BRIEF SKETCH OF DAVID FOSTER. IX. 



fitting memorial of a man, who, for nearly half-a-century, has been a 

 recognised and acknowledged authority upon all branches bearing directly 

 or indirectly upon this time-honoured recreative pursuit. The literary 

 ability of the author of the Scientific Angler was well known. As 

 a writer he always wielded influence appealing to the intellect in 

 a style concise, clear, and lucid at once interesting and instructive. 

 Like many well endowed minds, his was most unobtrusive. Beyond 

 occasional and periodical articles, nothing was published from his 

 pen. Absorbed almost wholly by his chosen subjects for research, 

 his aim being ever higher and yet higher, private memorada, 

 containing the results of long pursued investigations, were yearly 

 augmented. Possessing great powers of discernment, application, 

 and concentration of purpose, his experimental researches were 

 often most important in their general bearings and direct issue. 



Considerable mechanical ability is discernible in many of the 

 articles he originated or improved. To this quality, in conjunction 

 with rare mental endowments, the angling public are indebted for 

 benefits now no longer local. 



Before closing these hurried sentences, it may be necessary to add 

 that this volume, as it expands which it is hoped it will alike in 

 utility, bulk, and general favour will contain a complete digest of 

 Mr. Foster's long experience and keen observations, important to the 

 general angler, though more particularly to the fly-fisher, whether for 

 trout, grayling, or salmon. 



JAMES WONNACOTT. 

 Ashbourn, June ist, 1882. 



