the top of this alien territory is a strong fence some eight feet high, which projects not less than three feet into the stream. Along its top an incalculable number of sharp hooks have been driven. Among these hooks and around this wood, wherever possible, barbed wire has been wound with a lavish hand. No expense has been spared to make this fence impregnable. A notice-board, moreover, threatens with penalties those who shall violate the rights of piscary of Sir Abinger Bran-Newcome. But no mere process of law could have any terrors for the resolute soul which could even contemplate an assault upon a position of such obvious strength. I have never seen a fishing boundary which it was more impossible to ignore. Such a fortification is an insult. The man who raises it and maintains it shows that he classes his neighbours with the housebreaker and the horse-thief and the burner of ricks. To catch his fishes—if lawfully it may be done—becomes a meritorious act.
When, therefore, I reached this spot on my first visit for that long-ago year and saw a trout rise under the far bank just opposite the fence, I did not inquire too closely into his precise position in relation to the boundary, but cast over him eagerly and put him down without much trouble. From subsequent observation, I am able to state that a
