12 TROUT FISHING 



tion in which we may be placed ; for if we can 

 only command the deep, slow, and sluggish 

 streams, I fear we cannot be absolutely sure always 

 of the result of our labours, though even on these 

 streams we may be far more so than is generally 

 admitted, yet it cannot be denied that we are in 

 great measure dependent on the river, the wind, 

 and the weather, and not wholly and entirely on 

 our own skill and exertions for success. 



Now, having admitted this of the deep sluggish 

 stream, we can do no more, asserted though I 

 well know it is, that the same reasons and prin- 

 ciples apply to the small and rapid, as well as the 

 large deep streams this I cannot allow, as I 

 know from experience that such principles lead 

 to very uncertain results, and attendant disappoint- 

 ments ; so here let the barrier be drawn between 

 the two kinds of water, that speaking of the rapid 

 we may not be thought to include the slow, for the 

 habits of the fish frequenting the rapid are as dif- 

 ferent from those inhabiting the slow, as must be 

 our mode and practice of alluring the one and 

 deceiving the other. 



From the habits of fish in small and rapid 

 streams will we deduce our principles for founding 

 our ideas of fishing these streams, and the more 

 fully we comprehend this portion of our subject 

 the more correct will our reasonings be, and the 

 more fruitful our labours prove. Let us endeavour 

 then early to form sound and correct opinions of 

 our subject ; let us not be guided or governed by 

 the dogmatical statements of one person or 



