EXPERIENCES WITH "BOB' 69 



be like him, but only some few, who have an intense 

 desire and the natural instinct, succeed. 



I liked to be with " Bob," not only because he was 

 my beau ideal of a fisherman, but because there was 

 in him something else which touched the springs of 

 my being. He responded instantly to the calls of 

 an environment which was unspoiled, and as God 

 made it. " There was never a glittering flash-past 

 of a kingfisher, or swift dive of a water-ouzel, that 

 escaped him, and did not add to the pleasure of the 

 river." Even on off days with the trout and they 

 come to all of us he was quite content, prepared 

 for such happenings, and knew that there was good 

 reason for them. He seemed to forget himself in 

 his faith and purpose, and in the joy of living on 

 that beautiful river. 



It is a pleasure to me to recall and visualise 

 " Bob " in those old haunts we both loved so dearly. 

 Others who may read these pages, and have enjoyed 

 a like companionship, will feel the vibration of 

 responsive chords, for fortunately, in this world of 

 ours, there are more " Bobs " than one. 



But returning again to my general theme, it 

 should be explained that in those days there were 

 not many day-time fishers on the Upper Eden. 

 Strangers were few and far between, and the local 

 men who took to fishing had to practise the art after 



