PREFACE. vii 



the most valuable of those which had appeared in preceding 

 editions ; and though the former are chiefly on points of a 

 literary nature, some new piscatory illustrations, from the pens 

 of experienced Anglers, will be found among them.* 



A striking feature in the arrangement of this edition ought 

 to be mentioned. All the previous editions of the Complete 

 Angler are divided into chapters only, without any reference 

 to the chronological plan of the work. The dialogue of the 

 First Part occupies five separate days, and the conclusion ol 

 the first four of them is distinctly marked by the parties sepa- 

 rating for the night. Except in the original edition of 1653, 

 in which what is termed a " space " occurs at those places, 

 there is no apparent division of time ; and the dialogue pro- 

 ceeds, without any pause, from the "good-night" of the 

 preceding evening, to the greeting and sports of the ensuing 

 day, whilst the break, caused by a new chapter, is often found / 

 in the middle of a conversation, without the slightest change 1 

 in the situation of the parties, merely because a different 

 subject, or rather a new branch of the same subject, is 

 introduced. 



The inconsistency of this arrangement of a work so dra- 

 matic in character as the Complete Angler is evident ; and it 

 is really surprising that the unities of the piece should have 

 hitherto been so completely lost sight of. 



In this edition, the dialogue naturally forms five divisions, 

 marked " The First Day,'' " The Second Day," " The Third 



* The following explanation of the initials of the authors affixed to them will identify 

 the respective contributors : 



H. indicates Sir John Hawkins, the editor of the edition published in 1760. 

 E. Sir Henry Ellis, K.H., editor of the edition published by Mr Bagster, 1815. 

 T. Richard Thomson, Esq., of the London Institution, the editor of the edition pub- 

 lished by Mr Major, 1823. 



Eu. H. is the signature of the late Mr Haslewood. 

 B. is the initial of Mr John Baker. 

 For the notes which are undistinguished the Editor is himself responsible. 



