THE THIRD DAY. 197 



contrast to the wildness of the demesne where we 

 had spent the two previous days, in which the 

 absence of culture was the peculiar charm. 



A noble bridge of brick spans the lake, and 

 forms a fitting and elegant approach to the resi- 

 dence. The waters of the upper lake extend some 

 distance along a valley. At the lower and deeper 

 end is a boat-house, and, near to this, the pen- 

 stock and overflow. All about here the water is 

 from 8 to 12 feet deep, margined with sedges and 

 bulrushes, broken up into little bays excellent 

 paternostering water, and most of it easily fished 

 from the banks. 



The boat we used afterwards, so as to negotiate 

 the central and upper portion of the lake, which 

 was not practicable from the shore, because of 

 trees and tall bushes growing close to and in the 

 water. I began with a small dace on a stout-gut 

 paternoster tackle, and was soon playing a heavy 

 fish, which Francis thought I stood no chance of 

 killing ; but, within a quarter-hour of fine sport, 

 I landed a handsome pike that just topped 16 Ibs. 

 Then Francis, fishing with live-snap, caught a 

 twelve-pounder ; and these two fish, with some 

 others of fair size, although much less in weight, 

 made a pretty show, when one of our friends of 

 the previous evening, and a keeper, came to see 

 what sport we were having, and drink a libation 

 to our continued success. 



Most anglers who had the advantage and pleasure 

 of Francis Francis's friendship will remember how 

 that past master of the gentle art hated to be 

 bored and interfered with while he was fishing, 

 especially by any one who knew little or nothing 

 about angling. There is nothing so vexing as to 



