To the Right worshipful 



JOHN OFFLEY 



of Madeley Manor, in the County of Stafford 

 E squire > My most honoured Friend 



SIR, I have made so ill use of your former 

 favours, as by them to be encouraged to en- 

 Teat, that they may be enlarged to the patron- 

 age and protection of this Book : and I have 

 put on a modest confidence, that I shall not 

 be denied, because it is a discourse of Fish 

 and Fishing, which you know so well, and 

 both love and practise so much. 



You are assured, though there be ignorant 

 oien of another belief, that Angling is an Art : 

 and you know that Art better than others , 

 and that this is truth is demonstrated by the 

 fruits of that pleasant labour which you enjoy, 

 when you purpose to give rest to your mind, 

 and divest yourself of your more serious busi- 



cs, and, which is often, dedicate a day or 

 two to this recreation. 



At which time, if common Anglers should 



A 



