The First Day 23 



Nay, the increase of those creatures that are bred 

 and fed in the water are not only more and more 

 miraculous, but more advantageous to man, not only 

 for the lengthening of his life, but for the preventing 

 of sickness ; for it is observed by the most learned 

 physicians, that the casting off of Lent, and other 

 fish days, which hath not only given the lie to so 

 many learned, pious, wise founders of colleges, for 

 which we should be ashamed, hath doubtless been 

 the chief cause of those many putrid, shaking inter- 

 mitting agues, unto which this nation of ours is now 

 more subject, than those wiser countries that feed 

 on herbs, salads, and plenty of fish ; of which it is 

 observed in story, that the greatest part of the 

 world now do. And it may be fit to remember that 

 Moses appointed fish to be the chief diet for the best 

 commonwealth that ever yet was. 



And it is observable, not only that there are fisfy 

 as namely the Whale, three times as big as the 

 mighty Elephant, that is so fierce in battle, but that 

 the mightiest feasts have been offish. The Romans, 

 in the height of their glory, have made fish the mis- 

 tress of all their entertainments; they have had 

 musick to usher in their Sturgeons, Lampreys, and 

 Mullets, which they would purchase at rates rather 

 to be wondered at than believed. He that shall 

 view the writings of Macrobius, or Varro, may be 

 confirmed and informed of this, and of The incredible 

 value of their fish and fish-ponds. 



But, Gentlemen, I have almost lost myself, which 

 I confess I may easily do in this philosophical 

 discourse ; I met with most of it very lately, and, I 

 hope, happily, in a co'nference with a most learned 

 physician, Dr. JWharton, a. dear friend, that loves 

 both me and my art of Angling. But, however, f 

 will wade no deeper into these mysterious argu- 

 ments, but pass to such observations as I can man- 



