INTRODUCTION. 



It has long been a pastime in England, with per- 

 sons of refinement and leisure, to devote their time 

 to the illustration of the works of some favorite 

 author. The extreme popularity of Walton's beauti- 

 ful pastoral — one of the most precious gems in the 

 language — afforded a rich enjoyment to William Dan- 

 iell, Esq., who enthusiastically gave the labor of 

 fifteen years to the adornment of these volumes, ever 

 realizing it a labor of love. Few works offer so fine 

 a field to the collector and illustrator, as this popular 

 and excellent work of the pious author and Christian 

 gentleman. Many a rare tome (obtained after much 

 trouble and expense) has been denuded of its por- 

 traits and engravings, to enrich this splendid copy, 

 thus greatly enhancing its value by rare gems, which 

 cannot be duplicated, and rendering it a most attract- 

 ive work. It may well be pronounced THE FIN- 

 EST COPY KNOWN! 



A few elucidatory notes have been introduced, wher- 

 ever deemed necessary, and the portraits of Walton, 

 Cotton, Pickering, Herbert, and our own Bethune 

 added. 



