The Great Unlanded 129 



net or the gafF, as the case may be. Our 

 struggle accordingly assumes heroic propor- 

 tions, and passes into the history of our lives 

 as anglers. It is recorded in the smoking- 

 room of the inn to brother-anglers and 

 brother-sufferers, and they in turn recount 

 their similar experiences. Let all fishermen 

 acknowledge and be thankful for the precious 

 gift of imagination which is meted out to 

 them in such a generous measure. Let them 

 also rejoice to think that every fish hooked 

 is not brought to basket, for in the great 

 unlanded may lie one of the many charms 

 of the angler's art. 



