6 Scenery while Angling. 



Any and all of these, as inclination prompts, offer intense 

 gratification, and he exclaims, 



" Thanks to the glorious God of heaven 

 Which sent this summer day." 



If he is fond of Botany, an abundant field lies before 

 him ; and his " Hortus Siceus" may be enriched by many 

 fine and rare specimens, gathered as he wanders along 

 the dell-side to his fishing. Does Icthyology interest 

 him ? Yes, truly it does ; and the prey he is pursuing 

 affords him examples in abundance, and food for obser- 

 vations, hereafter to be practically applied to his craft. 

 Is he studying Entomology? What a field expands to 

 his view, among the many insects he has to imitate, in 

 order to lure the golden Trout from the streams and 

 pools ! Does Geology interest him ? Here, then, as he 

 wanders over the rocky banks of rivers or streamlets, he 

 finds food for reflection, and fresh stores for his cabinet. 

 If the natural history of Birds, their faculties, architec- 

 ture, or eggs, give him pleasure, here also will he have 

 ample scope for adding to the treasures of his knowledge. 

 But if he be engaged in none of these studies, yet will 

 his eye be delighted, and his mind composed, by the varied 

 objects he meets with in his healthful fishing excursions ; 

 and he may truly say, with Bryant, to his delight, 



" The fragrant birch above him hung 



Her tassels in the sky; 

 And many a vernal blossom sprung 



And nodded careless by." 



While he pursues his sport no loathsome fogs, tainted 

 with the noisome odours of densely-populated towns, dull 

 his senses. The primrose and the pansy fringe his path, 

 as he goes to the mountain stream for his pastime. The 

 perfume of the wild thyme and the heather floats upon 

 the breeze for his enjoyment. How grand, too, the scenery 

 that he enjoys ! Crags high beetling to the sky, and mighty 



