NORTHERN MEMOIRS. 181 



easily perswaded that some artists gain experi- 

 ence with little difficulty ; when as othersome 

 acquire it not without great industry : for where 

 natural endowments accommodate the highest 

 form in arts, their theory and practicks seldom 

 justle for precendency. Thus the day and the 

 season always considered, the artist, I fancy, may 

 sport at leisure, provided he design angling his 

 recreation. 



TJieoph, Are there no mediums set down as 

 a standard in the art ? 



Am. Yes, surely there are, but considering 

 your capacity, it will add but little to those in- 

 structions. However, I'le discover another no- 

 table secret, though less practicable, yet proba- 

 bly more advantagious than adventuring a fly 

 according to fashion. 



Theopk. Pray, unriddle the mystery ; it's some 

 aenigma, I fancy. 



Arn. The paradox explained ; first take a 

 trout, rip up his belly, and examine his maw to 

 see what remains unconcocted ; and if it be in 

 fly-time, you will find some there ; for he loves 

 to insinuate himself among insects, (for flies are 

 insects,) and are upon the main the matter he 

 preys on. Procrastinate no time, for the diges- 

 tions are swift ; be quick, therefore, and you 

 will find some there ; and as near to the natural 

 form as your ingenuity admits of, contrive such 



