6 ANGLING. 



fly, and a trial of skill which generally ends in the triumph 

 of the angler. But if he is clumsy, unskilful, or careless, 

 he loses his pains and his fish. There may be more excit- 

 ing sports, but none that require a quicker eye, a more 

 delicate hand and sense of touch, readiness of resource, 

 activity, and physical endurance. Large fish are captured 

 daily in their native element with tackle which seems too 

 frail to secure a gudgeon ; yet it is done by art and skill. 

 The most active of river fish, bounding, vigorous, and 

 agile, succumb to the untiring patience and well-exercised 

 judgment and skill of the angler. Attempt to use rude 

 strength, and your labour is in vain. 



I wish to initiate the tyro into this marvellous art. 

 I wish to give him confidence in his strength and know- 

 ledge ; for although it is impossible to teach an art en- 

 tirely by a book, much may be learned from it. The les- 

 sons of experience may be acquired, so that practice, when 

 attainable, may not be thrown away in vain attempts, but 

 rather that it should be judiciously applied to the given 

 end, preventing waste of time and disappointment of heart. 

 I shall indicate the best mode of practice, show what 

 shallows to avoid. The young angler will soon find that 

 brethren look upon the best angler as the best man. He 

 will find glorious companionship by the rivers and the 

 streams. He will be separated from the toilsome, hard- 

 breathing, hard-working world, drinking in visions of 

 beauty amid scenes which will remain ever after amongst 

 the most cherished memories of the heart. 



There is something fair and honourable in the " gentle 

 craft," whether pursued in still waters in the primitive, 

 honest, and easy fashion of bottom fishing whether by 

 the more active exercise of trolling, or the most difficult 



