Hours for Angling 149 



unconscious delight of a sound mind in approxi- 

 mating aboriginal modes of existence. 



Though increasing years lessen the bodily 

 vigor, fortunately they do not take away in the 

 least the mental and spiritual satisfaction in being 

 close to nature in her wilder forms, nor prevent 

 the fullest appreciation of her many varied 

 charms, especially those under the sweet influ- 

 ences of which salmon fishing is practised. 



" I count it better pleasure to behold 

 The Goodly Compasse of the lofty Skye, 

 And m the midst thereof like burning gold 

 The flaming chariot of the World's great eye ; 

 The Watry clouds that in the Ayre uprold 

 With Sundry Kinds of painted CoUours flie ; 

 And fayre Aurora, lifting up her head, 

 And blushing, rise from old Tithonus' bed — 



" The lofty woods, the forests wide & long, 

 Adorned with leaves and branches fresh and green, 

 In whose cool hours the birds with chaunting song 

 Do welcome with their Quire the Summer's queen. 

 The meadowes faire where Flora's gifts among 

 Are intermixt the verdant grass between — 

 The Silver skaled fish that softly swimme 

 Within the brookes and Cristal watry brimme." 



— J. D., " Secrets of Angling," 1630. 



