THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY. 



TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL 



JOHN OFFLEY, ESQ., 



OF MADELEY MANOR, IN THE COUNTY OF STAFFORD. 



MY MOST HONOURED FRIEND, 



SIR, I have made so ill use of your former favours, as by 

 them to be encouraged to entreat, that they may be enlarged to 

 the patronage and protection of this book: and I have put on a 

 modest confidence, that I shall not be denied, because it is a 

 discourse of fish and fishing, which you know so well, and both 

 love and practise so much. 



You are assured, though there be ignorant men of another 

 belief, that angling is an art : and you know that art better than 

 others ; and that this truth is demonstrated by the fruits of that 

 pleasant labour which you enjoy, when you purpose to give 

 rest to your mind, and divest yourself of your more serious 

 business, and (which is often) dedicate a day or two to this 

 recreation. 



At which time, if common Anglers should attend you, and be 

 eye-witnesses of the success, not of your fortune but your skill, 



