THE YORE. 137 



months, and continue so until Marsh, so that they are fit 

 for the table at the very time when trout are not, which is 

 another fact that speaks in favour of the monkish theory 

 before mentioned. 



As this is not a paper devoted to the science of angling, 

 I do not purpose to enter into details as to the best methods 

 of capturing this beautiful fish, although I have made that 

 subject and their habits my study for many years ; neither 

 do I intend to relate the incidents of every day during my 

 trip, lest I should bore your readers rather than interest 

 them ; but I will select one particular day, November 10th, 

 and glancing at my angling diary endeavour to sketch out 

 the brief outline of my day's sport. 



il Now mind, Ralph, eight o'clock in the morning, not a 

 moment later," I remarked to my companion as he wished 

 me " Good night " at the door of that most comfortable of 

 rustic inns, the " Bruce Arms,' 1 at Tanfield. 



" All right," he responded, " I will be ready, never fear." 

 So I turned in-doors, and after a final pipe of peace in the 

 chimney corner, retired to rest, to sleep as only a tired 

 angler can, and dream of endless sport on the morrow. 



" Hallo ! seven o'clock already 1 " I exclaim, as I am 

 awakened by a loud tap at my bedroom door ; and out of 

 bed I tumble to inspect the weather. Not a very cheerful 

 look out ; an undeniable November morning at last, with 

 any amount of mist and fog. Anglers, however, are accus- 

 tomed to live in hopes, so comforting myself with the idea 

 that the weather may clear up, I hurriedly dress myself, 

 eat an excellent breakfast, and as the village clock strikes 

 eight, sally forth fully equipped, and make for the house of 

 my friend. I find him all ready, awaiting my arrival ; we 

 exchange the usual morning salutations, and, after lighting 

 our pipes, shoulder our rods and step out briskly down the 

 lane leading in the direction of Hackfall, at the top end of 

 which we had decided to commence, he fishing for salmon 

 and I for grayling. 



