RULES, &C. FOR ANGLIXG. 351 



while angling, make it a rule, while so speaking, to 

 keep at some distance from the water, that yourself or 

 shadow be not seen by the Fish 3 also, avoid asking 

 unnecessary questions, for though the party, to whom 

 they be addressed, out of politeness, may return civil 

 answers, yet, if he be an experienced Angler, and have 

 his sport at heart, you cannot oblige him more than 

 by making your questions and stay as short as possi- 

 ble. A forced conversation, and loitering about any 

 person, while fishing, is considered extremely rude, 

 among Anglers. 



Never attempt to lift a large Fish out of the water 

 by taking hold of any part of your line 5 for, with the 

 least plunge, the Fish will surely break away, but 

 use a landing-net for the purpose : while fly-fish- 

 ing, you cannot, sometimes, avoid laying hold of your 

 line to draw the Fish ne9,r the shore, but do it wiih 

 much care and caution, in the following manner : 

 take the rod in one hand and the line in the other ; 

 draw the Fish gently on its side, with the head a lit- 

 tle raised, if over weeds, ' to prevent the hook laying 

 hold of them 3 then place the rod over your thigh, 

 and lift the Fish out. 



Some baits are peculiar to certain rivers and waters j 

 also, the same baits are taken earlier in some rivers 

 than in others, and later one year than another, by a 

 few weeks, according to the forwardness of the sea- 

 son : of these things, the Angler should take notice, 

 which will prevent much disappointment, loss of 

 time, &c. 



