THE ANGLER'S REST. 45 



might have been exposed to an agency greatly 

 more destructive than any which they are 

 now liable to suffer from. This, I say, is pro- 

 bable ; and remember, that now there is, as it 

 were, a conservative element in action, the 

 beautiful turf, which, in clothing the sides of 

 the hills, protects them in a great measure from 

 the wasting and destructive effects of frost and 

 rain. As we cannot fish, there not being a breath 

 of wind to ruffle the tarn, we will, if you please, 

 take our luncheon. I will guide you to a 

 spot, with which I am sure you will be pleased, 

 and with which I have a pleasant association. 



AMICUS. This is, indeed, a pleasant spot. 

 Here we can rest on the soft-flowering heather, 

 drink from the living water falling into the 

 rock-basin, and should we be disposed to sleep, 

 be lulled by the sound, little more than a 

 tinckle of the trickling stream. But what of 

 the association you revert to, evidently with so 

 much pleasure ? 



PISCATOE. It was not an ordinary incident of 

 an angler's life, at least not of mine, inasmuch 

 as the association was that of a charming, 

 blooming girl, now a happy wife and mother, 

 who after a long forenoon's wanderings with me 



