NOT ALL OF FISHING TO FISH. 299 



The new flies will not be slighted, for they, also, have 

 their season of admiration and caressing touch. When 

 their day has come the old veterans of many a fight 

 will not be forgotten either, but while maturing plans 

 for augmenting their numbers, the recruits in their 

 new, bright dress will be inspected to see what claims 

 they may have for future honors. 



The lengthening days and diminishing snowbanks 

 naturally turn the angler's thoughts forward, and he 

 sniffs the south wind as though he would discover some 

 slight remaining odor of fragrant apple blossoms borne 

 to him from the far southland as the forerunner of 

 warm air, blue sky, bursting buds, open streams, green 

 grass, "gentle spring," and time to go a-fishing. Then 

 the untried flies are examined and speculation is rife as 

 to their excellence, each for its own particular kind of 

 fish. 



Day dreams and evening musings give place to an 

 activity of mind and body when fishing is under con- 

 sideration. The lessons of the last season and other 

 seasons are brought to bear to perfect all arrangements 

 for a fresh campaign. Consultations with brother anglers 

 are frequent, and plans many and various are weighed 

 and discussed. The tackle box is overhauled again and 

 again, notwithstanding the attention paid to it at the 

 close of the last season, to be sure that nothing is 

 wanting or left undone. Lines are tested ; leaders are 

 subjected to the closest scrutiny to see that no flaws or 

 chafed places exist to give way at a critical moment 



