AN ANGLER'S EQUIPMENT. 23 



" Your rod with tops two, 



For the same will not do, 

 If your manner of angling you vary ; 



And full well may you think, 



If you troll with a pink, 

 One too weak will be apt to miscarry. 



" Then, basket, neat made 



By a master in's trade, 

 In a belt at your shoulders must dangle ; 



For none e're was so vain 



To wear this in disdain, 

 Who a true brother was of the angle. 



" Next, pouch must not fail, 



Stuffed as fall as a mail, 

 With wax, crewels, silks, hairs, furs, and feathers, 



To make several flies 



For the severe skies, 

 That shall kill in despite of all weathers. 



" The boxes and books 



Eor your lines and your hooks, 

 And, though not for strict need notwithstanding, 



Your scissars and hone 



To adjust your points on, 

 With a net to be sure of your landing. 



" All these being on, 



5 Tis high time we were gone, 

 Down and upwards, that all may have pleasure, 



Till, here meeting at night, 



We shall have the delight 

 To discourse of our fortunes at leisure." 



Having now mentioned the principal matters connected with 

 rods, and tackle generally, it is proper we should say a word or 

 two on the modes of using them, or, perhaps, more fitly, the 

 mechanical art of angling itself. 



It must always be borne in mind that the gentle art is an imi- 

 tative one. It is best learned by looking at others fishing, and 

 making accurate observations from what experience teaches. 

 This must ever be the grand school for the angler. All that books 

 on f the subject can do, is to lay down such general rules as may 

 guide the understanding in the use of instruments, and keep 

 young beginners from falling into egregious errors at the com- 

 mencement of their career. Most anglers have begun to frequent 

 the rivers when young ; and youth in general is the aptest time for 

 learning many things ; but persons considerably advanced in years 



