chap, i.] THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 269 



doubtless, a Trout affords the most pleasure to the 

 Angler, of any sort of 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 past, 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, beauti- 

 ful 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 coun- 

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

 Complete 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 every man's that understands any thing 

 of the art of Angling, that it is an excellent good 

 one ; and that the fore-mentioned gentleman under- 

 stands as much of fish, and fishing, as any man liv- 

 ing. 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 wor- 

 thiest man, and to enjov 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 



