PRAISE OF FLY FISHING. 13 



breeding season, remains attached to the 

 female, though a limb, or even his head, is 

 removed from the body. 



HAL. This is likewise in favour of my ar- 

 gument, that the sensibility of this class of ani- 

 mals to physical pain is comparatively small. 



PHYS. The advocates for a favourite pur- 

 suit never want sophisms to defend it. I have 

 even heard it asserted that a hare enjoys 

 being hunted. Yet I will allow that fly fish- 

 ing, after your vindication, appears amongst 

 the least cruel of field sports ; I can go no 

 farther; as I have never thought of trying 

 it, I can say nothing of its agreeableness as 

 an amusement, compared with hunting and 

 shooting. 



HAL. I wish that you would allow me to 

 convince you, that for a contemplative man, 

 as you are, and a lover of nature, it is far 

 superior, more tranquil, more philosophical, 

 and, after the period of early youth, more 

 fitted for a moderately active body and mind, 

 requiring less violent exertion ; and, pursued 

 with discretion, affording an exercise con- 

 ducive to health. There is a river, only a few 



