THE TROUT. 
93 
Franks gives the following pleasant mode of killing a trout, 
which is well worthy of repetition : 
“ And now, Theophilus, I must reprove your precipitancy, 
because a great error in young Anglers; be mindful, there- 
fore, to observe directions in handling and managing your 
rod and line, and cautiously keeping out of sight; all of which 
precautions are requisite accomplishments, which of necessity 
ought to be understood by every ingenious Angler ; and so 
is that secret of striking, which should never be used with 
violence, because by a moderate touch, and a slender pro- 
portion of strength, the artist for the most part hath best 
success. Another caution you must take along with you ; 
I mean when you observe game to make out, that is, when 
he bolts, or when he launcheth himself to the utmost extent 
of your rod and line, which a well-fed fish at all times, fre- 
quently attempts, upon the least advantage he gains of the 
Angler; be mindful, therefore, to throw him line enough, if, 
provided, you purpose to see his destruction ; yet with this 
caution, that you be not too liberal. On the other hand, too 
straight a line brings equal hazard, so that to poise your fish 
and your foresight together, as by keeping one eye at the 
point of your rod, and the other be sure you direct ou your 
game, which comes nearest the mediums of art, and the rules 
and rudiments of your precedent directions. But this great 
round may be easily solved, for if when you discover your 
fish fag his fins, you may rationally conclude he then struggles 
with death, and then is your time to triffle him on shore on 
some smooth shelf of sand, where you may boldly land him, 
before his scales encumber the soil. 
“ Lest precipitancy spoil sport, I’ll preponder my rudi- 
ments and prognosticate, here’s a fish, or something like it, 
a fair hansel for a foolish fisher. This capering, for aught I 
know, may cost him his life, for I resolve to hold his nose 
to the grindstone : dunce on and die, that is the way to your 
