xx INTRODUCTORY 
to the funds of the Angling Improvement Associa- 
tion, because of the benefit which they find has 
resulted to their own fishings. 
To the angler also who is sportsman in the best 
sense of the word belongs much of the credit of 
having noted the special features of the salmon’s life 
in fresh water. By his experience he accumulates 
knowledge of particular runs of fish as the netsman 
at the mouth no doubt may also do, but he, as he 
quietly casts his fly or spins his bait, hour after 
hour and month after month, has the opportunity of 
coming into closer touch with the many interesting 
habits of ascent and distribution: he has his line in 
the water before the netsman has a chance, and he 
sees the season out after the nets are off; he isable 
to note the peculiarities of habit in spring, summer, 
and autumn. It is sometimes said that the charm of 
angling is its uncertainty, but this takes account only 
of the fish-killing results. The true disciple of Izaak 
is a contemplative man who has his mind occupied 
by many piscatorial reflections as he plies his art: he 
is quick to observe, yet many perplexities make him 
slow to draw his deductions. It is very often true 
of him that the more he has seen the more he realises 
how little he knows. Conversely, those who have 
not seen very much are usually able to talk a great 
deal about what they do not understand. Hence the 
not altogether unfounded belief that fishermen are 
cranks. 
No doubt the primary object of the angler is to 
catch fish. He goes forth equipped for that purpose, 
eager for its fulfilment. But if there were no other 
