THE IDYL OF THE 

 SPLIT-BAMBOO 



CHAPTER I 

 THE JOYS OF ANGLING 



Now, when the first foul torrents of the brooks, 

 Swell'd with the vernal rains, is ebb'd away, 

 And, whitening, down their mossy-tinctured stream 

 Descends the billowy foam; now is the time 

 To tempt the trout. The well-dissembled fly, 

 The rod fine-tapering with elastic spring, 

 Snatch'd from the hoary steed the floating line, 

 And all thy slender watery stores prepare. 



When with his lively ray, the potent sun 

 Has pierced the streams and roused the finny race, 

 Then, issuing cheerful, to thy sport repair. 

 Chief should the western breezes curling play, 

 And light o'er ether bear the shadowy clouds. 

 High to their fount, this day, trace up the brooks; 

 The next, pursue their rocky-channel'd maze 

 Down to the river, in whose ample wave 

 Their little Naiads love to sport at large. 



THOMSON'S Seasons 



Fresh- or sweet-water angling is one of the most 

 ancient, cleanest, most engrossing, enduring, health- 

 ful, and accessible of recreations available in this 



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