22O Night-Fishing. 



when the face of nature is so lightly veiled in 

 shadow as yet to betray a winning charm in every 

 feature ; when the distracting hum of busy life is 

 hushed, and there is 



' ' No whispering but of leaves on which the breath 

 Of heaven plays music to the birds that slumber ; " 



the " honest " angler need not hesitate to trust 

 himself and his fortunes under the wide canopy of 

 sky, with no talisman but his fishing-rod, and no 

 companion but his thoughts. 



It is not said that angling by night will be 

 invariably profitable, any more than it may be by 

 day. For the magic wand may be raised o'er 

 darkening stream and pool, the night may be pro- 

 pitious, and the twinkling stars in league with 

 cunning, and yet not a fin may stir the depths in 

 tribute to the witchery of art. In such circum- 

 stances night-fishing, if it do no more, will at least 

 afford an admirable test of the angler's devotion to 

 his pastime, and a splendid opportunity of giving 

 effect to the advice of Father Walton when he 

 cautioned his disciple to "be patient and forbear 

 swearing, lest he be heard and catch no fish." But 

 if his experiences of the fitful favours of even day- 

 fishing have already taught him to sing with all his 

 heart the old song 



" If patience be a virtue, then 

 How happy are we fishermen ! " 



