THE TROUT. 37 



or other. There is something about trout-fishing which 

 has exalted it in all ages above every other branch of the 

 art, except, of course, that of salmon-fishing. If we 

 attempt to analyse their preference we shall find it resolve 

 itself into something appertaining to the attributes, 

 qualities, or habits of this beautiful fish. He is an intel- 

 lectual kind of creature, and has evidently a will of his 

 own he looks sagacious and intelligent he sedulously 

 avoids thick, troubled and muddy waters loves the clear 

 and mountain stream displays an ardent ambition to ex- 

 plore the rivers to their very source is quick, vigorous, 

 and elegant in his movements likes to have the exclu- 

 sive command of the stream keeps up a rigid system of 

 order and discipline in the little community of which he 

 is a member exhibits a remarkable degree of nicety and 

 fastidiousness about his food is comparatively free from 

 vulgar, low, and grovelling habits entices his pursuer 

 into the loveliest scenes of nature's domains calls forth 

 from man, his great enemy, the utmost efforts of his 

 ingenuity and skill and, in a word, in every stage of his 

 existence, preserves a superior and dignified demeanour, 

 unattainable by any other living occupant of the streams. 



These may be styled the social and intellectual qualities 

 of this glorious fish. His physical constitution is equally 

 entitled to our respectful consideration. He boasts a prepos- 

 sessing and fascinating figure moulded in strict conformity 

 with the most refined principles of symmetrical proportion, 

 sparkles in all the gorgeous colours of the rainbow, and 

 occupies a distinguished position in the important science 

 of gastronomy. 



These seem to be the more prominent reasons why the 

 trout holds so high a rank in the angler's estimation. 

 There must be mind, real or imaginary, in every thing 



