NIGHT-FISHING ANTICIPATION 89 



dexterously to the net. In which case your delight is 

 enhanced by the knowledge that you have fairly won 

 the contest. 



Nevertheless, we are not all cast in the same mould, 

 and I know scores of men who affirm that they derive 

 as much gratification from fishing in the dark hours as 

 they do when the sun is shining. 



Although I should have no hesitation in expressing an 

 opinion to the effect that night work is better suited to 

 the young and strong, I have encountered many anglers 

 in my midnight travels who cannot claim the advantages 

 of youth and strength. 



One old gentleman who had passed his eightieth birth- 

 day was in the habit, for several years, of visiting one of 

 my favourite rivers. He came solely for sea-trout 

 fishing at night, and he was most regular in his pro- 

 ceedings. At ten o'clock each night, whatever might 

 be the weather, this octogenarian, accompanied by a local 

 gillie, would wend his way to the river, and he would fish 

 until one o'clock in the morning, or later if he had not 

 caught a brace. The gillie had to stand far back from 

 his master and wait until he received a call. Then, on 

 hearing the warning shout, he had to run and net the fish. 



After the old gentleman had finished his holiday one 

 year and had departed, the factotum volunteered the 

 information to me that he looked forward every season 

 to that angler's visit on account of the handsome pay 

 and tips which he received, adding, " But I don't like 

 the hours. It's cold and monotonous standing still, 

 and I'm afraid, every time I go, that the old chap will 

 make a night of it, as he keeps saying that he will try 

 another pool after each blank one that he has worked ; 

 so I am jolly thankful when he has got his brace, though 

 he generally ends up with two brace, as he is a marvel 

 with his rod." 



