6 Fishcraft 



who "play hookey" as did those of 

 earlier generations, but the average 

 parents of our time are more lenient 

 than those of long ago, when the rod 

 of birch was too often applied with- 

 out mercy to the youthful angler on 

 his return from using a rod not 

 much heavier of hickory or birch 

 at the brook, fishing for chubs and 

 shiners. Now, the "barefoot boy with 

 cheek of tan" is usually given per- 

 mission to go a-fishing occasionally, 

 and "his turned-up pantaloons, and 

 his merry whistled tunes" serve to 

 give the true local semblance of rural 

 recreation, celebrated in song and 

 story. Comparatively few fathers of 

 farmer boys adopt the old adage, 

 "spare the rod and spoil the child," 

 as interpreted by stern parents of the 

 olden time. More freedom is the rule 

 in these progressive days, and the 

 fond father is more likely to spare 

 money to buy the rod with other 

 tackle for use in fishing. 



Nothing in later life can bring the 

 thrill of joy, of exultation, that comes 

 to the young disciple of Walton when 



