Fisher aft 81 



ous methods on a scale as strictly 

 graded as that of music? 



That there is the exquisite melody 

 of an aeolian harp or of the Italian 

 opera in the music of the reel, to the 

 angler who thoroughly understands 

 playing his fish to this tune, is, of 

 course, admitted, but the lone fisher- 

 man of lesser skill or none at all 

 in the higher branch of the art, is per- 

 haps as delighted in playing a minor 

 air, making the small fishes dance to 

 the vibration of a taut line, and bring- 

 ing them in without any accompani- 

 ment except the beating of his own 

 heart. 



The multitude of small finny mem- 

 bers of the various common species 

 may be said to comprise the great 

 common school of fishes. To attend 

 this school, to apply the rod when- 

 ever and wherever it will do the most 

 good as a means of bringing a reason- 

 able number "out of the wet," is really ' 

 worthy the attention of all those fond 

 of a fascinating, healthful form of 

 study; in short, willing and anxious 

 to follow the fixed Yesolve of a famous 



