head, and wielded by a skilful hand. As this work is 

 intended more for the instruction of the young aspirant 

 to piscatorial fame, than for the guidance of the more 

 accomplished professors of the art, I should wish it 

 to be borne in mind that whatever is done in the way 

 of sporting should be done systematically and well. 

 To use a proper implement for each operation, and to 

 perform each operation with a proper implement, is 

 the motto. By this means I consider sport of any kind 

 rendered doubly attractive. True, it might be possible 

 to capture an occasional fish, unacquainted with the 

 usages of civilized life, in the waters of some outlandish 

 stream, with a line of yarn or packthread tied to a broom- 

 handle. But I do not call that sport, in any accep- 

 tation of the term, which is conducted in a slovenly 

 manner, or with inappropriate tackle ; neither do I 

 choose to follow the example of those who are in the 

 habit of dispensing with every nic-nac appendage 

 which is not absolutely necessary, and are consequently 

 compelled to resort to the most clumsy and awkward 

 methods of accomplishing what might otherwise be 

 done with neatness and ease. 



On the other hand, I would not recommend any one 

 to encumber himself with anything really useless or 



