Salmon Fishing. 221 



And though, as an enthusiastic disciple of the 

 immortal Izaak, I may perhaps be excused for 

 a certain amount of prejudice ; let any other 

 amusement be pointed out, as harmless and 

 healthful as fishing, for the recreation of these 

 men in their brief hours of leisure, and most 

 heartily would I say, "God speed all who are 

 philanthropic enough to promote it." 



From the smoke of the workshop, and dull leaden sound 

 Of hard labour that reigns undisturbed all around ; 

 Who can wonder the banks of the bormie, bright Clyde, 

 Should be swarming with anglers at late eventide? 



When the sun leaves behind its last lingering beam 



That lights up the sweet landscape, and brightens the stream ; 



Oh ! how few Nature's winning appeal can withstand, 



Be the brain heavy-burthened, or hard- worked the hand. 



Though the bee has long gone to his home in the hive, 

 Still with thousands of insects the air seems alive ; 

 While the thrush, as he jauntily sits on the spray, 

 Softly warbles his last farewell song for the day. 



Borne along on the breath of the soft summer- breeze, 

 That just plays on the water, and sings in the trees, 

 Not seldom is heard a wild shout of delight, 

 As the float steals away from the fisherman's sight. 



