47 



angler*' as he wends his way across the 

 meadows at the first blush of morning, when 

 there is fragrance in every breeze and melody 

 in every wood ! The murmur of the stream, 

 as he follows his silent sport, induces medi- 

 tation; and under the shade of a projecting 

 rock or a spreading tree, he enjoys his meal 

 with a relish which no artificial accompani- 

 ments can procure. 



Small retailers of second-hand wit are 

 fond of laughing at their own humour, in 

 reminding the angler of what Doctor Johnson 

 is reported to have said of fly-fishing: " a 

 rod and a line, with a fly at one end and a 

 fool at the other*" This piece of pleasantry 

 may be readily excused, and may pass with 

 other witty sayings ascribed to Doctor John- 

 son for as much as it is worth* There is no 

 profession, however honorable and useful, 

 of which much more bitter things have not 

 been said ; and a jest may always be allowed 

 on that which is only followed as a recrea- 

 tion, though sometimes a trifler may be met 



