TO AJLL 



READERS OF THIS DISCOURSE, 



BUT ESPECIALLY TO 



THE HONEST ANGLER 



I THINK fit to tell thee these following truths, that I did* neither 

 undertake, nor write, nor publish, and much less own, this dis- 

 course to please myself: and having been too easily drawn to do 

 all to please others, as I proposed not the gaining of credit by 

 this undertaking, so I would not willingly lose any part of that 

 to which I had a just title before I begun it, and do therefore 

 desire and hope, if I deserve not commendations, yet I may ob- 

 tain pardon. 



And though this discourse may be liable to some exceptions, 

 yet I cannot doubt but that most readers may receive so much 

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

 perusal, if they be not too grave or too busy men. And this is 

 all the confidence that I can put on, concerning the merit ot what 

 is here offered to their consideration and censure f and if the 



1 Variations. — I did not undertake to write or to publish this discourse on 

 fish and fishing to please myself, and that I wish it may not displease others ; 

 for I have confest that there are many defects in it. And yet I cannot 

 doubt but that by it some readers may receive so much profit as pleasure, 

 as if they be not very busie men, may make it not unworthy the time of 

 their perusal ; and this is all the confidence that I can put on concerning 

 the merit of this work (of what is opposed to their consideration and cen- 

 sure). — First and second editions, 



2 If the last prove too severe, I have a liberty and am resolved not to 

 neglect it. — Added to the second. The rest of the passage added to the 

 fifth edition, after, as has been conjectured, his conversation with Franck 

 See Bib. Pref. 



