INTRODUCTION. V. 



enjoyment : the grave and contemplative mind 

 enjoys the still and peaceful scene ; the cheer- 

 ful and sprightly temper, is active even in its 

 amusements. Angling suits either of these 

 habits. 



In adapting appropriate embellishments to 

 suit the improved taste of the age, the publish- 

 ers have considered utility as well as ornament, 

 and the correct delineation of the fishes and 

 flies will serve to guide the inexperienced prac- 

 titioner, in some cases, where it is important to 

 distinguish the species. It will be universally 

 acknowledged that no book of written instruc- 

 tions can make a proficient in any art ; yet a 

 good book may be useful, and in some cases 

 absolutely necessary, and it is hoped our little 

 work will be found effective for every purpose 

 of usefulness. 



Every science has its rules and axioms, and 

 the following hortatory remarks will be deemed 

 of sufficient importance to be retained. 



Patience is ever allowed to be a great virtue, 

 and is one of the first requisites for an angler. 



In your excursion to or from fishing, should 

 you overheat yourself with walking, avoid small 

 liquors and water as you would poison ; a glass 

 of generous wine, brandy, or rum, is more 

 likely to promote cooling effects, without dan 

 ger of taking cold. 



