GOOD FISHING. 21 



his retreat, and from whence he had come : but all 

 without success. Tired and disappointed I returned 

 homewards, angry with myself for not having hobbled 

 the objects of my search, and cross with them for 

 making such an ungrateful return for the confidence 

 I reposed in them. 



A wolf found me out that evening, and, doubtless 

 with the intention of according my advent a suitable 

 reception, honoured me with a serenade all night 

 a compliment which a tired traveller who seeks 

 repose could have very well dispensed with. 



Awaking next morning not particularly refreshed, 

 for my rest had been disturbed by dreams of all 

 kinds, my depression of spirits was in no way re- 

 moved on finding that the morning was gloomy 

 and threatening, while the wind whispered warnings 

 of coming change in the weather. The heaviness 

 of the low dark clouds predicted rain; and not 

 feeling disposed to stray far, I proceeded to the 

 stream, in the hope of procuring fish for this 

 day's sustenance. I had an unsuccessful search 

 for worms, a bait in which I had most confidence. 

 From under a decayed log I obtained, however, a 

 small lizard and a grub, which both answered my 

 purpose admirably, for the fish were voracious, and 

 ere many minutes I had made half-a-dozen captures. 

 My prizes were identical with the char of the Eastern 

 States (Salmo fontinalis), both in flavour and colour. 

 A fish dinner once in a way is all very well, but if 

 too often indulged in is apt to surfeit ; though it has 



