82 THE ANGLER. 



standing on the banks of the stream, with, the spec- 

 kled trouts rising freely around him, he l( tastes 

 the unrifled freshness of the air," and is thankful 

 for the innocent enjoyment he is partaking of. 



We have often thought, that the amusement of 

 angling has been too much despised by those, who 

 are not anglers themselves. If all the pleasure 

 of the pursuit consisted in dragging a fish to shore, 

 or in watching a float to see it go under water, 

 we might join in the ridicule which has been 

 bestowed on " the brethren of the rod and line." 

 The pleasure of angling, however, takes a far 

 wider range, and we are convinced that the mere 

 act of fishing is only a secondary consideration 

 with those, who join with it a fondness for the 

 charms of nature. The enjoyment of air and 

 exercise, as the Angler pursues his course through 

 flowery meadows and fields covered with herds 

 and flocks, listening to the unseen lark, or watch- 

 ing the varied movements of the swallows, as 

 they glide around him in every direction, have 

 charms which add a relish to his walk, and har- 

 monize with every kindly feeling of his heart. Nor 

 is this all. A reflective angler will derive many use- 

 ful lessons of instruction from the visible objects 

 of creation which surround him, all of which serve 

 to prove the infinite perfection and unbounded be- 

 nevolence of the Great Creator. This after all, 

 should be the chief object of those, who "tread 



