REMINISCENCES. 



I have written for lovers of the gentle art, and if this which I have 

 written falls into other hands, let him who reads understand it is not 

 for him. W. C. Prime. 



"Talks" are written on the presumption that they 

 -*- will only be read by the "simple wise men" who can sym- 

 pathize with their theme and who are in accord with their 

 sentiments. To those who know nothing of the art or of 

 its delightful possibilities, they will be "as sounding brass 

 or tinkling cymbals." But to the mild-mannered and 

 merry-hearted brotherhood they may have something of the 

 music of forest birds and the melody of running waters. 



Not only has every pastime its special attractions, but its 

 votaries have their special reasons for the high estimate 

 in which they hold it. Others may, but they never weary 

 of talking about it. What is true of other pastimes is pre- 

 eminently true of angling. No other affords so many inci- 

 dents that it is a pleasure to remember and a greater pleas- 

 ure to recount to appreciative and sympathizing listeners. 

 The "memory" which formed the theme of my last "Talk" 

 was followed by other reminiscences, one of which is sub- 

 joined. 



Several years ago I found that I had not time to make my 

 usual August trip to the North Woods ; but 1 knew very well 

 if I allowed the month to pass without enjoying a "cast" 

 somewhere I would find my mental machinery sadly out of 

 joint. I had tried it once and remembered the result. I 

 cannot gay that I suffered any real physical detriment, but 

 I evinced neither good temper nor good manners (and they 

 always hunt in couples) until the fever subsided with the 

 close of the season. 



And this is the experience of all anglers who have had a 

 taste of the invigorating and exhilarating delights that come 

 to those who have even passable skill with rod and reel. 

 Perhaps something of this feeling may pass into the experi- 



