118 ; Dry -My Fishing. 



played, and netted out, not much disturbing other 

 trout in view, one of which a few minutes after 

 shared the same fate, the brace weighing over 21b. 

 Large fish are scarce in this fishery at present. 



As I crossed over to the lower reach of the chief 

 stream, my steps were stayed to admire the sur- 

 roundings : the various stately trees in full foliage 

 in solitary grandeur, or in groups adorning the 

 emerald sward, which was profusely embroidered 

 with Flora's gifts. And on the river banks were 

 seen the familiar flowers an angler loves, amongst 

 them " love's gentle gem, the sweet forget-me-not, 5> 

 tall, graceful willow herb, spiked purple loosestrife, 

 meadow-sweet, mimulus reflected in the glassy 

 stream, yellow iris, hemp agrimony, and a crowd of 

 others. The blazing sun was now near the zenith, 

 and the morning rise of Ephemeridse at its best ; 

 fish were feasting on them freely, not only in their 

 haunts at the sides, but on the middle, over thick 

 beds of starwort and waving crowfoot. For two 

 hours I was almost constantly at work hooking and 

 returning some ten to eleven-inch fish and killing a 

 leash about a pound each. It was very warm, and 

 as I neared the small waterfall a clear space on the 

 hard chalky bottom hidden from view almost 

 tempted me to bathe ; but instead I wetted a leaf of 

 butter-bur, and folding it inside my cap to cool my 

 head, laid the rod aside and quietly sat on a prostrate 



