THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY. 



men of another belief, that Angling is an art j 

 and you know that art better than others ; and 

 that this truth is demonstrated, by the fruits of 

 that pleasant labour which you enjoy, when 

 you purpose to give rest to your mind, and 

 divest yourself of your more serious business, 

 and (which is often) dedicate a day or two to 

 this recreation. 



At which time, if common anglers should at- 

 tend you, and be eye-witnesses of the success, 

 not of your fortune but your skill, it would doubt* 

 less beget in them an emulation to be like you, 

 and that emulation might beget an industrious 

 diligence to be so > but I know it is not attain- 

 able by common capacities. And there be 

 now many men of great wisdom, learning, and 

 experience, which love and practise this art, 

 that know I speak the truth* 



Sir, this pleasant curiosity of fish and fishing. 



