CONTINENTAL STATES 279 



" I was anxious to throw a line in the Couesnon, and I 

 ascended it a short distance, put on two flies, and 

 ventured on the surface of its streams I only obtained 

 three or four smallish fish ; but the deep pools seemed 

 to contain a fair proportion of trout for the capabilities 

 of the water. It is very clear and sparkling, and requires 

 fine tackle and a light hand. 



" The river Eanoe is an interesting one ; it takes its 

 rise from among the high division of the Mene range of 

 hills, near to the town of Oollinee, from whence it flows 

 in an eastward du'ection till it approaches St. Jouan, the 

 boundary-line between Normandy and Brittany. The 

 stream then runs north, through a rich and beautiful 

 valley, which at one place becomes very narrow, and 

 terminates in a sort of rocky gorge, through which the 

 waters rush towards Dinan. The river is thus hemmed 

 in between precipitous and lofty hills, and presents a 

 succession of varied and romantic scenery which a painter 

 would revel in for days together. 



" I only stopped to breakfast at the little town of 

 Dol, being anxious to reach Dinan, distant about fifteen 

 miles. This I accomplished towards evening. The 

 town stands upon a rocky eminence, and the river Ranee 

 flows at the bottom of it, through a deep and rocky 

 valley. A great number of English were residing 

 here, many of whom were keen anglers. Having 

 letters of introduction to two of them, I was soon in the 

 midst of a whole host of the disciples of ' old Izaak.' I 

 found angling in all its phases, aspects, and dodges, to 

 be a standard dish of conversation; and the successes 

 and disappointments, the attributes of the gentle art, 

 seemed to afford never-ceasing themes of eloquence and 

 declamation. Still, there is invariably such a vital 

 sympathy among all men who have what may be called 

 the root of the viatter in them, that we feel always at 

 home with the true and enthusiastic angler, and are ever 

 ready to pin our faith and honour on his sleeve, be he 

 in what part of the world he may. 



"The Arquenon abounds with fine trout, not large, 

 but rich in flavour, and of the most bright and shining 



