CHAPTER III. 



In Arcadia. 



JDOETS, both ancient and modern, have idealised Arcadia as a 

 land of peace, innocence and simplicity. The western portion 

 of what was the old Arcadia is described as rugged, desolate and 

 wild, in remoter ages covered by gigantic forests, whilst the eastern 

 part is said to be more fertile, luxuriant valleys lying between 

 hills of lesser altitude. The population dwelt long in a state of 

 barbarism, spending their lives hunting amongst the bleak moun- 

 tains and tending their cattle. As civilisation advanced, the 

 Arcadians developed a passionate love for music and dancing, but 

 still, as a race, their character remained congenial to their rustic 

 modes of life. 



Those anglers who revel in vast spaces affording infinite scope 

 for their chosen sport connect that primitive and interesting land 

 of Arcadia with any pastoral or barron region distinguished for its 

 inartificial beauty. But the Arcadia of my dreams boasts neither 

 rugged wildness nor imposing grandeur. It need not possess a 

 voluminous river, and its meandering streams need not contain 

 game fish alone. The word " Arcadia " pictures to my mind a bosky, 

 fruitful and secluded district a land almost literally flowing with 

 milk and honey. 



One such spot I discovered some years ago. It was near where 

 a small stream or brook turned its second mill-wheel. Rising a 

 few miles above in the eastern hills, which upreared themselves as 

 if to greet the morning, the stream flowed down a deep valley a 

 valley of sunshine and flowers. Its banks, for the most part, were 



