A Sportsman 421 



same feeding grounds, although taking their spring 

 and autumnal outings. We all know of the particular 

 fellows which are found year after year in the same 

 deep pools and by the steep rocks, which so long bid 

 defiance to human art, but which finally yield up their 

 liberties and lives to their unconquerable taste for 

 the insidious fly. 



For }-ears after years I have seen trout, so marked 

 by their size or peculiarities as to be unmistakable, 

 come annually to the same spots and defy all fair efforts 

 against their privileges. In vain are the most dainty 

 flies of all colors and sizes flaunted in the air, and ripple- 

 kissed, on surface and beneath, live bait, fat worms, and 

 other delectable morsels. And these large fellows 

 do not, any more than their lusty prototypes, when 

 they have once taken possession of a first class 

 domicile, allow of the invasion by other trout 

 of their habitation, unless ousted b}'- superior prow- 

 ess. This occurs often in the season of amatory 

 dalliance, when two are considered sufficient com- 

 pany, and when eternal vigilance is found to be an 

 essential of satisfactory housekeeping, and where 

 robbers and tramps have to be continually chased 

 and banged at. 



Nothing can be more comical and amusing than to 

 witness the watchfulness and incessant unrest of a 

 worthy burgher of mature years, who has taken unto 

 himself a helpmate to regulate the domestic routine 

 of his establishment, and to whom he has promised 

 immunity from outside prowlers and sneak thieves: 

 good-natured fellow, who has grown corpulent and 

 high-colored from numberless golden chubs, striped 

 minnows, and viscous suckers, which his vigorous 



