THE UPPER RAPIDS. 133 



and a narrow one between them and the shor^ 

 on each side. From time to time the reed- 

 beds would cease entirely, leaving a broad 

 unbroken surface from bank to bank, and 

 disclosing views of a rich and (for Ireland) 

 well-cultivated country. 



A few small pike had been from time to 

 time caught and hauled in by either boat ; 

 but there was nothing of any size — hardly 

 one exceeded two pounds. Every fish, how- 

 ever small, was massacred ruthlessly ; as 

 much to get rid of destructive vermin, as to 

 gratify man's natural propensity for murder. 



" There goes another rise at the fly," said 

 the Squire. " It seems to me that the flies 

 beat the spinning-tackle hollow." 



" It is always so on this river," said the 

 Parson ; "at least it is so among the smaller 

 pike ; and this is the case, also, on many of 

 the Irish rivers. The fly is decidedly the 

 killing bait." 



" I do not think it answers much in En£- 

 land," said the Squire. " I have tried it, 

 but never with anything like success." 



" You may catch them with the fly even 

 in England," said the Captain : " I have 

 caught them with it myself. But you are 



