PIKE IN TROUT WATERS 197 



about ten miles of the river Wylye in Wiltshire, 

 which since 1890 has been taken in hand and raised 

 to a high state of preservation. At first the stream 

 was found to be in a very neglected condition. The 

 shallows had not been cleaned ; millers and farmers 

 cut, or abstained from cutting, the weeds according 

 to fancy ; pike and coarse fish had increased and 

 multiplied; poachers, without let or hindrance, carried 

 on their nefarious practices; and although there were 

 a few large trout and grayling in the water, no 

 stocking had been attempted. The work of improve- 

 ment was undertaken on extensive lines, and the 

 destruction of the pike and coarse fish claimed the 

 immediate attention of the management. In 1890, 

 1891, and 1892, 3,526 pike and 10,772 coarse fish 

 were taken, the latter thus preponderating in the 

 proportion of three to one. From 1893 to 189% 

 inclusive only 255 pike were taken against 11,822 

 coarse fish, the relative proportion of coarse fish 

 thus curiously rising from three to one to forty-six to 

 one. While, therefore, the pike decreased in numbers, 

 the coarse fish, which must be admitted as an 

 important item in the pike's daily menu, showed a 

 decided increase. 



The latest returns, I understand, seem to warrant 

 the belief that the contrast in the figures will be 



