3i8 THE DRY-FLY MAN'S HANDBOOK 



should pay all rates. This is a moot point and one 

 that sometimes leads to long discussion. It is, how- 

 ever, desirable that the rent should be fixed at a 

 figure sufficiently high to warrant the lessor in doing 

 so. If the lessee has to pay rates the local authorities 

 are prone to assess the sporting rights at an ex- 

 cessive sum, as they argue that the London gentlemen 

 coming down there to fish should be made to con- 

 tribute liberally towards the rates. If the rates are 

 paid by the landlord they do not seem to realize that 

 they are included in the rent, and are apt to consider 

 that their own neighbour, as lord of the manor, should 

 not be bled as freely as a stranger. There are other 

 reasons, such as the liability to be summoned on 

 juries, etc., why the tenant should, if possible, try and 

 be exempt from assessment." 



" The lessor must undertake to lower and regulate 

 the water-level as required by the lessee for the 

 purpose of weed -cutting and netting. This is 

 necessary, because the regulation of hatches in such 

 cases is usually in the discretion of the millers and 

 farmers. They may or may not be on good terms 

 with the fishing tenant. If he is a man of sense and 

 judgment he will do all in his power to be friendly 

 with them ; but occasionally there are millers and 

 farmers who resent the intrusion of any so-called 

 stranger, and who might refuse to raise or lower 

 hatches, and thus effectually prevent the tenant from 

 carrying out his obligations to cut and remove weeds, 

 net, etc." 



