2 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 



various directions, actually placed their hands on the 

 same post, or their feet upon the same stone at the 

 same instant, and so tenacious are they of their word 

 in this respect, that any individual who does not keep 

 his time correctly, and cannot give a good reason for 

 his absence, is scouted as unworthy of confidence, 

 but disappointment is a rare occurrence among us. 

 Within a short period I have known several persons 

 who previously cared little or nothing for breaking 

 their promise, and who were naturally inattentive and 

 dilatory, become, from associating with Anglers, 

 remarkably punctual and assiduous, these notions 

 imbibed, while following the recreation of Angling, 

 have not been lost sight of in business, and have pro- 

 duced beneficial results to themselves and society at 

 large. 



Having so met, they cheerfully journey together to 

 the appointed spot, say twelve or fourteen miles mer- 

 rily, happily, and soberly, enlivening the road with 

 details of their previous exploits, and delivering their 

 various opinions as to the prospects of success in the 

 day before them. These Anglers carry with them 

 tackle, baits, and provisions, which render their 

 progression much more difficult. But those who may 

 have passed the vigour of life get a cast by the nearest 

 conveyance, not being particular to a comfortable 

 snooze in a stage waggon, if by that means they can 

 get an hour or two sooner to their favourite swim. I 

 have rode many miles by the above conveyance and 

 snoozed comfortably to my journey's end without 



