250 SPORT AMONGST THE MOUNTAINS 



that part of the river ! The disgust of that angler, 

 and the profane language he gave way to, may be 

 imagined. A friend of mine had a long play with 

 what seemed to be a very heavy spring fish, but at 

 last it came to the top, when the attendant Patsy ex- 

 claimed, " Bedad, it's a judy, sir ! " And a " judy " it 

 was, that is, a spent fish or kelt, but it was hooked by 

 the tail, which accounts for the vigorous play it gave. 



There is a rather strong religious sentiment among 

 some of our Irish professional salmon-fishers. One 

 of them has been known at the commencement of a 

 season to sprinkle his patron's rod, line, and flies 

 with holy water, as a potent charm. Another 

 worthy was out the other day with a friend of mine 

 fishing for white trout. My friend hooked a nice 

 strong fish over two pounds, which got away after a 

 brief play. In the first excitement of this loss his 

 attendant exclaimed, " Oh, the divil carry him then !" 

 but, suddenly bethinking himself, added, " an' may 

 God forgive me for cursin' the blessed fish — that 

 didn't take a good hould ! " 



But the day has become so beautifully breezy and 

 cloudy that I can't possibly sit here any longer, 

 knowing that all my brethren of the craft are on the 

 river or the lake, so I will e'en pick up rod, shoulder 

 basket, and be off after them. Kind reader, I crave 

 your indulgence, and — An revoir. 



