THE ANGLER'S SOUVENIR. 



43 



Indeed until Major published his beautiful edition 

 in 1823, I never had been able to call a copy my 

 own. The Society for promoting Christian Know- 

 ledge ought to print an edition of this book, in 

 order that copies mijfht be given together with 

 the Book of Common Prayer and the Whole Duty 

 of Man, as at present to promising lads who have 

 a taste for angling, on their leaving school. Should 

 it not improve them much in the "gentle art," it 

 would at least afford them many useful lessons in 

 the " art of being virtuous and happy." Sheridan 

 was fond of reading Walton, as we learn from the 

 Introduction to Major's edition, and used to take 

 a copy with him, when he travelled, as a post- 

 chaise companion. I can scarcely conceive how 

 any person could enjoy Walton amidst the jolting 

 and rumbling of a post-chaise ; and for my own 

 part would as soon think of enjoying the "Pleasures 

 of Hope" in a bell-loft during a full peal. Walton 

 is best read in solitude ; and he will bear reading 

 in all seasons. Read him in the house, in whiter, 

 and you will enjoy summer in anticipation ; read 

 him in summer, in the open air on a hill-side, by 

 the banks of a stream, under a tree, seated at ease 

 in the dess* of a haystack, or reclining in a clover 

 field, and your heart will drink in the loveliness 

 of the season with increase of pleasure, and will 

 expand with gratitude towards that Power which 

 framed the goodly things of the earth for our 

 * The nook in a stack from which the hay has been cut. 



