206 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 



of it. In the first-named, the volume of water 

 is, of course, greater, it being situate several miles 

 lower down-stream. Trout and grayling are the only 

 fish here found, with the exception of a few eels. 

 The trout predominate largely from Dove-dale up- 

 stream ; here the best efforts of the rodster are to be 

 brought into play in order to achieve even moderate 

 success. The water contains a fair stock of fish, but 

 for education and attainments, Dove trout, and 

 especially Dove-dale trout, vie successfully with those 

 of the Wandle, Itchen, Test, or any other stream 

 wherever situate ; and the adept upon the Dove may, 

 with perfect safety, consider himself sufficiently 

 accomplished to rank amongst the first fly-fishers of 

 his day. 



" Oh, Dove, thou art so clear, so bright and sweet, 

 Men's choicest lures with scant approval meet ; 

 Did not the beauteous Dale such charms reveal, 

 The pilgrim rodster oft regret would feel. 

 Romantic vale, renowned for varied scene, 

 Sylvan abode, meet for a fairy queen ; 

 Rare gems of nature deck the scenes around, 

 With wooded heights the lofty rocks are crowned ; 

 Cascades impetuous fall with arrow flight ; 

 Rainbows presented glisten in the light ; 

 The waters, purling at the angler's feet, 

 In crystal streams and sparkling eddies meet. 

 Soft strains of music borne upon the breeze, 

 Resound from warbling choirs amidst the trees. 

 Fair scenes, adieu. Alas ! charmed stream, farewell, 

 Where speckled trout and grayling dwell." 



W. S. 



NOTE. Below the renowned Dale, down stream, the grayling gradually 

 gain the ascendency, until for the last 25 miles of the river's length 

 they predominate over th trout as eight or ten to one. This may be 



