'FANCIED "BOTTOM WIXD." 265 



marvel of this lake its "bottom wind?" denoted, 

 it is said, by a ruffled surface, a surface 

 raised in waves, when the atmosphere is still, 

 and supposed to be owing to the evolution of 

 air from beneath. May not such a disturbance, 

 and the air, whatever it is, that is disengaged, 

 have an injurious influence ? 



PISCATOR. It is not well to try to explain 

 what is obscure by that which is more obscure. 

 As to the reputed "bottom wind," I cannot 

 credit it: were air disengaged, it ought to 

 be seen rising in bubbles, not producing waves. 

 If the fact of there being waves on the lake, 

 in a calm state of atmosphere, be well authen- 

 ticated, rest assured we must seek some other 

 agent for its production than this imaginary 

 " bottom wind." Here we are at the lake ; and 

 the boat is ready to take us on it, and happily 

 close our discussion about these obscurities. 

 Step in ; we need not take our rods out of their 

 bags, for the glassy surface of the water not a 

 ripple anywhere to be seen gives assurance 

 that no angling skill at present can avail. 

 Boatman, take us, if you please, in the direction 

 best adapted for seeing the lake to advantage. 



AMICTJS. Here one can well do without ang- 



