<P_218>

<heading>

CHAP. III . (WALTON-E3-P1,218.3)

HOW TO FISH FOR , AND TO DRESS THE CHAVENDER OR CHUB .
(WALTON-E3-P1,218.4)

</heading>

<font> Pisc. </font> The <font> Chub </font> , though he eat well thus
drest , yet as he is usually drest , he does not : (WALTON-E3-P1,218.6)

he is objected against , not only for being full of small forked bones
, disperst through all his body , but that he eats watrish , and that
the flesh of him is not firm , but short and tasteless .
(WALTON-E3-P1,218.7)

The <font> French </font> esteem him so mean , as to call him <font> Un
Villain ; </font> (WALTON-E3-P1,218.8)

nevertheless he may be so drest as to make him very good meat ;
(WALTON-E3-P1,218.9)

as namely , if he be a large Chub , then dress him thus :
(WALTON-E3-P1,218.10)

<font> First scale him , (WALTON-E3-P1,218.11)

and then wash him clean , (WALTON-E3-P1,218.12)

and then take out his guts ; (WALTON-E3-P1,218.13)

and to that end make the hole as little and near to his gills as you
may conveniently , (WALTON-E3-P1,218.14)

and especially make clean his throat from the grass and weeds that are
usually in it (WALTON-E3-P1,218.15)

<paren> for if that be not very clean , it will make him to taste very
sour </paren> ; (WALTON-E3-P1,218.16)

having so done , put some sweet herbs into his belly ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,218.17)

and then tye him with two or three splinters to a spit ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,218.18)

and rost him , basted often with Vinegar , or rather verjuice and
butter , with good store of salt mixt with it . </font>
(WALTON-E3-P1,218.19)

Being thus drest , you will find him a much better dish of meat than
you , or most folk , even than Anglers themselves do imagine ;
(WALTON-E3-P1,218.20)

for this dries up the fluid watry humor with which all <font> Chubs
</font> do abound . (WALTON-E3-P1,218.21)

But take this rule with you , That a <font> Chub </font> newly taken
and newly drest , is so much better than a <font> Chub </font> of a
days keeping after he is dead , that I can compare him to nothing so
fitly as to Cherries newly gathered from a tree , and others that have
been bruised and lain a day or two in water . (WALTON-E3-P1,218.22)

But the <font> Chub </font> being thus used and drest presently , and
not washed after he is gutted <paren> for note that lying long in water
, and washing the blood out of any fish after they be gutted , abates
much of their sweetness </paren> you will find the Chub being drest in
the blood and quickly , to be such meat as will recompence your labour
, and disabuse your opinion . (WALTON-E3-P1,218.23)

<P_219>

Or you may dress the <font> Chavender </font> or <font> Chub </font>
thus : (WALTON-E3-P1,219.25)

<font> When you have scaled him , and cut off his tail and fins , and
washed him very clean , then chine or slit him through the middle , as
a salt fish is usually cut , (WALTON-E3-P1,219.26)

then give him three or four cuts or scotches on the back with your
knife , (WALTON-E3-P1,219.27)

and broil him on Char-coal , or Wood-coal that are free from smoke ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,219.28)

and all the time he is a broyling baste him with the best sweet Butter
, and good store of salt mixt with it ; (WALTON-E3-P1,219.29)

and to this add a little Time cut exceeding small , or bruised into the
butter . </font> (WALTON-E3-P1,219.30)

The Cheven thus drest hath the watry tast taken away , for which so
many except against him . (WALTON-E3-P1,219.31)

Thus was the Cheven drest that you liked so well , and commended so
much . (WALTON-E3-P1,219.32)

But note again , that if this Chub that you eat of , had been kept till
to morrow , he had not been worth a rush . (WALTON-E3-P1,219.33)

And remember that his throat be washt very clean , I say very clean ,
and his body not washt after he is gutted , as indeed no fish should be
. (WALTON-E3-P1,219.34)

Well Scholar , you see what pains I have taken to recover the lost
credit of the poor despised <font> Chub </font> . (WALTON-E3-P1,219.35)

And now I will give you some rules how to catch him ;
(WALTON-E3-P1,219.36)

and I am glad to enter you into the Art of fishing by catching a <font>
Chub </font> , (WALTON-E3-P1,219.37)

for there is no Fish better to enter a young Angler , he is so easily
caught , (WALTON-E3-P1,219.38)

but then it must be this particular way . (WALTON-E3-P1,219.39)

Go to the same hole in which I caught my <font> Chub </font> , where in
most hot daies you will find a dozen or twenty <font> Chevens </font>
floating <P_220> near the top of the water , (WALTON-E3-P1,220.40)

get two or three Grasshoppers as you go over the meadow ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,220.41)

and get secretly behind the tree , (WALTON-E3-P1,220.42)

and stand as free from motion as possible , (WALTON-E3-P1,220.43)

then put a Grashopper on your hook , (WALTON-E3-P1,220.44)

and let your hook hang a quarter of a yard short of the water , to
which end you must rest your rod on some bough of the tree ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,220.45)

but it is likely the Chubs will sink down towards the bottom of the
water at the first shadow of your Rod , (WALTON-E3-P1,220.46)

for a Chub is the fearfullest of fishes , (WALTON-E3-P1,220.47)

and will do so if but a bird flies over him , and makes the least
shadow on the water : (WALTON-E3-P1,220.48)

but they will presently rise up to the top again , and there lie
soaring till some shadow affrights them again : (WALTON-E3-P1,220.49)

I say when they lie upon the top of the water , look out the best Chub
, <paren> which you setting your self in a fit place , may very easily
see </paren> (WALTON-E3-P1,220.50)

and move your Rod as softly as a Snail moves , to that Chub you intend
to catch ; (WALTON-E3-P1,220.51)

let your bait fall gently upon the water three or four inches before
him , (WALTON-E3-P1,220.52)

and he will infallibly take the bait , (WALTON-E3-P1,220.53)

and you will be as sure to catch him ; (WALTON-E3-P1,220.54)

for he is one of the leather-mouth'd fishes , of which a hook does
scarce ever lose its hold ; (WALTON-E3-P1,220.55)

and therefore give him play enough before you offer to take him out of
the water . (WALTON-E3-P1,220.56)

Go your way presently , (WALTON-E3-P1,220.57)

take my Rod , (WALTON-E3-P1,220.58)

and do as I bid you , (WALTON-E3-P1,220.59)

and I will sit down and mend my tackling till you return back .
(WALTON-E3-P1,220.60)

<font> Ven. </font> Truly , my loving master , you have offered me as
fair as I could wish . (WALTON-E3-P1,220.61)

$I $'ll {TEXT:I'le} go and observe your directions .
(WALTON-E3-P1,220.62)

<font> Pisc. </font> Marry , and I am glad of it :
(WALTON-E3-P1,220.63)

I am like to have a towardly Scholar of you . (WALTON-E3-P1,220.64)

I now see , that with advice and practice you will make an <font>
Angler </font> in a short time . (WALTON-E3-P1,220.65)

Have but a love to it (WALTON-E3-P1,220.66)

and $I $'ll {TEXT:I'le} warrant you . (WALTON-E3-P1,220.67)

<P_221>

<font> Venat. </font> But Master , what if I could not have found a
<font> Grashopper ? </font> (WALTON-E3-P1,221.69)

<font> Pisc. </font> Then I may tell you , that a <font> black Snail ,
</font> with his belly slit , to shew his white : or a piece of soft
<font> cheese , </font> will usually do as well : (WALTON-E3-P1,221.70)

nay , sometimes a <font> worm </font> , or any kind of <font> flie
</font> , as the <font> Ant-flie </font> , the <font> Flesh-flie
</font> , or <font> Wall-flie </font> , or the <font> Dor </font> or
<font> Beetle </font> , <paren> which you may find under a Cow-tird
</paren> or a <font> Bob </font> , which you will find in the same
place , and in time will be a Beetle ; it is a short white worm , like
to and bigger than a Gentle ; or a <font> Cod-worm </font> , or a
<font> Case-worm </font> : (WALTON-E3-P1,221.71)

any of these will do very well to fish in such a manner .
(WALTON-E3-P1,221.72)

And after this manner you may catch a <font> Trout </font> in a hot
evening : (WALTON-E3-P1,221.73)

when as you walk by a Brook , and shall see or hear him leap at flies ,
then if you get a <font> Grashopper </font> , out it on your hook ,
with your line about two yards long , standing behind a bush or tree
where his hole is , (WALTON-E3-P1,221.74)

and make your bait stir up and down on the top of the water :
(WALTON-E3-P1,221.75)

you may if you stand close , be sure of a bite , but not sure to catch
him , (WALTON-E3-P1,221.76)

for he is not a leather mouthed Fish : (WALTON-E3-P1,221.77)

and after this manner you may fish for him with almost any kind of live
flie , but especially with a <font> Grashopper . </font>
(WALTON-E3-P1,221.78)

<font> Venat. </font> But before you go further , I pray good Master ,
what mean you by a leather-mouthed Fish ? (WALTON-E3-P1,221.79)

<font> Pisc. </font> By a leather-mouthed Fish , I mean such as have
their teeth in their throat , as the <font> Chub </font> or <font>
Cheven </font> , (WALTON-E3-P1,221.80)

and so the <font> Barbel </font> , the <font> Gudgeon </font> , and
<font> Carp </font> , and divers others have ; (WALTON-E3-P1,221.81)

and the hook being stuck into the leather or skin of the mouth of such
fish does very seldom or never lose its hold : (WALTON-E3-P1,221.82)

But on the contrary , a <font> Pike </font> , a <font> Pearch </font> ,
or <font> Trout </font> , and so some other Fish , which have not their
teeth in their throats , but in their mouths , <paren> which you shall
observe to be very full of bones , and the skin very thin , and little
of it </paren> : I say , of these fish the hook never takes so sure
hold , (WALTON-E3-P1,221.83)

but you often lose your fish , unless he have gorg'd it .
(WALTON-E3-P1,221.84)

<font> Ven. </font> I thank you , good Master , for this observation ;
(WALTON-E3-P1,221.85)

but now what shall be done with my <font> Chub </font> or <font> Cheven
</font> , that I have caught ? (WALTON-E3-P1,221.86)

<font> Pisc. </font> Marry Sir , it shall be given away to some poor
body , (WALTON-E3-P1,221.87)

for $I $'ll {TEXT:I'le} warrant you $I $'ll {TEXT:I'le} give you a
<font> Trout </font> for your supper : (WALTON-E3-P1,221.88)

and it is a good beginning of your Art to offer your first fruits to
the <P_222> poor , who will both-3 thank God and you for it , which I
see by your silence you seem to consent to . (WALTON-E3-P1,222.89)

And for $your {TEXT:you} willingness to part with it so charitably , I
will also teach you more concerning Chub-Fishing :
(WALTON-E3-P1,222.90)

you are to note that in <font> March </font> and <font> April </font>
he is usually taken with wormes ; (WALTON-E3-P1,222.91)

in <font> May , June , </font> and <font> July </font> he will bite at
any <font> fly </font> , or at <font> Cherries , </font> or at <font>
Beetles </font> with their legs and wings cut off , or at any kind of
<font> Snail </font> , or at the black <font> Bee </font> that breeds
in clay walls ; (WALTON-E3-P1,222.92)

and he never refuses a Grashopper on the top of a swift stream , nor at
the bottom the young <font> humblebee </font> that breeds in long
grasse , and is ordinarily found by the Mower of it .
(WALTON-E3-P1,222.93)

In <font> August </font> , and in the cooler months a yellow <font>
paste </font> , made of the strongest cheese , and pounded in a Mortar
with a little butter and saffron , <paren> so much of it as being
beaten small will turn it to a lemon colour </paren> .
(WALTON-E3-P1,222.94)

And some make a paste for the Winter months , at which time the Chub is
accounted best , <paren> for then it is observed , that the forked
bones are lost , or turned into a kind of gristle , especially if he be
baked </paren> of Cheese and Turpentine ; (WALTON-E3-P1,222.95)

he will bite also at a Minnow or Penk , as a Trout will : of which I
shall tell you more hereafter , and of divers other baits .
(WALTON-E3-P1,222.96)

But take this for a rule , that in hot weather he is to be fisht for
towards the mid-water , or near the top ; and in colder weather nearer
the bottom . (WALTON-E3-P1,222.97)

And if you fish for him on the top , with a Beetle or any <font> fly
</font> , then be sure to let your line be very long , and to keep out
of sight . (WALTON-E3-P1,222.98)

And having told you that his Spawn is excellent meat and that the head
of a large Cheven , the Throat being well washt , is the best part of
him , I will say no more of this Fish at the present , but wish you may
catch the next you fish for . (WALTON-E3-P1,222.99)

But lest you judg me too nice in urging to have the Chub drest so
presently after he is taken , I will commend to your consideration how
curious former times have been in the like kind .
(WALTON-E3-P1,222.100)

$You {TEXT:Your} shall read in <font> Seneca </font> his natural
Questions <font> <paren> Lib. 3. cap. 17 </paren> </font> that the
Ancients were so curious in the newnesse of their Fish , that that
seemed not new enough that <P_223> was not put alive into the guests
hand ; (WALTON-E3-P1,223.101)

and he says that to that end they did usually keep them living in
glass-bottles in their dining-rooms ; (WALTON-E3-P1,223.102)

and they did glory much in their entertaining of friends to have that
Fish taken from under their table alive , that was instantly to be fed
upon . (WALTON-E3-P1,223.103)

And , he says , they took great pleasure to see their Mullets change to
several colours , when they were dying . (WALTON-E3-P1,223.104)

But enough of this , (WALTON-E3-P1,223.105)

for I doubt I have stayed too long from giving you some observations of
the <font> Trout </font> , and how to fish for him , which shall take
up the next of my spare time . (WALTON-E3-P1,223.106)

<P_224>

<heading>

CHAP. IV . (WALTON-E3-P1,224.109)

OBSERVATIONS OF THE NATURE AND BREEDING OF THE TROUT ; AND HOW TO FISH
FOR HIM . AND THE MILK MAIDS SONG . (WALTON-E3-P1,224.110)

</heading>

<font> Pisc. </font> The Trout is a fish highly valued both-1 in this
and forraign <font> Nations </font> : (WALTON-E3-P1,224.112)

he may be justly said , <paren> as the old Poets said of wine , and we
English say of Venison </paren> to be a generous Fish : a Fish that is
so like the <font> Buck </font> that he also has his seasons ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,224.113)

for it is observed , that he comes in and goes out of season with the
<font> Stag </font> and <font> Buck </font> . (WALTON-E3-P1,224.114)

<font> Gesner </font> says , his name is of a Germane off-spring ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,224.115)

and says he is a fish that feeds clean and purely , in the swiftest
streams , and on the hardest gravel ; and that he may justly contend
with all fresh-water-Fish , as the Mullet may with all Sea-Fish for
precedency and daintiness of taste , and that being in right season ,
the most dainty palats have allowed precedency to him .
(WALTON-E3-P1,224.116)

And before I go farther in my Discourse , let me tell you , that you
are to observe , that as there be some <font> barren Does </font> ,
that are good in Summer , so there be some <font> barren Trouts </font>
that are good in Winter ; (WALTON-E3-P1,224.117)

but there are not many that are so , (WALTON-E3-P1,224.118)

for usually they be in their perfection in the month of <font> May
</font> , (WALTON-E3-P1,224.119)

and decline with the <font> Buck </font> . (WALTON-E3-P1,224.120)

Now you are to take notice , that in several Countries , as in <font>
Germany </font> and in other parts , compar'd to ours , Fish do differ
much in their bigness , and shape , and other ways ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,224.121)

and so do <font> Trouts </font> ; (WALTON-E3-P1,224.122)

it is well known that in the Lake <font> Leman </font> <paren> the Lake
of <font> Geneva </font> </paren> there are <font> Trouts </font> taken
of three Cubits long , as is <P_225> affirmed by <font> Gesner </font>
, a Writer of good credit ; (WALTON-E3-P1,225.123)

and <font> Mercator </font> says , the <font> Trouts </font> that are
taken in the Lake of <font> Geneva </font> , are a great part of the
Merchandize of that famous City . (WALTON-E3-P1,225.124)

And you are further to know , that there be certain waters that breed
<font> Trouts </font> remarkable , both-3 for their number and
smallness . (WALTON-E3-P1,225.125)

I know a little Brook in <font> Kent </font> , that breeds them to a
number incredible , (WALTON-E3-P1,225.126)

and you may take them twenty or forty in an hour ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,225.127)

but none greater than about the size of a <font> Gudgion </font> ;
(WALTON-E3-P1,225.128)

There are also in divers Rivers , especially that relate to , or be
near to the Sea <paren> as <font> Winchester </font> , or the <font>
Thames </font> about <font> Windsor </font> </paren> a little <font>
Trout </font> called a <font> Samlet </font> or <font> Skegger Trout
</font> <paren> in both which places I have caught twenty or forty at a
standing </paren> that will bite as fast and as freely as <font>
Minnows </font> ; (WALTON-E3-P1,225.129)

these be by some taken to be young <font> Salmons </font> ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,225.130)

but in those waters they never grow to be bigger than a <font> Herring
</font> . (WALTON-E3-P1,225.131)

There is also in <font> Kent </font> near to <font> Canterbury </font>
, a <font> Trout </font> <paren> call'd there a <font> Fordidge Trout
</font> </paren> a <font> Trout </font> <paren> that bears the name of
the Town , where it is usually caught </paren> that is accounted the
rarest of Fish ; many of them near the bigness of a <font> Salmon
</font> , but known by their different colour , (WALTON-E3-P1,225.132)

and in their best season they cut very white ; (WALTON-E3-P1,225.133)

and none of these have been known to be caught with an Angle , unless
it were one that was caught by Sir <font> George Hastings </font>
<paren> an excellent Angler , and now with God </paren>
(WALTON-E3-P1,225.134)

and he hath told me , he thought that <font> Trout </font> bit not for
hunger but wantonness ; (WALTON-E3-P1,225.135)

and it is the rather to be believed , because both he then , and many
others before him , have been curious to search into their bellies ,
what the food was by which they lived ; and have found out nothing by
which they might satisfie their curiosity . Concerning which you are to
take notice , that it is reported by good Authors , that <font>
grass-hoppers </font> and some Fish have no mouths , but are nourisht
and take breath by the porousness of their Guills , Man knows not how ;
(WALTON-E3-P1,225.136)

And this may be believed , if we consider that when the <font> Raven
</font> has hatcht her eggs , she takes no further care , but , leaves
her young ones , to the care of the God of Nature , who is said in the
<font> Psalms , To feed the young Ravens that call upon him </font> .
(WALTON-E3-P1,225.137)

And they be kept alive , and fed by a <font> dew </font> , or <P_226>
{COM:picture_omitted} <P_227> <font> worms </font> that breed in their
nests , or some other ways that we Mortals know not ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,226.138)

and this may be believed of the <font> Fordidge Trout </font> , which ,
as it is said of the <font> Stork </font> , that he knows his season ,
so he knows his times <paren> I think almost his day </paren> of coming
into that River out of Sea , where he lives <paren> and it is like ,
feeds </paren> nine months of the Year , and fasts three in the River
of <font> Fordidge </font> . (WALTON-E3-P1,226.139)

And you are to note , that those Townsmen are very punctual in
observing the time of beginning to fish for them ; and boast much that
their River affords a Trout , that exceeds all others .
(WALTON-E3-P1,226.140)

And just so does <font> Sussex </font> boast of several Fish ; as
namely , a <font> Shelsey Cockle </font> , a <font> Chichester Lobster
</font> , an <font> Arundel Mullet </font> , and an <font> Amerly Trout
</font> . (WALTON-E3-P1,226.141)

And now for some confirmation of the <font> Fordidge </font> Trout ,
you are to know that this Trout is thought to eat nothing in the fresh
water ; (WALTON-E3-P1,226.142)

and it may be the better believed , because it is well known , that
<font> Swallows </font> and <font> Bats </font> and <font> Wagtails
</font> , which are call'd half year birds , and not seen to flie in
<font> England </font> for six months in the Year <paren> but about
<font> Michaelmas </font> leave us for a hotter Climate </paren> ; yet
some of them that have been left behind their fellows , have been found
<paren> many thousands at a time </paren> in hollow trees , or
clay-Caves , where they have been observed , to live and sleep out the
whole Winter without meat ; (WALTON-E3-P1,226.143)

and so <font> Albertus </font> observes that there is one kind of
<font> Frog </font> that hath her mouth naturally shut up about the end
of <font> August </font> , and that she lives so all the Winter :
(WALTON-E3-P1,226.144)

and though it be strange to some , yet it is known to too many among us
to be doubted . (WALTON-E3-P1,226.145)

And so much for these <font> Fordidge trouts </font> , which never
afford an <font> Angler </font> sport , but either-2 live their time of
being in the fresh water , by their meat formerly gotten in the Sea
<paren> not unlike the <font> Swallow or Frog </font> </paren> or by
the vertue of the fresh water only ; or as the birds of <font> Paradise
</font> , and the <font> Camelion </font> are said to live by the
<font> Sun </font> and the <font> Air </font> . (WALTON-E3-P1,226.146)

There is also in <font> Northumberland </font> a <font> Trout </font>
called a <font> Bull-trout </font> , of a much greater length and
bigness , than any in these Southern <P_228> parts :
(WALTON-E3-P1,228.147)

and there are in many Rivers that relate to the Sea , <font>
Salmon-trouts </font> , as much different from others , both in shape
and in their spots , as we see sheep in some Countries differ one from
another in their shape and bigness , and in the fineness of their wool
: (WALTON-E3-P1,228.148)

and certainly , as some pastures breed larger sheep , so do some Rivers
, by reason of the ground over which they run , breed larger <font>
Trouts </font> . (WALTON-E3-P1,228.149)

Now the next thing that I will commend to your consideration is , that
the <font> Trout </font> is of a more sudden growth than other Fish :
concerning which you are also to take notice , that he lives not so
long as the <font> Pearch </font> and divers other Fishes do , as Sir
<font> Francis Bacon </font> hath observed in his History of Life and
Death . (WALTON-E3-P1,228.150)

And next you are to take notice , that he is not like the <font>
Crocodile </font> , which if he lives never so long , yet always
thrives till his death : (WALTON-E3-P1,228.151)

but $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} not so with the Trout , (WALTON-E3-P1,228.152)

for after he is come to his full growth , he declines in his body ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,228.153)

and keeps his bigness or thrives only in his head till his death .
(WALTON-E3-P1,228.154)

And you are to know , that he will about <paren> especially before
</paren> the time of his Spawning , get almost miraculously through
<font> Weires </font> , and <font> Floud-gates </font> against the
stream ; even , through such high and swift places as is almost
incredible . (WALTON-E3-P1,228.155)

Next , that the <font> Trout </font> usually Spawns about <font>
October </font> or <font> November </font> , but in some Rivers a
little sooner or later : which is the more observable , because most
other fish Spawn in the Spring or Summer , when the Sun hath warmed
both the earth and water , and made it fit for generation .
(WALTON-E3-P1,228.156)

And you are to note , that he continues many months out of season :
(WALTON-E3-P1,228.157)

for it may be observed of the Trout , that he is like the Buck or the
Ox , that will not be fat in many months , though he go in the very
same pastures that horses do , which will be fat in one month ;
(WALTON-E3-P1,228.158)

and so you may observe , that most other Fishes recover strength , and
grow sooner fat , and in season than the Trout doth .
(WALTON-E3-P1,228.159)

And next , you are to note , that till the Sun gets to such a height as
to warm the earth and the water , the Trout is sick and lean , and
lowsie , and unwholsom : (WALTON-E3-P1,228.160)

for you shall in winter <P_229> find him to have a big head , and then
to be lank , and thin , and lean ; at which time many of them have
sticking on them Sugs , or <font> Trout lice </font> , which is a kind
of a worm , in shape like a clove or pin with a big head , and sticks
close to him and sucks his moisture ; (WALTON-E3-P1,229.161)

those , I think , the <font> Trout </font> breeds himself ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,229.162)

and never thrives till he free himself from them , which is when warm
weather comes ; (WALTON-E3-P1,229.163)

and then , as he grows stronger , he gets from the dead , still water ,
into the sharp streams , and the gravel , (WALTON-E3-P1,229.164)

and there rubs off these worms or lice ; (WALTON-E3-P1,229.165)

and then , as he grows stronger , so he gets him into swifter and
swifter streams , (WALTON-E3-P1,229.166)

and there lies at the watch for any flie or Minnow , that comes near to
him ; (WALTON-E3-P1,229.167)

and he especially loves the <font> May-flie </font> , which is bred of
the <font> Cod-worm </font> , or <font> Caddis </font> ;
(WALTON-E3-P1,229.168)

and these make the Trout bold and lusty , (WALTON-E3-P1,229.169)

and he is usually fatter and better meat at the end of that month ,
than at any time of the year . (WALTON-E3-P1,229.170)

Now you are to know , that it is observed , that usually the best
<font> trouts </font> are either red or yellow , though some <paren> as
the <font> Fordidge trout </font> </paren> be white and yet good ;
(WALTON-E3-P1,229.171)

but that is not usual : (WALTON-E3-P1,229.172)

and it is a note observable , that the female <font> Trout </font> hath
usually a less head , and a deeper body than the male <font> Trout
</font> ; and is usually the better meat : (WALTON-E3-P1,229.173)

and note that a hogback , and a little head to either <font> Trout ,
Salmon </font> , or any other fish , is a sign that that fish is in
season . (WALTON-E3-P1,229.174)

But yet you are to note , that as you see some Willows or palm-trees
bud and blossom sooner than others do , so some Trouts be in Rivers
sooner in season ; (WALTON-E3-P1,229.175)

and as some Hollies or Oaks are longer before they cast their leaves ,
so are some Trouts in Rivers longer before they go out of season .
(WALTON-E3-P1,229.176)

And you are to note , that there are several kinds of <font> Trouts
</font> , (WALTON-E3-P1,229.177)

but these several kinds are not considered but by very few men ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,229.178)

for they go under the general name of <font> Trouts </font> : just as
Pigeons do in most places ; though it is certain there are tame , and
wild Pigeons : and of the tame , there be <font> Helmits </font> and
<font> Runts </font> and <P_230> <font> Carriers </font> , and <font>
Cropers </font> , and indeed too many to name . (WALTON-E3-P1,230.179)

Nay , the <font> Royal Society </font> have found and publisht lately ,
that there be thirty and three kinds of Spiders :
(WALTON-E3-P1,230.180)

and yet , all <paren> for ought I know </paren> go under that one
general name of <font> Spider </font> . (WALTON-E3-P1,230.181)

And $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} so with many kinds of Fish , and of <font>
Trouts </font> especially , which differ in their bigness and shape ,
and spots , and colour . (WALTON-E3-P1,230.182)

The great <font> Kentish Hens </font> may be an instance , compared to
other Hens ; (WALTON-E3-P1,230.183)

And doubtless there is a kind of small Trout , which will never thrive
to be big ; that breeds very many more than others do , that be of a
larger size ; which you may rather believe , if you consider , that the
little <font> Wren </font> and <font> Titmouse </font> will have twenty
young ones at a time , when usually the noble <font> Hawk </font> or
the Musical <font> Thrassal </font> or <font> Black-bird </font> exceed
not four or five . (WALTON-E3-P1,230.184)

And now you shall see me try my skill to catch a Trout ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,230.185)

and at my next walking either this evening , or to morrow morning I
will give you direction , how you your self shall fish for him .
(WALTON-E3-P1,230.186)

<font> Venat. </font> Trust me , Master , I see now it is a harder
matter to catch a <font> Trout </font> than a <font> Chub </font> :
(WALTON-E3-P1,230.187)

for I have put on patience , and followed you these two hours , and not
$seen {TEXT:see} a Fish stir , neither-2 at your Minnow nor your Worm .
(WALTON-E3-P1,230.188)

<font> Pisc. </font> Well Scholar , you must endure worse luck sometime
, (WALTON-E3-P1,230.189)

or you will never make a good Angler . (WALTON-E3-P1,230.190)

But what say you now ? (WALTON-E3-P1,230.191)

there is a <font> Trout </font> now , and a good one too , if I can but
hold him , (WALTON-E3-P1,230.192)

and two or three turns more will tire him : (WALTON-E3-P1,230.193)

Now you see he lies still , (WALTON-E3-P1,230.194)

and the sleight is to land him : (WALTON-E3-P1,230.195)

Reach me that Landing Net : (WALTON-E3-P1,230.196)

So <paren> Sir </paren> now he is mine own , (WALTON-E3-P1,230.197)

what say you now ? (WALTON-E3-P1,230.198)

is not this worth all my labour and your patience ?
(WALTON-E3-P1,230.199)

<font> Venat. </font> On my word Master , this is a gallant <font>
Trout </font> ; (WALTON-E3-P1,230.200)

what shall we do with him ? (WALTON-E3-P1,230.201)

<font> Pisc. </font> Marry e'en eat him to supper :
(WALTON-E3-P1,230.202)

$We $'ll {TEXT:We'l} go to my Hostess , from whence we came ;
(WALTON-E3-P1,230.203)

she told me , as I was going out of door , that my brother <font> Peter
</font> , a good Angler and a chearful companion , had sent word he
would lodge there to night , and bring a friend with him .
(WALTON-E3-P1,230.204)

My Hostess has two beds , (WALTON-E3-P1,230.205)

and , I know , you and I may have the best : (WALTON-E3-P1,230.206)

$we $'ll {TEXT:we'l} rejoice with my brother <font> Peter </font>
<P_231> and his friend , tell tales , or sing Ballads , or make a Catch
, or find some harmless sport to content us , and pass away a little
time without offence to God or man . (WALTON-E3-P1,231.207)

<font> Venat. </font> A match , good Master , (WALTON-E3-P1,231.208)

$let $'s {TEXT:lets} go to that house , (WALTON-E3-P1,231.209)

for the linnen looks white , (WALTON-E3-P1,231.210)

and smells of Lavender , (WALTON-E3-P1,231.211)

and I long to lie in a pair of sheets that smell so :
(WALTON-E3-P1,231.212)

$let $'s {TEXT:lets} be going , good Master , (WALTON-E3-P1,231.213)

for I am hungry again with fishing . (WALTON-E3-P1,231.214)

<font> Pisc. </font> Nay , stay a little good Scholar ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,231.215)

I caught my last <font> Trout </font> with a Worm ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,231.216)

now I will put on a Minnow and try a quarter of an hour about yonder
trees for another , and so walk towards our Lodging .
(WALTON-E3-P1,231.217)

Look you Scholar , thereabout we shall have a bite presently , or not
at all : (WALTON-E3-P1,231.218)

Have with you <paren> Sir ! </paren> (WALTON-E3-P1,231.219)

o' my word I have hold of him . (WALTON-E3-P1,231.220)

Oh it is a great loggerheaded <font> Chub </font> ;
(WALTON-E3-P1,231.221)

Come , (WALTON-E3-P1,231.222)

hang him upon that Willow twig , (WALTON-E3-P1,231.223)

and $let $'s {TEXT:lets} be going . (WALTON-E3-P1,231.224)

But turn out of the way a little , good Scholar , towards yonder high
<font> honysuckle </font> hedg : (WALTON-E3-P1,231.225)

there $we $'ll {TEXT:we'll} sit and sing whilst this showr falls so
gently upon the teeming earth , and gives yet a sweeter smell to the
lovely flowers that adorn these verdant Meadows .
(WALTON-E3-P1,231.226)

Look ; (WALTON-E3-P1,231.227)

under that broad <font> Beech-tree </font> , I sate down , when I was
last this way a fishing , (WALTON-E3-P1,231.228)

and the birds in the adjoyning Grove seemed to have a friendly
contention with an Eccho , with an Eccho whose dead voice seemed to
live in a hollow tree , near to the brow of that Primrose-hill ;
(WALTON-E3-P1,231.229)

there I sate viewing the silverstreams glide silently towards their
center , the tempestuous Sea ; yet , sometimes opposed by rugged roots
, and pebble stones , which broke their waves , and turned them into
foam : (WALTON-E3-P1,231.230)

and sometimes I beguil'd time by viewing the harmless Lambs , some
leaping securely in the cool shade , whilst others sported themselves
in the chearful Sun : (WALTON-E3-P1,231.231)

and saw others craving comfort from the swoln Udders of their bleating
Dams . (WALTON-E3-P1,231.232)

As I thus sate , these and other sights had so fully possest my soul
with content , that I thought as the Poet has happily exprest it :
{COM:verse_omitted} (WALTON-E3-P1,231.233)

<P_232>

As I left this place , and entred into the next field , a second
pleasure entertained me : (WALTON-E3-P1,232.235)

$'t $was {TEXT:'twas} a handsom milk-maid that had not yet attain'd so
much age and wisdom as to load her mind with any fears of many things
that will never be <paren> as too many men too often do </paren>
(WALTON-E3-P1,232.236)

but she cast away all care , (WALTON-E3-P1,232.237)

and sung like a <font> Nightingale </font> : (WALTON-E3-P1,232.238)

her voice was good , and the Ditty fitted for it ;
(WALTON-E3-P1,232.239)

$'t $was {TEXT:'twas} that smooth song , which was made by <font> Kit.
Marlow </font> , now at least fifty years ago : (WALTON-E3-P1,232.240)

and the Milkmaids Mother sung an answer to it , which was made by Sir
<font> Walter Rawleigh </font> in his younger days .
(WALTON-E3-P1,232.241)

They were old fashioned Poetry , but choicely good , I think much
better than the strong lines that are now in fashion in this critical
age . (WALTON-E3-P1,232.242)

Look yonder ! (WALTON-E3-P1,232.243)

on my word , yonder they both be a milking again :
(WALTON-E3-P1,232.244)

I will give her the <font> Chub </font> , and perswade them to sing
those two songs to us . (WALTON-E3-P1,232.245)

God speed you good woman , (WALTON-E3-P1,232.246)

I have been a Fishing , (WALTON-E3-P1,232.247)

and am going to <font> Bleak-Hall </font> to my bed ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,232.248)

and having caught more Fish than will sup myself and my friend , I will
bestow this upon you and your Daughter , (WALTON-E3-P1,232.249)

for I use to sell none . (WALTON-E3-P1,232.250)

<font> Milkw. </font> Marry , God requite you Sir ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,232.251)

and $we $'ll {TEXT:we'll} eat it chearfully : (WALTON-E3-P1,232.252)

and if you come this way a Fishing two months hence , a grace of God $I
$'ll {TEXT:I'le} give you a Sillybub of new Verjuice in a new made
Hay-cock , for it , (WALTON-E3-P1,232.253)

and my <font> Maudlin </font> shall sing you one of her best <font>
Ballads </font> ; (WALTON-E3-P1,232.254)

for she and I both love all <font> Anglers </font> ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,232.255)

they be such honest , civil , quiet men ; (WALTON-E3-P1,232.256)

in the mean time will you drink a draught of <font> Red-Cows milk
</font> , (WALTON-E3-P1,232.257)

you shall have it freely . (WALTON-E3-P1,232.258)

<font> Pisc. </font> No , I thank you , (WALTON-E3-P1,232.259)

but I pray do us a courtesie that shall stand you and your daughter in
nothing , (WALTON-E3-P1,232.260)

and yet we will think our selves still something in your debt ;
(WALTON-E3-P1,232.261)

it is but to sing us a Song , that was sung by your daughter , when I
last past over this Meadow , about eight or nine days since .
(WALTON-E3-P1,232.262)

<font> Milk. </font> What Song was it , I pray ? (WALTON-E3-P1,232.263)

was it , <font> Come Shepherds deck your heads </font> : or , <font> As
at noon </font> Dulcina <font> rested </font> : or , Phillida <font>
flouts me </font> : or , <font> Chevy Chase </font> : or , <font> Jonny
Armstrong </font> : or , <font> Troy Town </font> ?
(WALTON-E3-P1,232.264)

<P_233>

<font> Pisc. </font> No , it is none of those : (WALTON-E3-P1,233.266)

it is a Song that your daughter sung the first part , and you sung the
answer to it . (WALTON-E3-P1,233.267)

<font> Milk. </font> O , I know it now , (WALTON-E3-P1,233.268)

I learn'd the first part in my golden age , when I was about the age of
my poor daughter ; and the latter part , which indeed fits me best now
, but two or three years ago , when the cares of the World began to
take hold of me : (WALTON-E3-P1,233.269)

but you shall , God willing , hear them both , and sung as well as we
can , (WALTON-E3-P1,233.270)

for we both love Anglers . (WALTON-E3-P1,233.271)

Come <font> Maudlin </font> , (WALTON-E3-P1,233.272)

sing the first part to the Gentlemen with a merry heart ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,233.273)

and $I $'ll {TEXT:I'le} sing the second , when you have done .
(WALTON-E3-P1,233.274)

{COM:verse_omitted}

<P_234>

<font> Venat. </font> Trust me , Master , it is a choice Song , and
sweetly sung by honest <font> Maudlin </font> . (WALTON-E3-P1,234.277)

I now see it was not without cause , that our good Queen <font>
Elizabeth </font> did so often wish her self a Milkmaid all the month
of <font> May </font> , because they are not troubled with fears and
cares , but sing sweetly all the day , and sleep securely all the night
: (WALTON-E3-P1,234.278)

and without doubt , honest , innocent , pretty <font> Maudlin </font>
does so . (WALTON-E3-P1,234.279)

$I $'ll {TEXT:I'le} bestow Sir <font> Thomas Overbury's </font>
Milkmaids wish upon her , <font> That she may dye in the Spring , and
being dead may have good store of flowers stuck round about her winding
sheet . </font> (WALTON-E3-P1,234.280)

{COM:verse_omitted}

<P_235>

<font> Mother . </font> Well I have done my Song ;
(WALTON-E3-P1,235.283)

but stay honest <font> Anglers </font> , (WALTON-E3-P1,235.284)

for I will make <font> Maudlin </font> to sing you one short Song more
. (WALTON-E3-P1,235.285)

<font> Maudlin </font> ; sing that Song that you sung last night , when
young <font> Corydon </font> the Shepherd plaid so purely on his <font>
oaten pipe </font> to you and your Cozen Betty . (WALTON-E3-P1,235.286)

<font> Maud. </font> I will Mother . (WALTON-E3-P1,235.287)

{COM:verse_omitted}

<font> Pisc. </font> Well sung , good Woman , (WALTON-E3-P1,235.289)

I thank you , (WALTON-E3-P1,235.290)

$I $'ll {TEXT:I'le} give you another dish of fish one of these days ,
and then beg another Song of you . (WALTON-E3-P1,235.291)

Come Scholar , (WALTON-E3-P1,235.292)

let <font> Maudlin </font> alone : (WALTON-E3-P1,235.293)

do not you offer <P_236> to spoil her voice . (WALTON-E3-P1,236.294)

Look , yonder comes mine Hostess , to call us to supper .
(WALTON-E3-P1,236.295)

How now ? (WALTON-E3-P1,236.296)

is my Brother <font> Peter </font> come ? (WALTON-E3-P1,236.297)

<font> Hostess . </font> Yes , and a friend with him ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,236.298)

they are both glad to hear that you are in these parts ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,236.299)

and long to see you , (WALTON-E3-P1,236.300)

and long to be at supper , (WALTON-E3-P1,236.301)

for they be very hungry . (WALTON-E3-P1,236.302)

<P_272>

<heading>

CHAP. VI (WALTON-E3-P1,272.305)

OBSERVATIONS OF THE UMBER OR GRAYLING AND DIRECTIONS HOW TO FISH FOR
THEM . (WALTON-E3-P1,272.306)

</heading>

<font> Pisc. </font> The <font> Umber </font> and <font> Greyling
</font> are thought by some to differ as the <font> Herring </font> and
<font> Pilcher </font> do . (WALTON-E3-P1,272.308)

But though they may do so in other Nations , I think those in <font>
England </font> differ nothing but in their names .
(WALTON-E3-P1,272.309)

<font> Aldrovandus </font> says , they be of a Trout kind :
(WALTON-E3-P1,272.310)

and <font> Gesner </font> says , that in his Country <paren> which is
<font> Swisserland </font> </paren> he is accounted the choicest of all
Fish . (WALTON-E3-P1,272.311)

And in <font> Italy </font> , he is in the month of <font> May </font>
so highly valued , that he is sold then at a much higher rate then any
other fish . (WALTON-E3-P1,272.312)

The <font> French </font> <paren> which call the <font> Chub Un Villain
</font> </paren> call the <font> Umber </font> of the Lake <font> Leman
, Un Umble Chevalier </font> ; (WALTON-E3-P1,272.313)

and they value the <font> Umber </font> or Grayling so highly , that
they say he feeds on Gold , and say that many have been caught out of
their famous River of <font> Loyre </font> , out of whose bellies
grains of Gold have often been taken . (WALTON-E3-P1,272.314)

And some think that he feeds on <font> Water-time </font> , and smells
of it at his first taking out of the water ; (WALTON-E3-P1,272.315)

and they may think so with as good reason as we do , that our Smelts
smell like Violets at their being first caught ; which I think is a
truth . (WALTON-E3-P1,272.316)

<font> Aldrovandus </font> says , the <font> Salmon , </font> the
<font> Grayling </font> , and <font> Trout </font> , and all Fish that
live in clear and sharp streams , are made by their mother <font>
Nature </font> of such exact shape and pleasant colours , purposely to
invite us to a joy and contentedness in feasting with her .
(WALTON-E3-P1,272.317)

Whether this is a truth or not , is not my purpose to dispute ;
(WALTON-E3-P1,272.318)

but $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} certain , all that write of the <font> Umber
</font> declare him to be very medicinable . (WALTON-E3-P1,272.319)

And <font> Gesner </font> says , that the fat of an <font> Umber
</font> or <font> Grayling </font> being set with a little Hony a day
or two in the Sun in a little glass , is very excellent against redness
, or swarthiness , or any thing that breeds in the eyes .
(WALTON-E3-P1,272.320)

<font> Salvian </font> takes him to be called <font> Umber </font> from
his swift swimming or <P_273> gliding out of sight , more like a shadow
or a Ghost than a fish . (WALTON-E3-P1,273.321)

Much more might be said both-1 of his smell and tast ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,273.322)

but I shall only tell you , that St. <font> Ambrose </font> the
glorious Bishop of <font> Millan </font> <paren> who liv'd when the
Church kept fasting-days </paren> calls him the <font> flower-fish
</font> , or flower of Fishes , and that he was so far in love with him
, that he would not let him pass without the honour of a long Discourse
; (WALTON-E3-P1,273.323)

but I must ; and pass on to tell you how to take this dainty fish .
(WALTON-E3-P1,273.324)

First , Note , That he grows not to the bigness of a Trouth ;
(WALTON-E3-P1,273.325)

for the biggest of them do not usually exceed eighteen inches ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,273.326)

he lives in such Rivers as the Trout does , (WALTON-E3-P1,273.327)

and is usually taken with the same baits as the Trout is , and after
the same manner , (WALTON-E3-P1,273.328)

for he will bite both-1 at the <font> Minnow , </font> or <font> Worm ,
</font> or <font> Fly </font> , <paren> though he bites not often at
the Minnow </paren> and is very gameson at the <font> Fly </font> , and
much simpler , and therefore bolder than a <font> Trout </font> ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,273.329)

for he will rise twenty times at a fly , if you miss him , and yet rise
again . (WALTON-E3-P1,273.330)

He has been taken with a fly made of the red feathers of a <font>
Parakita , </font> a strange outlandish bird , (WALTON-E3-P1,273.331)

and he will rise at a fly not unlike a gnat or a small moth , or indeed
, at most flies that are not too big . (WALTON-E3-P1,273.332)

He is a Fish that lurks close all winter , (WALTON-E3-P1,273.333)

but is very pleasant and jolly after mid- <font> April </font> , and in
<font> May </font> , and in the hot months : (WALTON-E3-P1,273.334)

he is of a very fine shape , (WALTON-E3-P1,273.335)

his flesh is white , (WALTON-E3-P1,273.336)

his teeth , those little ones that he has , are in his throat ,
(WALTON-E3-P1,273.337)

yet he has so tender a mouth , that he is oftner lost after an Angler
has hooked him , than any other Fish . (WALTON-E3-P1,273.338)

Though there be many of these Fishes in the delicate River <font> Dove
</font> , and in <font> Trent </font> , and some other smaller Rivers ,
as that which runs by <font> Salisbury </font> , yet he is not so
general a Fish as the <font> Trout </font> , nor to me so good to eat
or to angle for . (WALTON-E3-P1,273.339)

And so I shall take my leave of him , and now come to some Observations
of the <font> Salmon </font> , and how to catch him .
(WALTON-E3-P1,273.340)