FOREWORD 



The publishers regret that on account of Dr. van 

 Dyke's unexpected absence abroad, this " Fore- 

 word " has to consist of the following letter instead 

 of the introduction which we were anticipating. But 

 if this distinguished angler's prediction concerning 

 the present volume proves correct, perhaps we can 

 have that introduction in a later edition. 



Avalon 



Princeton, N. J. 

 December 8, 1919 

 Dear Dr. Holden : 



I am glad to hear about your new book on " The 

 Split-Bamboo Rod," and though I had made a re- 

 solve not to write any more introductions for books, 

 or in fact undertake any additional work of any kind 

 this winter and spring, I cannot resist the impulse to 

 make an exception in your case, because I feel sure 

 that your book will be a valuable addition to the 

 practical literature of angling, as well as a delightful 

 record of the inward and outward joys of that art. 

 If therefore you will send me a set of page proofs 



