NORTHERN MEMOIRS. 85 



little a thing blots out the character of life, every 

 one knows, that knows air is as opium to force 

 a sleepy pulse ; that deprives of motion, and 

 makes passage for death. 



Be mindful, therefore, to observe directions 

 in handling and managing your rod and line, 

 and cautiously keeping your self out of sight ; 

 all which precautions are requisite accomplish- 

 ments, which of necessity ought to be under- 

 stood by every ingenious angler. And so is 

 that secret art of striking, which ought never at 

 any time to be used with violence ; because, 

 with a moderate touch, and a slender propor- 

 tion of strength, the artist for the most part has 

 best success. 



Another caution you must take along with 

 you ; and that is, when you observe your game 

 begins to make an out ; that is, when he bolts, 

 or when he launcheth himself forth to the ut- 

 most extent of your rod and line, which a well- 

 fed fish at all times frequently attempts, upon 

 the least advantage he gains on the angler ; be 

 mindful, therefore, to throw him line enough, 

 if provided you purpose to see his destruction ; 

 yet with this caution, that you be not too libe- 

 ral. On the other hand, too streight a line brings 

 equal hazard ; so that to poize your fish, and 

 your fore-sight together, is, by keeping one eye 

 at the point of your rod, and the other be sure 



