1ft THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY. 



and you know that Art better than others : and 

 that this 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 business, and, 

 which is often, dedicate a day or two to this 

 recreation. 



At which time, if common Anglers should at- 

 tend you, and be eye-witnesses of the success, 

 not of your fortune but your skill, it would doubt- 

 less beget in them an emulation to be like you, 

 and that emulation might beget an industrious 

 diligence to be so ; but I know it is not attain- 

 able by common capacities. And there be now 

 many men of great wisdom, learning, and expe- 

 rience, which love and practise this Art, that 

 know I speak the truth. 



Sir, — This pleasant curiosity of Fish and 

 Fishing, of which you are so great a master, 

 has been thought worthy the pens and prac- 

 tices of divers in other nations, that have been 



