The Gentle Art of Angling. 



A well-known London medical 

 specialist with a large practice 

 thinks it worth his while to travel 

 by the night train to Scotland, fish 

 the next day, and return to town 

 within the thirty-six hours. " It 

 is the best exercise," he says, 

 "and clears out the lungs." 

 Salmon-fishing is an advanced 

 stage in the art that can only be 

 attained by prolonged practice. 

 Coarse fishing is the matriculating 

 stage, and as these instructions 



cheap manufacture will have to 

 be repeated again and again, and 

 be the occasion of irritation and 

 disappointment. The varieties of 

 rods in the market are endless, 

 and in order not to confuse the 

 beginner by cataloguing rival 

 designs and makes, and placing 

 him in the position of the lover 

 who sighed : 



How happy could I be with either, 

 Were t'other dear charmer away, 

 intend to confine myself to a 



PLATE I. 

 BOTTOM FISHING REELS. 



A. Hardy Bros., Nottingham Reel with " Silex " and " Adjustable" Check Action. 

 B. Gunmetal Reel. 



extend from gudgeon to salmon, 

 the latter will be fully dealt with 

 in its proper place. 



In regard to rods and tackle 

 for coarse and game fishing, too 

 much stress cannot be laid upon 

 the wisdom of purchasing from the 

 best makers at the outset. This 

 course will prove the most eco- 

 nomical in the long run. A really 

 good rod will last the best of a 

 lifetime, whereas an article of 



make of rod of which I can speak 

 from practical knowledge, and 

 which, in my judgment, is at least 

 as good as anything that can be 

 procured. Possibly, as the young 

 angler gains experience in the 

 craft, he may become an eclectic, 

 and select a modification of make 

 suitable to his build and tempera- 

 ment. He will always find a 

 good maker ready to meet him in 

 this particular, and he is much 



