226 SPORTING IN BOTH HEMISPHERES. 



similar success, and if my hooks and tackle had lasted out, I 

 really do not know what weight I might not have killed ; but 

 I was very badly provided with the former article, my stock 

 being devoted chiefly to fly-fishing. 



I began to fish from the flood-gate at the edge of the weir, 

 with a ledger-line and large hook, baited with greaves, about 

 five A.M., and by nine o'clock I had landed forty barbel, 

 some of them eight pounds weight, and more under a pound, 

 making altogether 1501bs. weight of fish. The wear and 

 tear of hooks and gut had completely exhausted my resources, 

 so that I was forced to defer further slaughter until I could 

 replenish my stock. The inhabitants of the village were 

 delighted with the fish which I divided amongst them, and 

 which they esteem a great delicacy. I witnessed a remark- 

 able occurrence during the course of this morning. I observed 

 an osprey, or fishing eagle, hovering about the river, some 

 distance down stream, as if he was regarding my movements 

 with much curiosity. Having caught a small barbel, perhaps 

 a little less than a pound in weight, and extricated the hook 

 with some difficulty, something induced me to throw him 

 back again as not worth taking, which I did with a sharp 

 jerk, sending him some distance into the middle of the stream. 

 In the space of a few moments, and several hundred yards 

 downwards, I saw the osprey make a sudden swoop a dive, 

 and soar aloft with the fish in his mouth ; no doubt my 

 identical barbel, which, puzzled with his sudden change 

 of circumstances, and not having regained vigour and instinct 

 sufficient to seek his usual haunts, had floated down stream, 

 and became an easy victim to the enemy. 



The Ardennes is full of local and historical interest, 

 and in some parts very remarkable for its beautiful forest 

 scenery, particularly near the Chateau de St. Hubert ; but the 

 shooting bear my friend's dwelling was of a very indifferent 

 description. We certainly had some good sport if sport it 



