TROUT AND ANGLING. 337 



considered the common trout of the country, and 

 abound in all parts of the state, being most plenti- 

 ful however, in such streams as have the fewest 

 obstructions. There is a great similarity in their ap- 

 pearance wherever they are found, and in size 

 much less variation than is generally supposed. 



One scarcely ever hears of a brook, but at some 

 time or other the largest trout has been taken from 

 it that ever was seen. And further, — there is 

 scarcely a brook or river, but there 'is sure to be 

 located at a convenient distance from it, some vet- 

 eran angler from the old country, who enjoys the 

 undisturbed monopoly of its finny treasures. He 

 scorns the vulgar bait. He enjoys the sport, and 

 exults in its success, according as it requires an 

 exertion of his skill, for the more the art " is redu- 

 ced to a complete science," the greater is the 

 pleasure which he derives from it. 



There are not only the individuals of whom we 

 speak, but others, w^ho, availing themselves of all 

 the information to be acquired from books and 

 experience, are fully aware that fly-fishing is 

 the perfection of angling. 



They import the best tacMe from England, for 

 it is not to be bought in all its variety in this coun- 

 try, including a stock of artificial flies, which are 

 more particularly considered standards, for it would 

 be useless, (our streams being, a part of the year, 

 22 



