THE ANGLER'S SOUVENIR. 



121 



basketed. Then, for three or four swims, we get 

 no bites, for in such clear water the fish are soon 

 alarmed, but after awhile we catch two more small 

 ones. 



Now we will leave this clear reach, and try that 

 deep pool below, where a few tiny circlets on the 

 surface show that some big roach are feeding for 

 the bigger a roach is the more delicately does he 

 poke his nose out of his own element. We cannot 

 see the fish, for the water is too deep and black, so, 

 pushing ourselves into a bed of tall and crackling 

 reeds, we drop our line into the water at the head 

 of the pool, and watch the float slowly circling 

 round in the eddy. Presently it gives a sharp jerk 

 or two ; that is the bite of a small one, and, on 

 striking, we find that our bait has disappeared. At 

 the next swim, just as our float reaches the tail of 

 the pool, it stops, and slowly sinks. The hook has 

 either caught in the bottom, or it is the bite of a 

 big fish. \Ve strike, and find that we are fast in a 

 good one. It gives two or three vigorous dashes, 

 just like a trout, and then submits to be turned 

 shorewards. At the sight of the landing-net, how- 

 ever, it makes a further and prolonged effort, 

 which causes our slender rod to bend and spring 

 with great vivacity. With our fine tackle, and 

 hampered as we are by the reeds, the slightest 

 flurry might cause us to lose it, but we are cool 

 and patient, so in another minute the fish is safe 

 within the circle of the net. His weight is within 



