Il6 A DAY ON THE LEA 



I did not rain down blessings on the head 

 of that keeper for allowing the very prolific 

 weeds to form a solid massive covering for the 

 water, doubtless a pleasant protection for the 

 trout from the perpendicular rays of the sun ; 

 but it is rather grievous to have to say it also 

 proved to be a very effective protection for him 

 from the bifurcated prowlers on the banks. It 

 was aggravating, because the trout were there, 

 the "A. A." was there, and the Major was there; 

 and we should certainly have become acquainted 

 with many more of them than we did but for 

 these various hindrances. 



I am aware that I am scarcely worthy to be 

 called an angler, for I confine my efforts to fly- 

 fishing. This river is in a good state for bottom 

 fishing. If I knew how to fish with a worm 

 here I might do much execution, but I am want- 

 ing in patience and experience, and a worm 

 reminds rne of Hamlet's taunting reply to the 

 King: 



"A man may fish with the worm that hath 

 eat of a king, and eat of the fish that hath fed of 

 that worm." 



And in that way he sardonically adds : 



