I never had been able to call a copy my own. The 

 Society for promoting Christian Knowledge ought to 

 print an edition of this book, in order that copies 

 might be given together with the Book of Common 

 Prayer and the Whole Duty of Man, as at present- 

 to promising lads who have a taste for angling, on 

 their leaving school. Should it not improve them 

 much in the "gentle art," it would at least afford 

 them many useful lessons in the " art of being vir- 

 tuous and happy." Sheridan was fond of reading 

 Walton, as we learn from, the Introduction to Major's 

 edition, and used to take a copy with him, when he 

 travelled, as a post-chaise companion. I can scarcely 

 conceive how any person could enjoy Walton amidst 

 the jolting and rumbling of a postchaise; and for my 

 own part would as soon think of enjoying the "Plea- 

 sures of Hope" in a bell-loft during a full peal. 

 Walton is best read in solitude; and he will bear 

 reading in all seasons. Read him in the house, in 

 winter, and you will enjoy summer in anticipation; 

 read him in summer, in the open air on a hill-side, 

 by the banks of a stream, under a tree, seated at 

 ease in the dess* of a hay-stack, or reclining in 

 a clover field, and your heart will drink in the 

 loveliness of the season with increase of pleasure, 

 and will expand with gratitude towards that Power 

 which framed the goodly things of the earth for our 

 enjoyment. "Live ever, sweet book, the silver 

 image of his gentle wit!" 



* The nook in t\ stack from which the hay has been cut. 





