Rod and River. By Major A. T. Fisher. (Bentley and
Son.)— Major Fisher deals only with the nobler fish,—salmon, trout, and grayling. Of the meaner sorts he takes no cognisance, but on the other he spends labour without stint. The earlier chapters have a note of lamentation in them. It is not only that fish have be- come sophisticated by many dealings with man,—this is, in a way, a benefit, for it makes their capture more a matter of skill,—but that their dwelling-places have been sadly spoilt. Unhappily, this is inevitable in a country continually growing more populous and busy. In spite of all Acts to the contrary, rivers continue to be polluted. Even when the fish are not killed by the fouling of the water, their quality is sadly deteriorated. Major Fisher tells us that, in the Hampshire Wey, the trout, while beautifully fine in colour, within and without, are simply uneatable. The water- cress beds have done this. After some preliminary discussion, our author proceeds to instruct us in the choice of rods, reels, lines, baskets, waders, and other necessities or luxuries of the angler, and, of course, as the most important implement of his craft, the artificial fly. Not the least valuable part of a book which cannot fail to make a place for itself are the directions for casting.
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