INTRODUCTION. x ix 



only excite the wonder of many " grave and reverend 

 seigniors " who draw their life and enjoyment from very 

 different, but, by me, unenvied sources. 



Located on Tweedside, I have had, besides those 

 already mentioned, although, perhaps, dependent on 

 them, various facilities afforded me for bettering my 

 information on points connected with rod-fishing. I 

 have been brought, for instance, much into contact with 

 able and intelligent craftsmen have listened to the ex- 

 position of their notions, as regards the tastes and 

 habits of fish, the attractive nature of such and such a 

 lure, as well as the advantage to be derived from this or 

 that form of tackle. The opportunity also has often 

 presented itself of witnessing their feats and good 

 fortune ; and I have frequently, with the solemn delight 

 of a child, drank in the wondrous exploits of some 

 river-enchanter, credulous while I listened, and willing, 

 in spite of reason, to be credulous still. 



Surrounded with these advantages, and encouraged 

 by the solicitations of numerous friends, I have ventured 

 to throw together the following chapters. They in- 

 volve, all of them, plain matter-of-fact subjects, which 

 are dealt with in a corresponding style. I have avoided, 

 as much as possible, dressing them up for favour, 



(expunging, where it could be done consistently, what- 

 ever savoured of the superfluous; and although im- 

 pelled, now and then, to embellish my remarks with a 

 dash of the ideal, I have resolutely disclaimed its assist- 

 ance in the relation of all matters of fact and experience. 



