PREFACE ΤΟ THE THIRD EDITION. 13480 To the previous editions of this practical work I prefixed somewhat lengthened prefaces. They were then necessary, as a bush is to a new tavern not as yet renowned for its good wine. The words "Third Edition' in the present title-page are more significant than any preface. They prove that I am still called for in the fishing market. I obey the call, am thankful for the favour I have found, and shall say very little more. Five years have elapsed since I read this angling treatise through and through. Recently I have done so twice in preparing this third edition. The book appeared to me as if it had been written by another like a long-absent child whose features I had almost forgotten. I could judge of it then with less partiality than when it was fresh from my brain, and bore the defect-covering vi PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION. charms of a newly-born. Its defects, though perpetrated by myself, I have seen as plainly as if they were done by others, and I have treated them accordingly-removed them remorselessly. I have, I think, improved the general style of the volume; excised repetitions, rejected incorrect instruction, unsound suggestion, opinion, and advice, and replaced them by accurate information and counsel. The list of trout-flies I have shortened and simplified, and given no fancy patterns. As it now stands, the list is perfect. The natural history of salmon I have re-written. As a résumé of the habits of that fish, I can recommend it for its precise truths. The list of salmon-flies for the best rivers in the British Isles I have remodelled after the best specimens in that gallery of ideal insect beauties which I painted for 'The Book of the Salmon.' At this third time of asking, gracious Public, you shall take me absolutely for better, as the 'or for worse' can be no longer contingent. CONTENTS Angling defined.--Divided into three branches-into Fly-fish- The Habits of the Angler's Fish, and the best ways of catching them fairly.-A New Natural History of the Salmon, and a New List of Salmon and Lake Flies.-How to throw and humour them in fishing for Salmon.-How to hook and play that Fish-its haunts, and other Baits for it besides Artificial Flies.-The Trout, Grayling, Pike, and all the Carp Tribe, described. Their Habits, Haunts, and Favourite Baits pointed A HANDBOOK OF ANGLING. CHAPTER I. ANGLING DEFINED-DIVIDED INTO THREE BRANCHESBRIEFLY DESCRIBED THE SUPERIORITY AND EACH MERITS OF FLY-FISHING. ANGLING the art of taking fish with rod, line, and hook, or with line and hook only-is one of the oldest of out-door amusements and occupations in every country. At first the modes of practising it were exceedingly rude, and they still remain so amongst uncivilised nations. There are tribes in existence that now, as heretofore, fashion the human jaw-bones into fish-hooks. Even unto this day angling implements, amongst many of the politest people of Europe, their amusements, unfortunately for themselves, being chiefly in-door ones, are manufactured with imperfect roughness. The inhabitants of the British Isles alone, with their colonial descendants B |