34 PLEASURES OF ANGLING. 



enlightenment of the people and in such a concen- 

 tration of public sentiment as to compel such wise 

 and liberal legislation as will insure the replenish- 

 ment of all our depleted streams with the fish 

 indigenous to them, they will deserve the bone- 

 dictions of all who would much rather feast and 

 fatten upon the toothsome flakes of trout and 

 salmon than grow lean and cadaverous in sipping 

 the imaginary " nectar of the gods." 



I find myself drawing toward my theme as a 

 prudent general invests a beleaguered city, by very 

 gradual approaches. But few fish are more prolific 

 than the salmon, and those who write about them 

 should be excused if in this they are like them. 

 Besides, the salmon is the king of fish, and all 

 kings have many subjects. And still besides, a 

 salmon pool can only be fished successfully when 

 approached with caution. I am acting upon this 

 principle in penning these rambling chapters. I 

 do not intend to hazard the satisfaction I find in 

 composing them, or the diversion which awaits 

 those who shall have the good taste to read them, 

 by any premature denouement. Half the pleasure 

 of the " good times " of life is lost by the rush 

 and hurry with which they are begun and ended. 

 Just now, for the first time in half a century, I am 

 in no hurry. It is a new sensation and I rather 

 like it. 



