72 FLY FISHING. 



Mishaps which cause serious vexation at the time seldom fail to 

 make a deep and lasting impression ; and many there are who 

 may trace the acquisition of much useful knowledge to this un- 

 pleasant source, which is a far better strengthener of the memory, 

 than the more pleasant events which sometimes also fall to our lot, 

 and rarely failing to make a lasting impression ; a fact proved be- 

 yond all doubt, from the well known experiment of whipping un- 

 lucky urchins at boundaries, in order to give thern'a perfect recol- 

 lection of the locus in quo, which has been found from experience the 

 most efficatious means for the purpose that human ingenuity has:yet 

 devised ; for though gingerbread has been given with the same 

 intent, it is well known it leaves a far less clear and lasting im- 

 pression. It is true the remembrance of the gingerbread often 

 endures, but the recollection of the exact spot of the feast is usually 

 a very vague one ; whereas in the case of those who have under- 

 gone the flagellation, their memories are generally found to be as 

 perfect as to place, as of the sufferings they once endured there. 



" Come, my honest scholar'' continues the old angler, observing 

 the manifest chagrin of his companion, " Come, never let a little 

 ill fortune thus cast down your spirits : there are better fish 

 in the stream than the one you lost, some of whom I dare say 

 you'll become better acquainted with before the day is over ; and 

 as it is pretty clear your recent transactions hereabouts must have 

 shown the trouts what a dangerous personage you are, we'll just 

 walk on and try our fortune in the next pool. Look do you see 

 that hawthorn bush growing out from the opposite bank, and over- 

 hanging the water ? Now I'll wager a trifle that if you throw 

 carefully under that self- same bush you'll surely raise a fish 

 there." 



." You may well say if I can/' replies the scholar ; " for I don't 

 see how the matter is possible, as some of the lower branches 

 overhang for a considerable distance and are scarcely a couple of 

 feet above the water, so that the flies must fall upon them in the 

 attempt ; at least I'm pretty sure that would be the fate of mine.* 



" There's no must or would in the case," rejoins the old angler, 

 " so if you won't venture I will.'' Observe you should not attempt 

 to make a direct overcast throw, but must manage to whip in 

 horizontally like that. No, not quite like that either ; for I have 

 made my cast a little too high, and my flies are unluckily lodged 

 in the bush in consequence." 



