Hours for Angling 131 



the afternoon in clear water." Both of these 

 were preceded by the " Innocent Epicure," 1697, 

 which recommends a different hour, but still not 

 an early one, as follows : — 



*' At Midday when the Sun exerts his Rays 

 See on the Surface how the Wanton Plays. 

 Then wisely tempt him & from Force or Choice 

 You'll see him nimbly to your Pastime Rise. 

 Strong be your Lines, your Hooks, your Rods & all, 

 And wise your Conduct, or he breaks the whole." 



With the general growth of intelligence there has 

 been a gradual change in public sentiment as to 

 salmon fishing, as well as in other respects, and 

 the modern tendency is perhaps to disregard any 

 fashions in morals, manners, and sport simply be- 

 cause they are old. Many, who are not young, 

 cannot agree with these prevailing ideas of the 

 day, but cling more or less fondly to ancient 

 superstitions. These unenlightened persons have, 

 by their pernicious example and advice, convinced 

 certain of the younger generation, though not 

 many of these have the time or money to go 

 salmon fishing, that about daybreak is the most 

 auspicious time to begin operations. Wherefore 

 many an ambitious tyro, possessed with this her- 

 esy, still sallies forth, with some of his elders. 



