THE GENTLE ART. 117 



regarded as the most interesting parts of our sub- 

 ject. "We, however, regret this the less, as our taste, 

 we confess, is so singular, not to say intolerable, 

 that we cannot bring ourselves to approve, far less 

 to commend this art, any more than the other 

 sporting occupations which engage and fascinate so 

 many. Numerous are the Apologies which have 

 been written in their defence, and Essays in their 

 praise ; but we always feel disposed to answer with 

 Physicus in the Salmonidas, that the advocates of a 

 favourite pursuit never want sophisms to defend it. 

 Every thing, we believe, in this question, depends 

 upon the standard employed in judging it. The 

 luxurious Romans could sit with composure, and 

 admire the varying colours of the Mullet change and 

 fade over the slow fire which was destroying it. It 

 has been, and probably ever will be common, for 

 those in certain circles to enter with enthusiasm 

 into the sport of the hunting-field, the moors, and 

 the river; and to look with something like con- 

 tempt upon those who hear no music in their enli- 

 vening strains, and feel no sympathy in their 

 engrossing occupations. The votaries of these en- 

 joyments have their standard. But there is still 

 another, which declares that the humblest com- 

 panions of man's lot were given him, not for sport, 

 but for use ; that the merciful man is merciful to his 

 beast ; and that he should not thoughtlessly tread 

 even on a worm. Sophisms we know are not want- 

 ing : but what are the facts. Take up any of the 

 popular treatises on Fish and Fishing of the day ; 



