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And you are to note, that there are several kinds of Trouts: but
these
several kinds are not considered but by very few men; for they go
under
the general name of Trouts; just as pigeons do, in most places;
though it
is certain, there are tame and wild pigeons; and of the tame, there
be
hermits and runts, and carriers and cropers, and indeed too many
to
name. Nay, the Royal Society have found and published lately, that
there be thirty and three kinds of spiders; and yet all, for aught
I know,
go under that one general name of spider. And it is so with many
kinds
of fish, and of Trouts especially; which differ in their bigness,
and
shape, and spots, and colour. The great Kentish hens may be an
instance, compared to other hens: 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 rasher
believe, if you consider that the little wren end titmouse will
have
twenty young ones at a time, when, usually, the noble hawk, or the
musical thrassel or blackbird, exceed not four or five.
And now you shall see me try my skill to catch a Trout; and at
my next
walking, either this evening or to-morrow morning, I will give
you
direction how you yourself shall fish for him.
Venator. Trust me, master, I see now it is a harder matter to
catch a
Trout than a Chub; for I have put on patience, and followed you
these
two hours, and not seen a fish stir, neither at your minnow nor
your
worm.
Piscator. Well, scholar, you must endure worse luck sometime,
or you
will never make a good angler. But what say you now? there is
a Trout
now, and a good one too, if I can but hold him; and two or three
turns
more will tire him. Now you see he lies still, and the sleight
is to land
him: reach me that landing-net. So, Sir, now he is mine own: what
say
you now, is not this worth all my labour and your patience?
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