218 THE COMPLETE ANGLER 



say, " I envy not him that eats better meat than I do, nor 

 him that is richer, or that wears better clothes than I do ; 

 I envy nobody but him, and him only, that catches more 

 fish than I do." And such a man is like to prove an angler ; 

 and this noble emulation I wish to you and all young 

 anglers. 



swan's quill, has great advantage over a bare quill ; for the quill 

 being defended from the water by the cork, does not soften, and 

 the cork enables you to lead your line so heavily, as that the hook 

 sinks almost as soon as you put it into the water ; whereas, when you 

 lead but lightly, it does not get to the bottom till it is near the end 

 of your swim. In leading your lines, be careful to balance them so 

 nicely, that a very small touch will sink them ; some use for this 

 purpose lead shaped like a barley-corn, but there is nothing better 

 to lead with than shot, which you must have ready cleft always with 

 you ; remembering that when you fish fine, it is better to have on 

 your line a great number of small than a few large shot. Whip 

 the end of the quill round the plug with fine silk, well waxed ; this 

 will keep the water out of your float, and preserve it greatly. In 

 fishing with a float, your line must be about a foot shorter than your 

 rod ; for if it is longer, you cannot so well command your hook when 

 you come to disengage your fish. H. 



