INTRODUCTORY. 15 



usual to the aged man, happened to attract our at- 

 tention, and we rose up with a view to arrange the 

 various cushions by which he was commonly sup- 

 ported during his last infirmity. Alas ! our ancestor 

 was already no more ! The patriarchal spirit had 

 departed out of him ; we were busying ourselves 

 with a stiff, uncomplying corse. 



Is there any virtue in the blenched lock of an 

 old man's hair? We preserved it sacred in our 

 bureau ; it is mingled with a young girl's tresses, 

 the offering of one who is also at rest for ever ! No, 

 not for ever ! The grave will unentomb its saints, 

 and the infant lead forth the ancient. Our great- 

 grandfather slept for some years in the family vault 



below St. L 's church ; his ashes were at length 



disturbed by certain repairs of the building taking place. 

 We have never discovered to what spot they hap- 

 pened to be removed, being abroad at the time of their 

 resurrection ; and who, alas ! exists, ourselves excepted, 

 to attach any interest to those violated remains ? 



But enough: Our ancestor was the founder of our 

 club, aye, and a good angler to boot, of the old 

 horse-hair school. We have some of his flies in 

 our possession. They are so mis-shapen by moths 

 that we can form no opinion of their pristine virtues. 

 The wires are ponderous and clumsy, but in the 

 main exquisitely tempered. 



Of the exact year when the original fraternity at 

 C h was first instituted, there is no authentic 



