Introduction 





IV. Charles Cotton 



I HAVE elsewhere ventured to express the opinion that Cotton's 

 so-called " second part " of 'The Compleat Angler, whatever the 

 literary skill with which the style of Walton is imitated, not to 

 say parodied, whatever its illustrative and associative value, or its im- 

 portance as a contribution to the art and science of fly-fishing, is 

 nevertheless printed as an integral part of that charming classic an 

 impertinence. Its proper place is an appendix, whither I should 

 have relegated it in this edition, had not tradition been too strong to 

 be gainsaid. Whom fame has joined together let no man put asunder. 

 Yet, as I have said, I cannot be " the only reader of the book for 

 whom it ends with that gentle benediction : ' And upon all that are 

 lovers of virtue, and dare trust in his providence, and be quiet, and 



Ixxi 



