THE FISHING DAY 61 



halos. That in itself casts a serious doubt on the 

 value of one's conclusions, because as a matter of 

 fact small boys are never, or very seldom, decorated 

 with halos. Still it is none the less pleasant so 

 to picture them for a few blissful minutes. 



The trout fisher's day should by all means begin 

 at seven, or not later than a quarter past, and I 

 hope I offend no prejudices by suggesting that a cup 

 of tea and a slice of country bread and butter should 

 greet the awakening. The boots should say " Nice 

 drop of rain last night, sir," when he brings them in 

 and at the same moment a gleam of sunshine should 

 make its way into the room to show that there is no 

 fear of the rain spoiling the day. The morning tea 

 after rain and in the sunlight inspires the happiest 

 imaginings as to what will come about. Many is 

 the noble brace of trout (or round dozen of trout ; 

 it depends on the locality) that I have captured 

 soon after seven in that blessed half-hour of 

 prognostication. 



Breakfast should be at eight, and the only com- 

 munications that have come by post should be 

 personal and of an encouraging nature. " I do 

 hope you will have good weather, and I should 

 certainly stay till Wednesday if . . ." That is the 

 kind of tone needed to start the day. It confirms 

 you in your opinion that you are doing the eminently 

 right and proper thing in taking a holiday. The 



