68 AN ANGLER'S HOURS iv 



there is a bite at once, and a tench of about 

 the same size as the first is soon in the net, 

 and ultimately in the basket. But this is 

 the end of the morning's sport, and for fully 

 an hour the bait lies absolutely unheeded, 

 and at last the angler winds in his line and 

 departs. His bag of fish is not remarkable, 

 and three bites in four hours and a half do 

 not sound exciting ; but he has acquired a 

 noble appetite, and is by no means dis- 

 satisfied. Other mornings there are, and 

 plenty of them, when he will not get a fish 

 at all. And again (for such is the glorious 

 uncertainty of tench) there may come a day 

 when he must get assistance to carry home 

 his catch. 



