ON RAPID STREAMS. 5 



enraged, coquette as it is, constancy is only 

 applicable to its variations of character; at every 

 turn we see some new feature, and no five yards 

 are alike. It presents in itself every variety of 

 stream, and all connected with it is variety, excite- 

 ment, and quickness, and tends to arouse the 

 enthusiasm of the sportsman. 



One might perhaps carry the consideration of 

 the subject yet further, and dilate much on the 

 peculiar effects of different kinds of streams in 

 influencing one's whole frame of thought and idea ; 

 but my object is to deal with reality, and this 

 chapter will be concluded with the shortest 

 allusions to the pleasures of fishing, which are 

 attractive to the young and old to the young 

 most especially as beginners^ for they have all 

 their limbs and senses in vigour, are more en- 

 thusiastic, and though less patient will yet be 

 persevering when the probability, nay, certainty 

 of success is held out to them ; and to them, as a 

 recreation from study, it is of all sports most 

 desirable, since it is innocent in itself, obtainable 

 by all from the little expense attending it, is most 

 conducive to health, assists mental as well as 

 corporal development, calls forth the young mind 

 to observe for itself accurately and independently; 

 and conduces to the acquisition of most pleasing 

 subjects for reflection in after years. Boyhood is 

 the proper time to commence fishing, in order to 

 study and master the Art ; but to the old it is 

 highly agreeable, the quiet and peaceful retire- 

 ment of the country, and the simplicity of the 



