

I 



PREFACE. 



The little black-letter volume here reprinted is very rare. Most of the copies 

 which remain are now preserved in great libraries, and I am not aware that any 

 example has been offered for sale for many years past. 



The full title is as follows : *' A Booke of fishing with Hooke & Line, and 

 of all other instruments thereunto belonging. Another of sundrie Engines and 

 Trapps to take Polecats, Buzards, Rattes, Mice and all other Kindes of Vermine 

 and Beasts whatsoever, most profitable for all Warriners, and such as delight in 

 this kinde of sport and pastime. Made by L. M. [Woodcut.] London Printed by 

 John Wolfe, and are to be solde by Edwarde White dwelling at the little North 

 doore of Paules at the sign of the Gunne. 1590-" The first part ends with 

 page 50. The second part has a fresh title-page, with a repetition of the woodcut. 

 The pagination is continuous throughout. There are editions dated 1596, 1600, 

 and 1606, but I have not had an opportunity of examining them. This "Booke 

 of fishing with Hooke and Line " is a compilation made by a practical angler from 

 the "Treatyse of fyshynge wyth an angle," from " L'agriculture et maison 

 rustique" of Charles Estienne and other sources. The compiler, generally 

 believed to be Leonard Mascall, has omitted the introductory portion of the 

 ''Treatyse," and some other- paragraphs, but, with the exception of some 

 corrections and additions, he has left the instructions as he found them. 



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