DURING THE PRESENT CENTURY. 289 



We have the following observations from the pen of 

 Mr. Washington Irving, on the art of angling. 



" There is certainly something in angling that tends to 

 produce a gentleness of spirit, and a pure sincerity of mind. 

 As the English are methodical even in their recreations, and 

 are the most scientific of sportsmen, it has been reduced 

 among them to a perfect rule and system. Indeed it is an 

 amusement peculiarly adapted to the mild and highly-culti- 

 vated scenery of England, where every roughness has been 

 softened away from the landscape. It is delightful to 

 saunter along these limpid streams, which meander like 

 veins of silver through the bosom of this beautiful country ; 

 leading us through a diversity of small scenery ; sometimes 

 winding through ornamented grounds ; sometimes running 

 along through rich pasturage, where the fresh green is 

 mingled with sweet-smelling flowers ; sometimes venturing 

 in sight of villages and hamlets; and then running 

 capriciously away into shady retirements. The sweetness 

 and serenity of nature, and the quiet watchfulness of the 

 sport, gradually bring on pleasant fits of musing ; which 

 are now and then greatly interrupted by the song of the 

 bird, the distant whistle of a pf^sant, or perhaps the vagary 

 of some fish leaping out of the still water, and skimming 

 transiently about its glassy surface." 



