PREFACE. 



THE number of books on angling proves not only the interest the 

 subject commands, but the variety of points of view from which it 

 may be treated. To cope with the wiles of the timid roach and carp, 

 and wary trout and salmon, the craft has developed to such a degree 

 as to rank among the sciences. Once having reached that position, it 

 would be presumption on the part of any v/riter to claim to have said 

 the last word. 



It is clear, from the literature on the subject, that considerable 

 diversity of opinion exists among the authorities ; not only on the 

 natural history of the fish and fish-culture, but also on the practical 

 side of the art, in the choice and use of rods and tackle. It is among 

 these gaps that a niche may be found for a new book on angling, 

 which, while covering much of the ground already traversed by other 

 writers, takes occasional excursions into less explored territory. 



Every angler has his own method of approaching the suspicious 

 quarry and wooing him to destruction. If he urges this as the better 

 way, he does so out of the fulness of practical experience. Whilst 

 infallibility does not rest with any one method, in the careful statement 

 of different points of view lies instruction. 



One departure from familiar paths in the following pages is on the 

 make and weight of salmon rods. Reform in the use of heavy and 

 unwieldy weapons is overdue. The practicability of the counsel 

 I venture to give finds support in the fact that one of the principal 

 manufacturers has produced a salmon rod corresponding in weight and 

 efficiency with what I have advised. 



The chapters on the art of rod-making and fly-tying are intended 

 for the rapidly increasing number of young anglers who aspire to 

 come into closer touch with the craft of so healthy and fascinating a 

 pastime. 



The illustrations throughout the book are original, and con- 

 sequently have the defects of that virtue, as must be the case in 

 amateur work. This course I thought preferable to using the familiar 

 catalogue cuts that have been repeated in so many books on angling. 

 Jhe choice and variety of illustrations will, it is hoped, compensate 





