THETROUT. 93 



Franks gives the following pleasant mode of killing a trout 

 which is well worthy of repetition : 



" And now, Theophilus, I must reprove your precipitancy, 

 because a great error in young Anglers ; be mindful, there- 

 fore, to observe directions in handling and managing your 

 rod and line, and cautiously keeping out of sight; all of which 

 precautions are requisite accomplishments, which of necessity 

 ought to be understood by every ingenious Angler ; and so 

 is that secret of striking, which should never be used with 

 violence, because by a moderate touch, and a slender pro- 

 portion of strength, the artist for the most part hath best 

 success. Another caution you must take along with you ; 

 I mean when you observe game to make out, that is, when 

 he bolts, or when he launcheth himself to the utmost extent 

 of your rod and line, which a well-fed fish at all times, fre- 

 quently attempts, upon the least advantage he gains of the 

 Angler; be mindful, therefore, to throw him line enough, if, 

 provided, you purpose to see his destruction ; yet with this 

 caution, that you be not too liberal. On the other hand, too 

 straight a line brings equal hazard, so that to poise your fish 

 and your foresight together, as by keeping one eye at the 

 point of your rod, and the other be sure you direct on your 

 game, which comes nearest the mediums of art, and the rules 

 and rudiments of your precedent directions. But this great 

 round may be easily solved, for if when you discover your 

 fish fag his fins, you may rationally conclude he then struggles 

 with death, and then is your time to triffle him on shore on 

 some smooth shelf of sand, where you may boldly land him, 

 before his scales encumber the soil. 



" Lest precipitancy spoil sport, I'll preponder my rudi- 

 ments and prognosticate, here's a fish, or something like it, 

 a fair hansel for a foolish fisher. This capering, for aught I 

 know, may cost him his life, for I resolve to hold his nose 

 to the grindstone : dance on and die, that is the way to your 



