viii NOTE 



of Dr. Johnson"; and "After Work" (men- 

 tioned above), published in 1904. 



These books, possessing no claim to literary 

 distinction, have yet, if I may judge by the 

 many encomiums which have been passed on 

 them by the press, and by a host of friendly 

 correspondents, given pleasure to a large num- 

 ber of people, and that is a reward for which I 

 may well be grateful. 



The present volume completes a round dozen 

 of books which I have thus inflicted on my 

 good friends now surely the time has arrived 

 for me to cry off 



" Frail creatures arc we all ! To be the best, 

 Is but the fewest faults to have: 



Look then to thyself, and leave the rest 



To God, thy conscience, and the grave." 

 COLERIDGE. 



E. M. 



. Throughout this volume will be found, frequently 

 repeated, the words Piscator Major (K. B. M.) and tht 

 Professor (G.Y. ). The first has been long so called to 

 distinguish him from the Minor Amateur Angler ; he has 

 no other claim to be coiled " The Major." The latter has 

 borne the title I have given him with commendable pa- 

 tience. He is a member of the Fl ytishers' Club. 



