FLY FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 329 



I am by no means sure that I should not have fallen into the 

 same error myself but for the blessed necessity of work, early 

 laid on me and scarcely abating with years. But I am very 

 certain that had I done so I should have penned these pages, 

 the records of my experience as a fly fisher, with regret instead 

 of pleasure. 



If I may venture a few ' more last words ' to my brethren of 

 the angle, they shall be echoes of a farewell uttered long ago. 



Finally, pursue a liberal sport in a liberal spirit Help a 

 brother angler freely, especially when less able than yourself 

 to afford a well-stocked fly book. Neither poach yourself nor 

 encourage poachers by purchasing fish procured by doubtful 

 means. Spare small fish (except in those over-stocked waters 

 where all are small) and large fish when out of season, but not 

 past recovery. 



Abjure lath fishing, cross fishing, netting and spearing, and 

 renounce salmon roe except to thin the trout near the spawning 

 beds of salmon. And when you have filled your creel, main- 

 tain the old repute of the brotherhood by a liberal and not 

 exclusive distribution of your booty. 



So may your intervals of well-earned relaxation by lake or 

 stream be welcome and fortunate. So may genial skies and 

 soft showers add freshness to the air and beauty to the land- 

 scape. So may hand and eye work truly together, whether you 

 wield the fly rod or lay it aside for the pencil. So may you 

 return home unjaded from your sport, with a light heart and a 

 heavy basket happy, above all, 



To know there is an eye will mark 

 Your coming, and look brighter when you come. 



II. R. FRANCIS. 



