PERCH AND PIKE FISHING. Ill 



encouragement to pursue the " gentle art," so 

 far as trout were concerned, but it was ideal 

 weather for Perch fishing, and as many of the 

 large pools contained Perch in quantity, and my 

 \vife having a penchant for that kind of sport, 

 I, one of these hot days, rigged up tackle for 

 the pachydermatous fish, taking my single-handed 

 trout-rod also, in case the Perch would not 

 "bite," or, for change, if I got tired of the 

 more humble sport. 



It was about 2 P.M. when we left the house, 

 a clear, blue sky overhead, and not a speck 

 of cloud in all the heavens. The sun shone 

 fiercely, and burned into my back through my 

 woollen clothing. The least exertion was trouble- 

 some and made the sweat ooze from every pore. 

 There was not a breath. The stillness was 

 profound, not even a whisper among the leaves. 

 The birds had evidently not wakened from 

 their mid-day siesta, for all song was hushed. 

 A couple of Larks were dusting themselves 

 amongst "the "stoor" in the road. A few Rooks 



