THE ANGLER IN IRELAND. 147 



he had been hooked in the back fin with a small coachman 1 

 The water was so low that in drawing the cast towards me 

 I had fouled him in that singular manner. And this was 

 how I caught my first salmon. 



The fishing in Galway is excellent, but the best has to be 

 paid for at high rates, and the waters are not allowed too 

 much rest. The great lakes — Corrib and Mask — contain all 

 kinds of fish, but the sport is uncertain. The district is 

 most interesting to the tourist, and the ride through Joyce's 

 country one of the treats of the island. The circular tickets 

 issued by the Midland Great Western Company are a honct 

 •fide boon, saving you trouble, ensuring you comfort, and in 

 every way reducing the inconveniences of travelling to a 

 minimum. 



Unless the waters are known to be in good order I should 

 not. starting from Galway, advise an early halt for angling. 

 The Spiddal, a river about ten miles from the town, is a fair 

 wet-weather stream, and trolling in the lakes thereabouts is 

 not to be despised ; but on the whole you had better let 

 your rod lie undisturbed in the well of O'Brien's roomy car, 

 and enjoy your ride through Connemara as an ordinary 

 Christian. Make the most of the Twelve Pins, envy Mr. 

 Mitchell Henry his house and fishing at Kylemore, and go 

 into raptures with Killery Bay, for of its degree you will 

 meet with nothing to surpass it. If you cannot make your- 

 self at home at Westport, in the hotel with the river an3 

 trees before the door, your conscience must be in a parlous 

 state. You may be tempted here by what you hear of the 

 fishing in Lord Sligo's demesne, and the chances of obtaining 

 permission, but don't unstrap your rods, or unlock the basket, 

 until you find yourself in due course at Ballina. 



