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CHAPTER XL 



PLATING A HSR. 



This is no unimportant branch of the angler^s art, and 

 a deal of practice is requisite before he learns to play 

 his fish with confidence and absence of bustle and 

 flurry, knowing the exact moments when to give way 

 to a fish or hold him hard. 



Nothing but experience can prompt the forethought 

 which avoids the occurrence of awkward or fatal situa- 

 tions, and these will happen sometimes, even when the 

 greatest care is exercised ; however, the accomplished 

 angler will generally avoid them, or at all events find 

 the ready means of extrication. 



An observer can get a fair insight to a man's 

 temperament while watching him playing a good-sized 

 salmon, and pretty accurately gauge his capabilities as 

 a fisherman ; for independently of the occasion calling 

 for considerable activity, strength, and at times endur- 

 ance, he should command self-possession, decision, and 

 resource, be quick to follow the movements of the fish, 

 and have a good memory for the peculiarities of the 

 natural surroundings of the waterside. 



