40 THE PIKE 



but if one could order one's own meteorological con- 

 ditions, it should be for a stiff steady breeze from 

 the west, with whatever variations it might decide to 

 take either north or south. 



TYPICAL WATERS AND ODD DAYS 



Let me give an example of an exception that proves 

 the rule. The morning of our excursion was deadly 

 still. A white mist, which was almost fog, brooded over 

 the fields, dimming the views down the glades of the 

 forest through which we drove, past oak trees that had 

 been standing sturdy for centuries. It was apparently 

 a most unpromising day, but we were too accustomed 

 to the uncertainties of our British climate to be down- 

 hearted at any preliminary prospect. We might feel 

 disappointed at the glass-like surface of the great lake 

 which met our view, what time the keeper greeted us 

 with bait-can and motioned us to where the boat was 

 ready for our reception. The sun, for which we so 

 often long in vain when it is wanted, began to 

 smile, and, though it was winter by the calendar, it was 

 summer in mildness. But in fishing you must be 

 always equal to emergencies and prepared to adapt 

 your actions to the circumstances of the hour. 



Our favourite method for pike is spinning, and 

 one of us as a matter of fact was not equipped with 



