11 PREFATORY ADDRESS. 



creations, so much famed in all ages and by all degrees, 

 yet I must needs affirm, that they fall not within the 

 compass of every ones ability topursue, being as k were 

 only entailed on great persons and vast estates ; for if 

 meaner fortunes seek to enjoy them, Actceorfs fable 

 often proves a true story, and these birds of prey not 

 seldom quarry upon their masters : besides those re- 

 creations are most subject to eholer and passion, by 

 how much those creatures exceed a hook or line in 

 worth : and indeed in those exercises our pleasure de- 

 pends much upon the will and humour of a sullen cur 

 or hite y (as I have heard their own passions phrase 

 them) ; which also require much attendance, care and 

 skill to keep her serviceable to our ends. Further, 

 these delights are often prejudicial to the husbandman 

 in his corn, grass and fences ; but in this pleasant and 

 harmless Art of Angling a man hath none to quarrel 

 with but himself, and we are usually so entirely our 

 own friends, as not to retain an irreconcilable hatred 

 against ourselves, but can in short time easily compose 

 the enmity; and besides ourselves none are offended, 

 none endamaged; and this recreation falleth within 

 the capacity of the lowest fortune to compass, afford- 

 ing also profit as well as pleasure, in following of 

 which exercise a man may employ his thoughts in the 

 noblest studies, almost as freely as in his closet. 



The minds of anglers being usually more calm 

 and composed than many others, especially hunters 

 and falconers, who too frequently lose their delight in 

 their passion, and too often bring home more of rnelan- 



