BRETON TROUT STREAMS 47 



it is necessary to explain the character of the 

 country. The pasture-lands in the valley 

 are cut up into countless small properties ; 

 these are not marked off simply by hedges, 

 but by large banks crowned with gorse 

 and stunted oak-trees. High banks 

 separate each enclosure, and prove very 

 tiresome obstacles to the fisherman. Here 

 waders are a necessity, not only to circum- 

 vent these hindrances, but also to reach 

 water which is inaccessible to the local 

 fisher. Moreover, the meadows are usually 

 flooded in the spring, and it will be 

 essential to wade in places in order to reach 

 the river. 



The trout season commences on Feb- 

 ruary 4 and closes on September 16. 

 Fishing after sunset is officially prohibited. 

 The Breton regulations with regard to 

 fishing vary slightly in the different De- 

 partments, and are placarded at the various 

 towns and villages, where they can always 

 be seen on the wall of the local Mairie, 

 These notices are of little value, however, 

 since the poachers and professional fisher- 

 men who supply the inns with fish are 

 either unable or unwilling to read them. 



