ANGLING. 209 



now and then, protrudes its beak and eyes above the 

 smooth sheen of the water, a little fish leaps out and 

 makes a sudden plash, or a solitary snipe, with twitter- 

 ing notes, pursues its graceful flight along the shore. 



At this time, our luck as fishermen is usually the 

 most propitious. The fishes that seem averse to the 

 warm rays of the sun, come out of deep water, as day 

 declines, and look out for their prey, and are more 

 active in nibbling the bait. After this time, in the space 

 of half an hour, we often take fishes enough to make 

 amends for any previous bad luck. Presently the float 

 grows dim to the sight, the dew is perceptible on the 

 grass, and the evening star, as it shines through the 

 semicircle of light that surrounds the place where the 

 sun went down, reminds us of home. 



We prepare for our return, and for a change of scene 

 and rest from our weariness; and home is never so de- 

 lightful as it is after one of these excursions. There is 

 a luxury in our rest from toil which has been wearying 

 but not excessive ; and the pleasures of social inter- 

 course with our domestic circle are also greatly en- 

 hanced by a half day's solitude. We partake of the 

 bounties of our own table with a zest that seems to 

 prove it to be the design of nature, that man should 

 toil for his subsistence, if he means to enjoy the good 

 things of her bounty. Thus terminates an amusement 

 that brings us nearer to nature, while we are engaged 

 in it, that leads to pleasant observations and tranquil 

 musings, while it prepares the mind to feel a renewed 

 pleasure, when wearied but not exhausted, we seek rest 

 in the bosom of our family. 



18' 



