286 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER. 
angler, but also a good ichthyologist ; until he possesses 
such an amount of scientific attainment as will enable 
him to read with an intelligent eye the marvels of the 
beautiful page of Nature that is spread before him,—a 
page ever open, ever varying. 
It has been gravely said that a good angler must also 
be a good Christian. Without literalizing the assertion, 
it may well be admitted that there is much in the 
contemplative character of his pursuit, and in the quiet 
scenes of beauty with which it brings him face to 
face, to soften and elevate, as well as to “humanize.” 
The rushing of white water, and the deep greenery 
of woods and fields, seem incompatible with what is 
base or sordid. They act like a tonic on mind and body 
alike, and the fisherman, solitary with his own thoughts, 
shut out from the world, ‘shut in, left alone’ with him- 
self and perfection of scenery, can hardly fail to be 
penetrated with the spirit that haunts solitude and love- 
liness. A chord is touched that must find an echo in every 
heart not utterly dead to gentle influences—awakening 
what is good, silencing what is bad; directing the 
thoughts into purer channels, and leading them almost 
instinctively to “look through Nature up to Nature’s 
God.” 
LHE END. 
