216 GENERAL ANECDOTES CONNECTED 



a blanket ; from the faithful spaniel and the ge- 

 nerous cow ; from the fleet blue greyhound and 

 timid hare ; and all the varieties that can be ga- 

 thered from quadrupeds wild and domestic : fea- 

 thers from the watchful mallard and chattering 

 fieldfare ; from the wary landrail and mimic star- 

 ling; the splendid peacock's tail, and fierce cock's 

 hackle, red, black, and dun : with various coloured 

 silks rummaged from a lady's work-box; gold and 

 silver from muslin selvages or soldier's epaulettes : 

 these are the staple materials of the fly-fisher's 

 dubbing-bag. Hooks well barbed ; gut fine, round, 

 and strong; and, snug in leather, some of Crispin's 

 tenacious wax ; fine well-pointed scissors and nip- 

 ping forceps these in his quiet retreat he lays 

 before him ; then attentively applies his endless 

 store ; observes the changes of the barometer and 

 vane ; and lifts the half-made fly between his eye 

 and the light to note its hue. This he repeats, 

 until his book is well filled. He uncoils his lines, 

 examines his rod, and with pannier slung on his 

 shoulder sal lies forth to his beloved stream; then, 

 his pliant and well-tapered wand with graceful 

 throw lets fall the fly on a favourite ford, that 

 has yielded many a speckled trout and sportive 

 grayling. Anxiously he watches every curl the 

 limpid stream doth shew, until the bold fish an 

 effort makes to seize the deceitful bait ; then, with 

 pointed rod erect, and gentle stroke, the wrist's 

 firm duty makes the latent barb to secure the prey. 



