FLY-FISHING BY NIGHTLIGHT. 197 
the black arched back of a full-grown Jaker, as he 
plunged to the bottom with one of Pat’s “bees” fast 
in his larynx to keep him company. 
“ould fast, sirr, and keep him from takin’ a 
dance among the reeds ;” and in pursuance of the 
exigency of the case he turned the boat’s head to 
deep water. 
Having gained the latitude which he thought safe 
for a fair fight, he resumed his commentary on pass- 
ing events. “The ould schaming sinner,” he con- 
tinued, “it’s an advantage he’d be takin’, shure 
enough, of thim innicent bits ov corncrake’s feathers 
and the wool of Monaghan’s brown cow, thinkin’ they 
wor the fat plum perlauns (moths and beetles) he used 
to waylay among the reeds and the froth, when he 
ought to be asleep in his own cabin like ‘other honest 
people ;” and with a satisfied shrug of his shoulders, 
and a humorous leer at the line; as it cut through the 
waves in unison with the movements of the “ould 
sinner,” he crossed his oars once more and took the 
landing-net in his hand. With large trout, such as 
has been assumed as the subject of illustration, the 
acts in the tragic drama might be extended to the 
legitimate number ; for the hero of the piece has 
quite sufficient strength and vitality to protract the 
dénouement to that extent. But at night, when the 
performance cannot be so satisfactorily witnessed, the 
clear indication is to terminate it as soon as possible. 
