INTRODUCTORY 



sense of tranquillity, rest from the stress and 

 worry of life and from all mundane troubles as he 

 listens to the liquid notes of mavis or merle from 

 the fresh greenery of the beeches, the carol of the 

 soaring lark, the gentle cooing of the quests and 

 the pleasant chatter of his other bird companions ? 

 How soothing it all is, and how restful it feels, as, 

 with the scent of new-mown hay in his nostrils 

 and the music of the brook in his ears, he wanders 

 through the painted fields. Somehow, I think 

 Nature appeals to us trout-fishermen more 

 strongly when we seek her by the brookside than 

 by larger waters. In the last, we are less alone ; 

 there is often competition and jealousy, a hurry 

 to be the first at some particular stretch, or what 

 not. The surroundings of a narrower limit seem 

 to bring us more in touch with their beauties, and 

 we feel a sort of affectionate interest in them, that 

 friendship of the stream which never fades from 

 the memory. 



This sport, to be perfect, must be pursued 

 alone. The water is not big enough for two, and 

 ' de'il tak' the hindmost ' would generally apply 

 to the efforts of a second rod. It is not a pre- 

 paratory art for more ample rivers, being one per se. 

 The late Francis Francis, who loved it, styled it 

 the dolce far niente of trout-fishing ; nevertheless, 



