196 FISHING WITH THE FLY. 



air is full of gladness, and the trees are heayy with 

 foliage — where the birds are singing on every bough, 

 and the grass redolent of violets and early flowers. 

 There we wade the cold brooks, leafy branches bowing 

 us a welcome as we pass, the water rippling over the 

 hidden rocks, and telling us, in its wayward way, of 

 the fine fish it carries in its bosom. With creel upon 

 our shoulder and rod in hand, we reck not of the hours, 

 and only when the sinking sun warns of the approach- 

 ing darkness do we seek, with sharpened appetite, the 

 hospitable country inn, and the comfortable supper 

 that our prey will furnish forth. 



There is no fish more difficult to catch, nor that 

 gives the true angler more genuine sport, than the 

 trout. His cajDture requires the nicest tackle, the 

 greatest skill, the most complete self-command, the 

 highest qualities of mind and body. The arm must be 

 strong that wields the rod, the eye true that sees the 

 rise ; the wrist quick that strikes at the instant ; the 

 judgment good that selects the best spot, the most 

 suitable fly, and knows just how to kill the fish. A 

 fine temper is required to bear up against the loss of 

 a noble fish, and patient perseverance to conquer ill 

 luck. 



Hence it is that the fisherman is so proud of his 

 basket of a dozen half-pound trout. He feels that any 

 one more awkward or less resolute could not have done 

 so well. He feels conscious that he does not owe his 



