ANGLING AN INTELLECTUAL PURSUIT. 1Q5 



transitions, that angling derives its pleasures ; hence, 

 it holds precedence as a sport with men of thoughtful 

 and ideal temperament ; hence, poets, sculptors, and 

 philosophers the sons and worshippers of genius, have 

 entered, heart and hand, into its pursuit. Therefore 

 it was, that Thomson, Burns, Scott, and Hogg, and, in 

 our present day, Wilson and Wordsworth exchanged 

 eagerly the grey-goose quill and the companionship of 

 books, for the taper wand and the discourse, older than 

 Homer's measures, of streams and cataracts. There- 

 fore it was, that Paley left his meditative home, and 

 Davy his tests and crucibles, and Chantrey his moulds, 

 models, and chisel-work, each and all to rejoice and 

 renovate themselves ; to gather new thoughts and ener- 

 gies, a fresh heart and vigorous hand, in the exercise of 

 that pastime which is teeming with philosophy. 



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