WEEDS. 55 



In a chalk stream the weeds grow rapidly Trimming 

 during the summer season, and from time to water, 

 time the necessity arises for dealing with them 

 so as to prevent the water from being choked 

 up. This work of trimming during the summer 

 and early autumn should be done by the 

 keepers, the more so as it requires judgment 

 and tact to decide the extent to which, and 

 the time at which, it should be carried out in 

 each reach. The cutting in the mill ponds or 

 other deep stretches can be effectually done 

 from the banks with ordinary hand scythes set 

 on extra long straight handles. The lightest 

 and most convenient are made of stout bam- 

 boos, which can be purchased up to 18 or 20 

 feet in length at moderate cost ; failing these, a 

 long thin larch makes a good substitute. 



The rushes standing at the margin of the river 

 should not be cut, as they afford a protection to 

 the fish and serve in a degree to assist the 

 angler in keeping out of sight. The keepers, 

 however, should cut out the weeds as closely as 

 possible for a width of say three yards from 

 either bank, and the edges of the banks them- 

 selves should be kept clear of weeds or partially 

 submerged rushes. If this plan is carried out 

 there will be a clear run under either bank, in 

 which the majority of rising fish will be found. 

 The vegetation in the central portion of the 



