If then these sluggish streams were unlike those of Oxford, where the
ground is low, and nearly level, how utterly distinct must they be from
those of hilly and especially of rocky localities!
In the earlier part of the present year I was cursorily examining a
brook in Cannock Chase, in Staffordshire. Unfortunately, the day was
singularly inauspicious, as the sun was invisible, the atmosphere murky,
and a fierce north-east wind was blowing, a wind which affects animals,
etc., especially the insect races, even more severely than it does man.
Even the birds remain under shelter as long as they can, and not an
insect will show itself. Neither, in consequence, will the fish be "on
the feed."
On a previous visit, we had been more fortunate, trout, crayfish, etc.,
testifying to the prolific character of the brook, which in one place is
only four or five feet in width, and yet, within fifty yards, it has
formed itself into a wide and treacherous marsh, which can only be
crossed by jumping from one tussock of grass to another; and yet, again,
it suddenly spreads out into a broad and shallow torrent, the water
leaping and rippling over the stony bed.
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