132 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. PART I. 



fisherman to fetch his nets, and by all means to get the 

 Pike, that they might declare what had happened: and 

 the Pike was drawn forth; and both his eyes eaten out; 

 at which when they began to wonder, the fisherman 

 wished them to forbear, and assured them he was certain 

 that Pikes were often so served." 



I told this, which is to be read in the sixth chapter of 

 the ' book of Dubravius, unto a friend, who replied, " It 

 was as improbable as to have the mouse scratch out the 

 cat's eyes." But he did not consider, that there be Fish- 

 ing-frogs, which the Dalmatians call the Water-devil, of 

 which 1 might tell you as wonderful a story : but I shall 

 tell you that 'tis not to be doubted but that there be some 

 frogs so fearful of the water-snake, that when they swim 

 in a place in which they fear to meet with him, they then 

 get a reed across into their mouths ; which, if they two 

 meet by accident, secures the frog from the strength and 

 malice of the snake ; and note, that the frog usually swims 

 the fastest of the two. 



And let me tell you, that as there be water and land- 

 frogs, so there be land and water-snakes. Concerning 

 which take this observation, that the land-snake breeds 

 and hatches her eggs, which become young snakes, in 

 some old dunghill, or a like hot place : but the water- 

 snake, which is not venomous, and as I have been 

 assured by a great observer of such secrets, does not 

 hatch, but breed her young alive, which she does not 

 then forsake, but bides with them, and in case of danger 

 will take them all into her mouth and swim away from 

 any apprehended danger, and then let them out again 

 when she thinks all danger to be past : these be accidents 

 that we Anglers sometimes see, and often talk of. 



But whither am I going? I had almost lost myself, 



(I) Walton should hare said of the JJrrt book ; for there it is to be found. 



