26 ANGLING, 



of which he is in quest. This beau ideal of watery conformations 

 is not a variable or uncertain thing ; it has in every one's eye the 

 same general outline and expression. We know that what is at 

 this moment prefigured to our imaginations as the height of per- 

 fection, is the same as that which occupies the mind of every other 

 angler in the kingdom, who is entitled to the appellation. A fine 

 fishing stream has all the standard elements of permanent beauty 

 that appertain to the beautiful in every branch of art or science 

 whatever."* 



The trout observes the same rule as the salmon, with respect 

 to his haunts and places of abode. The latter never ventures 

 into very shallow water, at a great distance from a deep place 

 of shelter; and thus long, shallow streams, situated at a con- 

 siderable distance from a range of deep water, are seldom fre- 

 quented by large trout, except at night in the summer season, 

 when they often run a considerable distance up such places in 

 pursuit of minnows. Those streams, therefore, are the best which 

 lead immediately into tolerably deep water. 



It is a good general rule in fly-fishing, never to remain very long at 

 one particular spot. When you have the water before you, take 

 the l)est streams, and fish them carefully, but as quickly as you 

 can. Remember a trout never can be enticed. All his movements 

 are impulsive and prompt ; and if you cast your fly where he lies, 

 he will generally dash at it at once ; but should he^miss it in his 

 first eagerness, do not tempt him again for a few minutes ; rather 

 recede from the spot a little to allow him time to regain his former 

 position, and then yoit will stand a fair chance of getting hold 

 of him at the next attack. Many an excellent trout has been 

 caught in this manner, which would have been lost altogether, if 

 the angler had persisted in thrashing away at him after his first 

 unsuccessful rise. 



We shall proceed no further with our general remarks on the 

 purely mechanical and prudential rules relative to the art of 

 angling at the present time. We shall have to state several 

 matters of importance to the practical fisherman when we come to 

 treat of the various kinds of fish contained in our list. 



* Guide to the Rivers and Loclis of Scotland. London, 1854. 



