28 ANGLING REMINISCENCES. 



and moves out into deep, unobstructive water; but 

 he is not nearly exhausted, as you may see by that 

 fling of his. 



May. 'Tis right vigorous and methodical, and had 

 nigh proved a swamper. Saw you not how he 

 aimed with his broad tail at the line, or rather threw 

 himself plump upon it, in order to try its strength? 



Leister. He did so, and might have succeeded 

 in breaking it, had I riot been aware of his design, 

 and kept in readiness for it by slackening the reins. 

 But now he confesses himself baffled ; his efforts to 

 escape become weaker ; he turns in three or four 

 directions, and is scarcely able to face the current. 

 I have wheeled his head round, and lead him cau- 

 tiously along with the stream ; and here he comes 

 to land ; run, Bill, and secure him. 



Otter. A goodly fish, but somewhat big-pated 

 and black, I have seen trout more to my fancy ; 

 but this is an old boy, and tough-leathered. 



Leister. He measures in length about nineteen 

 inches, and weighs short of two pounds. Ha ! look 

 you what the lean, gluttonous cannibal has dis- 

 gorged ! one of his own species, entire and fresh ; 

 another, half-digested ; two small eels; and a singu- 

 lar concoction of worms, beetles, and leeches. A 

 hearty meal has he made of them, as you may no- 

 tice. Lay him in your creel, May-fly, we shall do 

 likewise in part upon him. And now, take the 

 trouting-rod, and angle carefully over the next 

 pool; there be some prowlers out scanning the 



