THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



pike, in the deeper parts of the river, which were clear from 

 reeds or weeds. But the casting-net is not a certain engine of 

 destruction, as relates to large fish ; its chief use is for catch- 

 ing what is called ' small fry,' either to stock waters with, or 

 for baits, where live baits are used ; and out of the multitude 

 of fish which it takes, when thrown by a good hand, there 

 is much choice to be made. But the exercise of this net is 

 an act of much grace, when cast as it should be cast; for, 

 although it resembles a bell in shape, whilst remaining in a 

 quiescent state, when spread to its utmost extent it forms a 

 complete circle. Long, then, before Frank arrived at maturity, 

 there was not a person in the neighbourhood who could handle 

 this net better than he could, his fustian-jacketed preceptor 

 excepted. He was, likewise, a fair hand at a trout, and the 

 knowledge of the flies best adapted to taking him, at various 

 times and seasons ; at the same time there was, in his estima- 

 tion, somewhat of a tameness throughout the entire proceedings 

 of the fisherman, which gave him some difficulty in determin- 

 ing whether he really liked it as a sport, or merely endured it 

 as the means of beguiling a few vacant hours. 



There was one reason for a difference of taste in the pastimes 

 and pursuits which these brothers exhibited, and this was in 

 the nature of the physical constitution of each, which seldom 

 fails to have its effect on the intellectual one. Andrew had 

 been a weakly child from his birth, and he was, consequently, 

 unequal to enter into the rough and arduous pursuits which 

 alone seemed to fascinate our hero. But the time was now 

 arrived when both were to make their start in the world, and 

 repair to a public school, as their father had done before them, 

 and for which they were well prepared by Mr. Egerton. Yet 

 here arose a difficulty, which it will be in my power to account 

 for, as likewise to show how it was obviated. 



64 



