“ SUN-SPEARING.” 133 
the slightest movement, the. water will scarcely be 
found in a proper state for our work. Assuming, 
however, that these natural anemoscopes are true to 
their delicate functions—that nature, like Narcissus 
at the fountain, hangs her head in perfect repose, as 
if absorbed in the contemplation of her own works 
reflected in the watery mirror, we may confidently 
push forth our little bark from the shore. While 
this preparatory step is being made, I may observe 
that the waters which I have found best suited for 
this sport are situated in the midland counties of 
Treland. Resting on the great central plateau of the 
island, these waters are generally not very deep; and 
some of them—as the Inniel, Owel, Lane, Sheelin, 
and parts of Dereveragh—present shallow shores and 
extensive flats covered by not more than ten or 
fifteen feet of water. In these, and doubtless in 
many other large lakes of the island, the amusement 
may be practised with success. Upon one of these 
we are now afloat; and as the oldest of the embarka- 
tion, I suppose I must-— 
“Shoulder my crutch, and show how eels were won.” 
One of the first things I would point out to the no- 
vice, on crossing his oars, taking the spear in his 
hands, and standing forward in the bow of Dingey, 
is the extraordinary distinctness with which all ob- 
jects are seen at the bottom, This is so remarkable 
that I intend to correct Cavendish’s formula for the 
