APPENDIX. 



IT is doubtful whether the gratification of taking fish is equal 

 to that which results from the recital of the achievement, and 

 describing to a sympathetic audience the method and tackle by 

 which the prey has been ensnared. Walton and his friends, 

 after a long day, loved to meet at some village alehouse, and 

 fight their battles o'er again ; and in the present day one of the 

 most enjoyable parts of the evening spent at an Angling Society 

 is when the chairman asks, " Has any one been fishing?" and 

 the members recount their piscatorial experiences since the last 

 meeting. Any one unaccustomed to such meetings would be 

 surprised at the knowledge of rivers, the country, the habits, 

 and the haunts of particular kinds of fish and insects, the various 

 sorts of baits and tackle to be used, and all the technical in- 

 formation which the London angler displays on such occasions ; 

 and this broader view of nature and life is not the least of the 

 benefits derived from following the piscatorial art. 



The London clubs number about 200, with upwards of 5,000 

 members ; and considering that a very large number of anglers 

 do not belong to any club, it will be readily understood that the 

 angling fraternity form a considerable part of the community, 

 whose great aim is to enjoy themselves in a rational and innocent 

 manner, away from the clank of .machinery, the roar of street 

 traffic, and the stifling atmosphere of a great city ; and every 

 assistance and encouragement should be given them to do so 

 and they are progressing. Many of them practice fly-fishing ; 

 and if trout are not to be got, there are chub, dace, and bleak, 



