144 SPRING-TIDE. 



some great stone, and frees himself ere you 

 can count two ; but in these south country 

 streams, which run sluggishly, you should 

 not strike until the fish has turned himself. 

 A good fish will invariably hook himself on 

 your simply raising the point of your rod, 

 and this I always do, so that I am in 

 less danger of losing him by tearing out 

 my hold in " striking." Of course you 

 will lose no time in getting your rod erect, 

 or in " giving the fish the but," as it is 

 significantly termed, when he proves met- 

 tlesome. Try again. There 's a rise under 

 that alder bush. 



J. I have him, and perceive you are 

 right : I did not raise the rod until I 

 counted three, when the tension of my 

 line told me that he was well hooked. 

 Out with him, Simon. 



Simon. A's a good pound and a haaf, 

 zur. 



S. Let us proceed a little higher up 



