INTRODUCTION. O 



What can be more delightful, and intellectual 

 than Angling ? It combines observation, and 

 skill; to the contemplative mind, Painting, 

 Poetry, and Music. My object in this little 

 book is not to attempt elaborate remarks on the 

 numberless insect tribes, or teach Fishermen 

 the art of manufacturing their own Flies; 

 so many works exist that would far outvie in 

 these respects any poor effort of my own : but 

 simply to place before the reader my observa- 

 tions on the ordinary routine, and to make 

 our recreation better worthy the Angler's 

 study, more amusing, and possibly more ele- 

 vated, by endeavouring to lead our brother 

 from the Brook to the Easel, from the 

 Pencil to his favourite Poet, thence to his 

 Guitar. And who shall deem his time ill 

 spent, that rising early greets the welcome 

 morn observes its varied hues, its rare pro- 

 ductions, has not one evil thought ; exercise 

 and health, and more than all, a grateful heart 

 towards that mighty Being who gave him life 



