CHAPTER I. 



" Prosciire les arts agreables, et ne vouloir que ceux qiii sont absolument 

 utiles, c'est blamer la nature, qui produit les fleurs, les roses, les jasmins 

 comme elle produit des fruits." 



From the Album of a Parisienne. 



INTRODUCTORY 



It has been generally admitted, that few can have read 

 "The Complete Angler" of old Isaak Walton, without 

 being bitten by the seductive language in which he 

 clothes the communication of his ideas upon his favourite 

 pastime. Many have, indeed, founded their first taste 

 for, and their subsequent proficiency in the gentle art 

 of angling, upon their acquaintance with his pages ; and 

 I do not envy the temperament of that man who can rise 

 from the perusal of Somervile's "Chase" uninfluenced 

 by a corresponding effect upon his feelings. All, however. 



