 

 headed Chub : and this is not much amiss ; for this will 

 pleasure some poor body, as we go to our lodging to 

 meet our brother Peter and honest Coridon. Come! now 

 bait your hook again, and lay it into the water : for it 

 rains again ; and we will even retire to the sycamore- 

 tree, and there I will give you more directions concern- 

 ing fishing ; for I would fain make you an artist. 



Ven. Yes, good master ! I pray let it be so. 



Pise. Well, scholar! now we are sat down and are 

 at ease, I shall tell you a little more of Trout-fishing, 

 before I speak of the Salmon ; which I purpose shall be 

 - next ; and, then, of the Pike or Luce. 



You are to know, There is night* as well as day- 

 fishing for a Trout ; and that, in the night, the best 

 Trouts come out of their holes. Arid the manner of 

 taking them is : On the top of the water ; with a great 

 lob or garden-worm, or rather two, which you are to 

 fish with in a place where the waters rnn somewhat 

 quietly, for in a stream the bait will not be so well dis- 

 cerned. I say, in a quiet or dead place, near to some 

 swift ; there, draw your bait over the top of the water 

 to and fro, and if there be a good Trout in the hole, ho 

 will take it ; especially if the night be dark, for then 

 he is bold, and lies near the top of the water, watching 

 the motion of any frog or water-rat, or mouse, that 

 swims betwixt him and the sky : these he hunts after, 

 if he sees the water but wrinkle, or move in one of these 



* The reader is not to expect, in the notes on this work, any additional 

 directions relative to night-fishing; a very unwholesome practice, and fol- 

 lowed by few except poachers, who are fond of it, because it looks like 

 stealing. 



