154 ANGLING. 



hope of breaking the liue with his tail. If you can, just 

 let him feel the line when he gets to a long distance, so as 

 to induce him to turn, and exhaust himself by rapid races, 

 backwards and forwards. Beware of bullying the fish when 

 first hooked, or he may lead you a pretty dance over rapids 

 and shaUows and through pools, where the angler must 

 follow. If the banks are clear of rocks and trees, it is not 

 difficult to do this ; but, otherwise, the chances are all in 

 favour of the fish. A few turns will show the habits of 

 the fish, and he must be treated accordingly. Some fish 

 are sulky, and lie like a stone at the bottom, and wiU not 

 stir even when well stoned. Others take to the leaping 

 and jumping exercises. Some dash to and fro, while others 

 take the straight course, either up or down river. Patience 

 and coolness are requisite, for the angler is apt to be carried 

 away by the excitement, loses his presence of mind, com 

 mits some bungle, and snap goes some part of the tackle. 

 Do not listen, however, to the advice of a bystander, but 

 use your own judgment. If you fail, you wUl, at least, 

 have gained experience, while, if you see the scaly gentle- 

 man turn exhausted on his side your pleasure will be the 

 more intense. A fair-sized fish will take you an hour to 

 kill ; others will occupy your time and skill for two or 

 three hours. 



While on this part of the subject, let me give the young 

 salmon-fisher a few general hints; — 



When tired, leave off fishing until " tired nature is 

 restored." 



Do not fish when your style is careless or indifferent. 

 It is better to take a nap than be surprised by a sharp-set 

 salmon. 



You must be up early to obtain the best casts. 



