CHAPTER III. 

 OBSERVATIONS ON THE PRACTICE OF ANGLING. 



For Angling may be said to be like the Mathematics, that it can 

 never be fully learned ; at least not so fully but that there will be still 

 more experimenting left for the trial of other men." WALTON. 



ANGLING generally, in this country, is not necessarily so sci- 

 entific as in many parts of Europe. Our streams being larger, 

 more numerous, and less fished, except in a few instances 

 near our large cities, heavier tackle in some cases may be 

 used, and less skill required. In angling for trout in the 

 country streams, where immense quantities are found, the 

 less skilful angler, with coarse tackle, will often succeed in 

 filling his basket in a very short time. But as railroads in- 

 crease, and access becomes more easy to the different fishing 

 grounds, the fish will become more shy, greater skill be re- 

 quired, and finer tackle indispensable, to complete success. 

 Hence where a worm for trout, a piece of bread for perch, or 

 a strip of pork for pickerell, have been used, natural or arti- 

 ficial flies, and small fish, attached to the finest possible kind 

 of materials, will be needed. Therefore the true Angler 

 should make himself thoroughly acquainted with the most 

 approved modes of Angling, and the best materials for his 

 proper equipment. 



