RULES FOR TROUT-FISHING. 43 



cause, by a moderate touch, and a slender pro- 

 portion of strength, the artist, for the most part, 

 has best success. Another caution you must take 

 along with you ; I mean, when you observe your 

 game to make an out, that is, when he bolts, or 

 when he launcheth himself to the utmost extent of 

 your rod and line, which a well-fed fish at all times 

 frequently attempts upon the least advantage he 

 gains of 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 liberal. On the other hand, too straight a line 

 brings equal hazard ; so that to poise your fish and 

 your foresight together, is by keeping one eye at 

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

 direct on your game ; which comes nearest the me- 

 diums of art, and the rules and rudiments of your 

 precedent directions. But this great round may be 

 easily solved ; for if, when you discover your fish 

 fag his fins, you may rationally conclude he then 

 struggles with death : and then is your time to trifle 

 him ashore on some smooth shelf of sand, where 

 you may boldly land him, before his scales encoun- 

 ter the soil. 



" Lest precipitancy spoil sport, I'll preponder my 

 rudiments ; and they prognosticate here's a fish, or 

 something like it, a fair hansel for a foolish fisher. 

 This capering, for aught I know, may cost him his 

 life, for I resolve to hold his nose to the grindstone : 

 dance on and die, that is the way to your silent se- 

 pulchre ; for upon that silty, gravelly shelf of sand 



