INTRODUCTORY. 7 



Wales cannot, I think, be considered too high. The art is spreading 

 more and more every day. The necessity for general legislation in its 

 favour has at last made itself apparent. The humanising and peaceful 

 recreation is esteemed by those who do not practise it, and everyone of 

 thought or appreciation would acknowledge it as an "art," a category 

 to which it was assigned by Walton 200 years ago. 



The space, however, allotted to this most extravagant of "introduc- 

 tions ' ' fails. I have endeavoured to impress upon readers the real 

 significance of the art. Perhaps, as a sort of postscript to all I have 

 said, the angler's song, entitled " Invitation," the author however of 

 which I do not know, will add a seal to my enthusiasm : 



Oh, while fishing lasts enjoy it ! 



Let us to the streams i epair ; 

 Snatch some hours from toil and study, 



Nature's blessed gifts to share. 

 Ye who stnnd behind the counter, 



Or grow pallid at the loom. 

 Leave the measure and the shuttle, 



To the rippling stream come, come ! 

 He that clothed these bank* with verdure, 



Dotted them with various fl iwers, 

 Meant that ye, though doomed to labour. 



Should enjoy some cheering hours ; 

 "VVjpe your reeking brows com 1 ? with us. 



With your basket ard your rod; 

 And with happy hearts look up from 



Nature unto Nature's God. 



