88 The American Salmon-fisherman. 



the seam should be reinforced by an inch-wide tape run- 

 ning entirely around the structure. At each of the four 

 corners a brass ring should be securely sewn to the tape, 

 and the net is suspended by strings fastened to these 

 rings. The line of the angler will indeed have fallen, in 

 unpleasant places if he cannot at least find four sticks to 

 which these strings may be attached. 



This insect problem is a serious one. Sooner or later 

 it will be forced on the attention of the salmon-angler. 

 If he prepares for it at home, he may face the issue with- 

 out apprehension, and will experience little or no discom- 

 fort. If he neglects to do so, he will pay dearly for his 

 temerity. There are, it is true, some wide rivers, the 

 banks of w r hich above tide-water are well cleared and 

 cultivated, where this annoyance is comparatively insig- 

 nificant, and where no precaution is required. But, like 

 the rivers of Paradise, they are few in number. Comfort 

 in life is made up of little things. We can all bear a 

 sudden pang if it be but momentary, with comparative 

 equanimity. But relentless persecution, though no single 

 moment in itself be so very severe, is quite another mat- 

 ter. No man can fight flies, and fight salmon at the same 

 time. Grave as the situation may be to him who is un- 

 prepared, there is nothing in the presence of flies in any 

 possible abundance to deter the angler from salmon-fish- 

 ing. The fear of hunger might also, and as well, cause 

 him to linger at his own fireside. Either may be pro- 

 vided against, and, timely precaution having been taken, 

 he may go on his way fearing nothing from either. 



