32 ANGLING REMINISCENCES. 



among 'them several angling feats, he was accustomed 

 to talk of these with great contempt. This was a 

 prejudice on his part, the foundation for which we 

 could never entirely comprehend, as we know of a 

 truth that he was wont to capture most extraordinary 

 loads of fish in a certain Highland water, surpass- 

 ing by far any that he ever dislodged from the 

 pools of Tweed. But his skill, remarked he, when 

 alluding to his northern campaign, was not put to 

 the test. An urchin unbreeched, without a shred 

 of sagacity, could achieve equal triumphs over the 

 finny tribe, and he was not willing to be reduced to 

 a par with any such. 



We check all inclination to marshal off before 

 the reader the various other members composing our 

 late fraternity. Their merits as anglers are unfolded 

 in the records of their communings by the stream- 

 side and at the feast table. Why enter into dull 

 details concerning them ? They will speak out 

 honestly for themselves. Ah ! Doctor, and ye 

 merry-men all Bill, Tirn, Tom, and Harry have 

 ye fled ? Are there to be no more humorous meet- 

 ings amongst us ? Are we defunct indeed ? Had we 

 no projects to complete ? no contemplated happi- 

 nesses yet to enjoy ? But be it so ! We built up a 

 palace with smoke, and where is it ? 



