; THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES y. NOTES AND RECOLLECTIONS OF AN ANGLER. CLAY, SONS, AND TAYLOIl, PRINTERS, BKEAD STREET HILL. NOTES AND BECOLLECTIONS OF AN ANGLEK: RAMBLES AMONG THE MOUNTAINS, VALLEYS, AND SOLITUDES OF WALES. WITH SKETCHES OF SOME OF THE LAKES, STREAMS, MOUNTAINS IX BOTH DIVISIONS OF THE PRINCIPALITY. IJY JOHN HENEY CLIFFE. " LI.YOAD A ALL WELED NATUR J CALON A ALL DEIMLO NATUR ; A PHINDERFYNIAD A FEIDPIA DDYLYN NATUR." " AX EVE THAT CAN SEE NATCRE ; A HEART THAT CAN FEEL NATURE ; AND A RESOLUTION THAT DARES FOLLOW NATURE." Old Welsli Triad. LONDON : HAMILTON, ADAMS, & CO. 32, PATERNOSTER ROW. 1870. 730 THE following pages are the result of excursions into WALES, extending over a period of more than twenty years. Some of the wild solitudes described are entirely out of the beaten track ; and, as far as I am aware, are either not mentioned, or only slightly alluded to in the various " Tours " and Guide Books. In consequence of the increased facilities for travelling afforded by the railways, which have been constructed within the last few years, the influx of tourists and anglers into Wales has very greatly increased; and my object has been to point out, not only the hidden scenery of the country if I may so term it seldom explored, the wild mountain tops, the lonely Llyns, and the secluded cwms, but to afford the lovers of angling more minute particulars of some of the principal Fishing Stations than have hitherto ever been published. In short, I have endeavoured to set before the reader a truthful description of the several localities I have visited, and have described, with one or two exceptions, only what has actually come under my own observation. How far I have succeeded in my humble attempt, it will remain for the public to judge. I have also glanced at some of the antiquities of the country "those silent memorials of a by-gone age" more especially, the CELTIC and DRUIDICAL remains which have fallen in my way during my rambles amongst the wilds. I may here be permitted to express my warmest thanks to the subscribers whose names are appended to this book, and more par- ticularly, the obligations I am under to several kind friends for their zealous exertions to promote its success. J. H. C. 3087 CHAPTER I. PAGE TAL-Y-LLYN LLYN MWYNGIL LLYN-Y-CAE CADER IDRIS ASCENTS TO SUMMIT BEST ROUTES TO TAL-Y-LLYN 1 CHAPTER II. MACHYNLLETH LLANBRYNMAIR LLYN BUGEILYN PISTYLL-Y-LLYN LLYN PENRHAIADR TOWYN CRAIG ADERYN DYSYNNI PENLLYN POOL MALLWYD ARAN MOWDDWY SOURCE OF THE DYFJ 20 CHAPTER HI. HARLECH LLYNS SCENERY LLANBEDR CWM BYCHAN CRAIG- Y- DDINAS CVM NANTCOL DRWS ARDUDWY CELTIC ANTIQUITIES 34 CHAPTER IV. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS LAKES AND RIVERS IN CAERNARVONSHIRE FISHING STATIONS BEDDGELERT SCENERY LLYN GWYNANT LLYN-Y-DDINAS LLYN-Y-GADER . 60 CHAPTER V. SNOWDONIA CWM CLOGWYN LLYNS SCENERY EXCURSION TO LLYN EDNO, &C. YSTRADLLYN .............. 7* CHAPTER VI. RIVER FISHING AT BEDDGELERT AVON LAS PONT ABERGLASLTN COLWYN MOEL HEBOG CNIGHT MOELWYN TREMADOC PORTHMADOC PENMORFA DOLBENMAEN. 85 yiii CONTENTS. CHAPTER VH. LLYN CWELLYN NANT MILL CASTELL CIDWM MYNTOD MAWR GWRFAI SNOWDON HANGER LLYN DYWARCHEN DRWS-Y-COED NANT-Y-LLEF SCENERY OF NANT-Y-LLEF LAKES EXCURSIONS THROUGH PASS LAKE FISHING ............ 101 CHAPTER VHL AN EXCURSION TO CLYNNOG VAWR, YR EIFL, AND NANT GWRTHEYRN 119 CHAPTER IX. SNOWDONIA PEN-Y-GWRYD LAKES ASCENT OF GLYDERS SUMMIT OF GLYDER BACH SINGULAR APPEARANCE TRIFAEN LLYDER VAWR Y-WAEN-OER LLYN CWM FFYNNON ........ 129 CHAPTER X. LLYN LLYDAW ANGLING INCIDENT SCENERY A MOUNTAIN CLIMBER LLYN CWM FFYNNON RIVER GWRYD ANGLING . . 138 CHAPTER XI. SNOWDON USUAL ASCENTS GUIDES SUPPOSED DANGERS OF ASCENT GRANDEUR OF SCENERY EXCURSION TO SUMMIT VIEW FROM Y-WYDDFA ................... 147 CHAPTER XIL LLANBERIS HOTELS LLYN PERIS LLYN PADARN TROUT CHAR- FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF LLANBERIS PASS SCENERY VILLAGE CHURCH WELL OF ST. PERIS CAENANT MAWR LLYN DWYTHWCH LLYN-DC-ARDUDDWY BOTANY OF LLANBERIS HETTY'S ISLAND SLATE QUARRIES ................ 161 CHAPTER Xin. CASTELL DOLBADARN SILPIN ON LANDSCAPE SCENERY DOLBADARN A DESERT SCENERY OF DOLBADARN WARNER'S DESCRIPTION OF DOLBADARN ................... 168 CHAPTER XIV. CAPEL CURIG INN CAPEL CURIG, PAST AND PRESENT LLYNNIAU MYMBYR LLYNS IN THE VICINITY ASCENT TO THE SUMMITS OF CARNEDD LLEWELYN AND CARNEDD DAVYDD LLYN FFYNNON LLOER STORM IN THE WILDS ............ 175 CONTENTS. IX CHAPTER XV. PAGE LLYN IDWAL ITS SCENERY LEGENDS TWLL DO EXCURSION TO LLYN IDWAL LLYN OGWEN ITS TROUT NANT FFRANCON TEA- TELLING IN WALES 186 CHAPTER XVI. THE TEIFI ITS SOURCE FISHING STATIONS SALMON AND TROUT FISHING TREGARON LLYN BERWYN ANGLING TEIFI FISHING LLANDDEWI BBEVI 199 CHAPTER XVn. HAFOD PONT BREN PONTRHYDVENDIGAID ABBEY OF STRATA FLORIDA ITS HISTORY AND PRESENT STATE EXCURSION FROM THE DEVIL'S BRIDGE TO LLANDOVERY BLAEN TWRCH UCHAF ENCOUNTER REBECCA 2]0 CHAPTER XVHI. THE LAKES OF CARDIGANSHIRE THE TEIFI POOLS ANGLING LLYN GYNON LLYN GORAST LLYNNIAU FYRDDIN VAWR AND VACH LLYN CRUGNANT LLYN T)t LEGENDS 225 CHAPTER XIX. BALA ROMAN REMAINS ANGLING STATION SALMON AND TROUT FISHING LAKES LLYN TEGID LLYN ARENIG VAWR LLYN ARENIG VACH THE DEE THE TWRCH THE TRY WERYN LLYN TRYWERYN CONCLUDING REMARKS 232 APPENDIX. THE ANGLER'S ENTOMOLOGY ARTIFICIAL FLIES FISHING TACKLE . 244 NOTES . . 24S 0f Ackers, James, Esq. Prinknash Park, Gloucestershire. 2 COPIES. Abbot, Henry, Esq. Bristol. Addison, Thomas, P. Esq. Gloucester. Allcroft, J. M. Esq. Lower Wick, near Worcester. 2 COPIES. Allcroft, John, D. Esq. 55, Porchester Terrace, London. Allen, John, Esq. Swansea, Glamorgan. Andrews, J. Esq. Alderman, Gloucester. Ashbee, J. Esq. Hillfield, Gloucester. Browne, Rev. Canon Murray, Standish Vicarage, Gloucestershire. Bayly, Eev. P. T. J. Brookthorpe, Gloucestershire. Barber, Rev. P. H. Sedgborough, near Evesham. Brown, Rev. J. J. Harlech, Merioneth- shire, North Wales. 4 COPIES. Burrup, J. Esq. Gloucester. 2 COPIES. Boughton, Edmund, Sen. Esq. Glou- cester. 4 COPIES. Boughton, Mrs. Ann, Kingsholm, Glo. Boughton, John, Esq. Gloucester. Boughton, Mr. E. Westgate Street, Glo. Bravender, J. Esq. Cirences. 2 COPIES. Bravender, Miss, Cirencester. 2 COPIES. Bravender, Thomas B. Esq. Pembroke, South Wales. Brown, J. H. Esq. College Green, Glou. Brown, H. Esq. Weston-super-Mare. Brunsdon, Mr. Henry, Swindon, Wilts. Brookes, S. P. Esq. Tewkesbury. Billett, Mr. J. H. Gloucester. Bundy, Mr.W. Upton-on-Severn, Worcs. Codrington, Sir C. W. Bart. M.P. Dod- ingtonPark, Gloucestershire 2 COPIES Colt, Rev. Sir E. V. Bart. Hill Vicar- age, near Berkeley, Gloucestershire. Covey, Rev. Charles, Alderton Rectory, near Cheltenham. Crawley, Rev. Charles Y. Minor Canon, Gloucester Cathedral. Clarke, J. A. Graham, Jun. Esq. Fro- cester, Gloucestershire. Castree, Josiah, Esq. Alderman, Glou- cester. 2 COPIES. Castree, Mr. Josiah, Jun. Sandhurst, near Gloucester. 2 COPIES. Castree, Mr. Edward 'James, Ucking- ton, near Cheltenham. Clarke, J. Esq. Gloucester. 2 COPIES. Coles, Robert, Esq. Clifton, Bristol. Cooke, W. H. Esq. 4, Elm Court, Temple, London. Commeline, Samuel, Esq. Gloucester. Calton, Mr. John, Gloucester. 2 COPIES. Churchill, Mr. William, Gloucester. Curtis, Mr. William, Gloucester. Carrington, Mr. G. P. Gloucester. Clift, Mr. Thomas, Chacely Lodge, near Tewkesbury. 2 COPIES. Davies, Rev. James, Moor Court, King- ton, Herefordshire. 2 COPIES. Dupre, Rev. Edward, Temple Gutting, Gloucestershire. Dent, John Coucher, Esq. Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire. 2 COPIES. Bowling, James Henry, Esq. Barn- wood, near Gloucester. Davies, Mr. Rees, Chepstow, Mon- mouthshire. Davies and Son, Messrs. Gloucester. Evans, Thomas, Esq. M.D. Gloucester. Elliott, John, Esq. Gloucester. Prancillon, James, Esq. Ryeworth House, Cheltenham. Fulljames, Thomas, Esq. Hasfield Court, near Gloucester. Fryer, K. H. Esq. Gloucester. 4 COPIES. Fletcher, George, Esq. Shipton, An- doversford, near Cheltenham. Fowler, W. Jun. Esq. Birmingham. Gist, H. W. Esq. Temple Guiting, Glos. Goodyar, George A. Dinely, Esq. Weston-super-Mare. Gwinnett, W. H. Esq. Cheltenham. Green, Miss, Gloucester. Green, W. H. Esq. Gloucester. Houlditch, Rev. E. Matson, near Glou. Hale, Colonel, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire. Hopkinson, Edmund, Esq. Edgeworth Manor, near Cirencester. Hunt, C. Brooke, Esq. Bowden Hall, near Gloucester. Helps, Richard, Esq. Alderman, Glou- cester. 2 COPIES. Holt, Thomas, Esq. Registrar, Glo. Heane, Captain Robert, Saintsbridge, near Gloucester. Home, John, Esq. Tewkesbury, Glo. Hughes, W. H. Esq. Alderman, Glo. Hepworth, George, Esq. Gloucester. Hanvey, J. Esq; Gloucester. 2 COPIES. Hefflll, Henry, Esq. Diss, Norfolk. Hawkins, Mr. J. Staunton Court, Worcestershire. Innell, C. F. Esq. Gloucester. Jenkins, Arthur H. Esq. Gloucester. Jew, Thomas, Esq. Gloucester. Jenner, Mr. Daniel, Gloucester. Knollys, Rev. Erskine, Rectory, Quedg- ley, Gloucestershire. Xll LIST OP SUBSCRIBERS. Knowles, Mr. William, Gloucester. 2 COPIES. Lechmere, Sir Edmund A. H. Bart. The Rhydd Court, Worcestershire. Lechmere, Rev. A. B. Hartley Vicar- age, Worcestershire. Luscombe, Rev. E. K. Minor Canon, Gloucester. Lovegrove, J. Esq, Glouc. 10 COPIES. Lovegrove, G. H. Esq. Gloucester. Lovegrove, H. J. Esq. Glouc. 2 COPIES. Lovesy, R. W. Esq. Cheltenham. Lord, John P. Esq. Gloucester. Lucy, W. C. Esq. Gloucester. Lloyd, William, Esq. Gloucester. Lloyd, Mr. Charles J. Machynlleth, Montgomeryshire. 2 COPIES. Lewis, L. W. Esq. Tewkesbury. Lambley, Mr. C. Bushley, near Tew- Monk, Charles James, Esq. Eversltigh House, Cricklade, Wilts. Mutlow, Rev. W. W. Rudford, near Gloucester. Marsh, R. Esq. Cloisters, Westminster. Moore, C. W. Esq. Tewkesbury. 2 COPIES. Morris, J. C. Esq. Swansea, Glamorgan. Manley, John, Esq. M.D. County Asy- lum, Fareham, Hants. Maberly, A. W. Esq. Gloucester. Meyler, W. Morgan, Esq. Gloucester. Meyler, Thomas, Esq. Taunton, Somer- Mills, W. M. Esq. Woolstone, near Cheltenham. MacDougall, P. Sheridan, Esq. The Old Bank, .Ross, Herefordshire. Matthews, William R. A, Gloucester. Mann, Thomas, Esq. Gloucester. Mann, Mr. William, Gloucester. Nicks, William, Esq. Mayor of Glo. Price, William Philip, Esq. Tibberton Court, near Gloucester. Price, William, Esq. Benhatt, near Boss, Herefordshire. Price, Rev. H. T. Gloucester. 2 COPIES. Pope, Rev. J. N. Longdon, Worces. Powell, John P. Esq. Pump Court, Temple, London. Phillpotts, A. H. Esq. Severn Sank, Minsterworth, Gloucestershire. Prior, P. J. Esq. Tewkesbury. Pigott, R. Esq. Stoke Ferry, Norfolk. Page, E. Esq. Smethwick, Birmingham. Pike, Mr. T. H. Gloucester. Power and Son, Messrs. Gloucester. Roberts, Rev. George, Cheltenham, 2 COPIES. Rowlatt, Rev. J. C. Gloucester. Reece, W. H. Esq. Birmingham. Rees, William, Esq. Llandovery, South Wales. Seymour, Rev. Canon Sir John Hobart C. Bart North Church, Herts. 2 COPIES, Baiter Rev. J. Iron Acton, Gloucesters. Sevier, Rev. J.Hasfield, near Gloucester . Sevier, J. Ford, Esq. Maisemore, near Gloucester. Stone, Edward Gresley, Esq. Chambers' Court, Longdon, Worcestershire. Stone, Guy, Esq. Comber, County Down, Ireland. Smart, Mrs. 12, Warwick Road, Maida Hill West, London. Smith, J. K. Esq. Newnham, Glos. Smith, John P. Esq. Gloucester. Smith, R. T. Esq. Gloucester. Spier, Mrs. Islington, Lond. 2 COPIES. Stafford, Mr. W. Gloucester. 2 COPIES. Taylor, Rev. H. J. Upton-on-Severn, Worcestershire. 2 COPIES. Taylor, Samuel, Esq. Gloucester. Taylor, Thomas L. Esq. Harleston, Norfolk. Tnnstall, W. C. Esq. Glouc. 2 COPIES. Trinder, E. N. Esq. Cirencester. Thomas, W. Esq. Swansea, Glamorgan. Thomas, J. Esq. Bredon, Worcestershire. Trenfleld, John, Esq. Chipping Sod- bury, Gloucestershire. Trenfleld, William, Esq. Gloucester. Timbrill, Miss, Tewkesbury. Tooby, Mrs. Gloucester. Vernon, T. G. Esq. Tewkes. 2 COPIES. Worsley, Rev. P. W. Canon of Ripon Cathedral. White, Rev. Robert Meadows, D.D. Slimbridge Rectory, Gloucestershire. Watkin, Rev. Edward, Cogenhoe Rec- tory, near Northampton. 4 COPIES. Witts, Rev. R. Upper Slaughter, Glos. Whalley, G. H. Esq. M.P. PlasMadoc, Rhuabon, Denbighshire, N. Wales. Weaver, T. Esq. Mayor of Tewkesbury. Whithorn, Henry Blear, Esq. Alder- man, Gloucester. 4 COPIES. Washbourn, Buchanan, Esq. M.D. Alderman, Gloucester. Whitcombe, John, A. Esq. Gloucester. 2 COPIES. Williams, G. E. Esq. Cheltenham. Whitehead, R. W. Esq. Amberley Park, near Stroud, Gloucestershire. Wood, A. J. Esq. M.D. Barnwood, near Gloucester. Wilton, Henry Hooper, Esq. Whitmin- ster House, Gloucestershire. Wilton, John W. Esq. Gloucester. White, Joseph, Esq. Nottingham. Waller, F. S. Esq. Sandywell Park, near Cheltenham. Wilkins, W. Esq. County of Gloucester Bank, Gloucester. Washbourn, Edward, Esq. Gloucester. Walker, Charles, Esq. Matson House, near Gloucester. Weatherhead, Mr. Robert, 15, Old Jewry, London. Wheeler, Mr. A. C. Gloucester. Williams, Mr. W. R. Gloucester. Williams, Mr. James, Hasfield, near Gloucester. Young, George, Esq. Glamorgan Bank, Swansea. NOTES AND RECOLLECTIONS OF AN ANGLER : RAMBLES AMONG THE MOUNTAINS, VALLEYS, AND SOLITUDES OF WALES. CHAPTER I. TAL-Y-LLYN SCENERY ANGLING LLTN MWYNGIL LLYN-Y-CAE SUBLIME SCENERY CADER IDRIS ASCENTS TO SUMMIT. " There is a sweet accordant harmony In tliis fair scene These pure waters, where the sky In its deep blueness shines so peacefully, A spot it is for far off music made, Stillness and rest." NOTHING in landscape can -exceed the soft beauty of the Vale of Tal-y-Llyn, nor is there a " nook " in Cambria more fascinating in its aspects, than this valley and its beautiful lake. It will not bear comparison in sublimity with some of the more profound and secluded recesses in Snowdonia, although it is not deficient in grandeur when viewed under the dark lowering clouds which frequently hover over the summits of the surrounding heights. Under peculiar lights especially after rain, or in lowering weather the exquisite colouring of the mountains on either side is per- fectly magical; and the intimate intermixture of mountain and lake scenery the contrast from the sublime to the beautiful leave an impression upon the mind which time cannot erase. The finest view of the vale is unquestionably from Minffordd, B 2 TAL-Y-LLYN SCENERY. about one mile from the head of the lake. At this point the eye embraces the waters of the Llyn, glistening perchance in the rays of the sun, with the picturesque village and church at the lower extremity embosomed amidst trees; whilst on the right the "grey, tempest-worn, blasted steeps," of the lofty Cader Idris, disrobing himself in the early morning of the heavy clouds which have gathered over his brow, entrance the beholder and lift him from " this world's turmoil into some planetary paradise." " I looked on the mountains a vapour lay Folding their heights in its dark array ; Thou hreakest forth and the mist hecame A crown and a mantle of living flame." HEIIAHS. Sweet romantic LlynMwyngil ! " lake of the charming retreat " how often in other days have we passed hours on thy placid bosom in a summer's morn, when scarcely the lightest zephyr ruffled the surface of thy limpid waters, surveying the tranquil scene around us! Or with eyes uplifted to "that sun-glorified beautiful blue arch of heaven above all." Who is there that cannot find a place in his heart if not preoccupied by worldly feelings for such a scene as this ? or, after a lapse of years hallowed, perhaps, by the recollection of better and happier days refer to the tablets of his memory, and refresh the mind's eye, by tracing anew the weather-stained and lichened rocks on the sides of Cader Idris, or some picturesque group of wild homes, nestling in one of the frowning cwms under his majestic heights. Since the days of Captain Medwin, who gave to the world an account of Tal-y-Llyn, some twenty-five years ago, in his very clever and amusing work, " The Angler in Wales," this " angler's paradise" has undergone a great change. From being a place comparatively little known, it is now annually resorted to by swarms of anglers, artists, and tourists ; so that the " air of tran- quillity" it formerly enjoyed is now frequently interrupted by joyous troops of visitors, whose boisterous merriment clashes on the ear of such as used formerly to delight in the quiet seclusion of this " charming retreat." Tal-y-Llyn has been described by various topographers, but by none so truthfully or graphically as by the late lamented author PEN-Y-BONT INN TY N-Y-CORNEL. 6 of " The Book of North Wales." As we have not, however, met with any very recent or accurate accounts of sport obtained in this romantic locality, we shall present the results of many years' angling experience on the lake and neighbouring localities, and such useful information to the sportsman as we may deem re- quisite. In Captain Medwin's time, A.D. 1832, as we have already observed, Tal-y-Llyn, as an angling-station, was little known. A few gentlemen several of them clergymen, and occasionally an artist or two were the chief visitors. 1 The rude old-fashioned inn at Pen-y-bont where the waters of the lake find an outlet, and form one of the sources of the river Dysynni was the only accommodation the place afforded. This consisted of a parlour, somewhat dark and homely, but quiet and comfortable, and two or three small sleeping apartments. Anglers in those days were content to "rough it;" they were, in short, satisfied with humble fare and lodging. Some years afterwards, in the year 1844, the late Colonel Vaughan, of Hengwrt, the proprietor of the lake, built a neat and more commodious inn on the shore, at the south- west corner, near the village, and under the picturesque mountains Mynydd Rhinog and Craig-Goch. This was called Ty'n-y-Cornel inn. He also most liberally provided two boats for the use of visitors, and the inn was exceedingly well conducted by the landlord, the late Edward Corbet Owen. In former years we used to take up our quarters at the "Blue Lion," Minffordd, about one mile from the pool, where there was a comfortable parlour and bedroom, but of course we could not command the use of a boat. This " aunciente hostelrie " is mentioned by Warner in his first " Walk through Wales," in ] 797. He also alludes to an eccentric character named David Pughe, who acted as guide to the "sublime mountain Cader Idris," and seems to have been highly diverted with " his pompous manner and affected dignity." The excellent accommodation and attention to " creature comforts " at Ty'u-y-Cornel, added to the nourishing accounts of the sport afforded there in the various guide-books and local prints, began 1 " It is but a few years since this lake was first known, and was, I believe, first discovered by a descendant of the celebrated C ." Medioin's "Angler in Wales." 4 LLYN MWYNG1L FECUNDITY OF TROUT. to draw the attention of professors of the "gentle art" from Liverpool, Birmingham, Shrewsbury, and other more distant places; so that since that time (1844) Ty'n-y-Cornel has become a place of general resort by anglers of all shades ; and since the introduction of the " iron road " to Shrewsbury and other places, they have been annually on the increase. Edward Corbet Owen, a most obliging, intelligent man, unfortunately for his widow and family, died in 1847; in 1852, Mrs. Owen, from poverty and inability to manage the house, was obliged to retire ; and the present tenants, Mr. and Mrs. Evans, who had been in the service of the late Sir Robert W. Vaughan, Bart. succeeded her. The same year the inn was considerably enlarged and im- proved: several more bed and sitting rooms were added, and every comfort and convenience belonging to a good inn are now to be found there. Of course, a large increase of visitors brought with it a corresponding demand for boats, and there are now at least five or six boats on the pool. Such is a brief history of the rise and progress of the fishing-station of Tal-y-Llyn. Llyn Mwyngil which signifies in English the "Lake of the Charming Retreat " is nearly one mile and a quarter long, and in no part much exceeds a quarter of a mile in breadth ; the average being about two furlongs and a half. It is, in fact, an expansion of the narrow vale ; the waters from the surrounding mountains being confined and dammed up at the lower extremity, where they run off in a rapid stream at Pen-y-bont, under an excellent new bridge erected a few years ago. The tributaries to the lake are several small rivulets, the chief of which flows from a wild alpine Llyn high up under Cader Idris, called Llyn-y-Cae, the " Pool of the Chasm," supposed by some, from its profound depth, to be the crater of an extinct volcano. We shall have occasion hereafter to more fully describe this lake. These brooks absolutely swarm with small trout ; and in summer, when these waters are clear and low, you may see legions of tiny fish, not larger than minnows, disporting themselves on the surface of the water. Indeed, the fecundity of the trout which spawn in these brooks is really wonderful. Were it not so, the lake would speedily be despoiled of its finny inhabitants by the numerous anglers who daily frequent it. Many trout and eels also fall a prey to black CORMORANTS LARGE TROUT. 5 cormorants which haunt the lake. It is very amusing sometimes to watch these great birds sitting on the top of a rail or post by the edge of the pool, to dry their wings after their immersion. They put one in mind of a "spread eagle," their wings being extended to the full stretch. These birds cannot fly well until their wings are dry, and being disabled from this cause and a full meal, they not unfrequently fall victims to the gun. 1 The trout in Tal-y-Llyn, though of rapid growth, are rarely caught of great size ; few, if any, during the season being taken much larger than one pound. The lake is said to contain two distinct species the common brook trout, the average weight of which does not exceed three to the pound, although on some occasions fish are taken from half a pound to one pound and upwards; and the great lake trout (salmo forox), which at rare intervals have been caught in the net, of seven or ten pounds weight. We cannot, however, aver to the truth of this ; indeed, we doubt whether the true salmo ferox is to be found in any Welsh lake. They are plentiful in some of the lakes in Ireland and Scotland. We also find it mentioned in one of the guide-books, that a "trout weigh- ing more than twelve pounds was found a few winters ago frozen under the iee." A few instances are recorded of large trout being taken with the fly, one of which occurred a few years since to the present worthy incumbent of the parish, the Rev. J. Pring, who informed us that he had caught at the head of the lake a fish weighing about four pounds ; but it apparently was dying of old age, as it made very little resistance when he captured it. After a few hours it was found to be totally unfit for the table. We have lately read of another instance of a trout weighing three pounds and three-quarters being taken with the artificial fly. These captures are, however, extremely rare. There is little doubt that if Tal-y-Llyn was strictly preserved, instead of being 1 It is a singular fact, but you never observe more than two of these birds on the lake at a time. Should one happen to be killed or disabled, another will immediately supply its place. They come from Craig Aderyn, the " Bird Rock," a striking scene on the banks of the Dysynni, a few miles from Tal-y- Llyn, where they breed, and at certain seasons it is thronged with them. Their appetites are insatiable. " Their craws are full of worms, that are continn