

TROUT FISHING. 287 



have found the best ; yet there are rivers 

 where, in order to do anything, you must wait 

 for a roaring gale, for rain ; and in the thick 

 of showers the very finest fish will come up 

 boldly to the line. Snow or frost invariably 

 sickens and renders sulky the trout as far as 

 artificial flies are concerned. 



In midsummer the best time for sport in 

 most rivers would be the early morning ; the 

 grey dawn, before the light glistens on line and 

 hook, and frightens the larger trout under the 

 banks and to the bottom of the deep holes. 

 Rivers are so coquettish, however, that unless 

 you have information to the contrary you may 

 take your chance at any hour. There is a 

 pleasure in the very uncertainty. 



Trout fishing has, in some respects, advan- 

 tages over salmon fishing. It is neater, cheaper 

 if that be a consideration with any one and 

 allows more opportunities for the enjoyment 

 of landscape and reverie, the two chief plea- 

 sures of a country stroll. The trout rod is no 

 burden, the apparatus is all together and econo- 

 mical. The use of it does not tax the strength. 

 Ladies have learned how to operate with it 



