1 62 ON SURREY HILLS. 



anglers of limited experience, when looking at fish pic- 

 tures — even by such a prince of fish-painters as Rolf 

 — say they have never seen such pike, perch, trout, or 

 grayling as those before them. I have not the least 

 doubt of it, for it is only in the best waters, both as 

 regards quality and quantity, with a first-rate food- 

 supply, that fish arrive at perfection. From certain 

 waters I have had pike and perch that looked nearly 

 as thick as they were long, hog-backed, and with 

 pouches like the throats of the jolly, well-fed monks 

 of old. As to the trout, they were short, thick-set, 

 crimson-speckled beauties. 



It is not always, indeed one may say it is rarely 

 possible to visit such waters. It needs much per- 

 suasive power on our part, and many mancEuvres, to 

 obtain permission even for a very limited time. So 

 say my rustic friends, and I can endorse their ex- 

 perience. It is a matter of no small moment to get 

 permission for even one half-day. And old mills 

 and ancient flood-gates are disappearing fast, and 

 some mill-streams are becoming choked up with mud 

 and aquatic vegetation. Then there is the bother 

 caused by new own.ers through whose grounds the 

 water runs. These and other difficulties have caused 



