J22 



will not line! the fishes repair to the spot until some time 

 after he has quitted it ; and then, with much caution 

 and diffidence. 



I am aware, that this will be considered by many as 

 fine-drawing the matter beyond what is requisite ; but to 

 such I must answer, that it is with fishes exactly as with 

 wild birds, which require infinite art and cunning to en- 

 snare them ; and that although many instances may be 

 quoted, of persons neglecting even the most ordinary pre- 

 cautions, having been successful, yet it would be absurd 

 to deny, that an expert careful angler could, in the same 

 time and situation, have caught far more. 



When we begin to doubt the superior effects of supe- 

 rior skill, we betray our ignorance; a few may blindly 

 follow such an absurd hypothesis ; but we shall find from 

 experience, that such opinions will neither ensure suc- 

 cess, nor meet the support of those possessing common 

 sense. 



The angler who is at all informed of the nature of 

 fishes in general, and who knows how crafty and shy 

 they become in waters much frequented, especially 

 by poachers, will not, nay cannot, hesitate in affirming 

 the validity of what I have said in regard to secrecy and 

 concealment. They are the soul of fresh- water angling, 

 and I would at all times wager on the success of that 

 man, who to such qualifications adds the necessary atten- 

 tion to sound baits, and fine tackle ! I have often 

 laughed heartily at being asked by persons fishing for 

 dace, gudgeons, &c. whether their lines (about as thick 

 as a good-sized knitting-needle j were strong enough ! ! ! 



Some judgment is necessary in aying ground-tails. 

 It should be the study of the person doin.j so, to suleet 



rather 



