THE ANGLER'S SOUVENIR. 



14.1 



looking woods of the north, it was delicious to see 

 the fat, green hedges panting under their load of 

 glistening rain-drops, the luxuriant grass fields, and 

 the massy woodlands. There was a sense of plenty 

 and cheerfulness that was very suggestive. Then 

 the hills rose blue and cloud-like ; streams, lakes, 

 woods, and farmhouses became well-remembered 

 landmarks. At the stations were faces that were 

 familiar to us even though their owners' names 

 had escaped us. More real and pleasant grew our 

 thoughts 



" Of deep shadows on the grass, 

 Of meadows where we saw the cattle graze ; 



Where, as the breezes pass, 

 The gleaming rushes bend a thousand ways ; 

 Of leaves that slumber in a cloudy mass , 

 Or whiten in the wind ; of waters blue 

 That from the distance sparkle through 

 Some woodland gap ; and of a sky above, 

 Where one white cloud like a stray lamb doth move." 



Yonder the silver sheet of the mere well re- 

 membered and much loved shone like another sun 

 midst the bowery woods, and there was a quiet 

 gliding stream where many a grayling has fallen 

 victim to our skill. And there was the station 

 where we were to alight, and the waggonette in 

 waiting. In the centre of the platform was the 

 Pater waiting for us : his tall, sturdy form stem- 

 ming the hurrying crowd of passengers as carelessly 

 and easily as a boulder in a stream. Bless him ! 



