WHEN GRAYLING ARE IN SEASON 221 



and though, in a book in which it is my desire to give the 

 fullest information upon every style of angling, I feel bound 

 to mention these methods, I do not feel disposed to enlarge 

 much upon them, as I certainly never would resort to them 

 myself. Sometimes a grayling may be taken with the minnow, 

 but it is rather an accident than otherwise. In like manner 

 barbel and chub take a minnow or small gudgeon, but no one 

 would fish thus for them. It is needless to say fish fine for 

 grayling, as if you do not you will soon learn to. A wee silver 

 dun with a tinsel body, and the lightest blue hackle, is a prime 

 favourite everywhere. 



As I have said, grayling are in the best season in the autumn 

 and winter. Indeed, they should not be taken till August, and 

 all caught before that period should be returned ; but un- 

 fortunately a grayling, more particularly the female grayling,* 

 always, even directly after spawning^ looks so bright and clean, 

 and so plump, that it is not until it is -cooked the novice 

 discovers he has a very indifferent fish before him. In truth, at 

 this time, and for long after, the fish is scarcely eatable, and 

 until August at least is not worth a rush. Cut a grayling in 

 June, and cut one in November, and the difference is most 

 remarkable. Although in June he may be a handsome-shaped 

 and bright-looking fish, his play is unusually dull, and his flesh 

 like that of an indifferent roach, soft, spongy, and flavourless. 

 In November he has a blue bloom on him like a rich plum ; 

 he has a peculiar and strong fragrance when handled, which is 

 said to be like thyme, and is so to some little extent, and his 

 black spots contrast brilliantly with the dazzling silver of his 

 belly ; and as for his flesh, it is as hard, firm, and flaky as a 

 trout's when in the best condition. 



Throw him in again, then, brother fisherman, till at least 

 the middle of July be turned. Whereas, if you do take him in 

 May or June, listen to my solemn anathema, and let it lie heavy 

 on your soul. May your rod top smash at the ferrule, and the 

 brazing stick in tight at the commencement of your " crack 

 day of the season," and may you be unable to beg, borrow, or 

 steal another rod within twenty miles. May you travel 

 hundreds of miles into a strange country, find the river in 

 splendid ply, and then discover that you have left your reel at 

 home. May you bait a pet pitch for a week in order to have a 

 stunning day with your dear old pal, Jorkins, and when you 



* The male is often ugly, long-headed, lead-coloured, and black-bellied, 

 after spawning, the female hardly ever. F. F. 



