196 FISHING GOSSIP. 



as they are supposed to be by most anglers. Many 

 feasible arguments might be adduced in favour of 

 this experience. Eapid "rising" of such fish, by 

 which I mean trout of 6 or 7 Ibs. weight, is not 

 to be looked for in this or indeed in any other kind 

 of lake-angling with flies, with which I am ac- 

 quainted, except under some peculiar circumstances. 

 The majority of trout caught were of the same species, 

 and in the best waters are always considerably below 

 the weights named ; the larger specimens being only 

 the rari nantcs in gurgitc vasto, whose size and weight 

 compensate the angler for their paucity of numbers. 

 Such captures indeed are but the great prizes in the 

 lottery of angling. The night fisher must therefore 

 not be impatient. His pursuit is more likely to 

 secure the higher class of fish than any other kind of 

 angling with flies. Success will reward his persever- 

 ance when he least perhaps expects it. A cast over 

 a favourable haunt may make all the difference be- 

 tween doubt and certainty. " The froth outside the 

 reeds, sirr," exclaimed Pat, after a long and reluctant 

 silence ; " jist tickle its edge with the bees" a generic 

 name applied by him to all artificial flies " and you'll 

 find maybe something under it" pointing at the 

 same time with dilated pupils to a broad stripe of 

 foam stretching down the lake. As he spoke and the 

 flies fell on the favourite locality, a loud splash fol- 

 lowed, the divided froth disclosing in the hazy light 



