166 HINTS ON ANGLING. 



existence of a law of primogeniture and the absence of 

 a rural aristocracy, have the practical effect of throwing 

 open all the rivers of the country sufficiently for the 

 purposes of the angler. This is a privilege that men 

 cannot enjoy in England; although in Scotland and 

 Ireland the rivers are comparatively accessible to all. 

 The angler who has been dogged and bullied by a keeper 

 in our merry England himself often the greatest poacher 

 on a manor will feel the full force of these advantages, 

 and bless his stars, that there are yet countries on the face 

 of the earth where fish is not preserved for the sole 

 enjoyment of a few, and where the foot of the enthusiast 

 can wander, unfettered and free. 



Whenever, however, the angler encounters the least 

 obstruction, we would earnestly advise him to acquiesce, 

 cheerfully and readily. This is always, even in his own 

 country, decidedly the best plan; but, particularly is it so 

 on the continent. Here he is always emphatically " a 

 stranger and a sojourner." He has, necessarily, a very 

 slender hold upon 'the feelings and sympathies of the 

 people; but civility and politeness go a long way in 

 France, in securing them for all temporary and reasonable 

 purposes. If a portion of the water be preserved, and 

 you find it of such an extent and character as to be worth 

 attention, a polite application will seldom be refused, 

 especially if the applicant be fishing with the artificial 

 fly. Should you be forbidden the water on account of 

 trespass alone, you will seldom fail to overcome even this 

 obstacle by a few words of civility and explanation to 

 the proprietor. But, whatever you do, do not argue the 

 point with him ; do not attempt to dispute the right, but 

 implicitly acknowledge the reasonableness of his objections, 

 and cheerfully abandon the attempt. The angler will 



