XX INTRODUCTORY 



to the funds of the Angling Improvement Associa- 

 tion, because of the benefit which they find has 

 resulted to their own fishings. 



To the angler also who is sportsman in the best 

 sense of the word belongs much of the credit of 

 having noted the special features of the salmon's life 

 in fresh water. By his experience he accumulates 

 knowledge of particular runs of fish as the netsman 

 at the mouth no doubt may also do, but he, as he 

 quietly casts his fly or spins his bait, hour after 

 hour and month after month, has the opportunity of 

 coming into closer touch with the many interesting 

 habits of ascent and distribution : he has his line in 

 the water before the netsman has a chance, and he 

 sees the season out after the nets are off ; he is able 

 to note the peculiarities of habit in spring, summer, 

 and autumn. It is sometimes said that the charm of 

 angling is its uncertainty, but this takes account only 

 of the fish-killing results. The true disciple of Izaak 

 is a contemplative man who has his mind occupied 

 by many piscatorial reflections as he plies his art : he 

 is quick to observe, yet many perplexities make him 

 slow to draw his deductions. It is very often true 

 of him that the more he has seen the more he realises 

 how little he knows. Conversely, those who have 

 not seen very much are usually able to talk a great 

 deal about what they do not understand. Hence the 

 not altogether unfounded belief that fishermen are 

 cranks. 



No doubt the primary object of the angler is to 

 catch fish. He goes forth equipped for that purpose, 

 eager for its fulfilment. But if there were no other 



