PATIENCE AND BAIT. 



THE rising sun induced us to move a few feet 

 further under the shade of the locust for con- 

 tinued discussion.. "My son, you take that can 

 of worms and hide it under the steps and we'll use 

 them for catching chubs in the morning. The other 

 sun is now high up in the heavens and bass don't 

 bite well after nine o'clock, during August. We'll 

 postpone going to the river until tomorrow, and 

 arrange our equipment." These words I addressed 

 to the boy and they fell heavily upon his high hopes 

 and anticipations. He didn't care for the heat and was 

 quite willing to test the theory that the bass ceased 

 biting after a certain hour. He was obedient how- 

 ever and after depositing his can of worms according- 

 to instructions, returned to find consolation in talking 

 more about bait. 



I began to realize that my son was undergoing a 

 disappointment and so proceeded to impress upon him 

 the fact that poor success attends any undertaking 

 incomplete in preparation and understanding. That 

 as we journeyed through life our way would be made 

 rugged by greater or less obstacles and that the 

 obstructions would be fewer if they were clearly 

 understood as we proceeded. I endeavored to have 

 him comprehend that patience is a great virtue which 

 is more firmly impressed by the gentle art of fishing 

 and preparing for it than in any other way. When 

 it was explained that the instructions and information 



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