TREATISE ON FLY-FISHING. 15 



the art, may be partly accounted for from the 

 circumstance, that fly-fishing is one of the few 

 occupations which depend entirely on the indi- 

 vidual skill of the sportsman. Keepers may rise 

 pheasants by the score, and drive hares by the 

 dozen before the well-placed gun ; offering shots 

 which the variest tyro cannot fail to kill : the 

 huntsman by a judicious cast, may exhibit the 

 hounds and their quarry, in the most accommo- 

 dating proximity to the royal group the highland 

 deer may be driven within the limits of the rifles 

 range but, no keeper's art can oblige a trout to 

 rise ; or, compel the salmon to quit its darkened 

 haunt, even for the amusement of princes, or sport 

 of kings. The finny tribe acknowledge no 

 allegiance, and will not be tempted, though the 

 fly be proffered by royal hands. Prompt obe- 

 dience is expected by kings ; a ready compliance 

 with their wishes, is their behest. 



Nelson, was an excellent fly-fisher ; and, as a 

 proof of his passion for it, continued the pursuit 

 even with his left hand. 



