[Illustration:  A landing net should be a part of every fisherman’s outfit]

A landing net should be a part of every fishing outfit.  More fish are lost just as they are about to be lifted from the water than at any other time.  A gaff is used for this same purpose with fish too large to go into a landing net.  A gaff is a large hook without a barb fastened into a short pole.  If you have no net or gaff and have succeeded in bringing a large fish up alongside the boat, try to reach under him and get a firm grip in his gills before you lift him on board.  If it is a pickerel, look out for his needle-like teeth.

The best time to fish is either in the early morning or just before sundown.  During the heated part of the day most game fish stop feeding and seek the cool, deep places in the lake or river.

In many states, fishing is prohibited by law until after the fish are through the spawning season.

In all kinds of fishing, the rule is to keep as quiet as possible.  Talking does not make so much difference, but any sudden noises in the water or on the bottom of the boat are especially likely to frighten the fish.

Never fish in your own shadow or that of your boat.  Try to have the sun in front of you or at your side.

Never be in a hurry to land a big fish.  Remember that some of the so-called “big game fish” of the ocean will take all day to land.  You must use skill to tire your fish out or by keeping his gills open to drown him.  The rod and line are not intended as a lever to force the fish to the landing net but merely as a guide to lead him about and by his struggles to force him to become exhausted.  A very interesting experiment has demonstrated that a skilful fisherman can with a fly rod and light line in a very short time tire out a strong swimmer to which the line has been attached and force him to give up the struggle and come to the side of a boat.

Methods of fishing differ so much in different localities that aside from the ordinary equipment of rods, reels, lines, leaders, and hooks, the fisherman going to a new locality had better first ascertain what the general methods of fishing are, or else, if possible, secure his equipment after he reaches his fishing grounds.

VIII

NATURE STUDY

What is a true naturalist?—­How to start a collection—­Moth collecting—­The Herbarium

There is nothing in the world that will bring more pleasure into the life of a boy or girl than to cultivate a love for nature.  It is one of the joys of life that is as free as the air we breathe.  A nature student need never be lonely or at a loss for friends or companions.  The birds and the bugs are his acquaintances.  Whenever he goes afield there is something new or interesting to see and to observe.  He finds—­

“——­tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, Sermons in stones and good in everything.”