X PREFACE. 



the angler's fish, and descriptions of the best modes 

 of catching them. I have treated on the salmon 

 much more fully than any other elementary 

 writer on angling. The singular history and 

 habits of that splendid fish I have detailed with 

 considerable minuteness ; nor will the reader be 

 disposed to question the accuracy of my state- 

 ments when he is told that they are founded on 

 the authoritative data of Messrs. Shaw, Young, 

 and Scrope. This portion of the book will pro- 

 bably agreeably surprise many anglers. I have 

 not failed to mention any bait by which the 

 salmon may be captured in a sportsman-like way. 

 The habits of trout, grayling, pike, and of the carp 

 family have been treated with careful brevity. 



In a word, I have attempted to write what 

 I was called upon to do, and what on deliberate 

 reflection I think the angling community are in 

 want of, viz., a portable and practical book from 

 which the tyro may learn all the right theory and 

 safe practical principles of the art, while even the 

 old professor may find a few new hints, and have 

 recalled to his memory some useful details that 

 may have faded from it. Should time prove that 

 I have succeeded in rendering a service to the 

 brethren of the gentle craft, I shall consider 

 myself amply rewarded for my labour, and shall 

 be stimulated to new exertions. 



