GENERAL MANAGEMENT 325 



course might not commend itself to the pot-hunter 

 or to the fisherman desirous of estabUshing records 

 in the number or size of the trout and grayling he 

 kills. 



The task of getting the water into the most favour- 

 able condition for the natural 

 Preparation for the reproduction of the trout on 



spawning season. the spawning-beds should be 



started as soon as the fishing 

 season is over. Generally even where continuous 

 warfare has been waged on the pike it is necessary 

 to net the water during the autumn. This work will 

 be described in detail in a subsequent chapter. For 

 successful netting the weeds must be cut ruthlessly ; 

 the chain scythes worked up and down the stream 

 will clear the middle of the river, while the hand 

 scythes are used to cut the sides clear of weeds and 

 rushes on the bank. Harrowing is sometimes recom- 

 mended, but although it is a most efficient means of 

 clearing the river-bed, especially where thick mud- 

 beds accumulate, it requires to be undertaken with 

 some caution and consideration. It is apt to tear 

 out the roots of the weeds, and for quite two years 

 after its use the absence of subaqueous vegetation 

 will often cause the migration of the trout to other 

 parts of the stream. When the work is done by the 

 scythes, many of the roots are untouched, and the 

 weeds will make vigorous and healthy growth in the 

 next spring, and provide the shelter so necessary for 

 the fish in the hot weather. 



