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CONCLUDING REMARKS. 



the angler sallies forth to the river, the bay, or some more 

 distant water; and there, amid the most beautiful scenery 

 of nature, plies his art. The absence from the scene of toil 

 and care, for a short season; the breathing the fresh and 

 healthful air of the country ; the transit to and from the place 

 of amusement, and the exciting and delightful exercise of the 

 art ; all combine to give this recreation a high place in my 

 estimation — and as a christian, I certainly say, that in some 

 of my solitary rambles, or boat excursions, with my rod, I 

 have been favored with most devout and grateful emotions 

 of the heart, in contemplating the beauties of creation; and 

 looking up from the works of my Maker around me, to Him 

 who made them all, my meditations on the Divine goodness 

 and grace have been most sweet. In these sentiments I fully 

 accord with the pious old angler, Isaac Walton, who expresses 

 them also in his ancient and noble work on angling." 



Finally, and to conclude, although our art has been lightly 

 spoken of by a few learned and well meaning men, who cer- 

 tainly never could have experienced any of its pleasures, it 

 has the sanction of the great and learned of all ages and of all 

 countries, where the mild and effulgent rays of the sun ad- 

 mit of the growth to perfection and beauty, of the inhabitants 

 of the chrystal waters ; and although we respect the learning 

 and talent of those who we know never had the least idea of 

 the science necessary to some of the modes adopted ; yet when 

 we examine the Book of Books, and find in the Book of Job, 

 and in parts of the New Testament, references directly made 

 to drawing out fish with a hook ;* when we look at it as in- 

 ducing to the contemplation of the works of the Creator, and 

 leading man from nature up to nature's God ; when we see, 

 and hear, and read of the minister of religion, the philosopher, 



* " Canst thou draw out the Leviathan with a hook, or his tongue with 

 a cord which tbou letteBt down ' Canst thou put a hook into his nose!" 



