WOODLAND PATHS 



There is a better way to catch suckers, 

 and he who has once learned it willingly 

 discards the crude instrument of the 

 blacksmith for the fine touch of the true 

 sportsman. He matches boy against fish, 

 and feels the man thrill through his mar- 

 row every time he wins. It is the same 

 game that great John Ridd learned from 

 his primitive forbears on the West of 

 England's moors, whereby he went forth 

 to tickle trout in the icy stream and was 

 led into the enchanted valley where dwelt 

 huge outlaws and Lorna Doone. 



Bare-legged and bare-armed you wade 

 into the icy water and slip your hands 

 gently under the big stones at bottom, 

 wherever there are crevices into which a 

 fish might enter. If you have the requi- 

 site fineness of touch, experience will soon 

 tell you what it is you feel beneath in the 

 darkness of the watery cave. It may be 

 94 



