Leaders. 89 



into clear water, towing the fish after. It weighed four 

 and a half pounds. 



I might multiply instances of this kind, but these seem 

 sufficient. 



Therefore, a reasonably fine leader, taking into con- 

 sideration the circumstances under which it is to be 

 used, but of strictly first-class material, is recommended. 

 Test it frequently. See to it that it never be bent when 

 dry, and especially that no one step on it whether dry 

 or wet an accident quite likely to happen when mount- 

 ing the rod at the beginning, or taking it apart at the 

 conclusion of a day's fishing. 



Remember it is the large fish that exact the penalty 

 for negligence of this kind. There is no medicine for a 

 mind stricken by such a loss and so caused. Over most 

 misfortunes time kindly draws the veil of oblivion, but 

 this wound never cicatrizes. I meet one gentleman fre- 

 quently, but never, if angling is mentioned, does he fail 

 to mourn over an eight - pounder he lost through the 

 breaking of his leader years ago. This may be because 

 of the sharp contrast any serious misfortune presents to 

 the generally unalloyed happiness of angling, but what- 

 ever is the cause, the fact remains that such mishaps 

 dwell in the recollection long after every other associated 

 incident is forgotten. 



Therefore I repeat, test your leaders carefully, and be 

 sure they are up to your work ; but do not seek this re- 

 sult by using a cable where a thread is adequate, but by 

 care in selection of material, care in manufacture, and 

 care in preservation. If you do this you will never 

 lose a fish from this cause ; if you do not, no matter 

 how large the gut you may employ, it will sooner or 

 later play you false. 



