104 AN ANGLERS BASKET. 



gentleman's version of the encounter, must have weighed 

 about half a pound, and as it struck him full in the eye, the 

 optic was at once closed for alterations and repairs. After 

 it the eye, not the beetle had been doctored up with 

 brown paper and vinegar, and raw steak and other remedies 

 suitable to these occasions, the one-eyed gentleman sat for a 

 long time in the presence of his companions wrapped in 

 profound meditation, and in response to an inquiry on the 

 subjects of his thoughts, he said, " I was just thinking that, 

 though accidents occur now and then, nature is tolerably 

 well ordered on the whole. What a mercy it is, for instance, 

 in my case, that cows can't fly." 



* # 



You know what the parish clerk said to his vicar, when 

 the old gentleman expressed his intention to put up the 

 prayer for rain. " Very weel, sir, just as ye like ; but it's 

 not a bit o' use praying for rain as long as t' wind sticks i't 

 east." 



& * 



Two men were fishing on a north country river one 

 possessing the needful licence, the other without it. They 

 were hard at work on one of their favourite streams when 

 they perceived the water-bailiff coming along the bank. No 

 sooner was he observed than one of the anglers came out of 

 the river, got on to firm ground, and took to his heels as fast 

 as his legs would carry him. The keeper, perceiving what 

 was the matter, at once gave chase, and, after a hard run of 

 half a mile, succeeded in overtaking and collaring his man. 

 " Your name and address, please ? " " Brown," said the 

 culprit. " Christian name as well," said the bailiff, writing 

 it all down. " Malachi," said the captured one. " Address ? " 

 This was given. " Ah ! " said the bailiff, " very well ; you 

 have not got a licence, I suppose? " " Oh, yes! I have," 

 was the answer ; " here it is." " Then what the dickens 



