270 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 



Viator. I think you have such command here over the fishes, 

 that you can raise them by your word, as they say conjurors can 

 do spints, and afterward make them do what you bid them ; 

 for here 's a Trout has taken my fly, I had rather have lost a 

 crown. What luck's this! he was a lovely fish, and turned up 

 a side like a Salmon. 



Piscator. Oh, sir, this is a war where you sometimes win, and 

 must sometimes expect to lose. Never concern yourself for the 

 loss of your fly ; for ten to one I teach you to make a better 

 Who's that calls? 



Servant. Sir, will it please you to come to dinner? 



Piscator. We come. You hear, sir, we are called : and now 

 take your choice, whether you will climb this steep hill before 

 you, from the top of which you will go directly into the house, 

 or back again, over these stepping stones, and about by the 

 bridge. 



Viator. Nay, sure the nearest way is best ; at least my 

 stomach tells me so ; and I am now so well acquainted with 

 your rocks that I fear them not. 



Piscator. Come, then, follow me. And so soon as we have 

 dined, we will down again to the little house, where I will 

 begin, at the place I left off, about fly-fishing, and read you 

 another lecture ; for I have a great deal more to say upon that 

 subject. 



Viator. The more the better ; I could never have met with 

 a more obliging master, my first excepted. Nor such sport can 

 all the rivers about London ever afford, as is to be found in this 

 pretty river. 



Piscator. You deserve to have better : both because I see you 

 are willing to take pains, and for liking this little so well ; and 

 better I hope to shew you before we part. 



CHAPTER VII. 



FISHING AT THE TOP. FLIES FOR THE MONTHS OF JANUARY, 

 FEBRUARY, MARCH, APRIL, AND PART OF MAY; INCLUDING 

 UNDER MAY, PARTICULAR DIRECTIONS FOR BAITING WITH THE 

 GREEN DRAKE. 



Viator. COME, sir, having now well dined, and being again 

 set in your little house, I will now challenge your promise, and 

 entreat you proceed in your instruction for fly-fishing : which, 

 that you may be the better encouraged to do, I will assure you, 

 that I have not lost, I think, one syllable of what you have told 

 me ; but very well retain all your directions, both for the rod, 



