36 FISHING IN EDEN 



the grip, so that it tapered to the middle splice, not 

 unlike a modern " split-cane." 



The taking to bits and oiling of the old-fashioned 

 reels was quite a business, and charmed us as much 

 as the modern boy's Meccano. Each connecting 

 spindle had to be carefully unscrewed, and we were 

 given to hold the several parts, and told to remember 

 exactly where they had to go after the drums and 

 plates and centre spindle had been cleaned and oiled. 



At another time the wading stockings would have 

 to be carefully tested and patched. We saw at least 

 two wooden panniers made out of the rounded thin 

 sides of old cheese boxes, and afterwards made some- 

 what similar ones for ourselves. If a member of 

 the Child Study Society could have seen us at this 

 time he would no doubt have agreed with Bret 

 Harte that, in our case at least, and for the moment, 

 the dominant expression of youth was gravity and 

 not playfulness. The pressure of our practical 

 needs, in an all absorbing sport, tended to develop 

 a full examination of all we saw, and special 

 interest led to a habit of concentration on particular 

 objects. 



We were not likely ever to forget our apprentice- 

 ship with " Bob," for it was close, prolonged, and was 

 served under the stimulus of a powerful interest. 

 There were a thousand and one casual connections 



