xiv A SUBURBAN FISHERY 253 



it, in the other forbidden. I discussed the 

 problem with the brother until it became 

 obvious that the decision must be speedy or 

 the trout would succumb, and then decided 

 to spare him. So he probably lives and 

 thrives to this day, though I am still doubt- 

 ful whether he did not gain his freedom on 

 false pretences. 



Below the roach swims are willows 

 which shelter some heavy chub. Under 

 one of them which leans across the stream 

 lives a great trout, and is said to live a 

 phenomenal perch. The trout I have seen, 

 but the perch, which fable puts at four or 

 five pounds, I have not seen, nor am I 

 very credulous with regard to him. His 

 suggested size makes him improbable, and 

 it is scarcely likely that he would live in 

 amity under the same tree as the trout. 

 Neither of them could eat the other, it is 

 true, but they would certainly disagree on 

 most matters, and one (probably the perch) 

 would drive the other away. 



Leaving the willows we come to a point 

 where the river broadens out and then 

 divides, one channel running down to the 

 mill, and the other to the weir. In this 



