4 TO THE READER. 



that something useful might be observed out of that book : but that Art 

 was not to be taught by words ; nor is the Art of Angling. And yet, I 

 think, that most that love that game, may here learn something that may 

 be worth their money, if they be not nee'dy : and if they be, then my 

 advice is, that they forbear ; for I write not to get money, but for pleasure ; 

 and this Discourse boasts of no more : for I hate to promise much, and 

 fail. 



But pleasure I have found both in the search and conference about what 

 is here offered to thy view and censure ; I wish thee as much in the per- 

 usal of it, and so might here take my leave ; but I will stay thee a little 

 longer by telling thee, that whereas it is said by many, that in fly-fishing 

 for a Trout, the Angler must observe his twelve flies for every month, I 

 say, if he observe that, he shall be as certain to catch fish, as they that 

 make hay by the fair days in Almanacs, and be no surer : for doubtless, 

 three or four flies rightly made, do serve for a trout all summer ; and for 

 winter-flies, all Anglers know, they are as useful as an Almanac out of 

 date. 



Of these (because no man is born an artist nor an Angler) I thought fit 

 to give thee this notice. I might say more, but it is not fit for this place ; but 

 if this Discourse which follows shall come to a second impression, which 

 is possible, for slight books have been in this age observed to have that 

 fortune, I shall then, for thy sake, be glad to correct what is faulty, or by 

 a conference with any to explain or enlarge what is defective : but for this 

 time I have neither a willingness nor leisure to say more, than wish thee 

 a rainy evening to read this book in, and that the east wind may never 

 blow when thou goest a-fishing. Farewell. 



Iz. WA. 



THE EPISTLE TO THE READER IN 

 THE SECOND EDITION. 



TO THE READER OF THIS DISCOURSE, BUT ESPECIALLY 

 TO THE HONEST ANGLER. 



I THINK fit to tell every Reader these following truths ; that I did neither 

 undertake, nor write, nor publish, and much less own this Discourse to 

 please myself, and wish it may not displease others : for I have confessed 

 there are many defects in it. 



And yet I cannot doubt, but that by it some Readers may receive so 

 much pleasure or profit as may make it worthy the time of their perusal, 

 if they be not very busy men. And this is all the confidence that I can 

 put on concerning the merit of what is here offered to their consideration 

 and censure. 



