24 HINTS ON ANGLING. 



persons as a far more seemly and appropriate recreation, 

 than the wild excitement of the chase, with its accom- 

 panying taste for horses, and the somewhat vulgar amuse- 

 ments of the stable. 



In the rules and ordinances* for the guidance and dis- 

 cipline of the French clergy in their mode of living, 

 choice of amusements, etc., etc., a clergy, who have 

 to contend with the powerful remains of indifference 

 or infidelity the spawn of the Revolution still active 

 amongst the middle classes and who are fighting with 

 zeal and energy an arduous and truly uphill battle it is 

 expressly forbidden to join in the amusements of the 

 chase, whilst, at the same time, the humble and gentle art 

 of angling has no interdict imposed upon it, because it is 

 a quiet, innocent recreation, not only not incompatible 

 with, but the actual promoter and encourager of study, 

 meditation, and prayer. 



The art of angling is also to be approved and defended 

 on account of its popular spirit. We have no feeling in 

 common with the cant and intolerance manifested in 

 England of late years, against the peculiar amusements 

 and pastimes of the people. On the contrary, it always 

 affords us the most lively gratification to see men unbend 

 from the wasting pressure of incessant toil, and throw 

 themselves into the vortex of unrestrained and rational 

 hilarity ; and amongst the various kinds of amusements, 

 none, in our humble opinion, surpasses fishing. In this 

 fascinating pursuit, the old and the young, the wise and 

 the foolish, the rich and the poor, the learned and the un- 

 learned, the aristocrat and the plebeian, may mingle 



* Principes de conduite, ordonnances et statuts au diocese 

 d' Arras, imprimes par ordre de Monseigneur 1'Eveque 

 d' Arras." Arras, 1825. 



