GOOD FRIENDS 



IP TIEIIS 



My Fishing exploits commenced 

 about the age of ten, at Hampstead Hall in 

 Staffordshire, the seat of Wirley Birch, Esq, 

 where I, by mere accident, succeeded in cap- 

 turing some fine Perch with tackle of a very 

 primitive description, and worms obtained from 

 underneath a clod between each bite. This cir- 

 cumstance inoculated me, but soon after leaving 

 Staffordshire, my native place, for London, I 

 was prevented for some time following up a sport, 

 the delights of which I was unable to forget. At 

 length a friend told me of the success of several 



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