ANGLING REMINISCENCES. 171 



seeing it requires like skill and perseverance as 

 angling with the rod does ; but what is there need- 

 ed of these virtues, in order to strike a row of steel 

 prongs into the ribs of a dormant spawner, lying 

 with exposed fin in the narrow of a mere brook, 

 especially when those engaged in the employment 

 are a numerous band, and in use to surround the 

 pool with their persons as with a net, giving no 

 chance of escape even to a solitary straggler ? 'Tis 

 in truth a barbarous pastime, pursued more for sake 

 of the fish, black and unwholesome as they be, than 

 out of frolic and amusement. 



Leister. You are somewhat severe in your con- 

 clusions. Be persuaded, however, to join us for 

 one night, and, believe me, you will abandon your 

 present opinions with respect to this mode of sal- 

 mon-fishing. 



Otter. In truth, I have but little wish to act the 

 beholder of your intended massacre, and might be 

 tempted, were I to accompany you, to offer some 

 measure of interference ; more, in fact, than I could 

 enforce with safety to my person. 



Leister. You are not altogether so rash, Tom; 

 our poor old friend Brigstanes, who now lies here, 

 would, as you well know, have been among the 

 foremost in a ploy of this nature. 



Otter. No doubt, no doubt ; and for his sake, I 

 shall resolve to join you What say you, Doctor? 



Swivel. I am already bound to shew face. 



Leister. So is Bill here. 



