120 FISHING GOSSIP. 



" SUN-SPEARING/' 



EVER since I was able to cast a rod single-handed, or 

 read a fly-book without much spelling, I have been 

 of opinion that any new pursuit which enlarges the 

 sphere of our innocent enjoyments is so much added 

 to the stock of human happiness. If the subject of 

 our juvenile philosophy brings us into closer com- 

 munion with nature, and opens a wider field for the 

 observation and study of her works, the novelty is so 

 much the more worthy of acceptance and encourage- 

 ment. Of all the objects of our restless desires, her 

 treasures alone are inexhaustible, never tire, and leave 

 no sting behind. Both mind and body, on the con- 

 trary, become invigorated by contact with her won- 

 ders, just as the fabled athlete acquired fresh strength 

 as often as he touched his mother earth. All field 

 sports more or less fulfil the conditions of my early 

 postulate ; but none more fully or agreeably than 

 fishing in its various forms. Numerous as these are, 

 and well adapted to all ages and grades of life, I 

 have been long smitten with the ambition of adding 

 another to the number. It may not indeed merit the 

 " button" of an angling club to stamp its worth, or 



