222 
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- 
taiuly never could have experienced auy 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 wo see, 
and hear, and read of the minister of religion, the philosopher, 
+ “ Const thou draw out tlio Leviathan with a hook, or hid toii™uo with 
a cord which thou lettcat doion ! Cuust thou put a hook iuto his uosoi" 
