WHEN LADIES FISH 183 
assistance is permissible. But here was a clear 
field, and no need for favour. “I’m sure the 
rod will break!” said she. ‘Never mind if it 
does!” Oh, but I shall lose the fish!” she 
exclaimed, only to be told that “those who 
hook a trout must catch it or lose it.” 
So the lady, proving an apt pupil, kept her 
head and a tight line, with the rod well up, 
letting the trout have a run when he insisted on 
it, and reeling-in when possible. At last, after 
many hopes and fears, the net was slipped under 
a fish which, when weighed at the farmstead, 
amidst the congratulations of the family to the 
successful fisherwoman, turned the scales at one 
pound three ounces, 
Perhaps I cannot close this chapter better than 
by showing that ladies are able not only to catch 
trout but also to write charmingly about the 
sport. I venture to quote the following extract 
from an article entitled “ A Day on the Stour,” 
which appeared in the fishing Gazette. It is 
proof positive. 
“The hours passed, the shadows lengthened; sheep 
gathered round me as if attracted by some family likeness, 
which rudeness on their part I was far too dejected to resent. 
At last I knew it was time to return to the inn. I was 
beaten, defeated. The glorious opportunity of being the first 
woman who had ever caught a fish on these waters was for 
ever gone. One more attempt I would make over the shiny 
green stuff by the bank, and then I must go, Whir-r-r! 
away rushed my line, round and round flew my reel, I 
nearly fell into the water at the suddenness of the occurrence, 
but, as yards of my line disappeared rapidly, so did my 
