THROWING THE LINE. 153 



We presume that it would be something like a 

 waste of time to give directions for putting to- 

 gether the rod, fastening on the reel, passing the 

 line through the rings, and so forth. These 

 simple processes may be learned in a few moments 

 from the person from whom you purchase your 

 fishing gear ; or rather, we ought perhaps to say, 

 that if they do not suggest themselves to the tyro, 

 he will have a hard task to understand and master 

 the instructions necessary to make him an accom- 

 plished craftsman, depending, as they must obvi- 

 ously do, so much upon the exercise of his own 

 ability and judgment. 



We proceed, then, with more important in- 

 structions, which we shall convey in as graphic 



and familiar a manner as we are able. 



***** 



O ! here you are, gentle Tyro, awaiting your 

 Magister basket, landing-net, and all. Verily, 

 you are well caparisoned, and I hope will not 

 realise the epigram for young anglers often do 



" Arm'd cap-a-pie with baskets, bags, and rods, 

 The angler early to the river plods ; 

 At night his looks the woful truth announce, 

 The luggage half-a-ton, the fish an ounce." 



proper manner, and who, therefore, cannot be allowed the 

 slightest claim to the title of a skilful angler, though his 

 throwing be unexceptionable. 



