Cotton's Opinion of Walton. 159 



I hope to refer again to Lowell's " In- 

 troduction" when noticing some of the 

 later editions of the Angler. 



After this kindly reference to him, I 

 will give one or two quotations from his 

 work, which surely were written with sin- 

 cerity, and, being so, are themselves wit- 

 nesses for the good in Cotton's character. 



COTTON'S OPINION OF WALTON. 



" Viator. You go far, Sir, in the praise 

 of your Country Rivers, and I perceive 

 have read Mr. Walton's Compleat Angler 

 by your naming of Hantshire, and I pray 

 what is your opinion of that Book ? 



" Piscator Junr. My opinion of Mr 

 Walton's Book is the same with every 

 man's, that understands anything of the 

 Art of Angling, that it is an excellent 

 good one, and that the fore mentioned 

 Gentleman understands as much of Fish, 

 and Fishing, as any Man living : 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 worthiest Man, and to 

 enjoy 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 Father, and I hope is not yet 



