EXPERIENCES & REMINISCENCES. 61 



result that very few carp bream fell victims to the numerous 

 lures and enticements Mr. Hopper presented to them in the 

 most approved piscatorial fashion, and but one barbel was 

 rash enough to partake of the sumptuous repast prepared for 

 the regalement and appetite of Mr. and Mrs. Barbel and the 

 numerous members of the family of that ilk known to frequent 

 the swims Mr. Hopper and his friend Witchdorter had so care- 

 fully baited. Good old Witchdorter ! He is still alive and so is 

 friend Brown likewise also Bobbingmoon, who affects now-a- 

 days to sneer at the fertility from a piscatorial point of view of 

 the lower waters of the Trent ; perhaps he is to a certain 

 extent right, but Bobbingmoon cannot complain that he has 

 ever encountered bulls at the Trent side, as he has done when 

 angling nearer home, and he need not cast the supercilious 

 sneer at the old resort which in days gone by has contributed 

 to some of the happy days of his life. No! Bobbingmoon. 

 Mr. Hopper will not for many years to come forsake dear old 

 Marnham and betake himself to the upper reaches of the 

 Trent on the chance of better sport in the unknown waters 

 there. 



Mr. Hopper, though an enthusiastic angler, has an eye and a 

 heart for other things and pursuits besides fishing when taking his 

 holiday. There is the cheerful influence and enjoyment of boon 

 companionship both on the river and in the private parlour of 

 the old coaching house ; the pretty scenery both of river and 

 woodland, and last, not least, the whole livelong day in the 

 fresh air. Bobbingmoon is still a splendid fellow but getting a 

 bit lazy ; he is not quite so reliable for an appearance at the 

 5-45 a.m. train as but a few years ago he was ; he is those few 

 years older probably they furnish the reason or probably 

 there is a growing disinclination to leave business. Remember 

 Bobbingmoon ! 



The bow that's always bent will quickly break ; 



But if unstrung 'twill serve you at your need. 

 So let the mind some relaxation take 



To come back to its task with fresher heed. 



I have exclaimed, " Good old Witchdorter!" and so he is as 

 good and reliable a boatman as ever he was as cheery, quaint, 



