THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 115 



I am not able to say : but I am certain he hath all the signs of 

 being a trout both for his shape, color, and spots ; and yet many 

 think he is not. 



Ven. But, Master, will this trout which I had hold of die ? for 

 it is like he hath the hook in his belly. 



Pisc. 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 concerning fishing ; for I would 

 fain make you an artist. 



Ven. Yes, good Master, I pray let it be so. 



Pisc. Well, Scholar, now we are sat down and are at ease, 1 

 shall tell you a little more of trout-fishing, before I speak of 

 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 : and 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 run somewhat quietly, 

 for in a stream the bait will not be so well discerned. 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, he will take it, especially if the night be dark ; 

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



tion of the mania havinsj prevailed, and that many imagined themselves to 

 be man- wolves. — Am. Ed. 



* This is Barker's ; another good method is to cover your hook with a 

 large worm drawn up the shank, and to add several others about the 

 point, leaving parts of them hanging round, and to let the bait lie at the 

 bottom. This does well also in the day-time. — Jtm. Ed. 



