120 FISHING GOSSIP. 
“SUN-SPEARING.” 
Ever since I was able to cast a rod single-handed, or 
read a fly-book without much spelling, I have been 
of opinion that any new pursuit which enlarges the 
sphere of our innocent enjoyments is so much added. 
to the stock of human happiness. If the subject of 
our juvenile philosophy brings us into closer com- 
munion with nature, and opens a wider field for the 
observation and study of her works, the novelty is so 
much the more worthy of acceptance and encourage- 
ment. Of all the objects of our restless desires, her. 
treasures alone are inexhaustible, never tire, and leave 
no sting behind. Both mind and body, on the con- 
trary, become invigorated by contact with her won- 
ders, just as the fabled athlete acquired fresh strength 
as often as he touched his mother earth. All field 
sports more or less fulfil the conditions of my early 
postulate ; but none more fully or agreeably than 
fishing in its various forms. Numerous as these are, 
and well adapted to all ages and grades of life, I 
have been long smitten with the ambition of adding 
another to the number. It may not indeed merit the 
“button” of an angling club to stamp its worth, or 
