FLY FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 333 
I am by no means sure that I should not have fallen into the 
same error myself but for the blessed necessity of work, early 
laid on me and scarcely abating with years. But I am very 
certain that had I done so I should have penned these pages, 
the records of my experience as a fly fisher, with regret instead 
of pleasure. 
If I may venture a few ‘ more last words’ to my brethren of 
the angle, they shall be echoes of a farewell uttered long ago. 
Finally, pursue a liberal sport in a liberal spirit Help a 
brother angler freely, especially when less able than yourself 
to afford a well-stocked fly book. Neither poach yourself nor 
encourage poachers by purchasing fish procured by doubtful 
means. Spare small fish (except in those over-stocked waters 
where all are small) and large fish when out of season, but not 
past recovery. 
Abjure lath fishing, cross fishing, netting and spearing, and 
renounce salmon roe except to thin the trout near the spawning 
beds of salmon. And when you have filled your creel, main- 
tain the old repute of the brotherhood by a liberal and not 
exclusive distribution of your booty. 
So may your intervals of well-earned relaxation by lake or 
stream be welcome and fortunate. So may genial skies and 
soft showers add freshness to the air and beauty to the land- 
scape. So may hand and eye work truly together, whether you 
wield the fly rod or lay it aside for the pencil. So may you 
return home unjaded from your sport, with a light heart and a 
heavy basket—happy, above all, 
To know there is an eye will mark 
Your coming, and look brighter when you come. 
H.R. Francis. 
