i886. 

 III. BOBBIXGMOON AND BULLS, MR. HOPPER'S DUCKING, 



AND A VISIT TO DOVEDALE. 



ANGLING, as defined in Johnson's dictionary, is " the art 

 of fishing with a rod." This is a much fairer and un- 

 prejudiced definition than the "obiter dictum," which is 

 attributed to Dr. Johnson, that "angling means a rod with a 

 worm at one end and a fool at the other." Except by the 

 ignorant and the uninitiated the latter definition is not in the 

 least likely to be accepted as correct. Not only is angling an 

 art requiring energy and skill, but unlimited patience is required 

 for success. Mr. Hopper has already spoken of the fascination 

 of the sport, and when once embarked in the enthusiasm of 

 those who practice it is well known. Apart from the excitement 

 of the sport, there are, to the lover of nature, the attractions of 

 picturesque scenery which the country affords. There is also 

 the bringing into play of the qualities of the mind, observation, 

 and the reasoning faculties ; also the enjoyment of fresh air and 

 exercise, both of which are conducive to health. 



"Though sluggards deem it but an idle chase, 

 And marvel men should quit their easy chair. 



The toilsome way and long long league to trace ; 

 Oh ! there is sweetness in the mountain air, 



And life that bloated ease can never hope to share. 



Some people have asserted that angling is a cruel amusement, 

 and Lord Byron would seem to have entertained this view when 

 he wrote the following lines : 



" The quaint old cruel coxcomb in his gullet 

 Should have a hook, and a small trout to pull it." 



Probably the artist was acquainted with these lines who drew 

 the picture in Punch, of an old gentleman bobbing up and 

 down in the water with a hook through his nose and at the 

 other end of the line a hook in the jaw of a huge salmon which 

 was struggling and pulling most vehemently and causing any- 

 thing but pleasure to the old gentleman. 



Patience has been already alluded to as necessary, 

 so is good temper. Mr. Hopper once had his own fairly 

 put to the test many years ago, when fishing on the 



