224 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. [PART n. 



from the brook before us, that runs at the foot of this sandy hill, 

 you have but three miles to Ashbourn. 



VIATOR. I meet, everywhere in this country, with these 

 little brooks ; and they look as if they were full of fish : have 

 they not Trouts in them ? 



PlSCATOR. That is a question which is to be excused in a 

 stranger, as you are : otherwise, give me leave to tell you, it 

 would seem a kind of affront to our country, to make a doubt of 

 what we pretend to be famous for, next, if not before, our malt, 

 wool, lead, and coal : for you are to understand that we think 

 we have as many fine rivers, rivulets, and brooks, as any country 

 whatever; and they are all full of Trouts, and some of them the 

 best, it is said, by many degrees, in England. 



VIATOR. I was first, Sir, in love with you ; and now shall be 

 so enamoured of your country, by this account you give me of it, 

 as to wish myself a Derbyshire-man, or at least that I might live 

 in it : for you must know I am a pretender to the angle, and, 

 doubtless, a Trout affords the most pleasure to the angler of any 

 sort of fish whatever ; and the best Trouts must needs make the 

 best sport : but this brook, and some others I have met with 

 upon this way, are too full of wood for that recreation. 



PlSCATOR. This, Sir ! why this, and several others like it, 

 which you have passed, and some that you are like to pass, have 

 scarce any name amongst us : but we can show you as fine 

 rivers, and as clear from wood or any other incumbrance to 

 hinder an angler, as any you ever saw ; and for clear beautiful 

 streams, Hantshire itself, by Mr Izaac Walton's good leave, 

 can show none such ; nor I think any country in Europe. 



VIATOR. You go far, Sir, in the praise of your country rivers, 

 and I perceive have read Mr Walton's Complete Angler, by your 

 naming of Hantshire ; and I pray what is your opinion of that book? 



PlSCATOR. My opinion of Mr Walton's book is the same 

 with every man's that understands anything of the art of angling, 

 that it is an excellent good one ; and that the forementioned 

 gentleman understands as much of fish and fishing as any man 

 living. But I must tell you, further, that I have the happiness to 

 know his person, and to be intimately acquainted with him ; and 

 in him to know the worthiest man, and to enjoy the best and the 

 truest friend any man ever had : nay, I shall yet acquaint you 

 further that he gives me leave to call him Father, and I hope is 

 not yet ashamed to own me for his adopted Son.* 



* Vide p. 218. 



