INTRODUCTORY 9 



describing the methods of brook-angling, I hope 

 that my earnest desire to assist the novice will 

 plead in extenuation. While it must be admitted 

 that no instruction can equal practical lessons by 

 the waterside, it will be also conceded that of all 

 forms of trout-fishing, such instruction in this 

 science would be the most difficult to procure for 

 the sufficient reason that though often perfunc- 

 torily tried, but few fishermen have made it a 

 peculiar study. If, then, I can clearly point out 

 the way in simple language which will be easily 

 intelligible to the attentive reader, I doubt not 

 that he will soon feel competent to essay these 

 charming miniature rivers, and acquire a success 

 which will amply repay him for his trouble. 



