254 THE COMPLETE ANGLER 



fish whatever ; and the best trouts must needs make 

 the best sport : but this brook, and some others I have 

 met with upon this way, are too full of wood for that 

 recreation. 



Pise. This, Sir ! why this, and several others like 

 it, which you have passed, and some that you are like 

 to pass, have scarce any name amongst us : but we can 

 shew you as fine rivers, and as clear from wood, or any 

 other incumbrance to hinder an angler, as any you ever 

 saw ; and for clear beautiful streams, Hantshire itself, 

 by Mr. Izaak Walton's good leave, can shew none such ; 

 nor I think any country in Europe.* 



VIAT. You go far, Sir, in the praise of your country 

 rivers, and I perceive have read Mr. Walton's Compleat 

 Angler, by your naming of Hantshire ; and I pray what 

 is your opinion of that book ? 



Pise. My opinion of Mr. Walton's book is the same 

 with even- man's that understands anything of the art 

 of angling, that it is an excellent good one, and that 

 the fore-mentioned gentleman understands as much of 

 fish, and fishing, as any man living : but I must tell you 

 further, that I have the happiness to know his person, 

 and to be intimately acquainted with him, and in him 

 to know the worthiest man, and to enjoy the best, and 

 the truest friend any man ever had ; nay, I shall yet 

 acquaint you further, that he gives me leave to call him 

 Father, and I hope is not yet ashamed to own me for his 

 adopted Son. 



VIAT. In earnest, Sir, I am ravished to meet with a 

 friend of Mr. Izaak Walton's, and one that does him 

 so much right in so good and true a character ; for 



* This praise will not hold good now. Apart from certain pre- 

 served portions of the Dove, the other Derbyshire rivers are not 

 first-rate. They certainly are very pretty clear streams, and are 

 difficult to fly-fish ; the well-known Lathkil, on account of its 

 extreme limpidness, the most difficult of all. The trout of this 

 brook are the most highly-coloured in the county, but not the best 

 flavoured. E. 



