THE COMMON TROUT. 245 



finer, with a single line of gut at the bottom. The 

 hooks vary in size according to the general dimen- 

 sions of the trout angled for ; and the middle-sized 

 and whitest minnows are the most esteemed. The 

 following were Walton's directions for baiting, 

 with a view to this department of the sport. Put 

 your hook in at his mouth and out at his gill; 

 then having drawn your hook two or three inches 

 beyond or through his gill, put it again into his 

 mouth, and the point and beard out at his tail, 

 and then tie the hook and his tail about very 

 neatly with a white thread, which will make it the 

 apter to turn quick in the water : that done, pull 

 back that part of your line which was slack when 

 you did put your hook into the minnow the second 

 time ; I say, says Walton, pull that part of your 

 line back so that it shall fasten the heajl, so that 

 the body of the minnow shall be almost straight 

 on your hook : this done, try how it will turn by 

 drawing it across the water or against a stream ; 



be said to hold a high rank, although its sweet thoughts and 

 pleasant images must ever delight the general reader, and all who 

 desire to refresh themselves by " the pure well of English undented." 



" While flowing rivers yield a blameless sport, 



Shall live the name of Walton ; sage benign ! 



Whose pen, the mysteries of the rod and line 

 Unfolding, did not fruitlessly exhort 

 To reverend watchings of each still report 



That nature utters from her rural shrine. 



Meek, nobly versed in simple discipline, 

 He found the longest summer day too short, 



To his loved pastime given by sedgy Lee, 

 Or down the tempting maze of Shawford brook ! 

 Fairer than life itself, in this sweet book, 



The cowslip bank and shady willow-tree, 

 And the fresh meads ; where flowed from every nook 



Of his full bosom, gladsome piety !" 

 X 



