The Compleat ^Angler 



descend to the least of creatures, how doth the earth afford us a 

 doctrinal example in the little pismire, who in the summer provides 

 and lays up her winter provision, and teaches man to do the like ! The 

 earth feeds and carries those horses that carry us. If I would be 

 prodigal of my time and your patience, what might not I say in 

 commendations of the earth ? that puts limits to the proud and 

 raging sea, and by that means preserves both man and beast, that it 

 destroys them not, as we see it daily doth those that venture upon 

 the sea, and are there shipwrecked, drowned, and left to feed 

 haddocks ; when we that are so wise as to keep ourselves on the 

 earth, walk, and talk, and live, and eat, and drink, and go a-hunting: 

 of which recreation I will say a little, and then leave Mr. Piscator to 

 the commendation of angling. 



Hunting is a game for princes and noble persons ; it hath been 



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