A Defense of Fishermen 



the use of a word which, though found 

 in the list of oaths, is spoken without 

 intentional imprecation, and because 

 nothing else seems to suit the occasion. 

 It is by no means to be admitted that 

 fishing tends even to this semblance 

 of profanity. On the contrary, it im- 

 poses a self-restraint and patient for- 

 bearance upon its advanced devotees 

 Vv'hich tend to prevent sudden out- 

 bursts of feeling. 



It must in frankness be admitted, 

 however, by fishermen of every de- 

 gree, that when the largest trout of 

 the day, after a long struggle, winds 

 the leader about a snag and escapes, or 

 when a large salmon or bass, appar- 

 ently fatigued to the point of non- 

 resistance, suddenly, by an unexpected 

 and vicious leap, frees himself from 

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