AN ANGLER'S EQUIPMENT 35 



piscatory duty. We never see a tidy and neat rod-fisher 

 but the simple and expressive lines of old Doctor Cotton 

 rush into our mind j written more than two hundred 

 years ago, yet full of freshness and meaning at the 

 present hour. We shall transcribe them for the reader's 

 pleasure and instruction. 



" Away to the brook, 



All your tackle out-look, 

 Here's a day that is worth a day's wishing. 



See that all things be right, 



For 'twould be a spite 

 To want tools when a man goes a-fishing. 



Your rod with tops two, 



For the same will not do, 

 If your manner of angling you vary ; 



And full well may you think. 



If you troll with a pink. 

 One too weak will be apt to miscarry. 



Then, basket, neat made 



By a master in's trade, 

 In a belt at your shoulders must dangle ; 



For none e'er was so vain 



To wear this in disdain, 

 Who a true biother was of the angle. 



Next, pouch must not fail. 



Stuffed as full as a mail. 

 With wax, crewels, silks, hairs, furs, and feathers. 



To make several flies 



For the severe skies, 

 That shall kill in despite of all weathers. 



The boxes and books 



For your lines and your hooks, 

 And, though not for strict need notwithstanding. 



Your scissors and hone 



To adjust your points on. 

 With a net to be sure of your landing. 



All these being on, 



'Tis high time we were gone, 

 Down and upwards, that all may have pleasure. 



Till, here meeting at night. 



We shall have the delight 

 To discourse of our fortunes at leisure." 



