XX 



also given a rapid history of the circum- 

 stances under which it has been begun. 



The text contains, therefore, the united 

 opinions, information, and instructions of 

 three individuals, founded on long, exten- 

 sive, and very varied experience ; and to 

 that text are added extracts from every au- 

 thor that has been considered of sufficient 

 authority to have his opinions placed in 

 juxta-position with our own. In quoting 

 an author, care has been taken to mention 

 his name. The reader will have, there- 

 fore, a new treatise on the art of fly-fishing, 

 and he will at the same time have an op- 

 portunity of dwelling on the instructions 

 relative to important and disputed points 

 of every writer of reputation. The plan 

 adopted will be found at least useful if not 

 amusing. 



Touching amusement, I have a word or 

 two to say. I have been advised to allow 

 that to be a secondary point ; and know- 

 ing the sound judgment of those who were 

 friendly enough to tender me such advice, 

 I have followed it. The book, will, conse- 



