VI PREFACE. 



The extent of the pocket of the working-man angler has 

 been constantly before me when describing his outfit, and 

 there is nothing mentioned that cannot be bought or made 

 cheaply. Perhaps, also, the better-class anglers may derive 

 some instruction from this little book. The plainest possible 

 language has been used, so that the veriest novice can under- 

 stand what I mean, and I have been very particular in all 

 minor details, and in describing the tackle and baits, as to 

 how to make and find them, and when, where, and how to 

 use them. The feature of the book is Chapter II., and I 

 most respectfully request the reader to very carefully study 

 that chapter, for in it will be found a full description of the 

 outfit of a Nottingham angler, and a lot of information and 

 recipes that will be very valuable to the fisherman. 



Chapter I. contains some facts connected with the history 

 of fishing, both ancient and modern, and also some notes on 

 the natural history of the fish. As stated elsewhere, I am 

 principally indebted to Mr. J. J. Manley for the latter, and 

 also to cuttings from various papers, &c. I regret I cannot 

 give the source in all cases from whence these were taken, 

 but I hope I shall be pardoned where I have quoted without 

 an acknowledgment, as the fault must be set down to inad- 

 vertence rather than design. However, I have mostly gone 

 by my own experience in the matter, especially in the prac- 

 tical part of the book, and shall say no more by way of an 

 apology, allowing my little work to stand on its merits. 

 Please, Sir Critic, remember, nevertheless, that I am a poor 

 working-man angler, with a very moderate education. 



In conclusion, I must say that^the fact of a second edition 

 of this book being required so soon is a sufficient proof of 

 the popularity of the "Nottingham style," and to the esti- 

 mation in which that style is held by anglers in all parts of 

 the kingdom ; and I only hope that I have succeeded in my 

 task of describing the various appliances, and the method of 

 successfully following this scientific and deadly plan of 

 fishing. 



JOHN WILLIAM MARTIN. 



Newark, April, 1885. 



