December, in which the fringes were abundant, but I did not examine them under the microscope, or chemically. I trust this curious problem will not remain much longer unsolved. EIGHTH DAY. HALIEUS—POIETES—ORNITHER—PHYSICUS. SCENE—DOWNTON. POIET.—THIS is a beautiful day, and, I think, for fishing, as well as for the enjoyment of the scenery, finer than yesterday. The wind blows from the south, and is balmy; and though a few clouds are collecting, they are not sufficiently dense to exclude the warmth of the sun; and, as lovers of the angle, we ought prefer his warmth to his light. HAL.—I do not think, as the day advances, there will be any deficiency of light; and I shall not be sorry for this, as it will enable you to see the grounds of Downton, and the distances in the landscape, to more advantage: nor will light interfere much with our sport in this valley, where, as you see, there is no want of shade. POIET.—This spot is really very fine. The fall of water, the picturesque mill, the abrupt cliff, and the bank, covered with noble oaks, above the river, compose a scene such as I have rarely beheld in this island. HAL.—We will wander a little longer through the walks. There you will enter a subterraneous passage in the rock beyond the mossy grotto. Behold, the castle, or mansion-house, clothed in beautiful vegetables, of which the red creeper is most distinct, rises above on the hill! After we have finished our walk and our fishing, I will, if you please, take you to the house, and introduce you to its worthy master, whom to know is to love, to whom all good anglers should be grateful, and who has a strong claim to a more extensive gratitude—that of his country and of society—by his scientific researches on vegetable nature, which are not merely curious, but useful, and which have already led to great improvements in our fruits and plants, and generally extended the popularity of horticulture. PHYS.—We shall be much obliged to you for the favour—provided always, you know it will not be an intrusion. HAL.—Trust this to me. And now, as all circumstances are favourable, begin your fishing. I recommend to you that fine pool below the bridge; there are always grayling to be caught there—and already I see some rising. PHYS.—With what imitation of flies shall we fish? HAL.—As yesterday; a yellow fly for your stretcher, and two duns for the droppers. There, you have a good fish. And now another—both grayling. PHYS.—I shall try the rapid at the top of this long large pool; I see several fish rising there. HAL.—Do so. You will catch fish there—trout, but I fear no grayling. PHYS.—Why not? HAL.—In that part of the stream the water is too rough for grayling, and they like to be nearer the deep water. Lower down, in the same pool, there are large grayling to be caught.