SMALL WATERS AND TYPICAL DAYS 65 



We had been remarking to one another upon the 

 stray patches of furze bloom that lingered bright on the 

 common, and upon the chrysanthemums which, in 

 the cottage garden plots, no frost had yet disturbed. 

 The idea that in the course of one night the water 

 would be frozen had not occurred to us, but an 

 advance glimpse of the lower portion, where it was 

 very shallow, revealed unmistakable ice. Reining up 

 near the boat-house,, we for the first time had an un- 

 interrupted view of the mere from end to end, and 

 were obliged to face the uncomfortable truth that 

 the water was completely frozen. Wherefore, it was 

 with a somewhat derisive expression of countenance 

 that the coachman took from under his feet the live 

 bait can containing five dozen Thames bait. After all 

 it might be, in the absence of wind, but a thin coat of 

 ice, and without delay we made an attempt to force 

 the boat through and smash up a pathway ; for, as so 

 often happens, the white frost was followed by an 

 early and frank sunshine. 



We effectually broke the ice on either side with 

 the oars, but the water being here not two feet deep 

 we could make but little progress. What pike there 

 were would assuredly be in the deeper water further 

 up ; the prospect was deterring, and after holding a 

 council of war, we dolorously confessed that the boat, 



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