Country Life
BY IAN NIALL JUST lately weather predictors have been try- ing their best to find some improvement in the remnant of summer, but have too often shown themselves to be not prophets but masters of irony. It was so when we set off at daybreak to fish. There was a downpour at first light, but we had been promised sunny intervals. At ten o'clock, without a sign of change, we were still hoping for a glimpse of the sun. It was still raining at four. By that time the prophet had lost all claim to honour. We counted our fish, held a council of war, and set off for home. It was raining as steadily as ever by the time dusk fell. Rain hissed on slates and rain-barrels overflowed. 'Tomor- row,' said the optimistic prophet, or his mouth- piece, 'it will be mainly fair in most districts.' We laughed a sardonic laugh.
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