FREE OR ENDOWED FISHING.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."]
Sra,—Your interesting article in the Spectator of June 14th on "Free or Endowed Fishing" very properly calls attention to the neglect of this splendid source of recreation for the artisan classes of our large towns. It is questionable if there is any sport which is as popular where opportunities for its indulgence exist. This thought must occur to every one who has lived in a district where fishing abounds, and it is interesting to consider the reasons for its undoubted popularity. Is it "the
love of killing" said to be inherent in human nature, or is it the business side of the sport—viz., the provision of food— that appeals to the average man, or is it the love of sport simply? These are questions which I will not venture to
answer, but may I be permitted to put it in William Hazlitt's words in his essay on "Merry England " F viz. :—
"The English nation, too, are naturally brothers of the angle.' This pursuit implies just that mixture of patience and pastime, of vacancy and thoughtfulness, of idleness and business, of pleasure and of pain, which is suited to the genius of an Englishman, and as I suspect, of no one else in the same degree. He is eminently gifted to stand in the situation assigned by Dr. Johnson to the angler, at one end of a rod, with a worm at the other."
The opportunity only therefore is wanting, and I trust your article will be the means of awakening that interest in the subject which its importance deserves.—I am, Sir, &c.,
PETER D. THOMAS.
Heathfield, North Grange Road, Leeds.
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