xl INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 



The important and classical addition of the spe- 

 cific and generic characters, will speak for itself to 

 proceed from a most competent quarter. 



The Notes, consistently with our view of the work, 

 " in its more important character of a British Clas- 

 sic," arc devoted chiefly to the illustration of its 

 literary merits, and though we should deem it a 

 sort of profanation to place them on the same page * 

 with the text, we have most zealously endeavoured 

 to render them worthy of a distinct perusal. 



The frequent occurrence of eminent names 

 throughout the work, naturally leads us to reflect 

 that the chief argument used by Walton in recom- 

 mending his art, — the " love and practice" of it by 

 persons of science and learning, — is of the most 

 permanent kind. The most ardent anglers of the 

 present day, will be found in the higher walks of 

 genius and knowledge ; a host in himself, as it re- 



* These notes having been much praised for their very com- 

 prehensive usefulness, considering the limited space, it is only 

 due to the kind and friendly contributor, (declining to be 

 named) to acknowledge the careful revision of them, with 

 valuable additions on the present occasion ; and also to thank 

 him for a re-collation of the text itself, by which it has been 

 improved throughout. The bantling is, in truth my own, but 

 its sponsors are innumerable ; one kind patron, a gentleman of 

 fortune, used to say to his friends, " you must have this edition 

 for / have a share in it ! " and a total stranger once assured 

 me that he had bestowed no less than six guineas on the 

 binding of the work, as a specimen of the skill of Charles 

 Lewis. 



