V-shaped net, owing to the large space of sand which it straddles when inverted, gives the quarry little or no chance. We agreed that any fish which should evade the net once should be let alone, for after he has been driven from place to place for some time a flounder loses heart, and allows himself to be taken with ridiculous ease. Even a good sportsman will respect a gallant and skilful antagonist, and rejoice in his escape: but as purists we were actuated by a still higher principle. With the purist it is first time or not at all. The proper exercise of his skill is to him of such moment that one bungle disqualifies him in his own eyes from proceeding further in the matter.
I could fill many volumes with suggestions for the elevation of flounder-fishing; but a too elaborate exposition would defeat my object, which is not to instruct, but to set others in the way to learn. The truth is only to be found by patient personal search. The seeker, once his feet are set in the right path, must work out his own salvation. It is enough if I have shown him a means of purging his soul of some dross, of clearing some of the mud from his waders. I have offered him one or two stepping-stones. For the rest of the journey across the gulf let him trust to his own higher nature—not to mine.
