Salmon Fishing. 103 



who were fishermen were only too glad to get 

 him ; but where were they when the fishing- 

 season was over ? 



So often have I visited the Green Island, that 

 many a time and oft the natives amongst the 

 higher classes have applied to me for information 

 about their own country. And in my various 

 fishing excursions, I have been far from a careless 

 observer of the peasantry, a class I fell in with 

 most frequently. I believe, on the whole, a nicer 

 set of fellows no nation on earth need boast of ! 

 Though quick and irascible of temper, they have 

 kind, warm hearts. And no wonder the Iron 

 Duke found them such faithful followers, when 

 they fought under a flag that was endeared to 

 them, and a leader they loved. 



How often when I first went to Ireland, and 

 thought myself a match for them in sundry little 

 playful sallies, have I found the tables turned 

 against me to my sad discomfiture at the time ! 

 With all this however in their favour, it struck 

 me very generally, that none have I ever met 



