CHAPTER III 



RANDOM MEMORIES 



I HAVE here before me a pocket edition of 

 the " Compleat Angler." Its binding is 

 somewhat worn, and has mellowed to a 

 wonderful colour. Its date is 1826. This 

 little volume provides much food for 

 reflection, even before we turn the fly-leaf. 

 We may possibly know its minute and 

 careful instructions in the. art of angling, 

 but I think the chief reason why this book 

 is read and reread and will never be 

 forgotten is because Walton loved fishing. 

 Poor old Piscator, what delight he had in 

 those days spent by the river-side, and 

 yet, should he return and join his brother 

 anglers on those same banks to-day, what 

 an affair ! Can't we see him perplexedly 

 fingering the oil- bottle, and imagine his 

 expression of wonder at the modern ginger- 

 quill tied on a down-eyed No. 00. But 

 just listen to the fellow : *' You have 

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