416 Book of the Black Bass. 



to thoroughly enjoy the sport, which is considerable where 

 the rod is long, slender, and light. 



He should lead his fish, at once, into deep water, where 

 it must be held until tired out. It should be kept in mid- 

 water, not suffered to go to the bottom, nor encouraged 

 to approach the surface. He should lead it to and fro, to 

 the left and right, whenever possible, for by keeping the 

 fish in constant motion it soon tires him out, and subserves, 

 to some extent, the purposes and uses of a reel. 



In still-fishing a stream, the angler should stand, or sit, 

 as near the level of the water as possible, never fishing 

 from a bold bank or other elevation, unless well screened 

 from the observation of the fish. He should keep quiet 

 and still, when he may possibly be mistaken for a stump 

 or other inanimate object. He should leave his bait in the 

 water for long intervals, only moving it occasionally, by 

 slow, cautious and gentle manipulations, and in every other 

 respect remember that he is " still-fishing," and govern 

 himself accordingly; for too much caution can not be 

 exercised in this mode of angling. 



The noisy " fishing party," which indulges in load talk- 

 ing, shouting, and laughter, and has a " good time " gen- 

 erally, no doubt thoroughly enjoys itself in its own way, 

 but will take but few fish ; it is the " lone fisherman " who 

 is always successful, for obvious reasons. 



A Eeteospection. 



An old negro house-servant and a bright-eyed, flaxen- 

 haired boy of eight summers sat side by side under a mill- 

 dam, on a Kentucky stream, fishing. The old man was en- 

 gaged in earnest conversation, to which the lad was an 

 eager listener, save when interrupted by the pulling out of 

 a fish or the re-baiting of a hook: 



