EXPERIENCES & REMINISCENCES. 133 



struggle. The slow growth-rate of the carp is marvellous. 

 Carp of 61bs. weight have been known to be fifty years old, 

 and experienced keepers are of opinion that the growth-rate 

 of carp does not in some cases average more than an ounce a 

 year. But even allowing a growth-rate of about four ounces a 

 year Mr. Underbrook's carp (if his estimate of its weight was 

 a fairly accurate one) would be about 130 years old. Mr. 

 Underbrook has not yet attained that patriarchal age so it is 

 not surprising he was out-manoeuvred by the " Water Fox." 

 During the last fortnight of Mr. Hopper's visit to the Trent 

 the weather was for the most part rainy and boisterous, and as 

 barbel and bream in consequence dispersed from their usual 

 haunts Mr. Hopper had to recognise the truth of the old saying 

 that " little fish are sweet," and lay himself out principally for 

 dace fishing, but even they were difficult to find. One day 

 when the water was in fair condition Mr. Hopper and a fellow 

 angler out of one swim landed about four score dace and 

 gudgeon, the latter being in the proportion of about two to five 

 dace captured. The dace gives good sport for his size, and is 

 very rapid in his movements. 



" Oft swiftly as he swims his silver belly shows, 

 But with such nimble flight, that ere ye can disclose 

 His shape, out of your sight like lightning he is shot." 



Mr. Hopper must now bid adieu to his angling friends, 

 anyhow for the 1896 season. 



