288 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 



To exercise command over the perceptive faculties, 

 so as to adapt oneself to the necessities of the 

 case when the pulse quickens and the nerves thrill 

 with sudden excitement, this proclaims the adept. 

 The great precept to be impressed upon the mind 

 of the tyro, and one which is applicable to every 

 branch of angling, is this : never cast without expecting 

 a fish. How often is the rise taken out of the 

 indifferent angler of sanguine temperament and 

 excitable disposition by the plunge of a speculative 

 fish, whose demonstrative turning has the effect of 

 a galvanic battery, recalling the absent-minded one 

 to things present, of personal import and bearing 

 the pipe has fallen from the partially distended 

 jaws, the hat, too, is raised somewhat by the 

 suddenly manifested upward tendency of the hair. 

 These things are re-adjusted, the tangled line put 

 straight and in trim, and now how industriously 

 and ardently is the fly whirled over the waving 

 ringlets widening from the point of disturbance. 

 Praiseworthy perseverance is expended, the greatest 

 nicety of delivery put forth in presenting the lure, 

 but to no purpose ; your steel has been felt, and 

 an opportunity for re-opening negociations is denied 

 for the time being. Every pursuit, without excep- 

 tion, has a sure Nemesis following upon indolence 

 and half-heartedness, hence it is that thorough 

 application achieves the heavier feats, and claims, 

 thus, our ungrudging allegiance. 



The weight of a salmon rod, reel, and line, when 

 out in action, is often a source of complaint on 



