THIRD DAY. 83 



by the bright greensward on which he lies. 

 What is his weight ? 



S. About two pounds; but he is un- 

 usually well fed, and no doubt has kept 

 that shallow against all comers for some 

 time past lying in wait during the day 

 for any fly that may sail over him, and at 

 night supping on the shoals of minnows 

 which abound in some parts of this stream. 

 I am acquainted with a small stream which, 

 towards autumn, is much contracted by the 

 growth of weeds, causing the formation of 

 pools, in each of which a large trout lies in 

 wait for everything that comes down. I 

 have seldom thrown into one of these pools 

 without hooking its tenant, and his place 

 is invariably taken by the fish next in 

 size. For this kind of fishing, however, 

 you require a stiff fly-rod, a short line, 

 and one fly only, unless you care not 

 for being " hitched ** at every throw. 

 You must strike instantly, and not suffer 



