EXPERIENCES & REMINISCENCES. 129 



and Mr. Hopper pulled up the stone, and after quarter of an 

 hour's rowing- was down at the Ferry, and having made the 

 boat secure, he was soon within the walls of the Brownlow 

 Arms. On Friday afternoon the river was in better condition, 

 and was fining down nicely but was not as low and clear as 

 Mr. Hopper likes it for barbel fishing. He pulled up to his 

 firstly baited swim and soon had his float nicely on its journey. 

 About 20 yards down it went with a sudden yuck, and Mr. 

 Hopper was fast into what proved to be a chub of 2ilbs. 

 This gentleman was in splendid condition. The third swim 

 down the float acted in a somewhat suspicious manner, seeming 

 to move sideways. Mr. Hopper gave a turn of his wrist, and 

 this time it was a barbel of just upon 3 Ibs., which fought very 

 strongly and bravely. Then quickly followed two chub of 

 Hlbs. and I Ib. 



Mr. Hopper then thought he would give the swim a rest, and 

 try the other swim he had baited higher up the river, and which 

 had yielded the 2ilbs. chub the previous night, but the journey 

 was a fruitless one as the swim proved barren. Mr. Hopper 

 therefore made tracks for the swim he had already tried with 

 the good results above stated, and the second time of floating 

 it down went the float in a most unmistakable manner and a 

 barbel of between 3 and 4lbs. was shortly taken from his 

 watery element. Then followed another barbel of about the 

 same weight, then a short interval of quiet, and then to wind up 

 the evening's sport a chub of 2jlbs. showed too enquiring a 

 disposition and joined the other denizens of the deep Mr. 

 Hopper had ruthlessly taken from their watery home. These 

 seven fish weighed ijlbs. and Mr. Hopper was well satisfied 

 with the result of his previous evening's baiting. Wednesday 

 was wet and the river rose again and had colour in it and 

 fishing was useless. Thursday was a fine day and Mr. Hopper 

 landed two barbel largest 4ilbs. and a lot of dace. Whilst 

 light fishing with the finest possible tackle for dace a barbel 

 appropriated the " gentle " bait and made off 25 yards down 

 the river, and after holding him for a little time he made an 

 unexpected bolt and smashed the very fine line as if it had been 



