216 



THE SEA-BASSE, &C. 



to be on the alert, and jerk strongly at each bite, or your bait 

 will be taken off. The fish average from one to four pounds 

 which, together with your pound sinker, makes a consider- 

 able weight to take in, in from ten to fifteen fathoms water. 

 The finger and hand will often become chafed and blistered, 

 where much luck is experienced; to prevent which, the 

 knowing ones provide themselves with a pair of old gloves. 

 With this additional equipment, you can fully enjoy a hardy 

 and active day's sport, tempered with the benefits arising 

 from the bracing ocean air, and the contemplation of the 

 works of the Creator on the great deep, so beautifully de- 

 scribed by the poet Dana, in the following beautiful lines: 



Type of the Infinite ! I look away 



Over the billows, and I cannot stay 



My thoughts upon a resting-place, or make 



A shore beyond my vision, where they break } 



But on my spirit stretches, till it 's pain 



To think ; then rests, and then puts forth again. 



Thou hold&t me by a spell ; and on thy beach 



I feel all soul ; and thoughts unmeasured reach 



Far back beyond all date. ****** 



