Izaak Walton 



When and how Cotton and Walton first 

 became acquainted is only a matter for 

 conjecture, but it was most likely after the 

 publication of the first edition of The 

 Complete Angler. The fame of that book 

 had, we may be sure, spread quickly 

 to Derbyshire ; and the Beresford family 

 would be among its first readers and 

 warmest admirers. Perhaps the author 

 himself was already known to the elder 

 Cotton, who was then still living ; or per- 

 haps an invitation to partake of the Beres- 

 ford hospitalities including, of course, a 

 trial of skill on the Dove had already 

 been proffered and accepted. Be that as 

 it may, Walton's peregrinations to and 

 from this unrivalled angling resort contin- 

 ued at least up till his eighty-third year. 

 Admitted to the full liberty and privacy 

 of that superb stream (a fishing-house was 

 built on its banks expressly to commemo- 

 rate the friendship of the brother anglers), 

 as it coursed its way through the exten- 

 sive Beresford demesnes, we can well im- 

 agine Walton's thankfulness and delight. 

 Here, mile on mile he might wander, tak- 

 ing as he goes on 



" Here and there a lusty trout, 

 And here and there a grayling," 



his eyes every now and again lighting upon 

 299 



