84 



THE TROUT. 



Your line ought, in this case, to be three good hairs next the 

 hook ; both by reason you are in this kind of angling to ex- 

 pect the biggest fish, and also that, wanting length to give 

 him line after he has struck, you must be forced to tug for it; 

 to which I will add, that not an inch of your line being to be 

 suffered to touch the water in Dibbing, it may be allowed to 

 be the stronger." 



Having given two of the methods of taking the trout, it 

 will be well to introduce the reader to his hiding-places. On 

 this subject, Hofland gives the best and most minute infor- 

 mation. " He is fond of swift, clear streams, running over 

 chalk, limestone, or gravelly bottoms ; but he is more fre- 

 quently in the eddies by the side of the stream, than in the 

 midst of it. A mill-tail is a favorite haunt of the trout ; for 

 he finds protection under the apron, which is generally hol- 

 low, and has the advantage of being in the eddy, by the side 

 of the mill-race, awaiting his food. He delights also in cas- 

 cades, tumbling bays, or wiers. The larger trout generally 

 have their hold under roots of overhanging trees, and beneath 

 hollow banks in the deepest parts of the river. The junction 

 of little rapids, formed by water passing round an obstruction 

 in the midst of the general current, is a likely point at which 

 to raise a trout ; also at the roots of trees, or in other places 

 where the froth of the stream collects. All such places are 

 favorable for sport, as insects follow the same course as the 

 bubbles, and are there sought by the fish. After sunset, in 

 summer, the large fish leave their haunts, and may be found 

 in the sewers, and at the tails of streams ; and during this 

 time, so long as the Angler can see his fly on the water, he 

 may expect sport." 



Of Fishing in the Middle, with a Minnow, or any Small 

 Fish. The rod used in this kind of angling, is from 12 to 16 

 feet in length, with a stifFer top than that used for fly-fishing, 



