INTKODUCTION. 



" God quicken' d in the seas and in the rivers, 

 So many fishes of so many features, 

 That in the waters we may see all creatures, 

 Even all that in the earth are to be found, 

 As if the world were in deep waters drowned ; 

 For seas, as well as skies, have sun, moon, stars, 

 As well as air swallows, roots, and nares ; 

 As well as earth vines, roses, nettles, melons, 

 Mushrooms, pinks, gilliflowers ; and many millions 

 Of other plants more rare and strange than these, 

 As very fishes li ving in the seas ; 

 As also rams, calves, horses, hares, and hogs, 

 Wolves, urchins, lions, elephants, and dogs ; 

 Yea, men and maids, and which I most admire, 

 The mitred bishop and the cowled friar." 



To go a-fishing is the delight of many thousands. 

 Biver-fishing and sea-fishing have each their 

 charms. It is a pleasant relaxation in the open 

 air and the summer-time, seated either in the 

 conventional "punt," or lounging under the 

 shadow of green trees upon the bank. Dr. 

 Johnson is reported to have defined a fishing- 

 rod as an implement with a hook at one end 

 and a fool at the other. But the Doctor's 

 dogma has not, we verily believe, scared away 

 a single jolly angler from his sport, nor changed 

 in the least degree the opinion which is com- 

 monly held with regard to old Izaak Walton. 

 Was he a fool ? Has he not, in connection with 



