6 TROUT FISHING 



Art itself, contrasting sweetly with the anxieties 

 and cares, the strife and contentions of society, 

 and actual business of this life ; tending to pro- 

 long a present existence, and by withdrawing the 

 aged mind from its natural vice, happily favour- 

 ing the preparation for a future, as it elevates 

 the mind from worldliness, and conduces to the 

 blissful consideration of a beneficence which has ' 

 ordained so fair a world for man's reception, and 

 induces a right and proper consideration of such 

 blessings, and the change his body, in common 

 with all around him, so shortly must undergo. 

 This again is a subject apart from my intention, 

 but a passing commentary on the healthful 

 tendency and mental peacefulness begotten from 

 the sport could not be avoided, inadequate though 

 the remarks are to convey the convictions which 

 experience and habitual devotion to the subject 

 have stamped on the minds of veterans in the 

 Art. 



