48 ANGLING IMPROVED. 



how to avoid the contrary, come next to be handled; 

 which I shall do first negatively, viz. what times are un- 

 fit to angle; and then affirmatively, which are the best 

 seasons. 



1 . When the earth is parched with a great drought, 

 so that the rivers run with a much less current than is 

 usual, it is to no purpose to angle; and indeed the heat 

 of the day in Summer, except cooled by winds, and 

 shallowed with clouds, though there be no drought, you 

 will find very little sport, especially in muddy, or very 

 shallow and clear rivers. 



2. In cold, frosty, snowy weather, I know the fish 

 must eat in all seasons, and that a man may kill fish 

 when he must first break the ice ; yet I conceive the 

 sport is not then worth pursuing, the extreme cold 

 taking away the delight, besides the endangering health, 

 if not life, by those colds, which at least cause rhumes 

 and coughs : wherefore I leave Whiter and night ang- 

 ling, to such strong healthful bodies, whose extraordi- 

 nary delight in angling, or those whose necessity en- 

 forceth them to seek profit by their recreation, in such 

 unseasonable times. 



3. When there happens any small frost, all that 

 day after the fish will not rise freely and kindly, ex- 

 cept in the evening, and that the same prove very plea- 

 sant. 



4. If the wind be very high, so that you cannot 

 guide your tools to advantage. 



5. When shepherds or countrymen wash their 

 sheep, though while they are washing, I mean the first 



