PREFACE. 



[HE popularity of "The Complete Angler," written 

 by Izaac Walton and Charles Cotton, is so 

 deservedly great, that no excuse is necessary 

 for its introduction into the series known as " The Favourite 

 Library " and " The Chandos Classics," notwithstanding 

 the great number of editions through which it has already 

 passed. Indeed, no set of English classics would be com- 

 plete without it. 



As the present edition will, from the lowness of its price, 

 have a wide circulation among all classes, the encumbrance 

 of notes seems to be necessary both to explain the allusions 

 in the text, and to prevent the promulgation of erroneous 

 notions concerning Natural History, for Walton was some- 

 times mistaken in his beliefs. Furthermore, in order to 

 make the book as useful and comprehensive as possible, the 

 Editor has thought it well to add concise and practical 

 directions with respect to the modern art of angling, wherein 

 will be found the results of his own experience, and a digest 



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