D INTRODUCTION. 



to pass a day so innocently spent? It may 

 be argued, that you cannot form or expect 

 to find any person conversant with Poetry, 

 Music, and Painting, and devoting, too, a 

 portion of his existence to the practice of 

 Angling. This I deny : the man who can 

 enjoy our delightful recreation is heir to all 

 those finer feelings, or he is no Fisherman at 

 heart ; he may not be skilled to execute, but 

 amongst so large a body there will always 

 be found superior Genius exhibiting sufficient 

 knowledge to stimulate the rest. Then rally 

 round our standard ; we will teach you 

 gentleness, skill, patience, and reflection. 



" Instruct thee how to live combining toil and health 

 To enjoy the Country and the Citie's wealth." 



From my earliest youth was I fond of fishing; 

 what boy is not ? and, (like that friend on his 

 preserve,) my patience was not easily worn out. 

 If I got a bite once in three hours I was con- 

 tent, and gazed on my prey with all the enthu- 

 siasm of an experienced Angler. Here was 



