THE TROUT 67 



for ten weeks never moved, that we could ascertain, 

 out of a small but rather deep stream. We tried him 

 at intervals, both early and late, with fly, worm, and 

 minnow ; but all to no purpose. Soon after, a flood came 

 down the stream, and we saw him no more. Nearly 

 about the same time, a large trout, under precisely the 

 same circumstances, was observed for a long time near 

 to one of the arches of Felton Bridge, on the river 

 Coquet. He took up a sort of permanent abode there ; 

 had often anglers paying him a visit, but all their subtle 

 arts proved unavailing, and he was captured at last 

 by a simple country lad, with a miserable rod and 

 line, with a plain red -worm. His weight was five 

 pounds. 



It is by taking cognizance of these holds or haunts 

 that an angler, who knows a river well, possesses such a 

 decided advantage over a stranger, however skilful and 

 expert. The former knows to a certainty where the 

 fish are lying ; and if he be unsuccessful on one occasion, 

 he is almost sure to succeed on another. 



Trout pair at the latter end of June, and the whole 

 of the month of July, and are invariably nearly of the 

 same size. They roam together, feed together, exist 

 together, and seem to delight in each other's society. 

 We have sometimes fancied that they express feelings 

 of commiseration and affection for each other in times 

 of peril and danger. The Italian author just named 

 noticed this fact in the trout of Italian streams, and 

 treats of it under the name of the "Loves of the 

 Fishes." 



There can be no doubt, we apprehend, that trout are 

 remarkably susceptible of atmospheric influences. It 

 is, perhaps, impossible to explain this ; but our opinion 

 is founded on circumstances like the following, which 

 have fallen under observation over and over again in 

 many parts of Great Britain. We have started some 

 beautiful morning, with rod and fly, anticipating noble 

 sport from the favourable aspect of the weather; the 

 sky, perhaps, clear and settled, with a gentle breeze 

 from the srest or south-west — a more promising day 



